Glasgow auctioneers will not sell Nazi and SS artefacts in future after backlash

An auction house has confirmed it will no longer sell Nazi or SS artefacts after they faced backlash for selling the WW2 objects.

Items that went under the hammer included a Luftwaffe (German airforce) dagger, swastika bunting, and plates from the personal train of one of the most powerful figures in the Nazi Party – Herman Goring.

A Nazi Iron Cross medal, a book about the Hitler Youth, and a fake £1 note featuring war propaganda were also sold.

The items were sold at McTear’s Auctioneers in Glasgow on Wednesday, February 12.

They were part of a wider auction of historical military memorabilia, which saw a number of British items alongside those from around the world.

Included in the lot were Japanese artefacts from the Second World War, including an officer’s sword, which sold for £360, a pair of naval binoculars which fetched £1,300, and a “possible” kamikaze flag that went for £60.

Bunting featuring the Nazi German flag was among the items sold. McTear’s

McTear’s initially defended the decision. However, the auctioneers have since confirmed it will “cease the inclusion of Nazi and SS artefacts in future auctions”, and will not receive an income fee for the items sold.

A spokesperson said: “As the only auctioneer in Scotland to run dedicated sales of historic militaria, McTear’s has frequently consigned important artefacts from both World Wars, some of which have been purchased by museums both in the UK and overseas.

“On occasion, our auctions, like many others across the world, have included a small number of items relating to Nazi Germany, which have always been handled with sensitivity. It is important to note that these historical artefacts provide a tangible link to an important – albeit extremely dark – era in our history that should never be forgotten.

“That said, we fully understand the sensitivity surrounding the sale of these particular historical items and have now taken the decision to cease the inclusion of Nazi and SS artefacts in future auctions. With regard to the items sold in today’s Militaria sale, McTear’s will receive no income in fees.”