Australian militaria shops say there is an “avalanche” of demand for Nazi artefacts in anticipation of an impending ban on the sale of Nazi symbols.
A bill introduced to federal parliament in mid-June will ban the public display and sale of Nazi symbols, making it an offence to seek to profit from such material in stores or online. It will not ban private ownership or transfers of artefacts that are not for profit.
Sellers say the bill has prompted a frenzy of buying and selling, with signed pictures of Hitler, Himmler and Rommel sold at an auction last weekend on the Gold Coast.
Jamey Blewitt, the owner of JB Military Antiques, Western Australia’s largest military antiques store which sells a range of Nazi memorabilia, told Guardian Australia he had never seen so much demand.
“It’s an avalanche, really. I’ve been a full-time dealer for 14 years and I’ve never seen the number of people ring, email or buy from us. It’s like the fuel station is about to run out of fuel, so they’re filling up.”
Blewitt’s German military collection consisted of more than 200 items, including badges, helmets, uniforms, daggers, medals and caps, most inscribed with the swastika. Many have now been sold.
“It’s obviously due to the impending bill before parliament, and I think it should allow people to buy and sell the items. If people are offended by it, we can just put a sticker on the swastika.
“People collect this stuff because they are military fans, they are history nuts, they aren’t neo-Nazis. And German military memorabilia is very popular, but I have never once sold anything to a neo-Nazi.”
Nazi artefacts will also be sold at auction at David G Smith Auctions of Bathurst this weekend. The Auction Barn for “Vintage Militaria & War Memorabilia” also has an upcoming auction for military memorabilia but it is not clear whether it will include Nazi artefacts. Both auction houses were contacted for comment.
JB Military Antiques is holding an auction this weekend where a number of Nazi artefacts are up for sale, including badges featuring the swastika and Nazi uniforms. Invaluable, the site hosting JB Military’s auction, has also been contacted for comment.
Henry Fijolek, owner of Henry’s Military Collectables, which sells a wide range of Nazi artefacts, including flags, uniforms and weapons, said that while the items were always “strong sellers” it was never to “Nazi sympathisers”.
“These are collectors, this is their passion, some of these people have invested their superannuation money into this, all of their savings. Some of their collections are worth thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“The neo-Nazis aren’t buying this stuff, they’re buying the cheap knock-offs. And look I support the ban on public displays, why can’t it just be regulated? All this ban will do is force this market underground.”
Dr Dvir Abramovich, chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, condemned the rush to capitalise on the impending ban.
“I feel like I have been kicked in the guts by this vomit-inducing rush to hawk these items, and this is a clear case of money over ethics. Each auction house trafficking in these demonic and ghastly objects should be ashamed.
“The twisted obsession and booming appetite for Third Reich paraphernalia in Australia is disturbing and the fact that most items are being sold by mainstream auction houses is further proof that this sickening phenomenon is thriving.
“When the law banning this repulsive phenomenon is finally enacted Australia will no longer be a safe haven and refuge for these materials that violate every shared value that we cherish.”
Politicians were among the buyers of Nazi artefacts at an auction at Danielle Elizabeth Auctions last weekend, according to the auction house’s managing director, Dustin Sweeny.
Guardian Australia contacted the Coalition leader, Peter Dutton, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, the Greens leader, Adam Bandt, and the One Nation leader, Pauline Hanson, for comment.
Bandt’s spokesperson said they had been advised by members of the Greens’ party room that they do not own any Nazi memorabilia, bought at this auction or elsewhere.
Hanson’s spokesperson also said One Nation had no knowledge of the claims.
Dutton’s office did not respond to questions about whether the opposition would investigate the claims made by the auction house. Albanese’s office also did not respond to requests for comment.
Guardian Australia understands the Coalition plans to support the government’s bill to outlaw Nazi symbols when parliament reconvenes after the winter break. The Coalition is also considering moving amendments to expressly outlaw the Nazi salute, which is not included in the government’s plans.
