A jarring X-ray image of German madman Adolf Hitler’s head tops dozens of items in a massive auction this week of World War II and Nazi artifacts, including personal items of Hitler's wife, Eva Braun.
In a show preview, Maryland-based Alexander Historical Auctions showed off the X-ray of Hitler's head, noting how it showed extensive dental work, adding to the frightening look of the image.
The auction house said it was part of a 47-page classified postwar report compiled by the U.S. Military Intelligence Service Center. It included details from Hitler’s six “chief physicians."
It is to be auctioned on April 6 and could fetch $1,000.
In addition to photos, letters, and artwork from key Nazis, the online auction includes several items once owned by Braun, including her linen apron that is decorated with her “butterfly” monogram designed by Albert Speer, Hitler’s architect and war production chief who was convicted in the Nuremberg trials and sentenced to serve 20 years in Spandau Prison. It also is to be auctioned on Wednesday and is expected to bring $1,000.
Alexander Historical Auctions is a global seller of historical items, notably from World War II and the Civil War. It regularly previews items of note to Secrets. In its past sales of Nazi items, the firm has attempted to sell to museums first.
The new auction has several valuable items of history related to World War II and other eras. Included are memos about President Franklin D. Roosevelt's actions during the war and a baseball signed by former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Many of the Nazi artifacts in the three-day auction that begins Tuesday were recovered by allied troops from Hitler’s hideouts.
Typical of the stories behind the items are catalog write-ups similar to the one for of Braun’s silver-plated clutch:
“The front bears Braun's initials 'E B' elaborately engraved, with flourish. When opened, the purse reveals a brown, three section interior. This little purse would predate Braun's use of her familiar 'butterfly' monogram designed for her by Albert Speer, and might even have been owned by her prior to her meeting Adolf Hitler. The purse was previously in the collection of Dr. Mark D. Griffith, author of two reference works under the titles: ‘Collector's Guide to Liberated Adolf Hitler Memorabilia.’ Included is a 1994 letter from Griffith on his professional letterhead stating the above and further mentioning that this piece had originated from the 'Bruce Smith collection in Mendota, Illinois...from a 101st Airborne veteran...' He notes that he believes the purse was an import, and not unusual as many such items were found in Braun's residences due to her 'fondness for things imported.’ He concludes stating that he believes the piece is authentic and guarantees is as such. A great relic with excellent provenance.”
It is expected to sell for $3,000.