183 ADOLF HITLER PERSONAL PICTURE FRAME OF A RENDERING OF HIS BIRTHPLACE BRANAU ON THE INN.
Large format representative frame is hand made in silver in special large format and features original etching of the birth house of Adolf Hitler in Braunau on the Inn. Lower left edge features artists signature "Ernst Zippens". Right edge features hand written inscription "Braunau a. Inn, Birthplace of the Fuhrer". The silver frame dedication field at the lower portion of the photo features meandering greek bands with an applied national eagle and the initials "AH". The edge of the frame features maker mark for the Brothers Wandiger "FHW" along with silver hallmark "925", crown and half moon.
The Brothers Wandiger provided a variety of presentation gifts ordered by Adolf Hitler as well as the national eagles and metal devices for the higher grade documents of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.
Reverse features leather stand and is covered in dark brown Saffian leather.
Frame includes presentation cassette in red Saffian leather with red felt lining. Interior features artist's signature of the book binder, "FRIEDA THIERSCH" and measures 420 x 460 x 40 mm..
Presentation frames in different dimensions were produced by the goldsmiths, the Brothers Wandiger, they were made of hammered silver and featured the initials of Hitler and a national eagle. When used as presentation frames with his picture Hitler personally signed each photo and usually added a personal dedication. This particular type of frame was presented to important personalities of the military, the party, the nation and foreign officials. Also, to important personalities from art and science.
The basic design is attributed to Gerdy Troost, the widow of Hitler's highly regarded architect, Paul Ludwig Troost. Adolf Hitler personally involved himself with the concept and design of this style of presentation gifts.
According to the Archives of Professor Gerdy Troost, approximately 100 of these special type of silver frames were delivered by the Wandingers for the purposes of presenting them to high-ranking personalities. At least one example was produced from gold plated silver. The standard photo presentation frames measured 390 x 285 mm and were presented with a superb presentation cassette. The red Saffian leather cassette featured a gold or silver embossed national eagle to its cover and was designed and produced by the famous book binder, Frieda Thiersch.
The accompanying frame measures 390 x 285 mm.
The rectangular format (horizontal) offered at auction which was probably personally produced for Adolf Hitler mesures 400 x 440 mm.
To the best of my knowledge, this is the only type of "special format" presentation frame known.
Given Hitler's style of keeping is personal items simple this special frame does not have the embossed national eagle on the Saffian leather cassette.
Important historical collector's item of impressive size and in this form, most likely unique.
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