Adolf Hitler - Gedenkplakette an seine Zeit in der Festungshaftanstalt Landsberg
Bräunlicher Marmor mit gemeißelter Inschrift "In diesem Raume weilte Adolf Hitler vom 11. Nov. 1923 bis 20. Dez. 1924" unter dem Hoheitsadler. Die zur Kriegsende gewaltsam entfernte und dadurch zerbrochene Plakette Mitte der 1950er Jahre in allen Teilen wieder zusammengesetzt und durch einen von Landsberg-Häftlingen konstruierten Rahmen aus Messing mit eiserner Rückseite stabilisiert und geschützt. Gesamtgewicht ca. 68 kg, Gesamtmaße ca. 58,5 x 78,5 x 6 cm.Nach der Machtergreifung der Nationalsozialisten 1933 bricht in Landsberg am Lech eine Art Goldrausch aus, man will Kapital daraus schlagen, dass der neue Reichskanzler nicht nur in der örtlichen Festungshaftanstalt einsaß, sondern dort auch mit "Mein Kampf" die Grundlage der NS-Ideologie verfasste. Die "Hitlerzelle" soll zum Wallfahrtsort werden, der Eingang wird mit einer umkränzten Plakette geschmückt, die in ihrer ersten Version noch folgende Inschrift hatte "Adolf Hitler war vom 11. Nov. 1923 bis 20. Dez. 1924 hier in Gefangenschaft" (vgl. hierzu auch in dieser Auktion Los T231090, das Album "Zur Erinnerung an das 25jährige Bestehen der Gefangenenanstalt und Festungshaftanstalt Landsberg a.L. - Januar 1909 - Januar 1934" aus dem Nachlass des Gauleiters Adolf Wagner), zudem wird die Zelle wieder in ihren ursprünglichen Zustand versetzt und für Herbst 1933 ist eine "feierliche Übergabe der Hitlerstube" mit einem Festakt in Anwesenheit Hitlers geplant. Doch Hitler, der seine Festungszeit "als die schwerste Zeit seines Lebens" und als "demütigende Schmach" empfand, sagt mit Verweis auf Wahlkampftermine ab und nimmt auch erst im März 1934 die ihm bereits ein Jahr zuvor verliehene Ehrenbürgerschaft der Stadt Landsberg a.L. an. Dennoch gelingt es den Landsbergern den Tourismus um die "Hitlerzelle" kräftig anzukurbeln, die anfangs noch 136 Gästebetten reichen für den Ansturm bald nicht mehr aus. 1934 sind es bereits 10.000 Besucher, 1936 knapp 38.000 und 1937 steigt die Zahl auf fast 70.000. Täglich marschieren 600 bis 800 Personen durch die "Hitlerzelle", darunter zahlreiche KdF-Gäste, HJ-Delegationen und 1939 auch über 400 italienische Jungfaschisten. Landsberg wird zur "Stadt der Jugend". Vermutlich 1938 als die Öffnungszeiten der "Hitlerzelle" von täglich vier auf zwölf Stunden verlängert werden müssen, um dem Ansturm Herr zu werden, wird auch die alte Plakette über der Zelle durch die hier vorliegende ersetzt, sie spricht nun nicht mehr von "Gefangenschaft", nur noch, dass Hitler hier "weilte". Man hofft, der Reichskanzler würde die Stadt und die Anstalt nach seinem überraschenden und unangekündigten Besuch im Oktober 1934 erneut besuchen. Doch mit dem Kriegsbeginn im September 1939 ebbt das Interesse und der Tourismus ab, auch der Traum, die Anstalt Hitler als Geschenk zu machen und eine HJ-Schule dort zu beheimaten, werden begraben. USA-Los Capt. Elliott F. Ashford, 503rd Military Police Corps, von 1954 bis 1957 in Landsberg a.L. stationiert und verantwortlich für die dort inhaftierten POWs. Dazu reiches Dokumentationsmaterial: zwei Bestätigungen des Sohnes, der mit seinen Eltern sein zweites bis fünftes Lebensjahr dort verbrachte, die Teile der Gedenkplakette wurde eines Tages von Insassen beim Aufräumen des Kohlekellers in Leinensäcken gefunden. Capt. Ashford ließ die Stücke von Gefängnisarbeitern zusammensetzen, einen Messingrahmen mit eisernem Tragegestell anfertigen und verwendete die Plakette nach seiner Rückkehr in die USA mit fünf Beinen versehen als Beistelltischchen. Dazu Ausdrucke von Aufnahmen aus dem Familienalbum der Ashfords aus den 50er/60er Jahren, dabei Luftaufnahmen der Festungshaftanstalt, Capt. Ashford an seinem Schreibtisch, mit seinem Sohn vor dem Offiziersclub, Portraitfoto, Weihnachtsfeier, der zwei-/dreijährige Sohn mit seiner Mutter vor der Anstalt sowie drei Aufnahmen, die den fünfbeinigen Tisch mit einer Lampe und einem Teekocher dekoriert als Beistelltisch im Haus der Ashfords - möglicherweise zurück in Fayetteville, NC - zeigt. Außerdem zwei Ausdrucke von Archivaufnahmen, die die hier vorliegende Plakette über der Tür zur "Hitlerzelle" zeigen. Die Mauer über dem Türrahmen um die "neue" Plakette herum etwas dunkler als die übrige Wand, in etwa entsprechend den Maßen der größeren ersten Plakette, vermutlich handelt es sich bei den Flecken noch um den feuchten Putz oder die alten Liegespuren der vorherigen Plakette, in jedem Fall wurde die Mauer noch nicht für den Touristenandrang neu geweißelt, was für eine Datierung der Aufnahme auf den Tag der Auswechslung der Plaketten spricht.
