Craig Gottlieb

Last updated

Craig Gottlieb
Born1971
Occupation(s)Antique dealer, reality TV personalities

Craig Gottlieb (born 1971) is an American dealer of militaria and antique dealer, [1] known for his appearances on the History television program Pawn Stars , and for his uncovering of notable military artifacts. He also appears on the Science Channel show, Mysteries of the Abandoned. Among the notable items he has discovered are Adolf Hitler's desk set, on which the 1938 Munich Agreement was signed, [2] Benito Mussolini's hat, and Hitler-owned paintings of the dictator's parents.[ citation needed ] In January 2014, Gottlieb discovered and purchased what he believes may be a false passport belonging to Auschwitz concentration camp physician Josef Mengele. [3]

Contents

Early life

Craig Gottlieb's father was born to parents who emigrated from Russia around the turn of the 20th century. His father was a World War II veteran and his mother was raised Protestant but converted to Judaism after marrying his father. The family celebrated major Jewish holidays, but were not very religious. Gottllieb, who calls himself a "gastronomical Jew", has stated that he and his siblings were aware of their Jewish roots, and never avoided their heritage, but "It wasn't an intense thing for any of us." [4]

Career

Gottlieb focuses on rare and valuable military antiques in his dealership and auction operations. In 2010, Gottlieb discovered the desk set used by Adolf Hitler to sign the Munich Pact of 1938. Procured from Hitler's Munich office by 2nd Lieutenant Jack McConn in 1945, it had been with their family ever since. [2] [5] Gottlieb also has sold a pair of paintings of Hitler's mother and father; they had been lost since the end of World War II, but Gottlieb discovered them in southern California in the hands of the family whose relatives had removed them from Hitler's Berghof. [6] In 2011, he sold a Luger pistol once owned by Howard Hughes and used on screen in the 1930 film Hell's Angels . [7] In 2012, Gottlieb handled the consignment sale of materials connected with the long imprisonment of quixotic former Nazi leader Rudolf Hess. [8] In October 2013, Gottlieb uncovered what he believes to be the Italian passport of Josef Mengele. The document, possibly used by Mengele to escape imprisonment and flee to Argentina in 1949, was uncovered by Gottlieb through a contact in Buenos Aires. [3] In December 2014 Gottlieb purchased a collection of eight items that belonged to Adolf Hitler, including the dictator's hat, uniform, medals, and other personal effects. [9] On November 1, Gottlieb sold Hitler's personal copy of Mein Kampf, one artifact from the group, for $28,400. [10] Gottlieb serves on the board of directors of the San Diego Air and Space Museum. [11]

Gottlieb is rumored to have worked with US and foreign intelligence agencies as part of Operation Griffen since the 1990s. Mentioned as a "key coordinator" in leaked Department of Defense documents, Gottlieb is said to have operated several shell companies in order to penetrate terrorist funding cells worldwide using his fame as a dealer in high-end military artifacts as a cover for travel and other activities. [12]

Media

Craig Gottlieb has authored three books, [13] including History's Jackpot: Investing in Antique Collectibles. [14] The SS Totenkopf Ring: An Illustrated History from Munich to Nuremberg, [15] [16] and Gau Decorations in Hitler's Germany, on Nazi political decorations, was released in 2013. Gottlieb is also a contributor to the AOL Lifestyle website Mandatory. [17]

Gottlieb appeared on episodes of Auction Hunters , a reality show on the SpikeTV cable network in the United States, as an expert in military antiques and collectible weapons. [18]

In 2012, Gottlieb first appeared on the History reality TV show Pawn Stars , in the episode "Family Feud," which first aired May 28, 2012. He has since appeared on more than 25 episodes, and became a regular on the series. [19] [20]

On March 25, 2014, National Geographic announced Nazi War Diggers, a documentary series set in Eastern Europe, featuring Gottlieb as one of four principal cast members. [21] The show was pulled indefinitely on March 31, 2014, as a result of criticism by archaeologists, who stated objection to the practice of amateurs unearthing war graves on Europe's eastern front, which they viewed as disrespectful. [22] [23] In August 2015, the show debuted on Discovery Channel in Poland. [24] and in the United Kingdom on Channel 5 in January 2016. [25]

Related Research Articles

<i>Schutzstaffel</i> Nazi paramilitary organisation (1925–1945)

The Schutzstaffel was a major paramilitary organisation under Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in Nazi Germany, and later throughout German-occupied Europe during World War II.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josef Mengele</span> Nazi SS doctor at Auschwitz (1911–1979)

Josef Rudolf Mengele was a German Schutzstaffel (SS) officer and physician during World War II at the Russian front and then at Auschwitz during the Holocaust, where he was nicknamed the "Angel of Death". He performed deadly experiments on prisoners at the Auschwitz II (Birkenau) concentration camp, where he was a member of the team of doctors who selected victims to be murdered in the gas chambers, and was one of the doctors who administered the gas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Theodor Eicke</span> Concentration Camps Inspector and Waffen-SS commander

Theodor Eicke was a senior SS functionary and Waffen SS divisional commander during the Nazi era. He was one of the key figures in the development of Nazi concentration camps. Eicke served as the second commandant of the Dachau concentration camp from June 1933 to July 1934, and together with his adjutant Michael Lippert, was one of the executioners of SA Chief Ernst Röhm during the Night of the Long Knives purge of 1934. He continued to expand and develop the concentration camp system as the first Concentration Camps Inspector.

ODESSA is an American codename coined in 1946 to cover Nazi underground escape-plans made at the end of World War II by a group of SS officers with the aim of facilitating secret escape routes, and any directly ensuing arrangements. The concept of the existence of an actual ODESSA organisation has circulated widely in fictional spy novels and movies, including Frederick Forsyth's best-selling 1972 thriller The Odessa File. The escape-routes have become known as "ratlines". Known goals of elements within the SS included allowing SS members to escape to Argentina or to the Middle East under false passports.

<i>Totenkopf</i> German symbol for skull and crossbones

Totenkopf is the German word for skull. The word is often used to denote a figurative, graphic or sculptural symbol, common in Western culture, consisting of the representation of a human skull – usually frontal, more rarely in profile with or without the mandible. In some cases, other human skeletal parts may be added, often including two crossed long bones (femurs) depicted below or behind the skull. The human skull is an internationally used symbol for death, the defiance of death, danger, or the dead, as well as piracy or toxicity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adolf Hitler in popular culture</span>

Adolf Hitler, dictator of Germany from 1933 to 1945, has been represented in popular culture ever since he became a well-known politician in Germany. His distinctive image was often parodied by his opponents. Parodies became much more prominent outside Germany during his period in power. Since the end of World War II representations of Hitler, both serious and satirical, have continued to be prominent in popular culture, sometimes generating significant controversy. In many periodicals, books, and movies, Hitler and Nazism fulfill the role of archetypal evil. This treatment is not confined to fiction but is widespread amongst nonfiction writers who have discussed him in this vein. Hitler has retained a fascination from other perspectives; among many comparable examples is an exhibition at the German Historical Museum which was widely attended.

SS-Verfügungstruppe was formed in 1934 as combat troops for the Nazi Party (NSDAP). On 17 August 1938 Adolf Hitler decreed that the SS-VT was neither a part of the Ordnungspolizei nor the Wehrmacht, but military-trained men at the disposal of the Führer. In time of war, the SS-VT were to be placed at the disposal of the army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SS-Ehrenring</span> SS ring awarded by Heinrich Himmler

The SS-Ehrenring, unofficially called Totenkopfring, was an award of Heinrich Himmler's Schutzstaffel (SS). It was not a state decoration, but rather a personal gift bestowed by Himmler. It became a highly sought-after award, one which could not be bought or sold. The SS Honour Sword and SS Honour Dagger were similar awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Julius Schreck</span> Nazi officer, first commander of the SS

Julius Schreck was an early senior Nazi official and Adolf Hitler impersonator.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nazi memorabilia</span> Items originated from Nazi Germany

Nazi memorabilia are items produced during the height of Nazism in Germany, particularly the years between 1933 and 1945. Nazi memorabilia includes a variety of objects from the material culture of Nazi Germany, especially those featuring swastikas and other Nazi symbolism and imagery or connected to Nazi propaganda. Examples are military and paramilitary uniforms, insignia, coins and banknotes, medals, flags, daggers, guns, posters, contemporary photos, books, publications, and ephemera.

The Chiemsee Cauldron is a gold cauldron found at the bottom of Lake Chiemsee in Bavaria, Germany, in 2001.

Alexander Autographs is an auctioneer of historic militaria, autographs, manuscripts, relics, and other collectibles. Based in Chesapeake City, Maryland, the auction house first opened to bidders in 1993 and has since garnered controversy for the sale of items like Nazi memorabilia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coburg Badge</span> Nazi Party award

The Coburg Badge was the first badge recognised as a national award of the Nazi Party (NSDAP). Subsequently, it formally was given precedence as the highest Party award.

The SS Zivilabzeichen was a badge of the SS issued between the years of 1933 and 1938 to SS members.

