Adolf Hitler desk set to lead US Nazi militaria auction

A desk set and table lamp from Adolf Hitler's Munich apartment is to feature in a militaria sale

A desk set and table lamp from Adolf Hitler's apartment is expected to lead sales in an upcoming militaria auction in the US. 

Hitler's personal desk set

The lot will comprise a marble desk set, blotter and matching table lamp, with a letter of provenance from the widow of crucial Nazi party member, Hermann Esser.

The letter of provenance from Anny Esser states that she and her husband would often attend meetings where political matters would be discussed and partially transcribed using the set. Many of the other items from Hitler's apartment are said to have been looted by the local population and the US army following his death.

The desk set is crafted from a slab of white and rose marble and is set atop four brass plated feet. Both the blotter and table lamp are made from matching marble, demonstrating that the fuhrer had an eye for style, if nothing else. It is expected to bring $30,000-40,000 on May 8.

Nazi memorabilia has recently experienced controversy in the UK, following the £28,000 sale of a tray, which was presented to Hitler as a 50^th birthday gift. Members of Parliament have condemned the sale as "profiteering on items promoting and glorifying hatred and violence".

In an exclusive interview with Mullock's, an auction house that has recently dealt with Nazi memorabilia, we quizzed Richard Westwood-Brookes on his view: "My criteria for everything I put through my sales is whether it can be classified as "historic" or not, and I defend that position absolutely," he said, adding: "Would it be wrong to sell documents of Henry VIII because he mercilessly persecuted Roman Catholics?"

The US has faced no such protests, leaving this auction free to sell its important historical artefacts. A truly astonishing collection of militaria from across the world will feature outside of the Nazi memorabilia section, including a Japanese naval pilot's photo book, featuring images of the attack on Pearl Harbour.

Paul Fraser Collectibles has this personal divorce plea from another of history's despicable tyrants, Henry VIII.

Recent and related articles

·  Gandhi memorabilia buyer revealed as Indian businessman | 4 May 2012

·  Investors, don't miss this auction - starts May 3 | 3 May 2012

·  Titanic band leader's letter sells for $154,974 | 27 April 2012

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Images: Alexander Historical Auctions