Anniversary of the Beer Hall Putsch

November 9, 1923 marks the date of Hitler's attempted Bierkellerputsch (beer hall putsch) in Munich, his failed attempt to overthrow the Weimar Republic (in which four Bavarian policemen and a bystander were killed, in addition to 16 "Putschisten"). The 16 fallen were regarded as the first "blood martyrs" of the NSDAP and were remembered by Hitler in the foreword of Mein Kampf. The Nazi flag they carried, which in the course of events had been stained with blood, came to be known as the Blutfahne (blood flag) and was brought out for the swearing-in of new recruits in front of the Feldherrnhalle when Hitler was in power.

This photograph shows a group of mementos that was offered during the Anniversary - A glass cup given as a special gift to VIPs and Gauleiters on the 10th anniversary of 9 November 1923. The glass is a solid, heavy glass cup cut with national eagle emblem (in the form of the eagle on the 9 November Memorial). Also included is a brochure of the 10th anniversary event of the  "March to the Feldherrnhalle".The foreground shows a rare desk piece of the Feldherrnhalle, as a scaled presentation of the the original Mahnmal in Munich, Germany. From author's own collection.

Early NSDAP Wall or Building Eagle

This is a great looking, well-sculpted early NSDAP Wall or Building Eagle being made of iron (magnetic) and having a hanging device on the reverse and marked to the foundry measuring 14 inches by 9 1/2 inches. This is a seldom encountered piece and is dated to around 1930 where the design of these eagles were still in its infancy. Maker marked J. Kaiser and Co., Uckermunde. The other side of the wing is stamped with the letters "Alleinhersteller", meaning sole manufacturer. From author's own collection.

Classic Gold Gilt Nürnberg Desk Eagle

One of the most magnificent pieces from this collection, this gold-gilt Nürnberg desk eagle was probably a more expensive variant made available for high-level political leaders and VIPs. The details are outstanding and the gold finish is intact even after nearly 70 years. The eagle is mounted on a low-base made of cream coloured marble and with a felt backing on the underside. The reverse shows the RZM marking of M3/100, being identical to the trophy eagle described in one of the earlier posts. This variant in gold-gilt with a crisp maker stamp and in a good condition is extremely hard to find. From author's own collection.

Nürnberg Desk Eagle Swept-Wing Variant II

This beautiful desk eagle shows a spread-out / swept wing style that was described in an early post. It is beautifully crafted and weighs very heavy. The key difference to the previous one is that this desk piece has its eagle soldered on a metal base and with a matt-black semi-lustre finish. Exceptionally craftsmanship. The base shows an engraved dedication made in 1938. There are no maker marks on this piece, although some examples of this particular variant came from the HB foundry. From author's own collection.

High-Relief Polizei Disc

This disc, embossed with a police eagle came with a group of other polizei-related artefacts. The Aluminium disc was made using the stamping process that enabled high relief details to be captured. Its purpose is unknown, but we can speculate that it was possibly used for a memento or attached onto a commemorative plaque. The below right-hand corner shows HB, representing the maker H.H. van Beusekom (Gladbeck) who also made the numerous Nuremberg-styled eagles and other artefacts for the Reich. From author's own collection.

Schellbaum Finial

This eagle was very likely used as a finial for a Schellbaum / Glockenspiel. The highly stylized eagle shows excellent detail with a bright silver finish. It was used by both the SS and the SA. It is believed that this was the first pattern finial, followed by a second type that faces the right and has GES GESCH markings. From author's own collection.

Trolley Car or Bus Eagle with ''V" Maker Mark

The eagle is very similar to a Railway eagle but in a smaller size with a shorter wingspan. The piece is cast of aluminum and depicts the Reich eagle with wreath and swastika. The background of the swastika has been painted red at some time in the past, although whether pre or post 1945 is unknown. The only marking on the piece is a "V" behind each wing. There are tapped holes in lugs on the reverse of each wing, one in the reverse of the eagle's body, and one behind the swastika. The details are splendid with clean, crisp edges that make up a geometric style of this eagle design. There is no damage to the eagle and it retains its original aluminum finish. These eagles are now sought after due to its size that allows it to be displayed and complement with other artefacts. Apart from the V maker, the other more commonly encountered foundry mark is WCP. From author's own collection.

Early Wall Eagle

This early wall eagle, sometimes known as a Hoheitsadler, has a wingspan of 35cm from tip to tip. It has a semi-hollow design, mast of cast brass and shows oxidation. Almost all of these early wall eagles are unmarked. They are often very well detailed on the front and do not have casting marks on the reverse. They are very heavy and sometimes have a wire bent in the form of an inverted "U" for it to be hung onto the wall. From author's own collection.

Deutschland Erwache-stylised Desk Eagle

This desk piece shows a political NSDAP or possibly SA related artefact, standing 9 5/8" high. It comprises of a high quality cast brass eagle and wreath, and riveted inside the wreath is a nickle plated mobile swastika. The hollow base is 5 1/2" square and is nicely constructed of wood and white marble. The eagle with the style of the Deutschland Erwache Standarte Finial would suggest that the design was inspired from the early style of Napoleonic / Imperial eagle designs. From author's own collection.