A Mauser sporting rifle that once belonged to Nazi politician Hermann Goring sold at Cowan's auction of the Richard L Wray Collection on April 30 in Ohio.
 The rifle reflects Goring's lavish lifestyle in Obersalzburg |
The rifle made $31,050, as one of the highest-selling lots in the auction. The sale of Nazi memorabilia is highly controversial, though items continue to prove popular among collectors.
The rifle would have served as Goring's personal hunting rifle, and was custom-designed for the prominent official. Bearing the German commercial proof mark of the eagle with "N", it features a double square bridge magnum Mauser action with a scope made by Carl Ziess.
The rifle was purchased by Lester Womac from US army officer Colonel Dick A King in 1951. From August 1944, King served in the 3rd Infantry Division of the 7th Army, who were some of the first troops to enter the lofty Alpine retreats of Berchtesgaden and Obersalzberg, home of the Nazi leadership.
According to a 3rd Division historian, "British bombers had already pulverized much of the Nazi compound and had left the Berghof a shell. But truckloads of loot were still to be had, especially wine from the cellars of Field Marshal Hermann Goring, creator of Nazi air power, who had built himself a handsome vacation house near the Berghof..."
It is believed that Colonel King "liberated" the Mauser rifle during the division's brief stay in Obersalzberg. Several days later, Goring and his caravan surrendered bear Radstadt, Bavaria.
Having been convicted at the Nuremberg trials, Goring committed suicide the night before he was due to be hanged.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has some stunning second world war memorabilia for sale, including a signed photograph and autograph from Guy Gibson, heroic commander of the Dam Busters, and a signed photograph of the Iwo Jima flag raising from Corporal Charles W Lindberg.
