Keys to Fuhrer's toilet that were taken from his desk by British airman go on sale
20/05/2021 | Matthew Tredwen
A key thought to have once unlocked Adolf Hitler's personal toilet in the Reich Chancellery is up for sale.
It was reportedly taken from a drawer in his desk by a British airman after Berlin was liberated in 1945.
Flt Lt A A Williams wrote a letter of provenance to go with it.
It was bought by a private collector ten years ago and is expected to fetch £300 on May 26.
Matthew Tredwen, of C&T Auctions in Ashford, Kent, said: '[It] is engraved 'Herren' which means 'men' so it seems likely it was for a male-only area. Hitler would have had his own private toilet and changing facilities so it's possible this was for that purpose.'
In his letter, Flt Lt Williams wrote: 'Reichskanzlei Toilet keys metal tab taken by me from a drawer of Adolf Hitler's own desk. A.a. Williams Flight-Lieut R.A.F July 1945.'
The key was acquired from him by the late Reg Palmer, who owned a small museum near Charing Cross in London in the 1980s and '90s.
A private collector bought it from his deceased estate ten years ago and is now selling it with C&T Auctions, of Ashford, Kent.
Mr Tredwen added: 'It comes with a note from Flt Lt Williams who says it was taken from a drawer in Hitler's own desk.
'The first soldiers to enter the Reich Chancellery would have found items scattered everywhere which they took home as souvenirs.'
The key is expected to sell for £300 when the auction takes place on May 26.