Lot 365

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Description:

[Rafael Trujillo] TLS Selling Hilter's War Yacht to Another Dictator!

1p typed, measuring 8.5" x 11", Panama, dated September 7, 1950. Signed by publisher Florencio E. Mendendez as "F.E. Menendez" and addressed to President Rafael Trujillo. In Spanish, typed on "Servicio Continental de Publicaciones" stationery. Menendez notifies Trujillo about the sale of Adolf Hitler's yacht and sends him photographs in the event he wishes to purchase it. Reads in part (translated):

"…As I know of your tastes and refinements…I am writing to offer you for sale the most luxurious and interesting yacht that crosses the seas in this century. The attached photographs are a bird's eye view of the interesting yacht and another three of interior views of the same. This yacht was owned by Adolf Hitler and it was the one he had for his private use…If you might be interested, this yacht could go to Ciudad Trujillo to be inspected by you and sail on it so that you can see its benefits at no cost to you…They want one million two hundred thousand dollars for this yacht…" The letter has several large marginal tears and areas of chipping. Some paper loss at the edges, but this does not affect the text. Flattened mail folds and soiling at the top edge. Lightly toned throughout. Boldly signed in green ink.

The Aviso Grille was built in the mid-1930s and used as a state yacht by Adolf Hitler and other prominent members of the Nazi party. After the war, the ship was disarmed by the British and put up for sale. Trujillo did not buy the vessel, and it was purchased by Lebanese businessman George Arida. However, after Arida realized the costly maintenance the ship would require, he brought the Grille to New York where he hoped to resell her. He was unable to do so, and the ship was finally scrapped in 1951 in New Jersey.

Rafael Trujillo (1891-1961), nicknamed El Jefe, was a strongman dictator of the Dominican Republic from February 1930 until his assassination in May 1961. His thirty-one years in power mark one of the bloodiest periods in the Americas, with Trujillo and his regime being responsible for the deaths of between 12,000-35,000 Haitians in the Parsley massacre. He was killed on May 30, 1961 by conspirators sponsored by the CIA.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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May 26, 2021 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000