Himmler artifacts

I thought forum members might be interested in the following:

The item in the photos is a picture frame containing an enamelled badge, armband and hat band (?) found in Himmler’s possession when he was caught caught by the allies.

It belonged to a friend’s grandfather from Norfolk who was a collector of allsorts.

Sorry the picture does not display the badge as well as it could but at the moment I don’t want to remove it from the frame.

The item was bought by the grandfather from a gentleman who was in the Navy.

A note in the frame says:

“HAMBURG NAVAL BASE MAY 1945
These items were given to me by a member of our naval staff. They were articles in Himmler’s possession at the time of his suicide.
Warrant Officer Class 1
J A Melville
Armament Articifer
[signature]
3-5-93”

The latter data is not the date as my friend’s grandfather died before then - ie after he had already bought the item. Equally, the framing was not done in 1945 – there is a decimal price pencilled on the wooden frame at the back.

There is a cut out in the back of the frame to display a label on the back of the armband – showing maybe a stock code or something – 22748.

If anyone can add any infomation to the above I'd be grateful, particularly if they can suggest how the authenticity of the articles can be established.

Thanks
Paul

 

Considering that Himmler tried to evade being captured for several days by donning the uniform of an Oberfeldwebel complete with shaved mustache, eye patch and complete papers with the name Heinrich Hitzinger...I'd say that the ods of him having NSDAP related items upon himself at that point would be slim to none. After being captured he would of had to surrender any TR related regalia as there is no way that the Allies would have allowed him to hold onto any of these items while he was incarcerated. Himmler was trying to get out alive...having anything like these pieces on his possession would have been suicide.

Buy the items...not the story.

Rich

 

Thanks for that comment Rich - it seems to be very sensible - though I trust the pedigree of my friend and his family I guess there is no accounting for whoever it was his Granded bought the artifacts off. My friend isn't selling but even if he was I don't think either of us have the slightest idea of value. I've looked for web sites selling this sort of stuff but can't seem to find anything. Regards, Paul

 

It's no problem...as far as value goes...I'd say around $150.00 for the two armbands combined and maybe $75.00 for the party badge. $200.00 collector to collector would be fair.

You will never be able to sell these items as anything other than what they are...the provenance just isn't there.

All the best,
Rich

 

OK Rich - thanks - nice to know anyway. I'll let my friend know.
Paul