Max Amann - A grand Document-Magnificent hand executed multi-coloured, artist signed, decorative document. First page, bordered in a gilt Greek pattern of interlocking swastikas with national eagle in each corner and a color rendition of Reichsleiter auto pennant centered. Second page, color rendition of Grand Cross of the Italian Crown Order. Third page, hand executed "Mit Freude und Stolz begrüßt Sie, sehr verehrter Herr Reichsleiter Max Axmann, die Gefolgschaft des Zentralverlages der NSDAP nach Ihrer Rückkehr vom Staatsbesuch in Italien, an dem Sie an der Seite des Führers in den Tagen vom 3. bis 9. Mai 1938 teilgenommen haben.; Nehmen Sie bitte die Glückwünsche aller Ihrer Angestellten zur hohen Auszeichnung mit dem Grosskreuz des Italienischen Kronenordens durch SM, den König von Italien und Kaiser Äthiopiens entgegen.; Heil Hitler; Im Namen der Gefolgschaft; (Ihr sehr ergebener F. Pichel); Hauptstadt der Bewegung 10. Mai 1938 (tr) With Joy and pride we greet you, Reichsleiter Axmann, the followers of the central publishing company of the NSDAP after your return from the state visit in Italy, in which you took part on the side of the Führer on the days from 3. to 9. May 1938. Please accept the congratulations of all your employees for the high decoration of the Grand Cross of the Italian Crown Order from his majesty the king of Italy and Emperor of Ethiopia. Heil Hitler In the name of the followers, your faithful, F. Pichel. Capital of the Movement, 10 May 1938”. Final page, hand executed, "Entwurf: Werbe-Abteilung; Ausführung: Eug. Kögler. (tr) Design: Marketing-Department; Execution: Eug. Kögler". Contained in a large, fine quality presentation folder of red moroccan leather with embossed gilt German national eagle centered, Italian fasces in lower right corner and Italian Royal crest in upper left corner. Folder measures ca. 48x34x3cm. Reported to have been a gift to General Robert A. McClure from General Dwight D. Eisenhower as a memento of time serving together. Included is a photo of General Robert A. McClure and General George C. Marshall along with a 1932 Western Union Telegram to McClure as a Captain.
Max Amann (24 November 1891 – 30 March 1957) was a high-ranking member of the NSDAP Party. He was a German politician, businessman and art collector, including looted art. He was the first business manager of the NSDAP Party and later became the head of Eher Verlag (Eher Publishing), the official NSDAP Party publishing house. He was also the Reichsleiter for the press. After the war ended, Amann was arrested by U.S. military occupation authorities. A court deemed him a Hauptschuldiger (Major Offender). Amann was sentenced to ten years in a labour camp, stripped of his property, pension rights, and virtually all of his fortune. Amann was released from custody in 1953, and died in poverty in Munich four years later.