A wristwatch claimed to have belonged to Adolf Hitler was sold today (Saturday) at an auction for 1.1 million dollars, at the “Alexander Historic Auctions” auction house in the state of Maryland, despite the opposition of many Jewish leaders. A swastika and the initials AH were stamped on the watch, made by the “Hoover” company.
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In an open letter on behalf of the Union of Jewish Organizations in Europe, which was signed by about 34 Jewish leaders, it is claimed that the sale helps those who want to idealize the Nazi Party and its religion. The president of the auction house said in response that he appreciates the letter, but finds it disturbing, and that the anonymous buyer of the watch is himself of European Jewish origin.
The auction house, which is not the first time it offers Nazi memorabilia for purchase, also stated that its goal is to help preserve history and that the collectors eventually donate the memorabilia to Holocaust museums around the world. Among the souvenirs offered for sale were also items belonging to Hitler’s wife, Eva Braun.
The Jewish community in the state of Maryland is the fourth largest in the US, and at least 4% of all Jews in the country live there. At the same time, anti-Semitic incidents in Maryland increased by 17% during the year 2021.