Nazi memorabilia sale ban 'should extend to UK' say ministers

Should sales of Nazi memorabilia be banned in the UK? MPs are calling on the government to ban the marketing of collectibles associated with Hitler's Third Reich.

The calls follow a recent auction of memorabilia linked to Holocaust victims.

Such sales were described by opposition party Labour MP Fabian Hamilton as "profiteering on items promoting and glorifying hatred and violence".

If the motion is passed, then the UK will join France, Germany, Austria and Hungary as countries where Nazi memorabilia sales are outlawed.

A seascape painting daubed by Adolf Hitler brought $53,000 in a Slovakian auction in January. A silver tray gifted to Hitler on his 50th birthday brought £28,000 in Bristol, UK, last week.

Hitler moon seascape painting
Hitler's moon seascape painting sold for $53,000 in January

There is another side to the debate, of course: that the hobby of collectibles should preserve - without promoting and glorifying - pieces of mankind's history, be it good or bad.

For instance, a Stalin death mask brought $8,711 at auction in January. This mask is one of just two of its kind in the West.

Elsewhere, collectibles linked to Chairman Mao, the Nagasaki and Hiroshima second world war bombings, and memorabilia linked to violent crime are all popular niches worldwide.

It will be fascinating to see which way the UK government's decision falls. We'll bring you all the latest news when it happens.



 

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock