A rare pre-World War II document signed by Oscar Schindler (as opposed to the usual spelling, Oskar) sold at Nate D. Sanders for $20,000 on Sept. 26.
The document, dated Feb. 8, 1936, is an automobile insurance policy for the Oscar Schindler Co., the company Schindler owned before his enamelware factory.
Documents signed by Schindler—the man responsible for saving 1,200 of his Jewish employees from certain death at the hands of the Nazis—are extraordinarily rare, especially those signed before or during World War II. Signed with his full name, this document insures a 1930 Chrysler automobile from Feb. 8, 1936, to Feb. 8. 1937.
While owning his enamelware factory, Schindler ultimately lost his entire fortune through the bribes he gave to Nazi leaders, thereby saving the lives of his employees. This scarce document is a testament to one of the greatest heroes of the 20th century, made famous by Steven Spielberg’s 1993 award-winning film, “Schindler’s List.”
