Holocaust-Era Assets

Military Agency Records

Theaters of Operations

Records of U.S. Occupation Headquarters, World War II (RG 260)

Records Concerning the Central Collecting Points (“Ardelia Hall Collection”) [Note 44]

Originally there were numbers of temporary collecting points in which all cultural objects found in the United States Zone in need of preservation or suspected of having been looted by the Germans were stored. By 1946, there were only four of these temporary facilities, at Munich, Wiesbaden, Marburg, and Offenbach. After June 15, 1946, when the Marburg Central Collecting Point was closed, the remaining three central collecting points became specialized. the Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point held mostly German-owned material, especially that of the former Prussian State Museums, the Städel Institute of Frankfurt, and the local museums of Wiesbaden, plus a certain amount of internal loot (material confiscated from German nationals) and objects subject to restitution. At its height, this installation contained approximately 700,000 objects. The Munich Central Collecting Point specialized largely in materials subject to restitution, although in addition it contained materials of the Bavarian State Museums. At its height this central collecting point had in excess of a million objects. The third of the specialized central collecting points, known as the Offenbach Archival Depot, was devoted primarily to Jewish materials, books, and archives.

The Offenbach Archival Depot was closed in June 1949, and both the Munich and Wiesbaden Central Collecting Points were closed in August 1951, although some cultural objects continued to be stored at the Munich and Wiesbaden facilities under U.S. control, and residual restitution authority for these objects was exercised by the Office of Public Affairs of HICOG.

OMGUS HEADQUARTERS RELATING TO THE CENTRAL COLLECTING POINTS [M1941, Rolls 1–45]

General Records, 1938–1948 (A1, Entry 488) [M1941, Rolls 1–31]

Arranged by general subject or by type of record.

This series consists of correspondence, memorandums, reports, and other forms of documentation relating to a wide variety of subjects. The most prominent subjects include: General information on German fine arts, status of German monuments and museums, planning of the occupational monuments and fine arts program, and German art looting activities during the war.

Roll # Selected File Title or Subject
1–2, 4 Dissolution of the NSDAP [Nazi Party], 1945
Control of works of art in Germany, 1945
Personnel, 1945
Goldcup; Safehaven Reports, 1945–1946
2–4 German administration of fine arts, 1942–1945
Relations with other headquarters, 1945–1946
Reports by monuments and fine arts personnel, 1945
4 Organizational and policy planning, 1944–1945
5 Seventh Army, USFET [United States Forces, European Theater], 1945–1946
5–7 Intelligence, interrogation, and investigation reports including the final report of the Art Looting Investigation Unit
Information on the art collection of Hermann Göring
An investigation of loot in Switzerland, and the discovery of the crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire, 1944–1947
Information about the “Ahenerbe” organization. [Note 45]
8–17 Reports: Field, special, and general, 1945–1946
MFA&A reports, 1945–1946
Meetings concerning restitution, 1945
Information file on policy and procedures, 1944–1945
17–21 Correspondence; outgoing messages; memorandums; and reports, 1945–1946
General information on fine arts in Austria and Germany, 1944–1945
22–24 Museum and monuments lists from Frankfurt; Schleswig-Holstein; and Harvard, 1943–1945
Acquisition lists, 1938–1942
28–29 Monuments: War damage reports; lists; and locations, 1944–1945
29–31 Museums: General information; locations; and inventory lists, 1938–1947

Activity Reports, 1945 (A1, Entry 489) [M1941, Rolls 31–33]

Arranged by unit and thereunder chronologically.

This series consists of monthly reports of the Third and Seventh U.S. Armies concerning monuments and fine art activities for 1945.

Restitution and Custody Receipts, 1945–1951 (A1, Entry 490) [M1941, Rolls 33–45]

This series consists of receipts for the restitution of cultural objects to countries, for the return of cultural objects to German institutions, for interzonal exchange of cultural objects, and for the change of custody of cultural objects in the U.S. zone. Lists and descriptions of cultural objects included in the shipments are attached to the receipts. Includes various arrangements of copies of receipts for shipments of cultural objects, most of which are cross-referenced by assigned shipment numbers.

Selected Microfilm Reproductions and Related Records, 1945–1949 (A1, Entry 491) [A3389, Rolls 1–76]

WIESBADEN CENTRAL COLLECTING POINT [M1947, Rolls 1–117]

General Records, 1945–1952 (A1, Entry 492)

Arranged by general subject or by type of record.

This series consists of correspondence, memorandums, reports, press clippings, and custody receipts. The most prominent subjects are art loans, art exhibitions, Jewish cultural objects, and monuments and fine arts policy planning. The records also include a draft monograph on war damage to German monuments (300 pages, 1950), records relating to the history of the Offenbach Archival Depot (1946-1947), and photographs of the Hungarian Crown of St. Stephen.

This series is available on NARA Microfilm Publication M1947, Rolls 1–18.

Roll # Selected File Title or Subject
1–2 Accessions and acquisitions of art collections; art dealers licenses; art intelligence; artists associations and schools; church bells
3–7 Art Collections; exhibitions and loans of artwork for exhibitions
8 Hungarian claims; Hungarian Crown Jewels including Crown of St. Stephen
9–10 Jewish claims; Jewish Cultural Reconstruction, Inc.; Art acquisition ledger of Dr. Muehlmann; Looting by the Ahnenerbe
12–13 Policy; Post-War Survey of Historic Architecture in the American Zone of Germany;
15 Receipts for Cultural Objects; Evacuation of the Reichsbank Frankfurt

Administrative Records, 1944–1951 (A1, Entry 493)

Arranged alphabetically by subject or type of records.

This series consists of correspondence, memorandums, reports, directives, organization charts, and other records relating to the general administration of the monuments and fine arts program. The administrative records also include invoices documenting ordinary purchases of the Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point, records relating to personnel employed by the collecting point, records relating to both general policy on the regulation of art trade and to individual art dealers, and records relating to the development of U.S. monuments and fine art policy.

This series is available on NARA Microfilm Publication M1947, Rolls 18–29

Roll # Selected File Title or Subject
18–21 Individual case files of art dealers in Hesse
21–25 Correspondence regarding claims and other unit activities
26–29 Laws and directives governing restitution and collecting point procedures; Vaucher Commission; Personnel

Cultural Object Movement and Control Records, 1945–1952 (A1, Entry 494)

Arranged by type of record.

This series consists of shipment files, location registers, control cards, custody receipts, and other kinds of records documenting the custody and movement of cultural objects. A one-volume summary of incoming shipments and outgoing shipments of cultural objects, which includes the shipment number, the date received or shipped, the number of objects included, places of origin or destination, and other information concerning each shipment, is located at the beginning of the series. This volume serves as an index to the individual shipment folder files that follow it. Also included are some Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point inventory control records, such as location registers, property control cards, and custody receipts for cultural objects received by the collecting point.

This series is available on NARA Microfilm Publication M1947, Rolls 29–41

Roll # Selected File Title or Subject
29–32 In-shipments, 1945–1949
32–36 Out-shipments, 1945–1952
36–37 Photographic inventory of Jewish devotional silver; Jewish Cultural Reconstruction list of unclaimed collections; privately owned book collections
38–39 Custody receipts, 1945-1951; Latvian, Polish and Russian restitution
40–41 Jewish identified property; coin collections

Restitution Claim Records, 1945–1948 (A1, Entry 495)

Arranged alphabetically by country and thereunder by either miscellaneous claims, internal restitutions, and/or alphabetically by claimant.

This series consists of correspondence, memorandums, and reports pertaining to restitution claims. Most of the records originated in the 1945-50 period, although some date as late as 1958, and most consist of individual claim case files, containing records relating to claims made by individuals, institutions, and countries for the return of looted art objects. The terms "external restitutions" and "internal restitutions" are used throughout the records. External restitutions pertained to the return of looted objects to other countries or to citizens or institutions of other countries, while internal restitutions concerned the return of looted objects to German citizens.

This series is available on NARA Microfilm Publication M1947, Rolls 41–50

Roll # Selected File Title or Subject
41–42 Restitution claims for the countries and citizens of: Austria; Belgium; Canada; and Czechoslovakia
43–44 Restitution claims for the countries and citizens of: Denmark; France
44–46 Restitution claims for the countries and citizens of: Germany; Great Britain
47–49 Restitution claims for the countries and citizens of: Greece; Hungary; Italy; Luxembourg; Netherlands; Norway; Palestine; Poland; Romania; Soviet Union; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; United States; Yugoslavia

Activity Reports, 1945–1951 (A1, Entry 496)

Arranged alphabetically by subject and thereunder chronologically by month or date.

This series consists of monthly and consolidated reports from monuments and fine arts offices in Land Hesse and Bavaria to higher head-quarters, including reports on the status of the collecting points, consolidated summaries of monuments and fine arts activities, and district summaries of monuments and fine arts activities.

This series is available on NARA Microfilm Publication M1947, Rolls 49–55

Roll # Selected File Title or Subject
49 Activity Reports for Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives Branch
50–53 Monthly Reports for Office of Military Government for Bavaria; Monthly Reports for Office of Military Government for Hesse; Monthly Reports for Office of Military Government for Wuerttemberg-Baden
54–55 Monthly Reports for Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force; Monthly Reports for Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point; Weekly Reports for Military Government District for Kassel

Records Relating to the Status of Monuments, Museums, and Archives, 1945–1950 (A1, Entry 497)

Arranged alphabetically by subject.

