EVA BRAUN CALLING CARD CASE

EVA BRAUN CALLING CARD CASE
Ornate enameled calling card case once owned and used by Eva Braun (1912-1945), girlfriend and ultimately wife of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler who would commit suicide with him as Russian forces closed in on the Fuhrerbunker on April 30, 1945. The sterling silver case measures 3.5 x 2.5 x .5 in. The exterior bears finely detailed filigree work along with two seated dogs on either side of Braun's engraved 'E B' initials. The reverse bears the same design, the dogs this time flanking the engraved date: '6 II 37', indicating that this piece was given to Braun on her 25th birthday, about two years after meeting Hitler. All of the engraving is absolutely of period style and handiwork. The silver work is surrounded by a beautiful blue enamel backing with the edges and sides also bearing fine silversmith work and enamel details. The interior of the case is gilt-washed and it remains completely intact. A most attractive piece. Our consignor, a 40+ year dealer/collector, purchased this item and other personal possessions belonging to Braun approximately thirty years ago from ex-O.S.S. agent Eugene Frankenfeld. This lot is sold with a copy of a letter of provenance from Frankenfeld, describing his confiscation of luggage deposited by Braun and her family from a hotel in a small town outside of Salzburg, while Frankenfeld was the Commanding Intelligence Officer for District Greater Salzburg in May of 1945.