Hitler & Bader Items Go Under Hammer at UK Auction

Personal items that belonged to Adolf Hitler and the Battle of Britain pilot Douglas Bader are being sold by an auction house in Lincolnshire, UK.

The collection includes Bader's uniform, Alvis car and prosthetic leg, as well as silverware and glassware.

The silver was presented to the former Nazi leader of Germany commemorate his 50th birthday in 1939.

Personal photographs of both Hitler and war hero Bader are also among the lots being sold, the auctioneer said.

Wide Assortment of Items

There are about 50 items of Douglas Bader memorabilia, ranging from log books and medals to Red Cross parcels that were sent to him while he was imprisoned in Colditz Castle in 1943.

Sir Douglas Robert Steuart Bader

Bader became a double amputee after an aeroplane accident in 1931.

Phillip Knapper, auctioneer from Eleys Auctions, said that he was amazed when he first saw the items.

"I have never handled anything like this in 30 years as an auctioneer. When I first saw (Hitler's) silver trays, it took my breath away."

"I am hoping the Douglas Bader pieces will go to a private collector or a museum in Britain. The most valuable item is his Alvis car from 1963," said the auctioneer.

The car alone is likely to fetch ?60,000 ($120,000), he added.

Among the lots are personal items that belonged to Hitler's mistress - and later wife - Eva Braun, including a scent bottle and glass bowl.

It is expected that the combined collections will fetch over ?215,000 ($430,000). The items are being sold as a private treaty - which involves sealed bids - in Boston.

The auctioneer said there was no closing date for offers.

For more information on this sale go to www.eleys-auctions.co.uk.