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Militaria, Third Reich, Political Auction
Lot 94:
Iron Candelabra Set for ‘Oberkommando des Heeres’, Infantry Regiment 314 Wachbatallion Oberkommando des Heeres. This is a most unusual item that has ties to the Upper Command of the Army the Oberkommando des Heeres abbreviated to “OKH.” Founded in 1935, it was part of Hitler’s rearmament of Germany. It was the most important unit within German war planning until the defeat at Moscow in December 1941. Its responsibility was strategic planning of Armies and army groups. The OKH commander held the title of Commander in Chief of the Army. After the Battle of Moscow, the OKH commander Field Marshal Walther von Brauchitsch, was removed from office because of failing health, and Hitler appointed himself as Commander in Chief of the Army. Hitler would create the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht, which subordinated OKH to OKW. OKH was then limited to the Russian Front while OKW had direct authority over army units elsewhere. On April 28, 1945, two days before his suicide, Hitler subordinated OKH to OKW giving the latter command of forces on the Eastern Front. The candelabra is 17 x 17 inches, while the candlesticks are 10 x 6 inches. Everything is in excellent condition despite the fire damage, but it should be as the set was made to last being constructed of heavy iron.
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