Unseen photos of Adolf Hitler and one of his closest Nazi associates, Dr Joseph Goebbels, taken at the start of the Second World War have been unearthed after more than 80 years.
The photos were taken by an unknown Luftwaffe airman on September 14, 1939, when Hitler flew into ‘Airfield Yellow’ during the Polish Campaign.
The nine rare, unpublished and privately taken photographs of Hitler and Nazi Propaganda Minister Dr Joseph Goebbels are contained within a pocket-sized photo album. Each photo measures 9cm x 6cm and has an ink-written annotation to the reverse. In addition, 14 other images depict bomb damage, aircraft (Bf 109, Heinkel 111, Fiesler Storch, Ju52), Luftwaffe ground crew and a shot of Hitler’s FW200 Condor ‘Grenzmark’.
The photo album is set to go under the hammer on August 7 in Hansons Auctioneers’ specialist militaria sale with an estimate of £200 to £250. However, the memorabilia could fetch far more
Adrian Stevenson, head of Hansons’ Militaria Department, said: “This is a unique, private album of unseen photos of Hitler and Goebbels and I expect interest to be strong.
“Yellow Airfield is a code name for what would have been a temporary airstrip, possibly in Poland but we cannot be sure. Interestingly, if you research Hitler’s movements around September 14, 1939, it is not clear where he was, which makes these photos even more historically significant.
“The owner is a private collector from the East Midlands who is now liquidating his collection. He purchased the album at auction. The previous seller may not have fully appreciated the historical significance of the contents of this little pocket album.
“There is a deep fascination with all aspects of wartime history and items relating to Hitler attract intense bidding from collectors all over the world.
“These grainy, black and white images capture the Nazi leaders at a pivotal point in history – just a few days after the start of the deadliest conflict in human history, the Second World War. It lasted until 1945, involved more than 30 countries and led to 70 to 85 million fatalities
“On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland. The UK and France declared war on September 3 after Hitler ignored an ultimatum to withdraw forces from Poland. Despite the dramatic world events, Hitler and Goebbels appear in good spirits on the photos.”
Goebbels was a German Nazi politician and Reich Minister of Propaganda from 1933 to 1945. He was one of Adolf Hitler’s closest and most devoted associates, known for his public speaking skills and deeply virulent antisemitism.
The photo album is due to be sold by Hansons Auctioneers, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, on August 7.
To find out more or to arrange a free valuation of medals and militaria, please email [email protected].
