Shot Glasses from Hitler's Berghof

[Colorado]

OK, that's wishful thinking on my part, but they came from Berchtesgaden immediately after the war. I got these shot glasses and the piece of Italian marble from the son of a Vet. His father was assigned to Berchtesgaden at the close of the war and did occupation duty. I have seen some photos from the area showing him and the also the Berghof. The son is keeping his photos and some minor badges for now, but sold these shot glasses, the piece of marble and a lighter I posted in the Equipment Forum.

The shot glasses are silver and the inside is gold plated it appears. The silver is very tarnished and the gold of course is still gold. There is a proof mark.

The marble is marked "Salzach Ofen". If anyone has been to Kelsteinhaus (eagle's nest) you would instantly think he was one of the people that chipped off the marble from Hitler's fireplace. I don't think this is it, looks closer to a paper weight.

Anybody have any thoughts on this?

[Colorado]

marble script

[Colorado]

Silver stamps

[hcliffe]

Wow Jeff, awesome pieces. What does the writing on the marble say? Also, any writing on the bottom of the glasses?

[Colorado]

Hi Harry - That is the writing "Salzach Ofen". "Baked Salt? Oh my gosh!" I am sure it has a specific meaning that does not translate directly.

Don't buy the story, but the son claims his father took these from one of the houses in Obersalzburg. Tough to tell unless there is some direct linkage to the shot glasses and the maker/proof mark.

Nazi party ware, not withstanding, as antiques the glasses are real quality.

[Colorado]

Thanks to a WAC member (thanks Paul!) we know that Salzach Ofen means Salzach (company name) and fireplace. This is the manufacturers "maker mark logo" that craftsman would cement in on a fireplace like any other manufactured goods.

Does anyone know if a Salzach Company made a fireplace for Hitler? It's a stretch I know. Like I said, the son claims Dad got this out of Hitler's house.

[nilles]

Salzach Ofen

Hi Jeff,
I just checked the website and the Salzach is also the name of a river close to Berchtesgarden. Salzburg is located on the Salzach river.
The web also showed that the Salzach-Inn is a large industrial region.

Didn't find any direct link between the Berghof and the oven on the web,
but one "Kachelofen"manufacturer on the Salzach.

Maybe another member has more information.

Brgds

Paul

[Colorado]

Thanks again Paul. Great research! That does lend support to the son's story that it came from Hitler's house. At least it gets it close. Chances are, that the Company no longer is in operation.

[Matt Starr]

Perhaps Geoff Walden will know??
Matt

[Colorado]

Thanks Matt, I sent him a PM.

[LanierH]

This pic was taken one week ago at the Kelstein house.Your marble piece does not match it and very little is broken off of this Italian marble.There are names inscribed all over it and I wish I could have had the time to study it more.Your piece could be of the Berghof.Good luck in your quest.............

[Colorado]

Thanks Lanier - I looked that up too. I found 2 other fireplace photos from the Berghof. One is an old Bavarian kitchen type and then the main fireplace. The kitchen one is tile and it was too hard to tell on the main fireplace.

The thing is that Goring's house overlooked the Berghof and so did Bormann's and it is possible it came from their houses.

Like I said, I am 100% sure the father was there right after the city was occupied and have no reason to doubt he took these from somebody's house, but was it Hitler's? That's the real question.

I will look at the silver marks and see if I can trace them too.