Zustand: II -
Adolf Hitler - a commemorative plaque of his Landsberg fortress detention
Brownish marble with chiseled inscription "In diesem Raume weilte Adolf Hitler vom 11. Nov. 1923 bis 20. Dez. 1924" (Adolf Hitler dwelt in this room from November 11th, 1923 until December 20th, 1924) below imperial eagle. The plaque was forcefully removed at the end of the war and thus broke apart. It was completely recomposed in the middle of the 1950s and stabilised and protected by a brass frame with iron rear constructed by Landsberg inmates. Total weight approx. 68 kg, total dimensions approx.. 58.5 x 78.5 x 6 cm.After the Nazi seizure of power in 1933 a kind of gold rush broke out in Landsberg on Lech. One wanted to capitalize of the fact that the new Reich Chancellor not only was imprisoned in the local fortress, but also of the fact that he set the foundations of the Nazi ideology by writing "Mein Kampf" there.The "Hitlerzelle" (Hitler's cell) was to become a pilgrimage site. Its entrance was decorated with a wreathed plaque which in its original version still had the following inscription: "Adolf Hitler war vom 11. Nov. 1923 bis 20. Dez. 1924 hier in Gefangenschaft" (Adolf Hitler was a prisoner here from Nov. 11th, 1923 until Dec. 20th, 1924) (cf. this auction's lot no. T231090, the album "In commemoration of the 25-year-old prison and fortress detention of Landsberg a.L. - January 1909 - January 1934" from the estate of Gauleiter Adolf Wagner). Moreover the cell was restored to its original condition and for autumn 1933 a "ceremonious transfer of the Hitlerstube" was planned in an official ceremony with Hitler being present. Hitler, however, who considered the detention as "the hardest time of his life" and as "a humiliating disgrace" called off the ceremony by referring to campaign dates and only accepted the honorary citizenship of the City of Landsberg a.L. in March 1934, which had already been conferred to him a year earlier. But still Landsberg succeeded in heavily stimulating tourism to the "Hitlerzelle". The original 136 guest beds were soon not enough for the rush. In 1934 there were already 10.000 visitors, in 1936 nearly 38.000 and in 1937 the number rose to almost 70.000. Every day 600 to 800 persons went through "Hitler's cell", among them numerous KdF guests, HJ delegations and in 1939 also more than 400 Italian Young Fascists. Landsberg turned into the "Stadt der Jugend" (City of the Young). Presumably in 1938 when the opening hours of the "Hitlerzelle" had to be prolonged from 4 to 12 hours a day to cope with the demand, the old plaque above the cell was replaced with the one offered here at this auction. It no longer mentioned Hitler's "imprisonment" but only the fact that he "dwelt" here. One hoped the Reich Chancellor would visit the city and prison again after his surprising and unannounced call of October 1934. However, in September 1939, when war broke out, interest and tourism decreased. Also the dream of giving the prison to Hitler as a present and to turn it into a HJ school had to eventually be given up. USA-lot Capt. Elliott F. Ashford, 503rd Military Police Corps, stationed at Landsberg a.L. from 1954 to 1957 and responsible for the detained POWs there. Comes wit
CONDITIONS OF SALE
The following is an abridged translation of the German version, which alone has legal force. All bidders agree to the conditions of sale as stated below:
- Hermann Historica oHG acts as commissioner for unnamed consignors. All business is conducted in Euro.
