The "NUTS" 101st Airborne chalice

[Eagle's Nest]

A recent find, and especially timely given we're in Bastogne month.

This is one of 12 gold-plated silver chalices taken from Hermann Goering’s treasure trove at Berchtesgaden, and presented to ranking commanding officers of the 101st Airborne. This is the one given to Brigadier General Anthony "Nuts" McAuliffe. Goering's coat of arms can be seen at the front, with the family crest of his wife, Emmy Sonnemann, at the back. McAuliffe’s campaigns are engraved at the base, of course. Given there were only 12 of these made, my theory is they were originally intended for Goering's wedding on April 10, 1935: the dual crests signifying unification of both families.

This type of chalice is significantly larger and heavier than the ones given to 506th officers. An honor to own this.

Chris

[USCapturephotos]

Chris I am still so blown away by this find. Incredible on many levels. Thanks for sharing it with us. I am supremely jealous!

Paul

[Eagle's Nest]

Thanks, Paul! 

[GIKyle]

This is simply amazing.  Thanks so much for sharing! 

 

Kyle

[Eagle's Nest]

Thanks Kyle, glad you like it. 

[MasonK]

Wow, what an amazing find, Chris. Thanks for sharing!

[Allan H.]

Fantastic! Thank you for sharing this amazing piece!

 

Allan

[Brian Dentino]

Wow, first time I have seen/heard of such a thing.  An amazing piece in your collection Chris!

[RJ Valles]

Dang ,wish i would have kept it now. 

[Big Iron]

Where does one acquire such a "chalice"? 

[JohnnyConroe]

On 12/22/2022 at 7:02 AM, USCapturephotos said:

Chris I am still so blown away by this find. Incredible on many levels. Thanks for sharing it with us. I am supremely jealous!

Paul

I echo Paul’s message completely.

 

As a fellow collector of HG and Airborne items, this is apex in both fields.

 

Keep up the good work, Chris!