Lot 599

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

THIRD REICH GERMAN TAPESTRY...AND A "DIRTY DOZEN" FILM PROP!
A genuine Third Reich Munich Gobelin tapestry, a stunning 12' x 10' presentation which attempts to tie the Third Reich visually to the Carolingian Empire. Against a background of medieval-style shields and regions of the Holy Roman Empire, a crowned double-headed eagle acts as a transition to the Hohenzollern Eagle, which in turn leads to a larger and more dominant Third Reich eagle and swastika. The various areas of the old Holy Roman Empire are identified, with a total of twelve colorful embroidered shields includes the arms of "Ober Oestreich", "Schlesien", "Maehren", "Anhalt", Pfalz Sachsen", "Ostfriesland", "Tyrol", "Brandenburg", "Franken", "Boehmen", "Deutschordensland", and "Nieder Oestreich". Other areas are named as well. All three "Reich" eagles are embroidered in hues of silver, gray and in black, accentuated with the addition of other colors emphasizing crowns, sword, orb and oak leaves. The background consists of more subdued shades of brown, beige, and gold. The lower right hand corner exhibits the "MG" logo of the Munich Gobelin weavers. The top reverse has nine of the original rings that were used for suspending this massive tapestry. There are two several inch square areas along the top border that show a slight separation of the weave, and other areas of the tapestry do exhibit expected age and wear, but they remain largely unnoticeable. This same tapestry appears in the 1967 film "The Dirty Dozen", in the chateau lobby scene as Lee Marvin and Charles Bronson walk about in German uniform: it is partially visible suspended above their heads. It was originally owned by Tony Oliver and used as a prop by his company, TLO productions, and masking tape bearing his name remains on the verso of the piece. It was bought directly from Oliver by our consignor's father approx. forty years ago and family history indicates the tapestry was a personal possession of Adolf Hitler. Although that cannot be clearly substantiated, several factors point to this piece having been commissioned by someone at the highest level: it was a piece costing a very substantial sum, it represented the hoped-for "thousand-year Reich", displays every region of Germany, and its large size calls for display in a public forum. Important and impressive.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

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

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, 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 14 - 21 days for shipments to arrive after receipt of payment due to the high volume of package being shipped.

February 10, 2015 10:00 AM EST
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 26.5% 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 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000