WWII German Albert Speer Personal Monogram "AS" Spoon - GOWE (Wellner) german

Title:

WWII German Albert Speer Personal Monogram "AS" Spoon - GOWE (Wellner) German

Description:

Up for auction is a historically significant piece of World War II-era German flatware: a silver-plated spoon bearing the personal monogram of Albert Speer, Hitler's chief architect and Minister for Armaments and War Production.

This is a rare opportunity to own a documented personal item of one of the most prominent figures of the Third Reich.

Item Details:

• Personal Monogram: The handle is engraved with the distinctive intertwined "AS" monogram, which has been historically verified as the personal emblem designed and used by Albert Speer on his tableware and other belongings.

• Manufacturer: The back of the spoon is clearly hallmarked "GOWE" and "ALPACA". "GOWE" stands for Gottlieb Wellner, who founded his own cutlery factory in Aue, Germany. Gottlieb was the brother of the more famous August Wellner, whose firm (August Wellner & Söhne) was a primary silver supplier to the Nazi regime. This piece therefore has a direct connection to the renowned Wellner silversmith family.

• Material: The "ALPACA" mark indicates the spoon is made from high-quality nickel silver (a copper, nickel, and zinc alloy) and was then silver-plated, a common practice for durable, high-end tableware of the period.

• Historical Context: The GOWE brand, like the main Wellner company, is known to have produced items for official german Party organizations. Evidence shows GOWE-marked tableware was used at the guesthouse for the Nuremberg Party Rallies. This context makes it entirely consistent that a high-ranking official like Speer would possess items from this manufacturer.

• Additional Markings: The spoon also bears a small "BM" stamp. As the primary maker's mark is confirmed as GOWE, this is a secondary mark, likely indicating the specific pattern, a retailer, or another factory-related detail.

This spoon is a genuine artifact of the era, linking directly to Albert Speer through its unique monogram and to the broader history of the Third Reich through its manufacturer. It would make a significant addition to any collection of historical memorabilia. Please see photos for details and condition.