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SOLID SILVER CIGARETTE BOX PRESENTED BY REICHSFUHRER SS
HIMMLER TO GOVERNOR GENERAL HANS FRANK IN 1942
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Pictured left is an enlarged photo of the Heinrich Himmerler signature that is engraved into the cigarette box. Also visible in this close up shot is the scroll pattern used in producing the borders for the box, as well as the darkness of the patina taken on
by the silver content of this item over an obvious period of many years.
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This patina is equally visible in the interior view photo of the box shown below and could have only been
produced via oxidation of the silver content of the
piece over a protracted period.
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From an historical perspective, at the time of this gift
to Hans Frank, Heinrich Himmler was engaged in a
bitter dispute with Albert Forester, Reichs Governor of the Free State of Danzig.
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In summary, with the defeat of Poland by Germany and Russia in 1939, the Germans divided their half of the country into three (3) admininistrative districts consisting of Gau Danzig-West Prussia, Gau Posen and the General Government of Poland. On 29 January 1940 Gau Posen was renamed Gau Wartheland.
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Subsequently, Himmler became a strong advocate of
a policy of forceful eviction of non Germans from Gau
Wartheland and Danzig into the area administered by the General Government under Hans Frank. Much to
Himmler's displeasure, however, Reichs Governor
Forester did not go along with Himmer's plan and, as
as simple alternative, declared most Poles living in Danzig to now be ethnic Germans.
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ABOVE...in addition to the Himmler signature, this close up photo also shows the patina and scroll work design used in making the top and bottom borders of the box...BELOW is a view looking into
the box from the top. As above, the patina is very visible and demonstrates considerable age.
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Lacking the resources to deal with the influx of unfed
and homeless persons being dumped into the General Government by the faithful enforcement of Himmler's
policy in Gau Wartheland, Hans Frank represented a
potential problem for Himmler in January 1942. This
is particularly true if Reichs Governor Forester were to support any complaint made by Frank to the Fuhrer.
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Given that background of events, this is obviously an extremely interesting historical piece that would be a
valued addition to any collection of Third Reich items.
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INTERNET LINKS TO VIEW OTHER RARE MILITARIA SITES AND PRODUCTS
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