ADOLF HITLER WINE GLASS CAPTURED BY THE 506TH P.I.R.
Especially rare wine glass from a set of Adolf Hitler's formal crystal tableware, this example captured at Berchtesgaden by Col. Robert Strayer, the Executive Officer of the 506th P.I.R., 101st Airborne. The wine glass bears an engraved left-facing (political) eagle and swastika which is flanked on either side by Hitler's initials. The edge of the glass and its base are finished in gold. A professional repair has been made to reattach the stem to the bowl of the glass where the two were at one time broken. This relic is accompanied by a ca. 1978 note indicating that the glass had been given as a gift to a couple by Col. Robert Strayer. Robert L. Strayer (1910-2002) was given command of the 2nd Batt., 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment while a major. In 1945 he was made Executive Officer and his position as 2nd Battalion XO was filled by Major Dick Winters. During his service he earned four Bronze Stars, one Silver Star and one Purple Heart.