Third Reich-Era Reversible Damask Tablecloth – Golden Oak Leaf Motif with Central Swastika, Attributed to the Berghof (Pending Authentication)
NOTE: This item is not for sale (yet). We are close to completing authentication, but are listing this in case the discerning collector wishes to make an offer.
Museum-Grade NSDAP Textile – Rare Reversible Pattern, “Ges. Gesch.” Marked
This stunning damask tablecloth is a rare surviving example of National Socialist ceremonial textile design at its highest level. It features an elegant oak leaf and acorn border woven in golden yellow and white, surrounding a central white swastika medallion framed by double rings and an oak laurel wreath. The entire cloth is reversible, showing the same intricate pattern in opposite tones on the reverse—a hallmark of high-quality state or leadership-level production.
Design & Construction
The oak leaf motif—symbolic of Germanic strength and tradition—was widely used in NSDAP official aesthetics. The centerpiece, a large swastika within a laurel-style wreath and circular border, reinforces the ceremonial nature of the item. This type of textile would have been reserved for formal dining, reception, or conference settings within elite leadership environments.
Markings: “Ges. Gesch.”
One edge of the tablecloth is stamped “Ges. Gesch.”, short for “Gesetzlich Geschützt” ("Legally Protected"), a trademark and design protection designation used in the Third Reich. The mark is woven along the selvedge and flanked by circular emblems—strong indicators of official manufacture under party oversight. Items bearing this mark were often produced by state-approved textile firms for use in government buildings or residences.
Attributed Origin: The Berghof
This piece is purported to originate from Adolf Hitler’s Berghof residence at Obersalzberg. The coloration, oak leaf motif, and central medallion are all consistent with documented Berghof pieces offered through premier dealers. To note, this tablecloth is currently undergoing provenance research and is offered as unauthenticated pending confirmation.
Comparable Sale:
A nearly identical example attributed to Hitler’s Munich apartment sold at Invaluable in 2018 for $3,400 (link). That item shared the same oak leaf border and central swastika medallion.
Specifications:
Material: Woven damask (likely a linen and rayon blend)
Dimensions: Approx. 55 x 80 inches
Color: Golden yellow and ivory, reversible
Centerpiece: Swastika within a double-ring medallion
Border: Continuous oak leaf and acorn motif
Markings: Woven “Ges. Gesch.” stamp with swastikas on selvedge
Condition: Very good; mild stains and storage folds, no rips or damage
Provenance & Disclosure
This tablecloth is being sold as an authentic Third Reich-era textile of exceptional quality. While believed to originate from the Berghof, we are currently searching for formal documentation through our German sources. The buyer will be notified and furnished with authentication materials if future verification is obtained.
Collector’s Note
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a museum-grade ceremonial cloth marked “Ges. Gesch.” and visually consistent with elite NSDAP residential furnishings. With authentic examples already breaching the $3,000–$4,000 mark at auction, this piece presents both historical and investment value.
NOTE: This item is not for sale (yet). We are close to completing authentication, but are listing this in case the discerning collector wishes to make an offer.
Museum-Grade NSDAP Textile – Rare Reversible Pattern, “Ges. Gesch.” Marked
This stunning damask tablecloth is a rare surviving example of National Socialist ceremonial textile design at its highest level. It features an elegant oak leaf and acorn border woven in golden yellow and white, surrounding a central white swastika medallion framed by double rings and an oak laurel wreath. The entire cloth is reversible, showing the same intricate pattern in opposite tones on the reverse—a hallmark of high-quality state or leadership-level production.
Design & Construction
The oak leaf motif—symbolic of Germanic strength and tradition—was widely used in NSDAP official aesthetics. The centerpiece, a large swastika within a laurel-style wreath and circular border, reinforces the ceremonial nature of the item. This type of textile would have been reserved for formal dining, reception, or conference settings within elite leadership environments.
Markings: “Ges. Gesch.”
One edge of the tablecloth is stamped “Ges. Gesch.”, short for “Gesetzlich Geschützt” ("Legally Protected"), a trademark and design protection designation used in the Third Reich. The mark is woven along the selvedge and flanked by circular emblems—strong indicators of official manufacture under party oversight. Items bearing this mark were often produced by state-approved textile firms for use in government buildings or residences.
Attributed Origin: The Berghof
This piece is purported to originate from Adolf Hitler’s Berghof residence at Obersalzberg. The coloration, oak leaf motif, and central medallion are all consistent with documented Berghof pieces offered through premier dealers. To note, this tablecloth is currently undergoing provenance research and is offered as unauthenticated pending confirmation.
Comparable Sale:
A nearly identical example attributed to Hitler’s Munich apartment sold at Invaluable in 2018 for $3,400 (link). That item shared the same oak leaf border and central swastika medallion.
Specifications:
Material: Woven damask (likely a linen and rayon blend)
Dimensions: Approx. 55 x 80 inches
Color: Golden yellow and ivory, reversible
Centerpiece: Swastika within a double-ring medallion
Border: Continuous oak leaf and acorn motif
Markings: Woven “Ges. Gesch.” stamp with swastikas on selvedge
Condition: Very good; mild stains and storage folds, no rips or damage
Provenance & Disclosure
This tablecloth is being sold as an authentic Third Reich-era textile of exceptional quality. While believed to originate from the Berghof, we are currently searching for formal documentation through our German sources. The buyer will be notified and furnished with authentication materials if future verification is obtained.
Collector’s Note
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a museum-grade ceremonial cloth marked “Ges. Gesch.” and visually consistent with elite NSDAP residential furnishings. With authentic examples already breaching the $3,000–$4,000 mark at auction, this piece presents both historical and investment value.