9
N.S.D.A.P. PRESENTATION ADOLF HITLER REVERSIBLE GOLD WATCH BY ANDREAS HUBER
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Beschreibung
A World War II relic of historic proportions, a gold Andreas Huber reversible wristwatch, given to Adolf Hitler most likely on April 20, 1933, when on his 44th birthday the dictator was named with former Chancellor Paul von Hindenburg, an honorary citizen of Bavaria – the first such honor in the history of Germany.
This incredible watch has an unwavering direct provenance from a French soldier who seized the watch as ‘spoils of war’ on Friday May 4, 1945, when his unit became the first Allied force to arrive at Hitler’s retreat at Berchtesgaden. The watch and its history have been researched by some of the world’s most experienced and respected watchmakers and military historians, all of whom have concluded that it is authentic and indeed belonged to Adolf Hitler.
The watch carries a movement originally made by LeCoultre, and a case made by a subcontractor, the assembled combination being reversible, allowing the entire case to be rotated 180 degrees. The body supporting the case bears Swiss and German hallmarks indicating Swiss manufacture of the frame which was then exported to Germany where it was again hallmarked as gold. The yellow gold case is numbered “2951”, the white gold support frame is numbered “2939”. Clearly, the frame was subcontracted to another Swiss manufacturer. The close difference between the serial numbers seems to indicate very similar dates of manufacture. The watch is fitted with a black lizard strap with an 18K gold pin buckle. The mechanical movement is a hand-wound LeCoultre caliber no. 410-11U, numbered “12755”, manufactured by the LeCoultre establishment in December 1932. The dimensions of the watch are 23 x 38 mm. with the lugs, 23 x 33 mm. without the lugs, thickness 8 mm. The gross weight of the watch is 41.48 grams.
The front of the watch has a black dial bearing the name “HUBER” painted in black lacquer with applied indexes in gold and a “railway” design painted all around the dial as well as around the second counter at six o’clock. Golden sword-shaped hour and minute hands are present.
The reverse of the watch links this piece directly to Adolf Hitler and the N.S.D.A.P. On the back of the yellow gold case appears a lacquered polychrome engraving of a swastika surmounted by an engraving of a Nazi eagle and a swastika surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves. Appearing below are two initials “A H”, lacquered black. The swastika is surrounded by three dates: “20.4.89-30.1.33-5.3.33”. The first date (20.4.89) corresponds to Hitler’s date of birth in Braunau Am Inn, Austria. The second date (30.1.33) marks the date of his appointment as Chancellor of Germany, when Field Marshal Paul Von Hindenburg asked Hitler, leader of the NSDAP, to form a new German government. The third date (5.3.33) celebrates the date of the federal elections in Germany which gave Hitler access to full power.
This engraving is of exceptionally high quality, and its style points to its creation by an artisan subcontracted by Huber and already adept at N.S.D.A.P.-related engravings.
The watch was commissioned by the N.S.D.A.P. and assembled and engraved by the highly-respected German watch firm Andreas Huber, in Munich. The company was founded in 1856 and by 1912 Huber had become the official watch supplier to the Royal Court of Bavaria. Huber quickly became a must-have watch brand for all German officers. The brand’s excellent reputation grew over the years as it supplied watches to public transport systems, various prestigious racing events, and to the 1936 Winter Olympics.
From the 1930s, Huber developed several brands including Nautica and Secura, and marketed several other renowned brands under its own brand name. It is a documented fact that some major manufacturers including Universal Geneve, Movado, Cyma, and IWC all agreed to deliver high-end movements to Huber and sometimes even complete watches with dials already signed ‘HUBER’. Huber assembled watches using these fine components from Swiss watchmakers – which is clearly the case in this example. Here, the movement was made by LeCoultre, the case by a Swiss contractor, and the watch frame, numbered and hallmarked, by a contractor in Switzerland. The dial may have been fabricated by Huber, or may have been “personalized” using a “blank” provided by a manufacturer.