This series consists of correspondence, reports, questionnaires, inventory lists, and photographs that describe the condition of monuments and the holdings of museums and archives throughout Hesse. This series also consists of extensive documentation on the Berlin State Museums (Staatliche Museen, Berlin). The records relating to the Berlin State Museums include inventory lists, reports on the wartime evacuation of the museum collections, the discovery of the different repositories by the U.S. and Allied authorities, the condition of the collections, and the movement and storage of the art and cultural objects within the various collections.

This series is available on NARA Microfilm Publication M1947, Rolls 55–71

Roll # Selected File Title or Subject
55–57 Correspondence and questionnaires from archives
58–59 Correspondence and questionnaires from churches, cities and villages
60–62 Reports and questionnaires on war damaged monuments; correspondence and questionnaires from libraries and repositories
63–70 State Museums in Berlin: inventory lists; inventory transfers; material evacuated by Russia; summary reports
71 War damaged art applications

Restitution, Research, and Reference Records, 1900–1954 (A1, Entry 498)

Arranged alphabetically by subject.

This series consists of intelligence, interrogation, and investigative reports, and captured documents, relating to Hermann Goering, Ettle Gisela Limberger, Adolf Weinbmuller, Heinrich Hoffmann, Ernst Buchner, Walter Andrea Hofer, Walter Bornheim, Dr. Hans Frank, Alfred Rosenberg, Joachim von Ribbontrop, Sess-Inquart, Walter Funk, Baldur von Scirach, and Albert Speer. Records relating to the German occupation of the Netherlands, the disposition of German assets in Italy, the German evacuation of cultural objects from Berlin during the war, the German seizure of works of art in Poland, the Einsatzstab Reichsleiter Rosenberg (ERR), and the early development of the Nazi Party in the Berchtesgaden area; and some publications including touring guide books to points of cultural interest in Germany, France, and the low countries.

This series is available on NARA Microfilm Publication M1947, Rolls 72–91

Roll # Selected File Title or Subject
72 Art owned by or sold by Walter Bornheim; Ernst Buechner; Property stored at Tegernsee and Neuschwanstein; Ghent Altarpiece; Einsatzstab Reichsleiter Rosenberg (ERR) correspondence
73–77 Investigative reports and correspondence of Wilhelm and Anny Ettle
79–80 German assets in Italy including art libraries
81–82 Invoices and correspondence for art objects purchased by Hermann Goering
85–90 Travel guidebooks for Germany and France

Directory of Property Received at Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point, 1945–1949 (A1, Entry 499)

Arranged numerically by shipment number and thereunder by date.

This series consists of summary lists of property shipments received at the Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point. Includes types of properties shipped, repository from which the property was shipped, and the disposition of the property.

This series is available on NARA Microfilm Publication M1947, Roll 91

roll

Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point Property Card Index, 1947–1949 (A1, Entry 500)

Arranged by Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point accession number, with gaps.

This series cconsists of 5- by 8-inch property control cards that function as an incomplete listing of the WCCP accession numbers. Although each card may include information such as the measurements of the artwork, artwork classification, identifying marks, history and ownership, condition and repair record, central collecting point accession number, destination, date of arrival to the collecting point, and disposition of each cultural object, many of the cards only contain shipment information and artwork classification. In some cases, a photograph of the artwork is attached to the card.

This series is available on NARA Microfilm Publication M1947, Rolls 91–92

Records Relating to the Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point Restitution, 1945–1951 (A1, Entry 501)

Arranged alphabetically by the name of the country to where objects were sent and thereunder by Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point accession number, with gaps.

This series consists of 5- by 8-inch property control cards that indicate to which country the Nazi-looted cultural objects were restituted. Each card may list the measurements of the artwork, artwork classification, identifying marks, history and ownership, condition and repair record, central collecting point accession number, date of arrival to the collecting point, destination, exit date, and disposition of each cultural object. In some cases, a photograph of the artwork is attached to the card.

This series is available on NARA Microfilm Publication M1947, Rolls 92–97

Records Relating to the Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point Property Accessions, 1945–1949 (A1, Entry 502)

Arranged alphabetically by artwork classification and thereunder by Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point accession number, with gaps.

This series consists of 5- by 8-inch property control cards that serve as the primary method to locate cultural objects housed at the WCCP. Each card may list the measurements of the artwork, artwork classification, identifying marks, history and ownership, condition and repair record, central collecting point accession number, and date of arrival to the collecting point of each cultural object. In some cases, a photograph of the artwork is attached to the card.

