Bidspirit auction | WWII Nazi War Trophies -

WWII Nazi War Trophies - Berchtesgarden, Dachau CC - Named grouping from CPL John Belt, 71st Inf Division with war souvenirs from Berchtesgarden and Dachau Concentration camp. Includes two tiles [one partial] recovered “from the bathroom of Hitler’s “Eaglenest”, a pair of Nazi SS insignia from Dachau obtained from tour guide. These are accompanied by a 12-page handwritten letter to his parents detailing his exploits at the end of the War. The tiles measure approx. 6” square and are .25” thick. The second tile is missing the lower left quarter-broken. Both have attributions in pencil written on their upper halves “ Tile from the bathroom of Hitler’s “Eaglenest” -8000 above sea level. Berchtsgarden -June 26, 1945” The Nazi uniform insignia are complete and in as received condition. The cloth Waffen SS sleeve eagle measures 3.75” across x 1.75” tall. The SS collar tab has the original RZM label on back and serial numbered No. “405572” It measures 2” wide x 1.5” tall. The 6 sheet [written on both sides-12 in all] letter written on USO stationery by CPL Belt to his parents is postmarked June 27, 1945 from APO 360 on the envelope. A typed transcription of the letter accompanies it. The letter begins with a description of a scenic and thrilling drive. John describes a ”winding road up most of the way” with tunnels, leading to a high elevation, which he states is ”8,000 feet above sea level.” He is particularly captivated by a home he sees, which he calls a ”wonderful house.” He even draws a small, labeled diagram of its layout, including a ”large conference room, ” ”big bedrooms, ” and an ”elevator.” He mentions a ”big window facing the mountains” with a ”wonderful view.” Throughout this section, he repeatedly expresses his awe at the sights, noting that he wishes he had a better camera and more film to capture the ”wonderful view from the windows.” The tone of the letter shifts dramatically as he recounts a visit to a ”crematory.” This section is somber and graphic, suggesting he may be describing a concentration camp or a similar site of mass atrocities. He describes seeing a room that was ”20 ft square was stacked 4 ft high with bodies.” He writes that ”when the Americans arrived- they had about 4,000 dead” and that ”the numbers ran up to 220,000.” He mentions that ”180,000 had 'left', ” which likely means they were removed or disposed of. He describes a particularly gruesome room with ”forty of the human body in glass jars.” He also mentions the presence of other people who were there to document the horror, including a ”doctor put motion germs in own blood to test the results” and an ”artist” who was sent to ”take a picture.” He also mentions a ”disecting room” and people who were ”just plain going- 'jacked'.” The letter ends with John expressing a strong desire to return home. He writes, ”just let me get back to the states. where 'home' is... but do wish the three of you were here.” He again laments his lack of a good camera and film, but hopes ”everything is going along as back there - don't worry about me. I'll get by ok- somehow.” He signs off, ”Tell all hello. John.” This letter provides a stark contrast between the beauty of nature and the horror of war. John's detailed descriptions of the scenic drive and his frustration at not being able to photograph it are a powerful juxtaposition to his brief but devastating account of the ”crematory.” The letter serves as a personal document of a soldier's experience, reflecting both the awe he feels for the world and the trauma he has witnessed. Disclaimer: Due to the high quality of WWII German fakes, Donley Auctions has described this item to the best of their ability and assumes NO liability or responsibility if information provided is incorrect. Authenticity is unknown. Buyer assumes all responsibility to determine whether or not an item is authentic. Buyer may request additional photos, ask detailed questions and make inquiries into the specifics of this item. All content and information is provided “AS IS” and without warranty, implied or otherwise. Absolutely NO refunds are given for this item or any military relics, regardless of age or condition.