An auction house in Stroud has abruptly cancelled a planned sale featuring Nazi memorabilia after widespread public backlash. The ‘Medals and Militaria’ auction, scheduled for February 11 at Harper Field Auctioneers, included nearly 90 lots connected to Nazi Germany, such as medals, armbands, and even a letter signed by Adolf Hitler.
Among the items were seven NSDAP (Nazi Party) pin badges emblazoned with the Swastika and Waffen SS symbols, Hitler Youth pin badges, Nazi Party armbands, a framed Hitler Youth induction certificate, and a personally hand-signed thank-you note from Hitler. These were listed alongside military memorabilia from various countries including Great Britain, Belgium, Italy, and France.
Local residents of Stroud, deeply concerned by the sale, organized a campaign against the auction. Over 100 people signed an open letter condemning the sale of Nazi items, describing it as “an assault on the memory” of the millions murdered during the Holocaust, including Jews, Slavic people, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled persons, and other persecuted groups.
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The letter urged Harper Field Auctioneers to reconsider the inclusion of Nazi and SS paraphernalia in the auction, questioning the company’s policies on prohibited and restricted items. Despite initial refusals and offers to meet concerned residents without withdrawing the items, the auction house ultimately cancelled the sale late on February 10.
One local, Adam Horovitz, expressed his dismay: “The auctioning off of bitter memories for profit is never a pleasant prospect. To do so amid rising hatred of minorities is deeply troubling. This risks placing grotesque symbols in the hands of those who would use them ill-intentioned, including fascists.”
Harper Field Auctioneers has acknowledged the cancellation, describing the matter as “closed.” The successful campaign reflects the community’s commitment to rejecting the normalization of hateful symbols and respecting the legacy of those who suffered under the Nazi regime.