This series is available on NARA Microfilm Publication M1947, Rolls 97–109

Records Relating to the Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point Property Releases, 1949–1951 (A1, Entry 503)

Arranged alphabetically by institution or locality to which the property was released and thereunder numerically by Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point accession number, with gaps.

This series consists of 5- by 8-inch property control cards that indicate what artwork was released to the following institutions or localities: Berlin, Darmstadt, Dorotheum in Vienna, Geislingen, Hamburg, Heylshof Stiftung, Karlsruhe, Mainz, Mannheim, Munich, and Wiesbaden. Each card may list the measurements of the artwork, artwork classification, identifying marks, history and ownership, condition and repair record, central collecting point accession number, date of arrival to the collecting point, and exit date of each cultural object. In some cases, a photograph of the artwork is attached to the card.

This series is available on NARA Microfilm Publication M1947, Rolls 109–110

Records Relating to the Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point Property Releases to German Private Owners, 1945–1950 (A1, Entry 504)

Arranged alphabetically by name of the private owner.

This series consists of 5- by 8-inch property control cards that pertain to cultural objects that were returned to various private owners in Germany. Each card may list the measurements of the artwork, artwork classification, identifying marks, history and ownership, condition and repair record, central collecting point accession number, date of arrival to the collecting point, and exit date of each cultural object. In some cases, a photograph of the artwork is attached to the card.

This series is available on NARA Microfilm Publication M1947, Rolls 110–112

Records Relating to the Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point Property Transfers, 1945–1948 (A1, Entry 505)

Arranged by destination of transfer.

This series consists of 5- by 8-inch property control cards that indicate transfers to the custody of the following: the Bavarian Minister President, the West German Federal Government, Gemälde Galerie in Wiesbaden, the Hessian Minister President, the JRSO (Jewish Restitution Successor Organization) in Nürnberg, HICOG, the former Sächsische Landesbibliothek, the Staatliche Museen in Berlin, the Staats Galerie in Stuttgart, the Munich CCP, and the Treuhänder Deutsche Reichsbank in Hesse. Each card may list the measurements of the artwork, artwork classification, identifying marks, history and ownership, condition and repair record, central collecting point accession number, date of arrival to the collecting point, exit date, in-shipment number, out-shipment number, and transfer destination of each cultural object. In some cases, a photograph of the artwork is attached to the card.

This series is available on NARA Microfilm Publication M1947, Rolls 112–117

Nazistic and Militaristic Property Transfers, 1945–1950 (A1, Entry 506)

Arranged by final disposition and thereunder by Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point accession number, with gaps.

This series consists of 5- by 8-inch property control cards that indicate whether the artwork was to be sent to Washington, DC, or to be destroyed. The cards may list the measurements of the artwork, artwork classification, identifying marks, history and ownership, condition and repair record, central collecting point accession number, date of arrival to the collecting point, destination, exit date, and disposition of each cultural object. In some cases, a photograph of the artwork is attached to the card.

This series is available on NARA Microfilm Publication M1947, Roll 117

Photographs of Activities and Exhibits at the Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point, 1946–1947 (260-WAE)

Arranged numerically by item number.

This series consists of a scrapbook that records the activities and exhibits in which the Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point was involved immediately after World War II. Subjects found in this series include the preparation of paintings for shipment to their owners; the return of paintings to Germany from the United States; and views of the complex in Wiesbaden that held the Gemälde Gallery, Archaeological Museum, and Natural History Museum. This complex contained space for storage of recovered artworks, inventorying items, conservation work and photography of the artworks, and exhibits. Other subjects include views of natural history specimens and cultural objects such as menorahs and ceramics, and employees of the complex including carpenters, conservators, electricians, photographers, and secretaries shown engaged in their work. There are also views of various exhibits held at the Wiesbaden complex, with notes indicating personnel of the CCP or noted visitors. Among these are Capt. Walter I. Farmer, Specialist Officer of the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives Section (MFAA) of OMGUS, who was in charge of the Wiesbaden CCP; Prince Ludwig of Hesse; U.S. and German generals; Dutch and French representatives of the MFAA; and German schoolchildren visiting an exhibit. The scrapbook contained loose photographs that allowed both the front and back sides to be filmed since the backs included captions. If the photograph was not loose, it was not detached, and those are noted as "back of photograph not filmed." Negatives for some of these prints in the scrapbook may be located in Record Group 260, Series WL.

This series is available on NARA Microfilm Publication M1947, Roll 117

MARBURG CENTRAL COLLECTING POINT [M1948, Rolls 1–28]

General Records, 1945–1946 (A1, Entry 507) [M1948, Rolls 1–5]

Arranged alphabetically by subject or type of record.

