A medal awarded to a Nazi bodyguard who took five bullets meant for Adolf Hitler has sold for a world-record price.
The Blut Orden (Blood Order) medal was awarded to Ulrich Graf, who helped protect when he tried to seize power in Bavaria in November 1923 – an event known as The Beer Hall Putsch.
The item fetched £36,500 – nine times its £3500-£4000 asking price – after selling at Derbyshire-based Hansons Auctioneers’ Militaria Auction on July 26.
After the buyer’s premium and VAT were added to the overall price, the figure paid by the private overseas buyer was £47,450.
The silver medal, which features the Nazi eagle on one side and an image of the Munich monument on the other, was given to Graf after he threw himself on Hitler and survived being shot.
The former wrestler, one of the earliest members of the Nazi Party after it was founded in 1920, was one of Hitler’s protection squad.
