1 July 1938 - Heinrich Himmler lays a wreath on the tomb of medieval Saxon king, Henry "the Fowler", of whom he seems to have considered himself a reincarnation. at Quedlinburg.  Over Himmler's right shoulder is his Adjutant-General, Karl Wolff; over his left (one back) Reinhard Heidrich.  Clearly, for top SS officers, the ability to keep a straight face was important ... Best regards, JR.

Naziism - from the Wierd Side.

Hitler and Himmler seem delighted by this collection of military figurines based on the period of Frederick the Great of Prussia, manufactured by the Allach firm, suppliers of fine porcelein and fine applied art products to ... er ... the SS.  To the right in the 'photo is Hermann Fegelein, trying hard to look interested (but not entirely succeeding).  This must be from the period following Fegelein's appointment as Himmler's personal representative to the Fuher's headquarters (in succession to Karl Wolff).  Fegelein is wearing the Iron Cross First Class and Infantry Assault Badge; ribbon of the Eastern Front Medal; Close Combat Clasp in Silver; German Cross in Gold; and Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oakleaves.  Best regards, JR.

Connoiseurs.

Those interested in Adolf Hitler's psychological makeup have often referred to him as a "mummy's boy".  Well, here is Mummy - Klara Hitler, mother of the Fuhrer.  An attractive woman, notwithstanding that the family resemblance to her (in)famous son is obvious.  Klara died of breast cancer while Hitler was a very young man.  During her protracted illness - borne, apparently, with great courage and resolution - Adolf attended her devotedly.  Another devoted supporter of Klara and her family at this time was the family doctor - who was Jewish.  This was a fact of which the young Adolf could not have been unaware.  Many years later, following the Anschluss, when Jewish practitioners were excluded from medical practice in Austria, Hitler facilitated the emigration of the now-elderly doctor from the Reich.  This may have provoked Himmler's sour comment to the effect that "everybody has his favourite Jew".  Best regards, JR.