(Gauleiter Foto mit Unterschrift und Rahmen). A signed and framed photo of Gauleiter Paul Giesler, depicted in a Political Leader’s uniform with decorations including the Golden Party Badge clearly visible, accompanied by other NSDAP officials while greeting a crowd of Jungmädelbund (JM) and Bund Deutscher Mädel (BDM) members, pasted to a card stock backer and above Giesler’s handwritten signature in black ink, dated 26 September 1944, concealed within a period black painted frame with an intact glass face, topped by a magnetic metal suspension loop, measuring 22.5 cm (w) x 27 cm (h), in extremely fine condition.
Footnote: Paul Giesler was born on 15 June 1895 in Siegen, Germany. He served with distinction in the First World War, receiving the 1914 Iron Cross in both I and II Classes, and was wounded on multiple occasions. Following the war, Giesler attended university and joined Der Stahlhelm, the latter leading to his involvement in right-wing veterans’ circles. He later joined the NSDAP and Sturmabteilung (SA), briefly falling out of favour (and narrowly avoiding purging) during the Night of the Long Knives. He returned to high-profile activity in August 1941 by becoming Gauleiter of Westphalia-South, simultaneously deputizing for Munich-Upper Bavaria Gauleiter Adolf Wagner during the latter’s illness. On 1 November 1942, he became Ministerpräsident of Bavaria, thus accumulating a powerful political portfolio. He was also promoted to SA-Obergruppenführer on 30 January 1943. Considered a fanatical National Socialist, Giesler’s time in office was noted for his opposition to women’s rights and his key role in crushing the White Rose student movement. During the closing days of the war, he also planned the mass murder of remaining Dachau inmates ahead of their impending liberation by approaching US forces. Giesler was also a notorious opponent of defeatism as Allied forces overran Germany, encouraging the execution of those attempting to surrender. On 8 May 1945, Giesler and his family committed suicide to avoid capture and prosecution for their wartime activities.