Real Deal is an American television series aired on the History channel which premiered in December 2011. The show brings together sellers of antiques, collectables, and historical artifacts with professional buyers. The show is based on the UK TV show Dickinson's Real Deal, except the US show lacks the independent sellers and an on-screen host.

Josef Bauer was a German politician, Nazi Party member and an SS officer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stoßtrupp-Hitler</span> Military unit

Stoßtrupp-Hitler or Stosstrupp-Hitler ("Shock-Troop-Hitler") was a small, short-lived bodyguard unit set up specifically for Adolf Hitler in 1923. Notable members included Rudolf Hess, Julius Schreck, Joseph Berchtold, Emil Maurice, Erhard Heiden, Ulrich Graf, and Bruno Gesche.

In Nazi Germany, the Standarte was a paramilitary unit of Nazi Party (NSDAP), Sturmabteilung (SA), NSKK, NSFK, and Schutzstaffel (SS). Translated literally as "Regimental standard", the name refers to the flag paramilitary formations carried in formations and parades.

Adolf Weinmüller was a German art dealer and Nazi party member who trafficked in looted art and Aryanized the S. Kende auction house as well as Helbing. The catalogs of his auctions were published in 2014 for provenance research and restitution to victims.

References

  1. Austin, R. (December 14, 2011). "Craig Gottlieb Auctions reports record sell-through". Military Trader Vehicles.
  2. 1 2 Young, Noel (2011). "Hitler's World Shaping Deskset Found" Archived November 1, 2011, at the Wayback Machine . Edit International.
  3. 1 2 Zabala, Liberty; Young, Joe (January 2014). "Calif. Historian Uncovers Passport Believed to Be Used by Nazi's 'Angel of Death'". NBC 7 San Diego.
  4. Berman, Alanna (March 3, 2014). "The History Hunter". San Diego Jewish Journal . Archived from the original on February 18, 2023. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  5. Welch, Diane Y. (February 15, 2011). "Solana Beach: Hitler desk set temporarily on display at collector’s office". Del Mar Times .
  6. Martinez, Brian (August 3, 2011). "O.C. resident selling authentic portraits of Adolf Hitler's parents". Orange County Register .
  7. Suciu, Pete R. (June 24, 2011 ). "Rare Howard Hughes Hell’s Angels Luger Pistol to be Auctioned". AmmoLand.
  8. Warth, Gary (May 3, 2012). "SOLANA BEACH: North County business auctions Rudolf Hess items". U-T San Diego.
  9. Erica E. Phillips (March 25, 2014). "Sale of Items Linked to Hitler: Good Business or Bad Taste?". The Wall Street Journal .
  10. Kragen, Pam (March 29, 2014). "Local dealer selling Hitler's clothing, items". The San Diego Union-Tribune . Archived from the original on April 25, 2018. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
  11. "Museum board of directors". San Diego Air and Space Museum. Archived from the original on March 9, 2015. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  12. Johnston, Eric (August 12, 2011). "Operation Griffen" (PDF). US Department of Defense documents. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  13. Kuntzman, Gersh (October 27, 2014). "Hitler's personal copy of 'Mein Kampf' could bring $100G at auction". Daily News . New York City. Archived from the original on April 25, 2018. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
  14. Knapstein, Karen (November 3, 2009). "History’s Jackpot: A great place to start". Antique Trader.
  15. "The SS Totenkopf Ring: Himmler's SS Honor Ring in Detail" (2008), Schiffer Publishing, Google Books. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
  16. The SS Totenkopf Ring: An Illustrated History from Munich to Nuremberg. Amazon.com. Retrieved September 28, 2013.
  17. Gottlieb, Craig (May 13, 2012). "5 Guns That Changed History". Mandatory.
  18. "Reel Money - Episode 225". Auction Hunters. SpikeTV. November 22, 2011. Retrieved June 30, 2012.
  19. "Experts". Pawn Stars . History.com. Retrieved September 28, 2013.
  20. Scannell, Christy (July 7, 2012). "SOLANA BEACH ANTIQUE DEALER LANDS GIG ON TV SHOW". U-T San Diego.
  21. Munn, Patrick (March 25, 2014). "National Geographic Orders 'Nazi War Diggers' Factual Series". TV Wise.
  22. Mashberg, Tom (March 31, 2014). "National Geographic Channel Pulls 'Nazi War Diggers' Series". The New York Times .
  23. Barnett, David (January 8, 2016). "Channel 5 accused of supporting 'grave-robbing' over TV show Battlefield Recovery". The Guardian .
  24. "Poszukiwacze wojennych skarbów (War Treasure Hunters)" (in Polish). Discovery Channel. 2015. Archived from the original on September 20, 2015.
  25. "Battlefield Recovery". Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 20, 2015.