Adolf Hitler's Globe Purchased

The globe that belonged to Adolf Hitler sold at auction for $100,000. It was more than five times the expected amount. Bob Pritikin was the winner of this extraordinary piece of history; Pritikin is a Jewish entrepreneur from San Francisco. Before the biding began, experts estimated that the globe would only sell for about $15,000 or $20,000 but Pritikin's winning bid of $100,000 caused the globe to sell for five times the estimated amount.

The seller is John Barsamian. As an American soldier during WWII, he found the globe amidst the ruins of Hitler's Eagle's Nest retreat in the Bavarian Alps in May of 1945. Barsamian is now 91 and a resident of Oakland, CA. As they watched the bidding at Greg Martin Auctions on Tuesday November 13, 2007, Barsamian's son Barry explained that his reason for selling the globe was because in selling it while still alive, he'd have the ability to personally share the story behind this artifact.

Other globes and artifacts that were presumed to have been personally owned by Hitler over the years have been extensively researched in order to prove authentication. However, the origin of this particular globe has never been in question. [Barsamian] had all the military paperwork that allowed him to bring it back to the United States, including a certificate that reads "1 Global Map, German, Hitler's Eagle Nest."

Barsamian, when stationed in Berchtesgaden, Germany, had the opportunity, along with other soldiers, to search the Eagle Nest after the armistice was declared. Barsamian, after asking permission from his commanding officer, took the globe from Hitler's Eagle Nest when he was 28 years old; just days after Germany surrendered in May of 1945.

Der Spiegel stated that the globe has been wrapped up in Barsamian's basement for the past 60 years and was only brought out for the auction. [Pritikin] told reporters that he had "mixed feelings" about his purchase, but regarded it as "one of those things that must be treated as a part of history." When Barsamian was questioned about what he was going to do with the proceeds from the sale, he told reporters that he was going to use the money to pay for bills and donate to charity as well.

Sources:

1. Associated Press. "Adolf Hitler's Globe Sells for $100,000". AZCentral.com

2. Last Baron. "Hitler's Globe Nets $100 Grand at Auction". Topix.