Allach porcelain collectors are aware of Heinrich Hoffmann’s photograph taken in Obersalzberg on April 20, 1944, in which Heinrich Himmler presents Allach figures to Adolf Hitler for his 55th birthday. This is one of the most “quoted” photographs when it comes to the Allach factory. And here’s the first question I want to ask: “How many figurines are on the table?”

It is also known that the Fuhrer was sceptical about Reichsführer Heinrich Himmler’s fascination with mysticism, archaeological excavations, the search for the ‘Indo-Germanic Nordic race’ and ancient Germanic roots in world culture. Hitler rejected all cult followings.

“It’s like looking for ghosts in your attic. What kind of culture can be found in a clay pot? ” – was asked by Adolf Hitler to the Reichsführer, perhaps, did not at all refer to the entire output of the Allach factory.

The official photographer’s photograph shows that the Fuhrer is looking at the porcelain soldiers presented to him with almost boyish delight. And here’s the first question I want to ask: “How many figurines are on the table?”

In total, there are not seven, but eight figures on the table, and the one on the far right, which at first glance looks like a figure with a sword and a halberd, is actually two figures. And here is the second question: “what kind of figures are these?”

Here are the numbers and descriptions of all the figures from left to right that are visible:

Historical Military Figurines: Richard Förster’s series of Foot soldiers:

№131 Butler Dragooner, painted, height: 23 cm, introduced in 1943.

№ 122 Der Lange Kerl, painted (one of Frederick the Great’s guardsmen), height 29 cm. 1941/42.

№139 Garde du Corps (Offizier der Schlosswache) (1740-1786 from the time of King Frederick II or Frederick the Great) manufactured in 1944, painted, height: 28 cm.

№ 138 Brandenburg Musketeer, painted, height: 23.3 cm, introduced in 1943.

№155 Flötenspieler Landsknecht / Flute player (around 1500 from the time of Emperor Karl V), painted and introduced in 1943, height 23.2 cm.

№141 Fahnenträger der Panduren / Standard bearer of the Panduren, painted (Hungarian soldier), introduced in 1943, height 25.8 cm.

And here are the last two figures, which in the photo can be mistaken for one. It is likely that somewhere in the archives there may be other options, taken in a shot by Hoffman from a different angle.

№154 Landsknecht Zweihänder / Lansquenet ‘Two hander’, painted and introduced in 1943, height 23.5 cm.

Model №153 Landsknecht mit Hellebarde / Lansquenet ‘Halberdiers’, painted (around 1500 from the time of Emperor Karl V), introduced in 1943, height 27.5 cm.

The series of foot soldiers were produced in 1943 in very small numbers. This series was first presented to President-Chancellor Adolf Hitler on his birthday in 1944 as documented in period photographs.

Read more about German Art in the latest Michael Walsh´s book Porcelain of the Third Reich: Supreme Ceramics and Porcelain Lost to War as a Volume III of the series Sculptures of the Third Reich: Arno Breker and Reich Sculptors: Volume I and Sculptures of the Third Reich: Josef Thorak and Reich Sculptors:Volume II.