The series consists of daily journals, correspondence, and reports documenting the daily activities of the collecting point. The records relating to the German firm Foto-Marburg are the most voluminous. Foto-Marburg was the photographic firm affiliated with the University of Marburg, which produced photographs of cultural objects handled by the U.S. Central Collecting Points in the American zone. The Foto-Marburg records document its work at the collecting point and include photographic lists and correspondence between the collecting point and Foto-Marburg. Includes inventories of copy negatives obtained by the German Kuntzschutz of the art photograph collections housed by the Belgium Royal Museum of Art, and deposited in the University of Marburg's Art Historical Institute.

Roll #Selected File Title or Subject
1 Daily journal, 1945–1946
1–2 Administrative records, 1945–1946
2 Status of the collecting point reports, 1945–1946
2 Correspondence, 1945–1946
2–5 Records relating to the work of Foto-Marburg including photographic lists and correspondence. These files includes an inventory of the copy negatives obtained by the German “Kunstschutz” [Note 48] from the art photograph collection of the Belgium Royal Museum of Art, and deposited in the University of Marburg's Art Historical Institute, 1945–1946

Marburg Central Collecting Point Property Accessions, 1945–1949 (A1, Entry 508) [M1948, Rolls 6–14] Adobe Acrobat PDF

Arranged numerically by property accession number.

The series consists of property cards which include information such as author or artist, measurements, depot possessor, identifying remarks, subject of art, material or medium used, condition of object, description of object, the presumed owner, and inventory number. In some cases a photograph of the object is attached to the card. The front of each property card contains space for the following information: Classification, author or artist, depot possessor, identifying marks, material, description, presumed owner, catalog number, claim number, negative number, bibliography, measurements and weight, depot number, subject, arrival condition, accession number, inventory number, photograph, other photos, and movements. The back of each card contains space for the following additional information: History and ownership, location, exit date, condition and repair record, and arrival date.

Directory of the Marburg Central Collecting Point Property Released to the Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point, 1945–1948 (A1, Entry 509) [M1948, Rolls 15–25]

Arranged in two parts: alphabetically by subject; and alpha-numerically by shipment number.

The series consists of property cards which include such information as author or artist, measurements, depot possessor, identifying remarks, subject of art, material or medium used, condition of object, description of object, the presumed owner, inventory number, and in some cases a photograph of the object. The front of each property card contains space for the following information: Classification, author or artist, depot possessor, identifying marks, material, description, presumed owner, catalog number, claim number, negative number, bibliography, measurements and weight, depot number, subject, arrival condition, accession number, inventory number, photograph, other photos, and movements. The back of each card contains space for the following additional information: History and ownership, location, exit date, condition and repair record, and arrival date.

OFFENBACH ARCHIVAL DEPOT [M1942, Rolls 1–13]

Administrative Records, 1946–1949 (A1, Entry 510) [M1942, Rolls 1–3]

Arranged by type of record or subject.

This series consists of correspondence, memorandums, procedures, and reports relating to the administration of the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives (MFAA) program at Offenbach. Also included in this series are records from the Office of the Military Governor outlining the Depot's responsibilities concerning restitution.

Roll #Selected File Title or Subject
1 Correspondence, 1946–1949
2 Personnel, 1946–1949
2–3 Policy and procedures, 1946–1948
3 Security, 1946–1949

Cultural Object Restitution and Custody Records, 1946–1951 (A1, Entry 511) [M1942, Rolls 4–7]

This series consists of in-shipment receipts dated 1946–1949 which are arranged alphabetically by place of origin of the shipment; receipts for final shipments to the Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point in 1949; receipts for restitution out-shipments dated 1946–1951 that are arranged alphabetically by name of country, German and American military government authorities, or Jewish organization; and a list of sheet music. Among the external restitution out-shipment receipts are those of the Jewish Cultural Reconstruction, Inc. (JCR) and the Yiddish Scientific Institute (YIVO). OMGUS delivered to the JCR all Jewish cultural and religious objects that were alienated from their owners by the Nazis and for which individual owners could not be determined. The JCR acted as the trustee of these objects for all Jewish people, distributing them to appropriate institutions.

Roll #File Title or Subject
4 Receipts for in-shipments, 1946–1949
4 Receipts for restitution out-shipments, 1946–1951
4 Receipts for final shipments to Wiesbaden, 1949
5–6 Receipts for out-shipments; shipments to German and other military government authorities, 1948–1949
7 Music packing list

Correspondence Relating to Restitution Claims, 1946–1950 (A1, Entry 512) [M1942, Rolls 8–9] Adobe Acrobat PDF

This series consists of correspondence concerning restitution claims including letters received from claimants, letters sent to claimants, and correspondence resulting from actions taken on behalf of claimants.

