Description:

SS DOCUMENT PORTFOLIO, POSSIBLE DACHAU ORIGIN
A surprising find, a very rare if not unique black calfskin SS portfolio believed to have been taken from the home of a Dachau SS officer by the first American photographer on the scene. The portfolio is of expert craftmanship. It is covered entirely in supple black calfskin, the covers measuring 12 x 15.25 in., opened it measures 23.5 x 15.25 in. The cover bears deeply-embossed ss runes broadly encircled with a ring. When opened to the first section, two vertical pockets appear at left, these to accommodate envelopes. letters, etc., while at right there is a leather-covered and padded surface. Behind both the right and left side are large pockets into which one may place additional writing accessories, documents, etc. When that right hand leather-covered leaf is turned over, it reveals two light brown heavy hardboard writing surfaces, each with four leather corners to hold letters and documents in place while writing. Of particular interest is the lightly-etched name 'DRELL' appearing just above the SS runes on the cover. This piece was obtained along with various accoutrements and a few bayonets from an American veteran of the Battle of the Bulge. However, there was on 'Phillip Drell' (b. 1919), a recognized war photographer covering events in Normandy, the liberation of Paris, and shooting film and still photos during and after the liberation of Dachau. In an interview with United States Holocaust Museum researchers, Drell stated that he had occupied the Dachau home of SS officer Max Schmid, and while there he 'took some souvenirs'. Therefore, the possibility exists this probably unique folder was one of Drell's souvenirs. In any event, a fine SS piece of exceptional quality.

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*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping 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. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

September 10, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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