Description:

SECRETARY'S DESK FROM BERCHTESGADEN
A fine relic from Hitler's mountain retreat at Berchtesgaden, an attractive walnut veneer desk which was once part of the household furnishings and was recovered by one of Hitler's employees. The desk, of typical German style, is in two parts, with the upper section removeable from the desk itself. Overall dimensions are 48 1/2 wide, 55 1/2" tall (29 1/2" without the upper section), and 30" deep. The upper section bears two shelves with two small locking cabinets on either side, both of which also contain two shelves. The desk itself has three drawers, with two lower cabinets that are as deep as the desk itself. The drawers and cabinets also all have locking mechanisms. The leather on the writing surface has been replaced, most finishes are in good to very good condition overall, though the desk top shows wera consistent with use, and there is a chip to the veneer on one of the cabinets. The locks bear stamps of maker "Amager Sohn Mobelfabrik Speyer A/RH", who was also in Germany a few hundred miles away. A copy of a notarized 1999 letter of provenance by Thomas M. O'Donnell is included. It describes the dfesk and mentions the lock maker's name as well, further noting that the desk had been in storage since the death of his brother, William James O'Donnell on Oct. 2, 1989. He continues: "...He served as WF4, Chief Warrant Officer...It was during this period that he met his wife Berta Koeller...She was the daughter of Hilda Koeller, who was a household servant in Adolf Hitler's Berchtesgaden mountain chalet. After Hitler's death in 1945, Hida Koeller returned to Salzburg, bringing this desk and other memorabilia with her to the family home. She resided there until her death on January 17th, 1969. William and Berta...resided in Germany until he was reassigned to Fort Rutger...completed four overseas tours...awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with three Oak Leaf Clusters...The desk was a gift to William and Berta from Berta's mother Hilda. The couple brought the desk with them to the United States when they returned here in 1950....". Our consignor purchased this desk, though the original letter of provenance has since gone missing. Most likely this desk was used by the staff at Berchtesgaden. Requires third-party shipping. Please see Terms and Conditions of Sale.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas) or UPS Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. NOTE: large, heavy or bulky items are not shipped by the auctioneer. Client is responsible for arranging shipping for these pieces. Please see "Bidding Procedures" for contact information of recommended shippers. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

December 8, 2011 11:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 22.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 + $1,000