Jaeger-LeCoultre advises it has no production records regarding this watch. No wartime documents can be obtained from Andreas Huber – their factory was bombed and subsequently burned down during World War II.
The use of the first N.S.D.A.P. Reichsadler dates the watch to no later than 1934, when the “second pattern” political Reichsadler came into common use. It is doubtful that the use of this eagle for any purpose beyond official Nazi Party business would have been authorized at that time. It is therefore very likely that this watch was offered to Adolf Hitler by the hierarchy of the Nazi party or the S.A. following the 1933 elections or during the Bavarian citizenship ceremonies of April 20, 1933.
On May 4, 1945, about thirty French soldiers belonging to the Regiment de Marche du Tchad stormed the Berghof, being the first Allies there. Present was Sgt. Robert Mignot who with his comrades quickly gained access to Hitler’s residence, abandoned by its SS guards. They also discovered the vast system of tunnels beneath the house. This is probably where this watch – and other valuables – were found and then taken away by the French as souvenirs. Reports from the time show that these soldiers had ample time to hunt for any ‘spoils of war’ they could find. Items with Hitler’s name were considered the best prizes. Sgt. Mignot returned to France with the watch and later sold it to his cousin, our consignor’s grandfather. It has remained in the possession of the Mignot family and that of our consignor since its discovery. Sgt. Mignot’s service record is also fully documented with records, documents, photographs and a statement from a fellow soldier, with copies available to bidders. A letter of provenance from Mignot’s daughter is also present.
The watch is in exceptional condition. It has been examined by an expert intimately familiar with the movement installed and he has advised that it appears that only a cleaning to remove dried oil is required. He mentioned no other faults. The reptile band is frayed at one end. It can be kept or replaced, as desired.
The provenance document (see link below) contains letters of provenance, a complete description of the watch, an appraisal and expertise by a world-renowned watch historian and auction consultant, multiple evidentiary photographs, excerpts of documents, period advertisements, and related correspondence, Mignot’s archives, appraisals, and more.
While Hitler’s correspondence, his silverware, and even his paintings and articles of his clothing and uniforms are regularly offered for sale, in only a few instances in a lifetime would one see a piece of Hitler’s jewelry come up for auction. And a spectacular wristwatch, especially given to the dictator by his most ardent supporters, has never seen the light of day. It is an absolutely unique and important historical object. This is a rare opportunity for the discriminating collector to obtain one of the most important timepieces ever created.
This historic relic is offered for sale without reserve. All bidders on this lot must be pre-registered, and must provide proper identification (ie: copy of passport, driver's license, etc.) prior to bidding.
FOR A MORE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION AND FULL PROVENENACE: Copy and paste the following to your browser to view the document:
https://image.invaluable.com/privatelabel/connectwp/wp-content/uploads/sites/96/2022/07/19211454/Watch-Brochure-Final-2-1.pdf
Auktionsdetails
Versand
AGB & Wichtige Informationen
Stellen Sie dem Verkäufer eine Frage
A World War II relic of historic proportions, a gold Andreas Huber reversible wristwatch, given to Adolf Hitler most likely on April 20, 1933, when on his 44th birthday the dictator was named with former Chancellor Paul von Hindenburg, an honorary citizen of Bavaria – the first such honor in the history of Germany.
This incredible watch has an unwavering direct provenance from a French soldier who seized the watch as ‘spoils of war’ on Friday May 4, 1945, when his unit became the first Allied force to arrive at Hitler’s retreat at Berchtesgaden. The watch and its history have been researched by some of the world’s most experienced and respected watchmakers and military historians, all of whom have concluded that it is authentic and indeed belonged to Adolf Hitler.
