An American is putting up a collection of Adolf Hitler memorabilia for sale, a London art dealer said Thursday.

Minas Katchadorian said the collector, who does not wish to be identified, is now 77 and not in the best of health, "so he has decided to embark on a gradual downsizing program for his collection."

Last month, the same collector announced the sale of a desk and chair that once belonged to Hitler. Priced at around $1 million, they have not yet sold, but Katchadorian says buyers across the world have shown interest.

___

Items to go up for sale:

• A gold and enamel pocket watch presented by Hitler to architect Albert Speer — who later became German minister of armaments — as a mark of his friendship and esteem.
  
• A large silver tea tray presented to Hitler on his 50th birthday; in the center are his initials surmounted by the German eagle.
  
• A map of Poland produced by British and American authorities for the trials of Nazi war criminals at Nuremberg.

Other items include three landscape paintings and a portrait of Archduke Fernando of Austria and another, entitled "The Boy Prince," believed to be Frederick the Great as a boy, all of which are believed to have belonged to Hitler. A bronze bust of Hitler by G. Mattes and a rare 15th century, three-dimensional carved wood ecclesiastical figure by the German Renaissance artist Albrecht Durer, also were being sold.

___

In many European countries, including Germany, it is illegal to buy, own or sell Nazi memorabilia. Buyers of Hitler items are usually private collectors of military memorabilia or World War II enthusiasts.

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.