A UK charity set up to protect the memory of the Holocaust has refused a donation from an auction house after it sold Nazi memorabilia.
Northampton-based JP Humbert offered a percentage of its proceeds from the sale of several items of Nazi memorabilia to the Holocaust Educational Trust, which refused the funds.
Around 200 Nazi and SS-related items including a Nazi dagger in a presentation box, with a guide price of £650 - £800, and a 'Nazi army clasp', with an approximate value of £65 - £80, were sold in JP Humbert's 'International Militaria & Medals Sale' on 25 September. They were sourced from private clients and deceased estates, the auction house brochure advised.
JP Humbert receives a £5 lotting fee per item plus 15 per cent commission on the sale of items. A percentage of the commission from the militaria auction was offered to the Holocaust Educational Trust, but refused.
Nazi memorabilia is placed in museums
Speaking to the Times of Israel a spokesperson from the Holocaust Educational Trust said it "will not accept any donations from organisations which profit from the sale of items associated with the Nazi regime".
"It is our view that these items are best placed in archives, museums or in an educational context," they told the newspaper.
The sale of Nazi memorabilia is banned in France, Germany, Austria and Hungary.
In March this year MP Fabian Hamilton tabled a motion to ban the sale of Nazi memorabilia after Bristol auction house Dreweatts sold a silver tray that belonged to Hitler for £28,000. He asked that Parliament "decries the profiteering on items promoting and glorifying hatred and violence [and] applauds the policies of such firms as Christie's, Sotheby's, Bonhams and eBay which prohibit the sale of such items". It was supported by 22 further MPs.
Dreweatts subsequently amended its policy and advised politicians that it would be making a donation to the Holocaust Education Trust. However the charity told civilsociety.co.uk that is "has never received donations from auctioneers in the past".
JP Humbert had "no-one available" to discuss its offer of a donation to the Trust.
