Lot 1037

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Description:

Most impressive sterling silver honorary citizenship 'document' presented to Adolf Hitler in the unique form of an extensively-engraved hinged lid incorporated within a finely-crafted sterling silver presentation box - totally unlike any such document given to Hitler we've ever seen offered anywhere. This 'ehren-urkunde' was presented to Hitler by the Oberburgermeister and Oberrechungerat of Schwabisch-Gmund, a fairly large city in south-central Germany. The presentation is actually a fine example of the silversmith's art. The entire 8 x 4.75 x 2 in. piece was crafted to contain the solid silver document within. The hinged top lid bears a thick enameled emblem of the City of Schwabisch-Gmund, inset at the center and well above the lid. When opened, the presentation box reveals the 'ehren-urkunde' which bears among the finest styles of engraving we have seen. It reads (in German): 'We, Mayor, City Councilors and City Leaders of the City of Schwaben-Gmund, with this certificate of honor bestow the honorary citizenship of the City of Schwabisch-Gmund on the leader of our people ADOLF HITLER, the savior of the people in times of need, in grateful veneration. Schwabisch-Gmund, April 7/8, 1933'. Hitler's name is flanked on either side by 'pinwheel' mobile swastikas. Additionally, the presentation bears the engraved facsimile signature of Mayor KARL LULLIG, as well as that of the city's treasurer. The box is lined in green velvet, and the thick silver engraved plate rests upon a matching green felt bumper. The bottom of the box bears a finished wood frame, and the silver frame is well hallmarked (not identified by us). But for some discoloration to the edges of some of the green lining, this historic piece in in excellent condition. KARL LULLIG (1877-1946) would not see his generosity repaid by the newly-appointed chancellor. Although he had served the city as its mayor for ten years, he would be sacked a year later for the cardinal sin of not broadcasting a Hitler speech live, but recording it for play later the same day. Hitler, born in Austria and nota a German citizen, was honored by cities throughout Germany with ornate honorary citizenship documents - but we have never seen anything a level with this extravagant gift.

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November 30, 2023 10:00 AM EST
Chesapeake City, 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