Lot 157
Rommel, Erwin (1891-1944) German Field Marshall, nicknamed "Desert Fox" for his victories as leader of the Afrika Korps. Following his defeat at El-Alamein, Rommel was placed in charge of the defense of the French coast. After the failure of the Stauffenberg plot to assassinate Hitler (July 20, 1944), Hitler discovered (while torturing participants in the plot) that Rommel was aware of the attempt on his life. To save face for Hitler, who did not want the German people to know that his most popular general was against him, Rommel was given a choice of swallowing a cyanide pill (and the German people would be told that he had died of wounds received on July 17th when his jeep was strafed by Allied planes) or being tried for high treason. Not wanting his family and staff to suffer, Rommel chose to commit suicide. He had been against killing Hitler, not wanting to make him a martyr, but thought a separate peace should be made with the Allies and Hitler put on trial.
Document signed ("Rommel") as General of Panzer Troops and Commander of Panzer Group Africa, 19, 11 x 8¼", Gef. St. (North Africa), Nov. 20, 1941. Listing Alois Buchner to be awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. Large bold signature in pencil. Accompanied by a color photo of Rommel.
Estimated Value $400 - 600.
The Arden Family Holdings of Beverly Hills.
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| Realized $660 |
