$1,495.00
Condition: Excellent
In stock
Product Description: A finely cast and well-preserved Hitler Bust Desk Ornament, executed with attention to detail and characteristic period styling. The bust measures approximately 7 inches in height and 5 inches across the shoulders, presenting a compact yet impactful display form.
The reverse bears the mark “Schmidt–Hofer,” indicating its manufacture and adding to its contextual interest. A small aperture at the base of the support suggests the piece was originally affixed to a stand, plinth, or larger decorative object, prior to its current presentation as a desk ornament.
The surface displays a pleasing, even patina, with light oxidation and more pronounced wear visible at the nose and around the tie, consistent with age and handling. Overall, the Hitler Bust Desk Ornament remains in excellent condition, offering a well-preserved example of period workmanship and material character.
Historical Description: During the Second World War, German desk ornaments and small statues often reflected a blend of craftsmanship, propaganda, and personal sentiment. Produced both officially and informally, these items ranged from finely cast metal figures of soldiers, aircraft, and artillery to more improvised pieces fashioned in the field. Many were intended as commemorative objects, marking unit service, campaigns, or seasonal observances such as Kriegsweihnachten (war Christmas). Officially sanctioned examples sometimes incorporated national symbols and idealized imagery aligned with the aesthetics of the period, while privately acquired or commissioned pieces were more varied, serving as souvenirs or tokens of identity for soldiers and officers alike.
Alongside these were “trench art” style objects, created from spent or repurposed munitions and battlefield materials. Shell casings, bullet components, and scrap metal were transformed into miniature sculptures, desk pieces, or decorative items, often engraved with unit designations, dates, or locations. These objects conveyed a more personal dimension of wartime experience, reflecting ingenuity under constraint and the desire to create meaning or preserve memory amid conflict. Today, such desk ornaments and statues are valued as historical artifacts that offer insight into both the formal culture and individual expression within the German military during WWII.
We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.
Epic Artifacts offers free evaluations and the highest prices available for your collectibles.
We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates.
Click the link here to learn more: Free Evaluation or Inquiries
or feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com
