Out of the numerous books and articles on the Third Reich, few
address its material culture, and fewer still discuss the
phenomenon of Nazi memorabilia. This is all the more surprising
given that Nazi symbols, so central to sustaining Hitler's
movement, continue to live long after the collapse of his 12-year
Reich. Neither did Nazi ideology die; far-right populists would
like to see the swastika flown over the White House or Buckingham
Palace. Against a backdrop of right-wing extremism, military
re-enactors think nothing of dressing up in Waffen-SS uniforms and
romanticising the Third Reich in the name of living history.
Auctioneers are prepared to hammer down Nazi artefacts to the
highest bidder, but who is buying them, and why do they do so?
Should collectors be allowed to decorate their homes with Nazi
flags? The Anarchy of Nazi Memorabilia begins by examining the
creation and context of Nazi artefacts and symbols during the
volatile Weimar Republic to their wider distribution during the
Third Reich. There were few people in Nazi Germany who did not wear
a badge or uniform of some sort. Whether it be mothers, soldiers or
concentration camp inmates, they were all branded. The chapter on
the Second World War demonstrates that although German soldiers
were cynical about being given medals in exchange for freezing in
Russia. They still continued to fight, for which more decorations
were awarded. A large proportion of this book is therefore given to
the meaning that Nazi symbols had before Nazi Germany was
eventually defeated in May 1945. Equally important, however, and
one of the characteristics of this book, is the analysis of the
meaning and value of Nazi material culture over time. The
interpreters of Nazi symbols that this book focuses on are
internationally based private collectors and traders. Sustained
attention is given in a chapter outlining the development of the
collectors' market for Nazi memorabilia from 1945 onwards. No
matter how much collectors go out of their way to paint the hobby
in a positive light, their activities do not fully escape the
troubled past of the material that they desire. So contested are
Nazi symbols that another chapter is devoted to the ethics and
morals of destroying or preserving them. The issues surrounding
private versus public custody and ownership of Nazi artefacts are
also discussed. So far, in this book, the examination of Nazi
artefacts has been restricted to physical objects within societies
that are generally aware of the consequences of Hitlerism. As we
increasingly move into the digital age, however, and there are few
survivors of the Second World War left to relay their horrific
experiences, the final chapter contemplates the future of Nazi
symbols both digitally and physically, fake or real. This book will
appeal to all those interested in the Third Reich, Nazi ideology,
Neo-Nazism, perceptions of the Nazis post-1945, modern European
history and political symbolism. It will also hold particular
appeal to those interested in the collecting and trading of
contested and highly emotive artefacts. It considers aesthetics,
authenticity, commodification, gift exchange, life histories of
people and objects, materiality and value theory.
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