Description:

'SKULL AND BONES' ASHTRAY FROM BUCHENWALD
Frightening bronze-plated 'skull and bones' ashtray taken by an American private from the infamous concentration camp at Buchenwald on the very day Germany surrendered, May 8, 1945. This gotesque object stands 3 in. tall and is comprised of a cast pair of 'crossbones' screwed to the bottom of a skull. The top of the cranium is open, leading us to believe the piece was used as an ashtray. Of course, this 'death's head' or 'totenkopf' was the emblem used as an insignia by the SS. The skull is accompanied by a pass to the camp, 1p. 12mo., 'Headquarters 1st U.S. Army', May 8, 1945, allowing 'PFC George Thomas and Party' to enter the camp. On April 11, 1945, in expectation of liberation, prisoners took control of the camp. Later that afternoon, US forces entered Buchenwald. Soldiers from the 6th Armored Division, part of the Third Army, found more than 21,000 starving and diseased people in the notorious camp.

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November 29, 2023 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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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 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000