Baton Once Owned by Nazi Field Marshal Albert Kesselring Auctioned in US for Over $700K

An ornate baton, belonging to a Nazi field marshal, Albert Kesselring of Nazi Germany's Luftwaffe, was auctioned off for $731,600 in Towson, MD, Saturday. It should be noted that the baton brought in far more than the owner had expected, according to the Baltimore Sun.

The 19-inch ceremonial baton had been listed with an estimated value of between $10,000 and $15,000 by Alex Cooper before the auction. The baton was wrapped in bright blue velvet and adorned with white and yellow gold and enamel insignias and crosses.

P. Raab Christhilf of Alex Cooper said the baton drew international attention and both online and in-person bids. He declined to name the owner who had consigned the baton for auction, but a description of the item's provenance appeared on Alex Cooper's website. Source: Baltimore Sun

I wish the person who won the bid would come forward. I would love to know what the rationale is for wanting to own something of this nature.

To see a picture of the baton, CLICK HERE.