Monthly Reports, March 1946–August 1947 (A1, Entry 513) [M1942, Rolls 9–10] Adobe Acrobat PDF

Arranged chronologically by date.

This series consists of reports providing detailed information on the administration of the Depot and the progress of the restitution of objects in the Depot's custody. The reports have numerous enclosures, such as floor plans, organizational charts, staff changes, visitors, and lists of library collections which the Depot's staff had sorted and identified in a particular month.

MUNICH CENTRAL COLLECTING POINT [Note 49] [M1946, Rolls 1–334]

Administrative Records, 1945–1951 (A1, Entry 514) [M1946, Rolls 1–13]

Arranged alphabetically by subject or by type of record.

This series consists of correspondence, memorandums, and reports relating to the general administration of the central collecting point, personnel, security, art dealers, denazification, building maintenance, and building supplies.

Roll # Selected File Title or Subject
1 Art Dealers
Art Looting by American Personnel
2 Building: Administration, Personnel and Repair
3 Correspondence by Individual Claimants (1950-1951)
4 General Correspondence (1945-1951)
4–5 Correspondence by Geographic Location
5 Daily File
6–7 Denazification: Applications, Fragebogens, Removals, "Operation Zebra"
8 Directives
8–9 Foreign Representatives Personnel
9–10 German Civilian Personnel
10–11 Military Personnel
12–13 Operation Clean-Up
Security

Cultural Object Movement and Control Records, 1945–1949 (A1, Entry 515) [M1946, Rolls 13–34]

Arranged alphabetically by type of record.

This series consists of records documenting the movement and control of cultural objects, including receipts for different types of shipments; correspondence concerning custody of objects; and cultural object control cards. The records contain receipts for weapons of historical value returned to their owners after being held by U.S. military authorities and correspondence and custody statements relating to the Land Central Bank's custody of coin collections in Bavaria.

Roll # Selected File Title or Subject
13 Correspondence: Coin Collections
13–16 Correspondence: Restitution to Private Owners
Receipts for transfers, 1945–1949
16–28 Custody Receipts: Coin Collections; Historical Weapons; Agencies and Institutions; Restitution to Private Owners and Countries
28 In-Shipments Diary; Lists of Shipments From Munich CCP
29–33 Shipments to Various Countries
33–34 Receipts for Shipments

Restitution Claim Records, 1945–1947 (A1, Entry 516) [M1946, Rolls 34–70]

Arranged in three parts: first, alphabetically by name of country or ethnic group; second, alphabetically by type of record; and third, alphabetically by subject.

This series consists of correspondence concerning claim cases, indexes to claim cases, and other records relating to claims for the restitution of cultural objects. Most of the records consist of claims case files, which contain records relating to claims made by countries, institutions, or private individuals for the return of objects.

Roll # Selected File Title or Subject
34–38 Austria Claims
38–39 Belgium Claims
39–40 Czechoslovakia and Denmark Claims
40–41 France Claims
41–43 Germany Claims
43–46 Great Britain, Greece, Hungary and Italy Claims
46–51 Jewish Claims
51–52 Netherlands, Norway and Poland Claims
52–54 Russia, Switzerland, Uruguay and Yugoslavia Claims
55–56 Numerical Claims
57–63 Property Declarations
64–66 Restitution Cases
69–70 Investigations Correspondence

Activity Reports and Related Records, 1944–1950 (A1, Entry 517) [M1946, Rolls 71–77]

Arranged by type of record and thereunder alphabetically by subject.

This series consists of reports of Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Forces (SHAEF), G-5 Monuments and Fine Arts officers, and U.S. Army detachments to higher headquarters; Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives Section, Bavaria, annual and semi-annual reports, consolidated field reports, and district summaries; and Munich Central Collecting Point monthly reports and restitution summaries.

Records Relating to the Status of Monuments, Museums, and Archives, 1945–1949 (A1, Entry 518) [M1946, Rolls 77–116]

Arranged alphabetically by subject or type of record.

This series consists of correspondence, reports, and completed questionnaires that describe the condition of monuments and culturally important structures, the holdings of museums and archives, and the status of cultural organizations and institutions in Bavaria. Diaries of four prominent Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives Section personnel, Dr. Eberhard Hanfstängl [Note 50], Dr. Hans K. Röthel, Mr. Andre Kormendi, and Dr. Theodor Müller, are also included.

