Champagne Seized By The Nazis Goes To Auction

Champagne Seized By The Nazis Goes To Auction

Two rare bottles of Champagne heading to the auction block in the U.K. have an unusual history.

Seized by the Nazis during the World War II, the bottles were recovered by an unidentified member of Great Britain's Royal Air Force and kept in pristine condition by his daughter for decades. The bottles, which were snatched up about 10 years ago by Hansons Auctioneers, are a Château de Mareuilsay Montebello 1937 and Monopole Red Top by Heidsieck.

According to the auctioneer's website, both are stamped with red labels that read, in German, "Reserved for German Army -- Not for resale or purchase" and "Sales in the free market are prohibited."

Nearly 80 percent of France's Champagne supply during the German occupation was marked with such labels. “It is remarkable that these two bottles of bubbly still exist,” said Hansons junior valuer and researcher Elizabeth Bailey, “considering the unquenchable thirst the Nazi forces seemed to have for fine French Champagne.”

At a June 20 auction, the bottles are expected to fetch between $151 and $227 each. Take a look at the labels below.

nazi champagne

nazi champagne

Before You Go

DRC

Super Expensive Bucket List Wines

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot