GERMAN-AMERICAN BUND COMMEMORATIVE LETTER OPENER

A very rare souvenir celebrating the infamous German-American Bund rally held at New York's Madison Square Garden on February 20, 1939, a presentation letter opener given to a prominent member of the organization. The 9.25 in. long steel letter opener bears the name of the recipient, one 'RUDOLPH TAUSCHER" in relief beside an image of an American eagle above a colored shield with stars and bars of the American flag. The reverse is engraved with the emblem of the German-American Bund and the date of the event, 'FEB 20 1939' This lettering is enhanced with red paint, now worn a bit. Overall very good. Undoubtedly, due to the cost of its fabrication, this item would have been gifted only to a higher-level Bund member. Over 20,000 people attended the pro-Nazi rally, billed as a 'pro-American' event and featuring a huge Washington portrait flanked by swastikas.