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This is the official office file copy of a letter of response to Reichsführer-SS und Chef der deutschen Polizei Heinrich Himmler in Berlin, written by NSDAP Gauleiter and Reichsstatthalter Baldur von Schirach in Vienna on 1 October 1942.

This letter relates to the stolen skull of famous Austrian composer Franz Joseph Haydn and readers should be aware that the skull was separated from the rest of the body at the time of Haydn’s death. (The full story of the crime is easily found on the internet.)

Von Schirach’s letter begins with Dear Himmler! showing little “German” formality, and that the two were on friendly and somewhat equal terms. It was written as a result of communication from the Reichsführer expressing his interest in the history of the curious skull of Franz Joseph Haydn (the composer’s name is misspelled H a d n) that Himmler apparently wanted to acquire for himself.

Von Schirach explained his plans to entomb the skull of this important person with the rest of his remains at some time in the future. He also reminds Himmler that Goethe among others, was of the opinion that skulls of important people should be well preserved and exhibited to the public as a monument to their greatness.

The last sentence explains that Von Schirach had prepared a booklet (presumably about Haydn’s misplaced head) and enclosed it with this letter, and that he was sure Himmler would read it with great interest. Von Schirach signed off with Heil Hitler! and the very chummy “many heartfelt greetings”.

This 8-¼ x 11-¾ inch 78 year old archival example of Von Schirach’s letter to Reichsführer-SS Himmler is guaranteed to be 100% original to Third Reich Germany.

Please read the text below explaining the origins of this rare historical document.