Nazi commander's signed copy of Hitler's 'Mein Kampf' to be auctioned in Northamptonshire

Hemann Goerings’ personal silver-bound, presentation copy of Adolf Hitlers’ ‘Mein Kampf’ is to be offered for sale at Humbert & Ellis Auctioneers Ltd on September 6.

The copy, dated 1939, and measuring 24cm x 17cm, is fully covered in heavy 800 grade silver and bears an eagle and swastika in relief to the front, with the clasp having Goering’s family crest upon.

It was believed to have been personally presented to Goering by Hitler in the occasion of Goering’s appointment to Chairman of the Reich Defence Council in 1939.

"The book is in first class condition and is certainly something of recent military, historic and social interest given the two infamous individuals concerned with this very item," said auctioneer Jonathan Humbert.

"Goering was known for his personal excesses and a silver-bound copy of his boss’s own book would have certainly been amongst his prize possessions, particularly having been gifted to him by Hitler himself."

The book - which was once given free to marrying couples in Nazi Germany - was written by Adolf Hitler and outlines his political ideas as well as the process by which he became antisemitic.

However, a University of Northampton doctor who specialises in the history of the Holocaust says the sale of the book raises "some interesting ethical questions.

Dr Paul Jackson said: "There is a market for this sort of thing, but I think it's a bit ghoulish.

"There is some historical value and interest in it to a degree, and I suppose it could be used to a humanitarian end by being placed in a museum.

"But ethically, I think there's a strong debate whether buying Nazi memorabilia for a private collection ought to be done. But then, clearly it's listed value proves there is a market of collectors."

The rare copy has been consigned to the auction house by a private vendor who has collected Goering items for over sixty years but has decided to sell now due to failing health. It has never been offered for sale before.

The Hermann Goering ‘Mein Kampf’ (Lot 55) is estimated at £3,000 - £4,000 and will go under the hammer on September 6.