Fork bearing Hedwig Sanders Neu's initials that survived Kristallnacht

Identifier
irn639353
Language of Description
English
Alt. Identifiers
  • 2018.519.5
Dates
1 Jan 1938 - 31 Dec 1938
Level of Description
Item
Source
EHRI Partner

Extent and Medium

overall: Height: 8.380 inches (21.285 cm) | Width: 1.000 inches (2.54 cm) | Depth: 0.975 inches (2.477 cm)

Archival History

The fork was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2018 by Nancy Shanes, the goddaughter of Beatrice Neu Melov.

Acquisition

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection, Gift of Nancy Shanes

Scope and Content

Fork that survived Kristallnacht and was brought with Richard and Hedwig Sanders Neu when they immigrated to the United States with their daughter, Beatrice (later Melov) in late 1938. The fork was originally part of Hedwig’s trousseau, and among the possessions that the Neu family packed in preparation for their emigration from Partenheim, Germany, in late 1938. Before they departed for the United States, they were staying with Beatrice’s grandmother, whose home was ransacked by the German authorities during Kristallnacht, November 9-10. Hedwig, Beatrice, and her grandmother hid in the garden, while Richard hid elsewhere. Many of the packed possessions were badly damaged during the attack. After several days in hiding, Richard returned once it seemed safe to do so.

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions on access

Conditions Governing Reproduction

No restrictions on use

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Silver-plated, brass-colored metal table fork with four elongated, equal length, pointed tines. On the underside, initials and a year are engraved on the end of the handle, and hallmarks are stamped on the stem. The plating has worn away in several places due to use.

back, handle end, engraved initials: H. S / 14. [Hedwig Sanders / 1914]

Subjects

Genre

This description is derived directly from structured data provided to EHRI by a partner institution. This collection holding institution considers this description as an accurate reflection of the archival holdings to which it refers at the moment of data transfer.