The pieces shown here are from Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest tea set and were sent home by Donald H. Banman 2nd Platoon, C Company 101st Airborne Division – one of the first units up the Kehlstein mountain in May 1945. The pattern is known as ‘Red Dragon’ and is manufactured by Meissen, each piece is handpainted.
It was previously thought that this was a gift from the Japanese Emperor to Hitler for his fiftieth birthday. It never made sense that the Japanese would give a gift with a Chinese motif when they were at war with China. Rather, the Dragon pattern by Meissen was a popular pattern then as now and was ordered commercially by Martin Bormann.
ADOLF HITLER BERGHOF NAPKIN
June 15, 2022