- All lots may be examined on our premises and cannot be sent to prospective bidders for purposes of their inspection. All lots are sold „as is“, with all faults, imperfections and errors of description. Prospective buyers submitting written „order bids“, may file complaints within 6 weeks after sale, however, this in no way entitles them to delay final payment. Catalogue descriptions are made as conscientiously as possible, nevertheless, no statement shall be deemed as a warranty. No guarantee as to the operation or firing condition of any weapon offered for sale is made by Hermann Historica oHG.
- The auctioneer reserves the right to rearrange, separate, exclude or withdraw any lot without giving a reason.
- Order bids will be handled carefully and at no additional charge, however, without warranty. Bids marked „best“ or „in any case“, do not have absolute preference. The best way to assure obtaining a particular lot is by establishing a maximum price limit. Order bids from foreign and overseas countries should indicate how the successfully bidded items are to be sent (for example: by air mail etc.).
- On the fall of the hammer, a lot goes to the highest bidder. However, the auctioneer may refuse any bid submitted either in person or by mail, if said bidder is unknown to him, does not have a satisfactory reference or has not made a sufficient deposit prior to the auction. Likewise, the aforementioned right of refusal also applies to a customer, whose account has not been settled in full at auction time. Identical bids will be decided by drawing lots. Bidding may be renewed on any items in dispute.
- The successful bidder is obligated to take and pay for the lot. From then on, he bears all risks, however, until full payment, the lot remains the property of Hermann Historica oHG. Commission charges are 23 % including V.A.T. The V.A.T. is not refundable. Payment is due immediately in cash and in Euro. Checks are only accepted on special arrangement and must cover the total amount due, including all bank charges. The exchange rate indicated by the bank on our statement is the sole basis for settlement. Any overpayment will be credited towards future purchases or refunded upon request. Payment may also be made by the following credit cards: Visa, Mastercard. An additional administrative charge of 2.9 % will be added. Foreign customers bidding by mail must pay within 10 days after receipt of our invoice. A buyer acting as agent for a third party may be held responsible, as well as the third party, in whose name the invoice is made out.
- It is understood that invoices issued during or immediately after the auction are subject to confirmation and may subsequently require correction.
- No lot may be claimed until the respective invoice has been paid in full. Should the buyer fail to fulfil his payment obligations within 2 weeks after invoice date, he ist automatically in default and as a consequence, the invoice amount rises by 2 %, plus possible reminder and/or collection charges and interest of 1 % per month. Hermann Historica oHG may resell or store a lot at the buyer’s expense, if he fails to pay on time. Moreover, Hermann Historica oHG reserves the right to withdraw from the contract if the buyer has not paid his purchase/s in full and/or collected it/them within the granted time limit. In that event Hermann Historica oHG shall be entitled to compensation for damage from the buyer for failure to fulfil the contract. Such compensation shall consist of at least a lump sum equal to forty per cent (40 %) of the hammer price. The buyer, however, has the right to demonstrate that Hermann Historica oHG has suffered damage to a lesser value than the said forty per cent of the hammer price, or no damage at all. Similarly, Hermann Historica oHG has the right to demonstrate that the damage suffered is greater in value than the said forty per cent of the hammer price.
- Hermann Historica oHG is not obligated to repurchase or insure lots left on its premises after sale. All consignments are made at the buyer’s risk and expense. In case of shipping damage or loss, it is the buyer’s obligation to file claim with the post office or shipping agents. If the buyer fails to do so, the insurance company can not be held responsible for the loss.
- Hermann Historica oHG is not responsible for any malfunction, error or misunderstanding resulting from a voice or data communication.
- Any item in possession of the auctioneer may be kept as security until the customer’s account is settled in full.
- Hermann Historica oHG reserves the right of excluding any person from the auction without explanation.
- All foregoing conditions also apply to unsold lots.
- All questions, contestations and controversies arising out of the auction contract as well as out of all other commercial relations between Hermann Historica oHG and the buyer or between Hermann Historica oHG and the seller shall be settled exclusively in accordance with the rights, privileges and duties of both parties as defined and enforced by German law. Place of jurisdiction for all parties is Munich, Germany.