The watch carries a movement originally made by LeCoultre, and a case made by a subcontractor, the assembled combination being reversible, allowing the entire case to be rotated 180 degrees. The body supporting the case bears Swiss and German hallmarks indicating Swiss manufacture of the frame which was then exported to Germany where it was again hallmarked as gold. The yellow gold case is numbered “2951”, the white gold support frame is numbered “2939”. Clearly, the frame was subcontracted to another Swiss manufacturer. The close difference between the serial numbers seems to indicate very similar dates of manufacture. The watch is fitted with a black lizard strap with an 18K gold pin buckle. The mechanical movement is a hand-wound LeCoultre caliber no. 410-11U, numbered “12755”, manufactured by the LeCoultre establishment in December 1932. The dimensions of the watch are 23 x 38 mm. with the lugs, 23 x 33 mm. without the lugs, thickness 8 mm. The gross weight of the watch is 41.48 grams.
The front of the watch has a black dial bearing the name “HUBER” painted in black lacquer with applied indexes in gold and a “railway” design painted all around the dial as well as around the second counter at six o’clock. Golden sword-shaped hour and minute hands are present.
The reverse of the watch links this piece directly to Adolf Hitler and the N.S.D.A.P. On the back of the yellow gold case appears a lacquered polychrome engraving of a swastika surmounted by an engraving of a Nazi eagle and a swastika surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves. Appearing below are two initials “A H”, lacquered black. The swastika is surrounded by three dates: “20.4.89-30.1.33-5.3.33”. The first date (20.4.89) corresponds to Hitler’s date of birth in Braunau Am Inn, Austria. The second date (30.1.33) marks the date of his appointment as Chancellor of Germany, when Field Marshal Paul Von Hindenburg asked Hitler, leader of the NSDAP, to form a new German government. The third date (5.3.33) celebrates the date of the federal elections in Germany which gave Hitler access to full power.
This engraving is of exceptionally high quality, and its style points to its creation by an artisan subcontracted by Huber and already adept at N.S.D.A.P.-related engravings.
The watch was commissioned by the N.S.D.A.P. and assembled and engraved by the highly-respected German watch firm Andreas Huber, in Munich. The company was founded in 1856 and by 1912 Huber had become the official watch supplier to the Royal Court of Bavaria. Huber quickly became a must-have watch brand for all German officers. The brand’s excellent reputation grew over the years as it supplied watches to public transport systems, various prestigious racing events, and to the 1936 Winter Olympics.
From the 1930s, Huber developed several brands including Nautica and Secura, and marketed several other renowned brands under its own brand name. It is a documented fact that some major manufacturers including Universal Geneve, Movado, Cyma, and IWC all agreed to deliver high-end movements to Huber and sometimes even complete watches with dials already signed ‘HUBER’. Huber assembled watches using these fine components from Swiss watchmakers – which is clearly the case in this example. Here, the movement was made by LeCoultre, the case by a Swiss contractor, and the watch frame, numbered and hallmarked, by a contractor in Switzerland. The dial may have been fabricated by Huber, or may have been “personalized” using a “blank” provided by a manufacturer.
Jaeger-LeCoultre advises it has no production records regarding this watch. No wartime documents can be obtained from Andreas Huber – their factory was bombed and subsequently burned down during World War II.
The use of the first N.S.D.A.P. Reichsadler dates the watch to no later than 1934, when the “second pattern” political Reichsadler came into common use. It is doubtful that the use of this eagle for any purpose beyond official Nazi Party business would have been authorized at that time. It is therefore very likely that this watch was offered to Adolf Hitler by the hierarchy of the Nazi party or the S.A. following the 1933 elections or during the Bavarian citizenship ceremonies of April 20, 1933.
