Champagne confiscated by the Nazis during the occupation of France in World War Two is being sold at auction in Lichfield.
The two bottles both date to the 1930s and feature stamps with bi-lingual red labels, indicating they had been seized by the German army.
The labels read:
- Wehrmachts – Marketenderware Verkauf in Freien Handel verboten – Sales in the Free Market are Prohibited
- Reserve à la Wehrmacht, Achat et Revente interdits – Reserved for German Army – Not for Resale or Purchase
Around 80 per cent of the French champagne supply are believed to have been confiscated during the war as the Nazis built up stocks of alcohol for the troops, with the high command consuming vast amounts of champagne to celebrate victories on the battlefield during World War Two – even setting up a permanent office at Reims to control the production of fizz and ensure a constant supply.
“It is remarkable that these two bottles of bubbly still exist, considering the unquenchable thirst the Nazi forces seemed to have for fine French Champagne,” said Elizabeth Bailey from Hansons Auctioneers, who will be selling off the bottles later this month.
The bottles are a Chateau de Mareuilsay Montebello 1937 and a Monopole Red Top, by Heidsieck and Co. Both are unopened and in good condition.
“They were looted by a British RAF member, who brought them back to the UK and were left with his daughter. Our vendor purchased them from her 10 years ago,” Elizabeth added. “We just hope the corks stay in place throughout the auction and that the purchaser handles with care.”
The champagne is expected to sell for between £100 and £150 when it goes nder the hammer at the company’s Antique and Collectors Auction on June 20, 21 and 22.
Viewing for the sale will take place on June 19 from 11am until 7pm and on the morning of the sale from 9am until 10am.