Roll # Selected File Title or Subject
77–78 Administration of State-Owned Castles, Gardens and Lakes
79 Bavarian National Museum
Bavarian State Archives, Libraries and Painting Galleries
80–81 Cultural Institutions Correspondence
81–86 Custodians for Cultural Property
86–87 Daily Diaries of Dr. Eberhard Hanfstängl (August 1945-July 1946), Dr. Hans K. Röthel (July 1945-January 1946, and Mr. Andre Kormendi, (September 1946-December 1948)
87–88 Deutsches Museum
Germanisches National-Museum
Institute for the Protection of Monuments
89 Kaiser Friedrich Museum Paintings
90 MFAA Officer Correspondence
91–94 Monuments
95–96 Post-War Status of Archival Institutions, Museums and Towns
97–112 Repositories
113 Staatsarchiv Nürnberg
114–115 Weapons Collections
116 Wissenschaftlichen Sammlungen des Staats [Scientific State Collections]

Restitution Research Records, 1933–1950 (A1, Entry 519) [M1946, Rolls 116–152]

Arranged alphabetically by subject.

This series consists of originals and photostatic copies of captured German documents relating to German art looting in Europe, reports concerning individuals prominent in the European art world during the war, catalogs of art losses, investigation files for individuals suspected of unauthorized possession or sale of cultural objects, and interrogation reports for persons possessing significant knowledge concerning German actions during the war relating to art. The captured German documents include records relating to the planned "Hitler-Linz" museum; improvement plans for the city of Linz, Austria; Einsatzstab Reichsleiter Rosenberg (ERR) correspondence and reports; and the wartime activities of various art firms and individual art dealers involved in art looting. Also among the records is documentation relating to the art looting activities of Hermann Göring, including his correspondence with the original copy of his handwritten instructions on art acquisitions.

Roll # Selected File Title or Subject
116 "Ahnenerbe"
117–118 Art Objects Confiscated from France, Netherlands, Italy, Poland, and Baltic Countries
119 Civil Censorship Intercepts
120 Maria Almas-Dietrich [Note 53]
121–124 Einsatzstab Reichsleiter Rosenberg (ERR)
125 Germany Lists of Monuments and Treasures
126–128 Hermann Göring
129 Goudstikker Collection
130–131 Karl Haberstock
132 Heeresmuseen [Army Museums]
133 Interrogations
134–137 Investigations
138–141 Linz Museum and City of Linz
142–144 List of Property Removed From France during the War 1939-1945 (Volumes II-VIII)
145 Mannheimer Collection
Investigation of Dr. Kajetan Mühlmann [Note 52]
146–147 Nazi Art Shipments (1938-1944)
148–149 Art Works Taken From Poland by German Occupation Forces
150 Architect Hans Reger [Note 51][Correspondence Relating to Hitler-Linz Museum]
151 Reichsminister Records of Artwork Collections
152 Vienna Rothschild Collection

Records Relating to the Munich Central Collection Point Property Restitution, 1945–1950 (A1, Entry 520) [M1946, Roll 153]

Arranged alphabetically by the name of the country to which objects were returned and thereunder by Munich Central Collecting Point accession numbers.

This series consists of 5- by 8-inch property control cards that pertain to cultural objects that were looted by Nazi Germany. Each card may list the measurements of the artwork, artwork classification, identifying marks, history and ownership, condition and repair record, central collecting point accession number, date of arrival to the collecting point, and exit date of each cultural object. In some cases, a photograph of the artwork is attached to the card. This series is arranged alphabetically by the name of the country to which objects were returned and thereunder by Munich Central Collecting Point accession numbers. See the appendix below for a listing of artwork classifications.

Records Relating to Munich Central Collection Point Property Accession, 1945–1949 (A1, Entry 521) [M1946, Rolls 154–253]

Arranged numerically by Munich Central Collecting Point accession numbers (1-50052), with gaps.

This series consists of 5- by 8-inch property control cards that pertain to cultural objects that were looted by Nazi Germany. Each card may list the measurements of the artwork, artwork classification, identifying marks, history and ownership, condition and repair record, central collecting point accession number, date of arrival to the collecting point, and exit date of each cultural object. In some cases, a photograph of the artwork is attached to the card. See the appendix below for a listing of artwork classifications. This series is arranged numerically by Munich Central Collecting Point accession numbers (1-50052), with gaps.

Records Relating to Munich Central Collection Point Property Transfers, 1945–1949 (A1, Entry 522) [M1946, Rolls 253–264]

Arranged by destination of transfer such as to the Minister President, Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point, the High Commissioner of Austria, and the Federal Government.

This series consists of 5- by 8-inch property control cards that pertain to cultural objects that were looted by Nazi Germany. Each card may list the measurements of the artwork, artwork classification, identifying marks, history and ownership, condition and repair record, central collecting point accession number, date of arrival to the collecting point, and exit date of each cultural object. In some cases, a photograph of the artwork is attached to or loose and filed after the card. This series is arranged by destination of transfer such as to the Minister President, Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point, the High Commissioner of Austria, and the Federal Government. See the appendix below for a listing of artwork classifications.

