78. Auction

Hindenburg Memorial Tannenberg – Book and 24 Rare Original Photographs Before Its Destruction

Paper, half-linen binding, photographic prints. A historically significant ensemble relating to the Tannenberg National Memorial, later the burial site of Reich President Paul von Hindenburg. 1) Book “Hindenburg-Denkmal für das deutsche Volk” – The deluxe volume by Paul Lindenberg, published in 1929 by C.U. Weller Verlag, Berlin. Half-linen binding with an impressive portrait of Hindenburg on the cover. 2) 24 Original Photographs – A rare collection of 24 private original photographs documenting the Tannenberg Memorial before its destruction. The images show overall views of the monumental complex with its eight towers, interior courtyards, the crypt with Hindenburg’s sarcophagus, and the Wehrmacht honor guard. Good age-appropriate condition with only minor handling traces.

The Tannenberg Memorial in East Prussia was originally built to commemorate the Battle of Tannenberg (1914) and in 1934 was converted into the burial site of Paul von Hindenburg. The present photographs are rare historical records, as the monumental structure no longer exists. In January 1945, as the Red Army advanced, the memorial was blown up by German engineer troops on Hitler’s orders to prevent it from falling into Soviet hands. Beforehand, the coffins of Hindenburg and his wife were recovered and taken westward. These photographs thus preserve for posterity the original state of one of the most imposing yet now-lost monuments of German history.