Hitler's "lost" ring is to auction with a high estimate of $100,000 on September 10 at Alexander Historical Auctions in Maryland.
The ring was recovered from the Fuhrerbau in Munich in the closing days of the war, along with a gold plated pistol and other personal artefacts.
Made by Karl Berthold (1889-1975), one of Germany's most prominent goldsmiths and a high ranking member of the Nazi party, the ring features a 16mm mobile swastika with arms comprised of rubies which rise up to give the impression of city walls.
 It is not known if Hitler wore the ring |
The ring and its casing were originally plated in 24-karat gold although only a hint of this now remains. The elaborate base is carved from ebony.
Items that are attributable to high ranking Nazis can achieve large sums at auction. Famously Hitler was a failed artist and earlier this year a watercolour allegedly painted by him sold at Mullock's for $7,808. A seascape, also painted by Hitler, made $53,000 at a Slovakian auction in 2012.
The sale of memorabilia pertaining to Hitler and the Nazis can best be described as an ethical grey area. While there may be interest among collectors of more dubious motivations, it is actually the Jewish community that are the largest purchasers of Nazi memorabilia, in order to ensure that the atrocities committed by the Nazis are not forgotten.
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