RUDOLF HESS'' PRESENTATION "COBURG" TRAY FROM CARL EDUARD, DUKE OF SAXE-COBURG

RUDOLF HESS'' PRESENTATION "COBURG" TRAY FROM CARL EDUARD, DUKE OF SAXE-COBURG

An important association item, a sterling silver and wood tray presented by the prominent and powerful Bavarian duke Carl Eduard to Deputy Fuhrer and Minister RUDOLF HESS (1894-1987). The finished oak tray bears sterling silver inlaid panels at both ends. One of the panels bears a finely detailed national eagle with swastika in high relief, flanked by Hess' initials. Beside it is engraved: "DEM KAMERADEN RUDOLF HESS COBURG, DEN 19. JULI 1929" Eduard's signature also appears in facsimile, he likely having presented this gift to Hess personally. The tray measures 18.75 x 9.75 overall, the interior of the tray inset about .25 in. Carl Eduard, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1884-1954), was the last ruling Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, president of the German Red Cross and leader of the SA and NSFK. He would meet with Hess and Hitler as well dozens of times before the end of the war. Hess himself would be named Hitler's personal adjutant the following day.