Germany. The Estate Of Woodworker Strecker With Prototype Requests By The Führer And H. Himmler, With Accompanying Documents

This is an extensive collection acquired directly from the Strecker family, consisting of a series  of letters between Hans Strecker, a talented woodworker, as well as the Führer and Heinrich Himmler, including a prototype, and other medals and awards. Namely, this collection consists of

1) A certificate of ownership that is undated and written on a billing form of Strecker’s workshop. Hans Strecker states that he is in possession of the following things: a wooden plate with letter exchange, created by him for Reichsführer-SS Himmler; a small wall plate with 1934 NSDAP Rally Badge; a drawing by A.H. of a lamp, which Strecker then designed for A.H.’s Berghof residence; personal documents from before, during, and after the Third Reich. Strecker signed the certificate in black ink. The aforementioned drawing of a lamp by A.H. It was drawn on the reverse of a certificate from the Reich Chamber of Arts, stating that master woodworker Strecker from Munich is a regular member of the Reich Chamber of Arts, trade group for artisan craftworks. It is dated to February 21, 1936. The certificate of ownership measures 148 mm x 210 mm. The drawing by A.H. measures 209 mm x 199mm.

2) A letter exchange with Himmler that consists of three letters. The first was sent by Himmler to Strecker on May 13, 1942. Himmler writes that due to Strecker’s good reputation within the NSDAP, he would like him to create a sample piece of a wooden plate which Himmler himself designed. These plates are supposed to be given out as gifts during several events revering Germanic heritage. The plate is supposed to show a swastika in the middle, and around the rim have the words “the brave and strong one overcomes adversity”. Himmler signed the letter in blue ink: “Ihr sehr ergebener H. Himmler” (humbly, H. Himmler). The second letter was sent as a reply by Strecker. It accompanied the sample piece that Strecker had made. He says that if Himmler would like to discuss potential alterations, Strecker suggests to meet in person. The third letter was sent by Himmler on June 3, 1942. He states that he is not entirely happy with the sample piece made by Strecker. It is close to what he had envisioned, but needs to be more elaborate, and the swastika needs to be more prominent and less flat. Himmler is sending back the first sample piece and asks for the creation of a second one, which he advises Strecker to bring him personally. Himmler signed the letter in black ink. The prototype of the plate is constructed of lightweight wood, with a large sunwheel swastika in the center of the plate, circumscribed “DER TAPFERE UND STARKE MEISTERT DIE NOT” (German - The brave and strong masters distress). The documents measure 209 mm x 297 mm. The plate measures 288 mm in diameter.

3) A Wehrpaß of the second type. It is dated to Munich on December 15, 1943. Strecker was mustered and found fit for at least work service, category Landsturm II (the lowest level of army proficiency), but was evidently never drafted. It measures 106 mm x 147mm.

4) A travel passport dated to September 29, 1936. It shows several stamps which indicate journeys to Austria. It measures 110 mm x 163mm.

5) A Chamber of Crafts ID card stating that Strecker has been registered as the owner of his own woodwork business since January 15, 1930, and is eligible to call himself a master craftsman of the woodworking profession. The card is dated to September 11, 1935. It measures 103 mm x 152 mm. It is accompanied by a cased 1939 Craftsmanship Competition Award, constructed of blackened metal (magnetic), depicting a DAF cogwheel and a hammer, circumscribed “HANDWERKERWETTKAMPF - FÜR HERRVORAGENDE LEISTUNGEN” (German - Craftsmanship Competition - For Excellent Performance). It has a hook on the reverse, allowing it to be hanged, and measures 137 mm (w) x 146 mm (h). The case measures 175 mm (w) x 185 mm (h).

6) A Reich League for Physical Exercise ID card issued to Strecker’s son, also named Hans, born on March 21, 1918. It is dated to March 19, 1938 and states that Hans has been a member of the swim club München 1899. It measures 109 mm x 149 mm. It is accompanied by A) A 1938 SA-Group Competition Event Badge of the Group Hochland; constructed of silvered aluminum; vertical pinback; marked “RZM M9/3” as well as “Lauer Nürnberg”; measuring 40.87 mm (w) x 51.77 mm (h). B) A  A 1938 SA-Group Competition First Place Badge of the Group Hochland; constructed of gilded zink; marked “RZM M9/3” as well as “Lauer Nürnberg”; measuring 41.10 mm (w) x 51.77 mm (h). C) A 1938 Swim Competition of the SA Standarte 119 Second Place Medal; constructed of blackened bronze; measuring 52.36 mm in diameter; with its case of issue, measuring 73 mm (w) x 73 mm (h).

7) A DLRG (Life Saving Society) ID card, issued to Strecker’s son, stating that he passed the basic test on July 10, 1935. It measures 90 mm x 134mm.

8) A trade certificate stating that Strecker registered a woodworking business on September 22, 1917. It is dated to Munich on June 24, 1920. It measures 210 mm x 166 mm.

9) A set of business cards. Of the business cards, two are identical and show carver’s mallets. The other three were produced on occasion of a crafts fair in Leipzig and advertise Strecker’s wooden cases and match boxes. They measure 155 mm x 105mm to 136 mm x 89mm.

10) Stamps to obtain saw wood and glue, issued either by the Reich Authority for Forests and Wood or by the Reich Authority for Chemicals. Most or undated, a few are dated to 1945. It measures 75 mm x 105mm.

11) A photo showing a number of civilians with guns, marching. A note states that these men belong to a citizen’s militia, the one of the 26th district. It is dated to January 1920. It measures 137 mm x 88 mm.

12) Three purchasing stamps for a saw wood, issued by the Bavarian Authority for the Timber Industry and are dated to 1947.

Footnote: Hans Georg Strecker was born on October 27, 1890 in Munich. He had at least one son, also named Hans, born in 1918. This son was a member of the HJ and the SA. Strecker took over his father’s woodworking business, which was established in 1890. His father’s name was Hans as well. Strecker served in a reserve battalion during the First War, between 1916 and 1917. It is possible that he was wounded during his service, since a note from 1936 states that he was blind in his left eye. Strecker moved to Tegernsee (south of Munich) in late 1944. He died sometime after 1975.