Third Reich "Yule Lantern" w/ Original Presentation Certificates
Just in time for Christmas! "Yule lantern" was the term for a type of lantern used in the "Julfest" during the German Third Reich. Heinrich Himmler, commander of the SS, who placed great interest in Ariosophy, gave the SS Julleuchter as a presentation piece for SS soldiers to celebrate the winter solstice, from approximately 1936 until 1944. Heinrich Himmler originally had the intention to make the Julleuchter a standard gift to all SS members and there were no criteria attached to its presentation. For reasons which are not entirely clear, by the start of World War II, the Julleuchter had begun to be viewed as an SS decoration, and was entered as such in SS service records once the Julleuchter had been presented. However, as the SS-Julleuchter was considered "non-portable" (much like the Luftwaffe Honor Goblet), there was no outward display on an SS uniform indicating its presentation. This one is in excellent condition and remains damage free. I say that and it's been used with the remain of wax on it. There are no cracks or chips!


Also present are 2 x original Yuel cards made by the firm of Himmlers photographer, Friedrich Franz Bauer, featuring a red stamp on the reverse of both, with the typical Himmler signature stamp on the obverse; one in purple and one in black.


Very rare to find such a set in mint condition with the original presentation certificates. Attached to this lot are photos of workers at the SS Allach Porcelain factory making the Yule candle holders under the supervision of Himmler and other top SS brass.

This lot comes complete with a certificate of authenticity from Whispers from the past Militaria and originates from the estate of world-renowned WW2 subject matter expert, historian and Vietnam war hero, Donald Boyle