181 Adolf Hitler: Mein Kampf - Monumental so called Gauleiter Edition.
"Mein Kampf - Gauleiterausgabe". Zentralverlag der NSDAP Franz Eher Nachf. GmbH, Munich. Both volumes bound in one edition. 360 pp, and 351 pp, respectively. In old handmade vellum binding with bulky leather spine and vellum closing bands. Covers pasted with parchment paper (possibly to cover symbols - not verified).
Enclosed is a letter from NSDAP Reichsleiter and Chief of the German Labor Front Dr. Robert Ley to N.S.K.K. Korpsführer Adolf Hühnlein dated September 7, 1938 with the following wording:
"Dear Party Comrade Hühnlein !
On the occasion of your birthday and simultaneous appointment by the Fuehrer as Reich Leader of the NSDAP, the Reich Organization Leadership sends you the hand-bound edition of "Mein Kampf" with best wishes.
Heil Hitler ! Dr. R. Ley"
Newspaper article pasted on the back of the letter regarding Adolf Hühnlein's appointment as NSDAP - Reichsleiter.
The large splendid edition of the book "Mein Kampf", called "Gauleiterausgabe" in collectors' circles, was produced in a total edition of 100 copies, unsaleable from the publisher, according to a letter from the NSDAP - Reichsleiter Max Amann to Professor Gerdy Troost dated August 6, 1940. At least two different original bindings exist with differently designed sovereign eagles and the inscription "Mein Kampf" in gold embossing. The cover of this copy is completely different in design. It is undoubtedly a quality old pre-1945 binding, but whether it is another contemporary variant made especially for Adolf Hühnlein or whether the binding was changed for whatever reason cannot be said. The designation "Gauleiter - Edition" is somewhat misleading, since the large splendid edition was given to a wide variety of personalities. Thus, besides Hermann Göring, it was certainly given to a number of other high political leaders of the NSDAP (such as Adolf Hühnlein in our copy) but also to foreign dignitaries such as the Governor of Rome, Prince Colonna and Colonel General Franz Halder but also Prof. Gerdy Troost.
Extremely rare copy of interesting provenance.
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