- Items dating from before 1947 and containing materials from endangered species (see the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) are considered as antiques and are permitted for trade in the EU without requiring an exemption from the ban on commercial use. However, an export permit is required for the export/re-export to non-EU member countries. Hermann Historica oHG will apply for this document at the Federal Nature Conservation Agency (Bundesamt für Naturschutz) in Bonn.
Items dating from between 1947 and 1975 (that is before the CITES agreement came into force) and consisting partially or entirely of materials from endangered species are not considered as antiques. They, as well as unmodified tusks of African elephants, rhinoceros horns, corals etc., may be exempt from the ban of commercial use if evidence exists that the item is of legal origin or that the owner or a third person possessed the item before the species from which it derives was listed as “subject to special protection” (besonders geschützt). If no documents are available to provide sufficient proof of the date of purchase (or when the specimen was taken from the wild), an affidavit or a testimony given under oath may be submitted to verify that the respective item had been in the possession of the owner before the species from which it derives became listed as “subject to special protection”.
Processed ivory imported between 27.02.1976 and 17.01.1990 may be permitted for trade in the EU on presentation of an exemption from the ban of commercial use, however the exportation to a non-EU member country is not approvable.
In promising cases (that is if stylistic characteristics clearly indicate that the item dates from before 1947 or if photographs and/or affidavits prove unequivocally that the material was taken from the wild and/or processed before the CITES agreement came into force), Hermann Historica oHG can apply for the exemption from the ban on commercial use at the Lower Nature Conservation Agency in Munich (Untere Naturschutzbehörde) and other possibly necessary export permit(s) for a fee of € 150. This process may take up to 6 months. All costs ensuing from the issue of these documents will be charged to the buyer.
Buyers are reminded that they are responsible for inquiring about and adhering to any relevant national import regulations prior to bidding.
- Objects which are classified as cultural goods according to the EU Regulation on the export of cultural property (EEC No. 3911/92, Official Journal No. L395 of 31/12/92) require an EU licence to be exported from the European Community. This regulation concerns a multitude of items depending on their age and value, like for example archaeological objects over 100 years old of all price levels. Other items like single pieces from zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical collections are subject to less severe conditions. Arms with a value below € 50.000 and an age under 50 years do not require any export permit according to the above EU Regulation.
Hermann Historica oHG urgently suggests that buyers check on the above mentioned EU Regulation No. 3911/92 and their national import regulations. The buyer bears the sole responsibility for bids on items for which an export or import permit cannot be obtained. In the case of denial of any export or import licence or delay in obtaining such licences, the buyer is still responsible for full and final payment of the total purchase price for the lot(s). No restriction whatsoever shall justify the rescinding of any sales contract.
Messrs. Hermann Historica oHG are prepared to apply for any necessary export permit(s) at a fee of € 50. The duration of this procedure can take up to 6 months.
- Orders and medals of the Federal Republic of Germany and of all federal states in Germany, as well as their miniature decorations, ribbons and rosettes can only be sold to authorized persons according to art. 14 para. 3 of the German titles, medals and decorations law (OrdenG). Authorized persons are the recipients of the award or persons who own a collecting license. The collecting license is granted by the responsible authority upon request (the competence is regulated differently by each federal state). According to the commentary of the law, the issuance of a license can only be denied by the responsible authority if there are serious reasons. By ordering orders and medals of the Federal Republic of Germany and their federal states the client assures that he accordingly owns a collecting license. Purchase orders will only be accepted under these conditions.
- Modern firearms will be shipped to foreign buyers only upon receipt of the German export licence (if necessary). Hermann Historica oHG will be pleased to submit the export licence applications on request. The application and processing fee for any shipment within Germany is € 10, to countries within the European Community is € 40, to all other European and Overseas destinations € 90.
The firearms are not tested for their firing functionality, they are sold as collectors’ arms in the described condition, they are not examined on their fitness for use, safety to fire or store and must be regarded as not intended for use and unsafe to fire unless subsequently proved.
Hermann Historica shall not be liable for any accident, injury or damage to any person from the use or storage of any firearm.
Modern firearms may be subject to national import or ownership restrictions. Please contact your relevant authorities before bidding – bidders take full responsibility for their bids!
- If any part of these conditions of business is held to be unenforceable or invalid, the remaining parts shall remain in full force and effect.
Vollständige AGBs