Artifact Spotlight – Life in Post-War Berlin

This unique collection was donated to the Museum by the family of Lawrence “Larry” Hirshbach. While we do not have much information on his service, we do know he was in Berlin in July 1945. He writes home (on the stationery of the Fuhrer) that “There is no more use in anyone’s going to the Reichschancellery any more – I spent three hours there last night rummaging and nothing of value remains.”

Wooden coat hanger with curved neck and rounded shoulders. On the reverse of the hanger it reads “Haushalt des Fuhrers Wilhelmatr .77” (Household of the Fuehrer Wilhelmstrasse 77). Item taken from the Chancellery building around 12 July 1945.

Marble ink blotter, rolling type. Item taken from the Chancellery building around 12 July 1945. Found in Hitler’s officer under debris. The marble of the blotter matched the marble of Hitler’s desk.