AUCTION # 33 ANTIQUE ARMS, ARMOR & DECORATIONS

AN SS DEUTSCHLAND ERWACHE - ADOLF HITLER STANDARD PRESENTATION TO SEPP DIETRICH

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Start price: $8,000

Estimated price: $11,000 - $14,000

Buyer's premium:

Given on the eve of the flag einweihung (inauguration) of the Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler in the early 1930s to the unit’s commander, SEPP DIETRICH. This presentation-sized a "Deutschland Erwache" Standard with an eagle, wreath, and swastika made of bronze. It is constructed, including the box with the lettering "Adolf Hitler" and "NSDAP", in a similar manner to other, full-size, Deutschland Erwache Standards of the period.

Sepp Dietrich was the Commander of the ‘Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler’ from its beginning in 1933 to the end of the war and one of the highest SS generals. He developed the Leibstandarte from a small Paramilitary Unit to the Vanguard Division of the Waffen SS in WW2. Sepp Dietrich was one of the most iconic SS leaders and was greatly loved by his men. In 1966, more than 3500 of his ex-SS colleagues and soldiers attended his funeral.

Sepp Dietrich’s widow Ursel (shortened from Ursula) Dietrich died in 1983. The estate executor was selling contents like porcelain, silver, paintings, other Antiques, effects, of course, military items. Part of these items went to the family, including three sons, and most went to local Antique Dealers who were there at the invitation of the estate executor. The owner acquired close to two dozen Sepp Dietrich items weeks after, directly from one of the antique dealers present at the time, which included this item and the Doorbell nameplate with it.

The doorbell nameplate had already been repurposed with Antique Dealer’s name on the other side, but the collector persuaded him to part with it.

Dimensions: H: 18 1/2 in., (47 cm.)

Condition: Very good, some chips on the marble base, some minor patina, the main piece is rotating and can be detached from the base.