On May 4, 1945, about thirty French soldiers belonging to the Regiment de Marche du Tchad stormed the Berghof, being the first Allies there. Present was Sgt. Robert Mignot who with his comrades quickly gained access to Hitler’s residence, abandoned by its SS guards. They also discovered the vast system of tunnels beneath the house. This is probably where this watch – and other valuables – were found and then taken away by the French as souvenirs. Reports from the time show that these soldiers had ample time to hunt for any ‘spoils of war’ they could find. Items with Hitler’s name were considered the best prizes. Sgt. Mignot returned to France with the watch and later sold it to his cousin, our consignor’s grandfather. It has remained in the possession of the Mignot family and that of our consignor since its discovery. Sgt. Mignot’s service record is also fully documented with records, documents, photographs and a statement from a fellow soldier, with copies available to bidders. A letter of provenance from Mignot’s daughter is also present.
The watch is in exceptional condition. It has been examined by an expert intimately familiar with the movement installed and he has advised that it appears that only a cleaning to remove dried oil is required. He mentioned no other faults. The reptile band is frayed at one end. It can be kept or replaced, as desired.
The provenance document (see link below) contains letters of provenance, a complete description of the watch, an appraisal and expertise by a world-renowned watch historian and auction consultant, multiple evidentiary photographs, excerpts of documents, period advertisements, and related correspondence, Mignot’s archives, appraisals, and more.
While Hitler’s correspondence, his silverware, and even his paintings and articles of his clothing and uniforms are regularly offered for sale, in only a few instances in a lifetime would one see a piece of Hitler’s jewelry come up for auction. And a spectacular wristwatch, especially given to the dictator by his most ardent supporters, has never seen the light of day. It is an absolutely unique and important historical object. This is a rare opportunity for the discriminating collector to obtain one of the most important timepieces ever created.
This historic relic is offered for sale without reserve. All bidders on this lot must be pre-registered, and must provide proper identification (ie: copy of passport, driver's license, etc.) prior to bidding.
FOR A MORE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION AND FULL PROVENENACE: Copy and paste the following to your browser to view the document:
https://image.invaluable.com/privatelabel/connectwp/wp-content/uploads/sites/96/2022/07/19211454/Watch-Brochure-Final-2-1.pdf
Summer Historical Militaria & Autographs Auction
Auktionsdatum
Lose: 769
Lose: 853
Ort der Versteigerung
98 Bohemia Ave Ste 2
Chesapeake City
Maryland
21915
United States
Generelle Versandinformationen vom Auktionshaus verfügbar
Shipment will be via USPS Priority Mail, Fedex Ground or DHL after receipt of payment. Due to the large volume to be shipped please allow up to 14 - 21 days after payment for your shipment. All packages require a signature upon delivery. We are happy to assist you to make arrangements for extra-large or heavy items which we cannot ship directly. Please notify us immediately after the auction if you would like to ship via FedEx on your own account, we will add an appropriate handling charge to the invoice. Multiple lots may be combined into one package at our discretion. Shipping to foreign countries is very expensive and will be invoiced according to dimensional weight as required! Please inquire before bidding!
Wichtige Informationen
For buyer’s premium and VAT please check particular lot.
Zu Aufgeld und Mehrwertsteuer prüfen Sie bitte das jeweilige Los.
AGB
1. This auction is conducted under the laws of the State of Maryland.
2. This is a live auction. The auctioneer is licensed and bonded pursuant to the laws of Cecil County, Maryland.
3. A buyer’s premium of 25% will be added to the final hammer price of each lot purchased directly through Alexander Historical Auctions and a buyer’s premium of 30% will be added to lots sold through any other third-party bidding platform, i.e. Invaluable, Liveauctioneers, Auctionzip, The Sale Room, etc.
4. The Auctioneer reserves the right to reject any bid for any reason. In exceptional cases of clerking errors, third-party bidding platform errors, miscommunication, or other errors beyond the direct control of the auctioneer, the auctioneer reserves the right to withdraw the lot after the hammer has fallen but only before any payment has been accepted.
5. The Auctioneer reserves the right to withdraw any lot for any reason at any time.
6. In the event of duplicate high bids, the earliest bid received will be the winner.
7. Some lots may carry a reserve beneath which the item will not be sold. Any reserve will always be at or below the low estimate. Reserves and maximum bids will not be disclosed.
