A French horn from Adolf Hitler's bodyguard regiment comes to auction in Norfolk, UK today.
The horn, which has a low end estimate of £500, may have been played by the Musikkorps der Leibstandarte SS at Nuremberg rallies and the 1936 Berlin Olympics as well as several pre-war concerts across Europe.
It was found in a Norwich, UK, loft - but how it came to be there remains a mystery.
Andrew Bullock of Keys auctioneers told the UK's Eastern Daily Press newspaper: "We regularly offer weapons, buttons and badges brought back to Britain in kitbags following the collapse of the Third Reich - but I can't find any records of a sale of a German military musical instrument, either by ourselves or any other auction house.
"As a musical instrument a French horn is an expensive item in its own right - quite apart from the novelty value of its historical background."
Still in good working order, it bears the fuhrer's name and could sell for significantly more than its estimate due to its historical importance. As always, Paul Fraser Collectibles will let you know how it fares.
 Hitler with Mussolini in 1937, possibly enjoying the sound of the French horn |
Items associated with Hitler can make for fascinating, if unsettling alternative investments, with items regularly available at auction and on the private market.
Many are vital documents relating to key moments in history, which ensures they are particularly attractive to collectors.
A signed letter by Hitler asking for time off work comes to auction at Mullock's next month with a top end estimate of £5,000.
First editions of Hitler's Mein Kampf regularly sell for considerable sums due to their scarcity, which makes them particularly appealing to alternative investors as rarity promotes demand among collectors.
Just 500 copies were produced in the first run of 1925.
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