Horst Wessel Memorial Plaque

[Erich S]

I thought that I would share my latest purchase with you guys. A large bronze plaque about 13" in diameter that was once attached to a building. My guess is that it was attached possibly to a bulding related to the death of Wessel such as the rooming house he was shot in or the hospital where he died. The inscription is the same as on his grave marker. Horst Wessel items are very hard to come by and I couldn't pass this one up!

[sitges1990]

Indeed an incredible piece Erich, thanks for showing. Is that supposed to be a harp hanging off the swas? Very interesting.

Jay

[Uncle Paul]

Has anyone noticed the small star of David preceeding Wessel's date of birth? And ideas about what it might mean?

[Walkwolf]

Has anyone noticed the small star of David preceeding Wessel's date of birth? And ideas about what it might mean?

Although it looks like the Star of David, it represents the sun or 'Birth',
followed by his DOB. Note that the catholic cross represents 'Death'.

Erich, this is a very nice plaque..................!

[Erich S]

Thanks guys, it is a very special piece. The plaque has a slight bend to it where it was preyed away from the wall breaking the retaining bolts. I'm also looking for photos of the hospital and rooming house to see if this plaque is shown. The way it was made leads me to believe that it may have had some official status. Also, the piece is signed by the Artist, S. Schoepp 1933.

[Pierre N]

wow !! amazing plaque , i never seen one like this before

[Erich S]

Thanks Pierre, me either until I ran into this one. I'm hoping to locate a photo with it attached to some building relating to Wessel. Best, Erich

[Matt L]

Has anyone noticed the small star of David preceeding Wessel's date of birth? And ideas about what it might mean?

Well since there's a cross by his date of death, clearly it means birth- the same way as one often sees the runic symbols indicating birth and death on German field grave markers; it's not a 'Star of David' though as just like the Swastika isn't actually a National Socialist symbol, only one simply chosen by them to use, the hexagram is very old and only used as a Jewish symbol for a few hundred years. I would think its context here is doubtless an older meaning...

[Erich S]

I agree with Matt's meaning. The same star is also on his grave marker.

[Walkwolf]

I agree with Matt's meaning. The same star is also on his grave marker.

It is the Sun..............