8. All autograph material in this sale is guaranteed genuine for the life of the original purchaser (unless otherwise stated or if contrary to other provisions of these terms). Any autograph item sold which is determined to be not authentic by two independent authenticators acceptable to both parties to the sale may be returned by the original buyer at any time for an immediate refund of the purchase price only. Non-autograph items are guaranteed genuine for a period of twenty-one (21) days of receipt. If determined to be not authentic by two independent dealers or authenticators acceptable to both parties to the sale within the twenty-one (21) day period the item may be returned for a refund of the purchase price only. We do not accept authentications from JSA, PSA/DNA and BECKETT because they do not examine pieces firsthand and they have very limited experience with historic material. Some lots may be sold in as-is condition and are marked as such in the description. These items are not returnable for any reason.
9. All returned lots must be in the same condition as shipped. All items are in very good condition unless stated otherwise. Items housed in frames have not been examined outside of the frame. Lots which bear defects or damage not visible because of framing will not be subject to return because of hidden damage. Auctioneer will not be responsible for shipping costs, after auction appraisal fees, testing or any other post-auction costs. Under no circumstances will the auctioneer be responsible for lost profits or other financial damages.
10. Any lot containing five or more items is not subject to return for any reason.
11. Bidders are advised that we are not selling frames or framing glass, and therefore the condition of the frame or the glass shall not be considered reason for return. Shipping costs for framed items may vary greatly depending on the size and/or weight of the frame, and at times these charges may be quite substantial. Customers may request us to remove autographs, artwork, etc. from its frame to reduce shipping charges. We will accommodate customers in that respect for an additional charge of $10.00 per framed item, but such service will be undertaken at our sole discretion. Alexander Historical Auctions will exercise care in removing items from frames, but this is done ENTIRELY at the risk of the buyer and the buyer fully indemnifies Alexander Historical Auctions for any and all damage that may occur as a result of any attempt by us to remove the item from a frame, mat, glass, etc.
12. Illustrations of lots in this catalog and our website may have had size, color, brightness and contrast modifications for display purposes only.
13. Estimated selling prices are for your guidance only. Actual selling prices may be higher or lower than the estimate indicated.
14. The placing of a bid legally binds the bidder to purchase the lot at or below the bid placed, plus buyer’s premium (see Item 3). Bids may not be retracted without our approval: those doing so will be banned from future participation and will be reported to the trade. Please think before you bid! You are legally bound once you do so.
15. Absentee Bidding. All bidding is undertaken in a competitive manner. The winning bid will always be one bidding increment over the second highest bid. The minimum acceptable bid for any lot is one-half of the low estimate given in the item description. Bidders may call us at 203-276-1570 during office hours, Monday through Friday 10 A.M. – 5:30 P.M. EST. Live bidding: Bids entered during the course of the sale by bidders on the floor, on the phone, or live on the internet will be taken at the amount bid.
16. Payment is expected immediately upon, (but not before) receipt of invoice. We accept cash, business and personal checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, bank transfer, Paypal payment, and credit/debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. All accounts are payable to Alexander Historical Auctions. Payment must be made in U.S. funds. Wire transfer details are available upon request. We will ONLY accept wire transfers for invoice amounts equal to or above $750. NO WIRE TRANSFERS UNDER $750 WILL BE ACCEPTED. Please note that lots purchased are subject to sales taxes where applicable unless a resale number is filed with us prior to the auction. Invoices not paid within thirty days of the date of invoice will incur a 1.5% per month late payment fee.
17. SHIPPING: Bidders should be aware that shipping is provided as a courtesy. We expect delays due to holiday shipping volume and interim holidays. Anticipate up to 14-16 days for us to process and ship your purchases.
Items are shipped with shipping advice made to purchasers in a timely matter.
