SOLD
14,000.00USD+ buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2010 Sep 11 @ 16:18UTC-5 : EST/CDT
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This is an example of a unique Damascus blade "Heinrich Himmler" presentation letter opener, that is accompanied with an authenticating letter. This item is accompanied by a signed and notarized letter of authentication dated March 1998, from LTC (ret) Thomas M. Johnson, certainly the most noted authority and author on several books of collecting WWII Edged weapons. In this letter he states that this is certainly an original 1933-1945 handmade letter opener produced by the Master Swordsmith Paul Mueller in Solingen Germany. Certainly, Solingen, Germany was the center for any edged weapons made during WWI and WWII. LTC Johnson notes that this letter opener has a number of positive features; 1)the blade is Turkish Damascus, easily distinguished by the four panels of Damascus steel. This was the common medium of steel work perfected by Paul Mueller and his apprentice Robert Kurten. 2) The "H. Himmler" gold signature facsimile on the blade and round "SS" rune button on the ebony handle, both show considerable wear contributing to the authentication of this letter opener as being original. 3) The entire letter opener is characteristic of the work as produced by Master Swordsmith Paul Mueller during the 1930s. The Damascus blade shows the four panel on each side, with the clear "H. Himmler" signature on one side of the blade with "ECHT DAMAST/P. MUELLER" on the other side. Due to the uniqueness of this item, this was quite possibly in the hands of H. Himmler at some point in its history.
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Condition: Fine with light wear and some age cracking on the handle from use. The blade has the clear and readable signature and makers name. A unique SS letter opener.
Auction Location:
4507 49th Avenue, Moline, Illinois, 62165, United States
Previewing Details:
Preview: Open to the public Thursday, September 9th from 10 AM to 6 PM and Friday, September 10th from 8 AM to 10 AM.
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
19.5% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Please contact the auction house for the preferred shipper’s contact information
Payment Details:
Payment Information: Auction sales are strictly for cash, cashier’s check or checks (with prior approval of the management), MasterCard, Visa or Discover. NOTE TO ALL BUYERS: Method of payment will be U.S. currency or certified check drawn on an American bank. All sales are final at the fall of the Auctioneer's hammer. Buyer’s Premium: All bid prices “hammer prices” (means the price at which a lot is knocked down to the purchaser) will be subject to a buyer’s premium payable by the purchaser of 19.5% of the bid price. There is a 2.5% discount for payment with cash, approved check or wire transfer. The premium is added to your successful bid and the two together equal the total purchase price. At the announcement of “SOLD”, the highest bidder will have purchased the offered lot. This purchase is subject to all the terms and conditions set forth herein. The purchaser assumes full responsibility thereof and if requested will sign a confirmation of the purchase. The purchaser further agrees to pay the purchase price, buyer’s premium and any applicable taxes before any lot may be transferred. All items purchased by successful bidders must be paid for in full the day of sale. All items purchased by absentee bidders must be paid for in full immediately upon notification.
1. UNDERSTANDING THE TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SALE. The following conditions of sale make up the entire terms and conditions on which items listed in our catalog and addendum sheets will be offered for sale or sold by Rock Island Auction Company (known hereafter as "RIAC") and any client for whom we act as an agent. Any notices, posted or oral during the sale, are also part of our condition of sale agreement. These are the conditions of the sale. Acceptance of a bidder card or a bidder number constitutes acceptance of the following terms and conditions. The purchaser's rights and our respective rights and obligations hereunder are governed by Illinois law. By bidding at our auction whether in person or by agent, sealed bid, telephone bid or other means, the buyer or bidder agrees that the contract created by these conditions of sale is made and performed in the County of Rock Island, State of Illinois and further agrees that should any dispute arise from this contract the jurisdiction for contractual disputes is Rock Island County.
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4. TERMS OF PAYMENT. At the announcement of “SOLD”, the highest bidder will have purchased the offered lot. All sales are final at the fall of the Auctioneer’s hammer or at the announcement of "sold". This purchase is subject to all the terms and conditions set forth herein. The purchaser assumes full responsibility thereof and if requested will sign a confirmation of the purchase. The purchaser further agrees to pay the purchase price, buyer’s premium and any applicable taxes. All items purchased by successful bidders must be paid for in full the day of sale. All property must be removed from our premises at the purchaser’s expense no later than 5:00 p.m. five days following the date of sale unless otherwise agreed. If the property is not removed, it may be transferred to a public warehouse for the purchaser at the purchaser’s risk and expense.
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