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The 'Aryan' Hitler sculpture causing a furore over sale
Evening Standard16.05.08
For sale - neo-classical sculpture, one careful owner, Adolf Hitler. Collapse of Third Reich forces sale.
The Sandal Binder, by the early 20th century German artist Fritz Roll, is being sold by art dealer Simon Wingett and is due to appear at the International Art and Antiques Fair at Olympia next month.
The 4ft 9in marble figure was created just before the First World War and bought by Hitler in 1939 after being exhibited in Munich.
Mr Wingett said: "Hitler bought it on the artist's 60th birthday. He did buy things - he didn't just nick everything." He added: "The figure is slightly Aryan - it is the German race looking at the perfect athlete."
He said he did not know what happened to the piece after it was bought by the F¸hrer but it was never officially reported stolen, so it was now on the market legitimately.
He said: "It went to auction in this country recently, when it was withdrawn from sale because of its past. It was then sold privately."
Mr Wingett, who has shares in the piece with two other dealers, is said to be asking £150,000 but admitted there was no paperwork proving the sculpture was owned by Hitler.
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