Honour to fallen heroes

Göring's gift to von Eberstein

Hermann Göring photograph for sale. The photograph, taken by Hitler's official photographer, Heinrich Hoffmann, includes Göring's ink signature and dedication, plus Hoffmann's [impressed] name.

The photograph depicts Hermann Göring dressed in his 'Putschist' uniform, (being the uniform  he wore during the notable March to The Feldherrnhalle on the 8th/9th November 1923). His  black-painted, Imperial German steel helmet, shows a white-painted static swastika to the fore. Göring's black leather overcoat includes his unique ranking-braid insignia, and 'special' Swastika armband.

Dedication & signature: The ink dedication written by Göring across the breadth of  the photograph reads, "In Verpflichtung und die gefallen Helden - Heil Hitler - Hermann Göring." [Translation: "In Honour of the fallen Heroes - Heil Hitler - Hermann Göring." ].

The photograph framed and glazed, the board reverse to the frame bearing the Von Eberstein ink stamp.

Size of photograph 11.5 x 8.5 inch.

Size of frame 14 inch by 17 inch. 

Condition report: The photograph free from fading or damage. The ink dedication free from fading and clear. The frame showing some slight damage to the edges. The glass with a crack, and loose section to the base.

Notes: SS-Obergruppenführer Friedrich Karl von Eberstein was the SS Police Leader for Munich, and one of Hitler's 'inner circle.' Von Eberstein introduced the young Reinhard Heydrich to Reichsführer-SS Himmler, (which in turn led to Heydrich's promotion to head of security). 

Von Eberstein  joined the NSDAP in 1922; he quickly re-joined the NSDAP when the Party re-formed in 1925. Since signed and dedicated photographs were traditionally given as gifts within the Party and the SS, it is highly probable the framed photograph for sale was a gift to von Eberstein from Göring.

Heinrich Hoffmann was a professional photographer and art dealer. In his capacity as 'official photographer' he was iInstrumental to Hitler's propoganda campaign. Hoffmann also introduced Hitler to Eva Braun, his Munich studio assistant.

Provenance:The von Eberstein Estate was released for sale at auction by Eberstein's grand-daughter in 1990. Norbert Graetz purchased the Hermann Göring photograph [complete with frame] from the auction. Graetz sold the photograph in 2002. Provenance document is included in the sale.