Shipping, handling and insurance charges will be added to the invoice. Shipping to certain countries is extremely expensive and will be invoiced according to dimensional weight as required. Please inquire before bidding! Note: Certain items such as ammunition, firearms, large frames, fragile, large, heavy and bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer. Client must contact us to arrange for shipments of these pieces.
18. Property purchased and paid for by successful bidders but remaining unclaimed after 120 days will be deemed abandoned and title will be ceded to Alexander Historical Auctions, LLC.
19. Alexander Historical Auctions offers our in-house shipping purely as a service to potential buyers, yet our shipping department handles thousands of different shipments in just a few short weeks after each sale has ended. Please notify us if you require a package expedited or held. Unless the buyer has discussed the need for expedited shipping with us, please allow up to 14 – 21 BUSINESS days for your items to be shipped. We will not be responsible for shipping and handling delays unless the need for quicker shipment has been discussed with us beforehand. We always attempt to deliver our packages in a timely and careful manner, but proper handling also requires time.
20. To ensure our historical items are delivered with the utmost care, all lots will be shipped with Signature Confirmation in place. We will gladly ship our items without Signature Confirmation at the buyer’s request, yet this will be done ENTIRELY at the risk of the buyer and only if the buyer fully indemnifies Alexander Historical Auctions for any and all related issues (delays, stolen packages, lost or misplaced shipments, etc.)
21. Potential bidders who register for any of our auctions, either directly or through a third-party bidding platform, may be enrolled in our e-mail mailing lists, where they may receive notifications about our upcoming auctions, advertisements for upcoming lots, and other publicity material. Should a bidder wish to remove themselves from our mailing lists, they are free to do so by either clicking ‘unsubscribe’ on our batch emails or contacting our auction house directly.
22. The placing of a bid shall constitute acceptance of the preceding terms and conditions of sale as well as the Bidding Procedure guidelines posted in this catalog. Please note that by submitting a bid in this auction you agree to all the Terms and Conditions of Sale herein and on any participating website.
SPECIAL NOTE ON FIREARMS: Firearms are only sold and shipped to buyers in the United States, without exception. All firearms so required by law will be shipped from a registered Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder, to a registered FFL. The buyer is responsible for locating an FFL in their locale to receive the firearm(s) and perform any required background checks. The buyer is also responsible for contacting the FFL which has custody of the guns in our locale in order to pay the necessary transfer fees and shipping and handling costs. The contact information for the shipping FFL will be provided in the successful buyer’s invoice. The transfer fees for our FFL are $45 per firearm. These fees, and any fees levied by the receiving FFL in the buyer’s locale, are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
ABBREVIATIONS: Alexander Historical Auctions utilizes the following abbreviations in lot descriptions. It is the buyer’s responsibility to read and understand these abbreviations.
A.L.S. – “Autograph Letter Signed” Letter completely in the hand of and signed by the noted individual. These letters always have a salutation, ie: “Dear Fred”, “Sir”).
A.N.S. – “Autograph Note Signed” A very short A.L.S., perhaps only a single line.
T.L.S. – “Typed Letter, Signed” Body of letter is typed.
Manuscript L.S. or D.S. – Body of the letter or document is in another hand, but piece is signed by the person of interest.
D.S. – “Document, Signed” Could be a printed document, a check, etc. Signature is hand-signed.
A.Ms.S. – “Autograph Manuscript Signed” Usually a lengthier text, no salutation, handwritten and signed by the noted individual. Ex.: a signed legal brief, a war reminiscence, etc.
A.Q.S. -“Autograph Quote, Signed” A quote of any type handwritten and signed by the noted individual.
A.M.Q.S. – “Autograph Musical Quote, Signed” One or more bars of music, with or without lyrics, handwritten and signed by the noted individual.
A.L., A.M.Q., A.Ms., A.N., A.Q. are all handwritten by the note individual, but NOT signed.