Records Relating to the Linz Accession to the Munich Central Collecting Point, 1945–1949 (A1, Entry 523) [M1946, Rolls 264–266]

Arranged numerically by Linz accession number (2-3878) with gaps.

This series consists of 5- by 8-inch property control cards that pertain to cultural objects that were looted by Nazi Germany. Each card may list the measurements of the artwork, artwork classification, identifying marks, history and ownership, condition and repair record, central collecting point accession number with site number, date of arrival to the collecting point, and exit date of each cultural object. See the appendix below for a listing of artwork classifications.

Appendix–Artwork Classifications
This is a listing of the artwork classifications used at the Munich Central Collecting Point (MCCP) to catalog works of art that were housed there. The information is captured on several sets of property cards (see A1, Entries 520-523).

  • Books
  • Ceramics
  • Drawlings
  • Enamel
  • Furniture
  • Glass
  • Jewelry
  • Leatherwork
  • Manuscripts
  • Metalwork
  • Military Trophies
  • Miniatures
  • Paintings
  • Plastic
  • Scientific Collection
  • Sculpture
  • Tapestries
  • Textiles
  • Toys
  • Woodwork

MISCELLANEOUS PROPERTY REPORTS [M1940, Rolls 1–6] Adobe Acrobat PDF

Miscellaneous Property Cards, 1945–1947 (A1, Entry 524) [M1940, Roll 1] Adobe Acrobat PDF

Arranged alphabetically by locality.

This series consists of cards which include such information as name of town or locality, name of the repository, name or type of object, and final disposition.

Property Cards Relating to Evacuated Repositories, 1945–1948 (A1, Entry 525) [M1940, Rolls 2–4]

Arranged by country and thereunder by locality.

This series consists of cards which include such information as the name of locality, presumed owner, process of notification, notifier, custodian of the object, status of the investigation, results of the investigation, and title of report providing final disposition.

Records Relating to Repositories of Looted Cultural Objects, 1945 (A1, Entry 526) [M1940, Roll 5]

Arranged alphabetically by locality.

This series consists of cards which include the name of the locality, a description of the locality, and listing of cultural objects.

Records Relating to German Institutions Located Outside the American Zone with Material in Repositories in the American Zone, 1945–1948 (A1, Entry 527) [M1940, Roll 6]

Arranged alphabetically by locality.

This series consists of cards which include such information as name of locality, type of repository, presumed owner, type of cultural object, and in some cases the final disposition.

Survey Reports of War Damage to Historical and Cultural Structures in the American Zone, 1945–1948 (A1, Entry 528) [M1940, Roll 6]

Arranged by zone and thereunder by locality.

This series consists of registers which include locality name, historical or cultural structures, description of value, and assessment of war damage incurred.

RESTITUTION CONTROL BRANCH, KARLSRUHE

“Reading File,” July 1947–October 1948 (A1, Entry 529)
Boxes 1–2

Administrative Records Relating to Foreign Missions for Restitution, 1947–1948 (A1, Entry 530)
Box 3

Miscellaneous Records Pertaining to Restitution, 1947–1948 (A1, Entry 531)
Box 4

Miscellaneous Restitution Claims Filed by Foreign Missions for Restitution of Various Countries, 1946–1948 (A1, Entry 532)
Boxes 5–16

Correspondence and Related Records of the Restitution Control Branch, 1946–1948 (A1, Entry 534)
Box 18

Records of Missions for Restitution Claims, 1946–1948 (A1, Entry 535)
Box 19

Weekly and Semimonthly Reports of the Progress of Restitution Claims, January 1947–December 1948 (A1, Entry 536)
Box 20

Records Relating to Violations in the Filing of Declarations of Property Removed From Areas Occupied by German Forces, 1947–1948 (A1, Entry 541)
Box 26

Index to Declarations of Property Removed From Areas Occupied by German Forces, 1946 (A1, Entry 542)
Boxes 1–27

Declarations of Property Removed from Areas Occupied by German Forces, 1946–1948 (A1, Entry 543)
Boxes 27–210

Index to the Hungarian, Austrian, and Luxembourgian Missions for Restitution Claims, 1946–1948 (A1, Entry 544)
Box 211

Index to Norwegian, Polish, and Yugoslavian Missions for Restitution Claims, 1946–1948 (A1, Entry 545)
Box 212

Listing of Restitution Claims Released to the Missions for Restitution of Various Countries, 1947–1948 (A1, Entry 546)
Boxes 213–214

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