{"title":"6.26 History Lessons","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"regiment-des-dromedaires-camel-saddle","title":"Regiment des Dromedaires Camel Saddle","description":"This fascinating piece of military history is a camel saddle created for and used by the Dromedary Regiment (Regiment des Dromedaires) during Napoleon’s Egyptian campaigns between 1798 and 1801. The term “dromedary” refers to the dromedary camel, better known as the Arabian camel, that features a single hump on its back. This saddle is perfectly suited to fit snuggly around the hump and secure two soldiers upon the camel’s back. The wooden saddle bears iron reinforcements and brass mountings with openwork underlain with silver. The dromedary camel proved to be a vital asset for Napoleon’s military campaign, due to the fact the animal is well adapted to life in desert, able to transport a large amounts of cargo and is highly intelligent and easily managed. Specialized equipment such as this saddle was needed to properly outfit the camels for military use. The Regiment des Dromedaires was created upon the onset of Napoleon’s arrival in Egypt in January, 1798. These soldiers were hand-selected infantrymen who actually fought dismounted.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCirca 1800\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n51” length","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41347118399623,"sku":"29-4027","price":19850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/29-4027_1.png?v=1715329245"},{"product_id":"bronze-palanquin-leopard-finial","title":"Bronze Palanquin Leopard Finial","description":"Bronze Palanquin Leopard Finial\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1800 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Cast in the form of a fierce leopard, this rare bronze finial once adorned the end of a palanquin pole and dates to the turn of the 19th century. The palanquin, or “palki,” is a litter-style conveyance that has been used in India for centuries to transport individuals in enclosed compartments borne on poles. Finials like this one were attached to the ends of those poles, combining ornamentation with function in a display of craftsmanship and status. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The word “palanquin” derives from the Sanskrit \u003cem\u003epalanki\u003c\/em\u003e, meaning “bed” or “couch.” These richly draped conveyances were traditionally carried by four to eight bearers—known variously as \u003cem\u003ebehara\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003edulia\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003eboyee\u003c\/em\u003e, depending on the region. Interiors were often appointed with plush bedding and pillows to ensure comfort while traveling. Although palanquins are first mentioned in the 3rd-century BCE epic \u003cem\u003eRamayana\u003c\/em\u003e, their peak usage occurred during the Mughal era, from the 16th through 19th centuries. With the rise of railways and roadways capable of supporting wheeled transport, their everyday use declined. Today, palanquins continue to appear in ceremonial contexts, particularly in weddings. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The ornamentation and complexity of a palanquin were closely tied to the social status of its owner. Finials followed the same conventions, serving not only as decorative elements but also as indicators of gender. Women’s palanquins were typically adorned with floral motifs—especially lotuses—and birds, while those belonging to men often featured fierce animals or mythical creatures drawn from Indian folklore. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Similar palanquin finials are held in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The Heritage Transport Museum in Taoru, India, features an entire exhibit dedicated to palanquins, showcasing a diverse array of finials. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 8 1\/4\" length x 6\" wide x 5\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43873407565959,"sku":"30-6263","price":3850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-6263_1.png?v=1770665755"},{"product_id":"jimmy-the-greeks-personal-address-book","title":"Jimmy the Greek's Personal Address Book","description":"This unassuming address book once belonged to famed sports commentator Jimmy Snyder, known simply as “Jimmy the Greek,” and it is an incredible piece of professional sports and American media memorabilia. It contains the contact information for a laundry list of notable celebrities, athletes and political figures that Snyder collected during his long career, each recorded by Snyder himself over the decades. Some memorable entries include comedian Bob Hope, actor Warren Beatty, football coach John Madden and talk show legend Larry King. Other ephemera within the address book includes various business cards, five horse betting OTB stubs, an Amtrak ticket from NYP to WAS and an obituary for philanthropist Reuben Paul Rosen. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Jimmy Snyder was among the most colorful and charismatic personalities in the world of sportscasting and sports betting. Known best for his work on \u003cem\u003eThe NFL Today\u003c\/em\u003e predicting game scores during the 1970s and 80s, he was instrumental in helping bring gambling into the athletic world’s mainstream. This compelling piece of Americana provides fascinating insight into the personal life of not only Jimmy the Greek, but also a number of 20th-century pop culture legends. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 4 7\/8\" wide x 3\/4\" deep x 7 3\/4\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43873956364423,"sku":"31-2754","price":8850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-2754_1_e660136e-e50f-40ee-8221-204980300f36.png?v=1772351129"},{"product_id":"nema-cipher-machine","title":"NEMA Cipher Machine","description":"The Swiss NEMA cipher machine is an extraordinary part of both military and mechanical engineering history. Known as the \u003cem\u003eNeue Machine\u003c\/em\u003e, or “New Machine,” the NEMA was developed by Zellweger AG in Uster, Switzerland during World War II to replace the German-engineered “Enigma K” after the Swiss realized that both the Allies and the Germans were able to break the Swiss traffic. One of the few rare models intended as a war machine, the present tool is an exceptionally well-preserved example of this extraordinary machine. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Visually similar to the Enigma, the NEMA used a 10-wheel mechanism: five “stepping” or “drive” wheels, four coding wheels (rotors) and one reflector wheel that is movable during encryption. The use of the reflector allowed designers to effectively replace the plug board found on the Enigma. The reflector and coding wheels are the only wheels that are electrically wired, while the stepping wheels feature mechanical cams that control the stepping of the coding and reflector wheels. The addition of the movable reflector and stepping wheels allowed the NEMA codes to be more “irregular” and, therefore, harder to break. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Developed between 1941 and 1943 by a team of Swiss mathematics professors led by Captain Arthur Alder at the University of Bern, the prototype was completed in 1944. After modifications in 1945, the final versions were created by Zellweger AG and released for service in 1947. Though too late to be utilized during World War II, the NEMA became widely used by the Swiss Army and the Diplomatic Service during the Cold War era. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Only 640 of these machines are believed to have been created by Zellweger AG. This particular model was one of the rare war machines that were kept in reserve storage to be used in the event of war, and these models are extraordinarily rare. The case features the following label:\u003cem\u003eNur bei Kriegsmobilmachung abgeben! Ne délivrer qu'en cas de mobilisation de guerre! Da consegn. solo in caso di mobilitazione di guerra !\u003c\/em\u003e, meaning “Issue only in case of war mobilization” in three languages, German, French and Italian. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The NEMA machine bears its original plaques and it is marked with its serial number TD-459. It also comes complete with its original operating manual. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1946 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 12 3\/4“ wide x 14 3\/8“ deep x 5 3\/4” high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43873915928711,"sku":"31-4145","price":34500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-4145_1_8c94e2ad-ee96-4a49-821b-26a615a64876.png?v=1772350754"},{"product_id":"charlie-chaplin-autographed-photo","title":"Charlie Chaplin Autographed Photo","description":"A fascinating artifact of film history, this photograph of Charlie Chaplin was signed by the \"The Tramp\" himself. Chaplin stands as the archetypal silent film star, and he is remembered today as one of the most famous actor-directors of all time and an enduring figure of the 20th century's cultural landscape. The picture was taken in 1931 in Vienna, a stop on Chaplin's European vacation after completing his film \u003cem\u003eCity Lights\u003c\/em\u003e. As one of the biggest stars in the world, his visit was front page news, and Austrian newsreel director Gustav Mayer was keen to capture it on film. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In the now-legendary reel, known as \u003cem\u003eCharly Chaplin in Wien\u003c\/em\u003e, throngs of fans await the star's arrival at a train station. The moment Chaplin disembarks from his train, the crowd lifts him up on their shoulders in adoration as he tips his hat to them and smiles. But it is the very end of the film that has made this particular newsreel, commemorated here in this photo, so remarkable. Mayer manages to capture the first time Chaplin is ever recorded speaking on film. He greets the camera, and the Austrian people, directly with a warm \"Guten Tag.\" This autographed photo is a reminder of not only Chaplin's undeniable stardom, but also what this icon represented and championed — the magic of film. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"Charlie Chaplin \/ Vienna '31\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 14 3\/4\" high x 11 3\/4\" wide","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41238363275399,"sku":"31-2407","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-2407_1_0cdf59c2-cff9-4265-8ceb-78259f9b6162.png?v=1717921868"},{"product_id":"muhammad-ali-signed-speed-bag-gift-to-sir-elton-john","title":"Muhammad Ali Signed Speed Bag, Gift to Sir Elton John","description":"This iconic speed bag from the esteemed collection of Sir Elton John holds a special significance as a gift from his close friend, Muhammad Ali. Signed and inscribed in silver pen with the heartfelt message, \"Elton 1\/10 90, From your friend Muhammad Ali,\" it symbolizes the bond shared between the two celebrated figures. Their friendship, rooted in their shared commitment to social causes, was characterized by mutual admiration and respect. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The black leather Gyro Balanced Everlast 4200 series Speed Bag, designed for speed and precision, is often likened to the \"Chevrolet\" of speed bags. Its iconic status is further elevated by its association with illustrious owners and its storied history of passing through the hands of greatness. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Muhammad Ali once said, “Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything.” Elton John, in turn, fondly remarked on Ali as “A kind, special man. I treasure my moments spent with him.” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Both individuals shared a profound dedication to social change, as evidenced by Elton John’s poignant performance at Celebrity Fight Night to benefit the Muhammad Ali Parkinson's Center. Their heartfelt exchange of gifts further highlights the depth of their bond: from a personalized copy of Elton John’s 1997 Mercury Records compact disc single, adorned with a message of admiration to “the Greatest of All Time” from John, to this cherished punching bag from Ali. These gestures serve as enduring testaments to the enduring impact of their friendship. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1990 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 10 1\/2\" high x 3 1\/2\" diameter","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44028164669575,"sku":"31-8868","price":38500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-8868_1_3cd6dba9-a8a4-49a9-8e82-ed63a3aa13ec.png?v=1778793777"},{"product_id":"spun-brass-bed-warmer","title":"Spun Brass Bed Warmer","description":"Spun Brass Bed Warmer\u003cbr\u003e Early 19th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This bed warmer exemplifies Federal period craftsmanship, a time when utilitarian objects were also works of art. The spun brass construction and precisely pierced lid demonstrate superior metalworking skills, while the original mahogany handle adds refinement. Bed warmers reached their zenith during the early 19th century when American craftsmen mastered European techniques while developing regional characteristics. One would place heated coals inside the secure pan and then slide it into the bed to warm before tucking in. This was an essential practice before the implementation of central heating. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 6 1\/2“ high x 13 1\/2” wide x 45 1\/4“ deep ","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42944615907463,"sku":"32-0826","price":985.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-0826_1.png?v=1753543482"},{"product_id":"wwi-trench-art-book","title":"WWI Trench Art Book","description":"WWI Trench Art Book\u003cbr\u003e Created by German and Austro-Hungarian Soldiers\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1914-1918 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This rare collection of seventy-four trench art postcards offers a historic and remarkably intimate glimpse into the psyche of World War I soldiers—men whose voices were often eclipsed by the words of leaders or newspaper stories. Created by individual German and Austro-Hungarian soldiers over three years on the battlefield, these postcard-sized drawings are among the most expressive artifacts from the Great War, documenting daily realities often left unspoken. From concerns over rations, camaraderie and holidays, to poignant depictions of home, these postcards reveal the inner lives of the men who faced the front lines. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e These drawings were crafted for the Austro-Hungarian newspaper \u003cem\u003eKronen Zeitung\u003c\/em\u003e (meaning \"Crown Newspaper\"), which launched a campaign to capture soldiers' true experiences through thousands of blank cards distributed to German and Austro-Hungarian forces. Soldiers were invited to illustrate them freely, providing captions and personal notes. Out of thousands received, only 1,183 cards were selected for publication—this collection represents 100 of the finest examples. They represent an intriguing subset of trench art, a phenomenon that first emerged during the Napoleonic Wars. Trench art flourished during the Great War, perhaps due to the evolution of trench warfare. Soldiers were expected to spend at least 8-10 days on the front line, and some were even required to spend up to two months entrenched. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In each scene and portrait, soldiers capture the everyday struggles, hopes and humor that sustained them through the conflict. These emotive works feature everything from landscapes and familiar village scenes to satire, reflective of how these men saw and coped with their surroundings. Together, these drawings present a profoundly moving view of the war as experienced by those on the ground. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The one-of-a-kind drawings are beautifully presented in a custom leather-bound book and supporting cradle. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Book: 14 1\/4\" wide x 12 1\/2\" deep x 3 1\/2\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43875577659527,"sku":"32-0489","price":48500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-0489_1_05ed5a5f-aa11-4a6b-891a-de8e7808fd7f.png?v=1772364897"},{"product_id":"gilded-bronze-napoleon-relief","title":"Gilded Bronze Napoleon Relief","description":"Gilded Bronze Napoleon Relief\u003cbr\u003e 20th Century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This commanding gilded bronze relief presents the instantly recognizable profile of Napoleon Bonaparte, rendered with striking authority and precision. Shown in his favored uniform as Colonel of the Chasseurs à Cheval de la Garde Impériale, Napoleon appears in full military regalia. The artist’s technical mastery is evident throughout. Finely chiseled details articulate the contours of Napoleon’s hair, eyes and features, while the uniform is treated with equal care—epaulettes adorned with twisted tassels, the flaming grenade insignia and the sash of the Imperial Order of the Legion of Honour crossing his chest are all rendered with remarkable clarity and depth. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 7 3\/8“ high x 6 1\/2” wide x 1 7\/8“ deep ","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43664335372423,"sku":"32-1965","price":1850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-1965_1.png?v=1781212941"},{"product_id":"framed-maritime-passport-signed-by-napoleon-bonaparte","title":"Framed Maritime Passport signed by Napoleon Bonaparte","description":"Framed Maritime Passport\u003cbr\u003e Signed by Napoleon Bonaparte\u003cbr\u003e Dated April 14, 1813 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed documents of substantial scale by Napoleon Bonaparte are exceptionally scarce, and this maritime passport stands among the most revealing commercial instruments of his reign. Issued on April 14, 1813, it formally authorized an American merchant vessel to enter French ports during one of the most precarious moments of the Napoleonic Empire, when access to neutral trade had become a matter of survival rather than policy. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e By 1813, the catastrophic Russian campaign had shattered the Grande Armée, while British naval supremacy effectively sealed French ports. This passport—never used, as the American vessel never arrived—captures the tension between imperial ambition and geopolitical reality, underscoring Napoleon’s reliance on transatlantic trade even as his empire stood on the brink of collapse. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Executed on a large sheet and bearing Napoleon’s bold, unmistakable signature, it is further distinguished by extensive ministerial endorsements and countersignatures from senior imperial officials. The density of handwritten approvals, combined with the printed imperial heading and administrative annotations, conveys the seriousness with which maritime access was regulated during the height of the Continental System. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Paper: 19 1\/2“ high x 13 5\/8” wide (49.53 x 34.29 cm) Frame: 23 3\/4\" high x 18 1\/8\" wide x 1 1\/2\" deep (60.33 x 46.04 x 3.81 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Guaranteed by a commercial house established in Bordeaux\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, France\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44489073131655,"sku":"32-2085","price":34500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2085_1.png?v=1777552683"},{"product_id":"napoleonic-prisoner-of-war-bone-ship-model","title":"Napoleonic Prisoner-of-War Bone Ship Model","description":"French Prisoner-of-War Bone Ship Model\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1805 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This exceptional Napoleonic-era ship model is a rare artifact of maritime and world history. Crafted by a French prisoner of war during the Napoleonic Wars, this finely detailed three-masted ship of the line is skillfully constructed from bone, using material left over from rations. The planked decks feature finely rendered details, including capstans, scored hammock racks, guns mounted in bone stepped carriages, bound masts with yards, stuns’l booms and full standing and running rigging. It is set within a finely executed straw-work waterline mount, secured with anchor devices at each corner, and presented in its glass case. Few examples of such scale and intricacy survive, making this a museum-worthy relic of wartime craftsmanship. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e During the long years of conflict between Napoléon and King George III, French prisoners were often detained for years on de-rigged ships known as “Hulks” or in English prison camps. With limited materials, including mutton bones from rations, these prisoners began creating detailed items for sale at market stalls within the camps. While some produced boxes, games and curios, ship models such as this were the most admired and collected, particularly by British naval officers. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In case: 12 1\/4\" high x 18\" wide x 9\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44510838423687,"sku":"32-1954","price":18850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-1954_1_d2f487d7-6d0e-429f-a986-12ccda7ef361.png?v=1778858562"},{"product_id":"elvis-guitar","title":"Elvis' Guitar","description":"Elvis Presley's Classical Guitar\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"Elvis\"\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1950s \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A rare artifact of rock and roll history, this extraordinary guitar was owned, played and signed by Elvis Presley, the artist who redefined modern music. It was later gifted to a close friend, who recounts a 1976 Las Vegas meeting in which Elvis retrieved it from his car and performed “That’s All Right” on the spot. He then presented it to his friend as a gift, signing it with his unmistakable “Elvis” autograph and describing it as a source of good luck. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Elvis was photographed playing what is almost certainly this instrument in 1958 while stationed in Germany. A richly finished 1950s classical model, it is distinguished by a warm, polished body, contrasting black trim and a bold ink signature applied directly to the soundboard. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The guitar was chosen for the cover of Sotheby’s 1995 \u003cem\u003eCollectors’ Carrousel\u003c\/em\u003e catalog, affirming its importance. Elvis Presley’s enduring influence as a performer and ability to bridge gospel, country and rhythm and blues reshaped global popular culture, making surviving instruments associated with him among the most coveted in music memorabilia. Examples with documented provenance, direct ownership and his personal signature represent the rarest tier of Presley artifacts. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The instrument is accompanied by its certificate of authenticity issued by Graceland Records dated September 20, 1995, and Unique Images. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/rau-sfimages.s3.amazonaws.com\/dossier\/Dossier_32-2723.pdf\" target=\"new\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eView the Dossier\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44728014012551,"sku":"32-2723","price":650000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2723_1.png?v=1780579491"},{"product_id":"bob-dylans-guitar","title":"Bob Dylan's Guitar","description":"Bob Dylan's Aluminum-Body Fender Stratocaster\u003cbr\u003e Serial number NAMM 1993 #003\u003cbr\u003e Dated 1993 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bob Dylan is widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century, and this extraordinary custom Fender Stratocaster offers a direct connection to his revolutionary musical legacy. Created for the legendary musician, this experimental aluminum-body guitar embodies the innovation and individuality that defined both Dylan and Fender during one of the most creative eras in modern music history. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Crafted in 1993 by master builder J.W. Black of the Fender Custom Shop, the guitar is one of only four of its kind, each with unique decoration. Its striking engraved aluminum body is engraved in a flowing Art Nouveau style, transforming the iconic Stratocaster silhouette into a sculptural work of art. The instrument is accompanied by its original Fender invoice directing delivery to the care of Bob Dylan. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Few artists have reshaped popular music as profoundly as Bob Dylan. His controversial embrace of the electric guitar at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival altered the course of folk and rock music forever, with the Fender Stratocaster becoming inseparable from that transformation. Likewise, Fender’s Custom Shop has long stood at the forefront of guitar innovation, producing highly limited experimental instruments that push the boundaries of design and craftsmanship. This guitar, one of only four examples created for the 1993 NAMM show, represents an exceptionally rare intersection of musical history, artistic experimentation and rock-and-roll mythology. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bears the J.W. Black Custom Shop logo on the back of the headstock \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Guitar: 39\" high x 12 1\/2\" wide x 2 1\/2\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/rau-sfimages.s3.amazonaws.com\/dossier\/Dossier_32-2724.pdf\" target=\"new\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eView the Dossier\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44728034558087,"sku":"32-2724","price":900000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2724_1_671e360f-fd3e-49f9-be8d-ae30760532f8.png?v=1781205705"},{"product_id":"enigma-cipher-machine-1","title":"Enigma Cipher Machine","description":"Enigma Four-Rotor Cipher Machine\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1943 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A significant relic of World War II history, this incredibly rare Enigma four-rotor cipher machine is complete and in pristine condition. Known as the Swiss K, this particular incarnation of the Enigma was made by the Germans for the Swiss Army and features an additional lamp panel and power supply. Whereas most machines used three rotors, the four-rotor machines allowed for much greater security and were much more difficult to decipher. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This model is distinguished by its fantastic, original condition, including its set of rotors with matching serial numbers, original Enigma flat \"half-opal\" bulbs in working condition, power pack with all cables and connectors to feed up to four Enigmas, battery and even oak casings. This Swiss K, with the \"K\" standing for the German word \u003cem\u003eKommerziell (commercial)\u003c\/em\u003e, was sold to the Swiss beginning in 1939. The case, extra lamp panel, and external power supply were additions made by the Swiss once the Enigma machines were received, and it is known that they also made frequent modifications to the wiring and wheel stepping mechanisms in an attempt to ensure that even the Germans could not decipher their code traffic.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Enigma machine was an advanced electromechanical cipher machine developed by German engineer Arthur Scherbius after World War I. Approximately 25 variations of the Enigma were created and used by all branches of the German military and the governments of several other countries throughout World War II. In addition to the complexity of the Enigma machine itself, its operating procedures grew increasingly complex over time in order to make Enigma communications harder to code-break. It is believed by many that the Allies’ deciphering of the Enigma code shortened the war by at least two years, and to find such a historically important machine in complete, excellent condition is truly amazing.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The need to decipher the Enigma would soon become an international affair. In 1929, the Poles intercepted an Enigma machine that was being shipped from Berlin and mistakenly had not been protected as diplomatic baggage. The Poles were able to determine the wiring of the rotors then in use by the German Army and decrypt a large portion of German Army traffic for much of the 1930s. The Poles, realizing time was running out before the Germans invaded, decided in mid-1939 to share their work and passed to the French and the British some of their information. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The information was shipped to France in diplomatic baggage; the British share went on to Bletchley Park, where the British secret service had installed its Code and Cipher School for the purpose of breaking the Germans' message traffic. There, British mathematicians and cryptographers, chess players, bridge players, and crossword puzzle fans, among them Alan Turing, managed to conquer the problems presented by the many German Enigma variations and found means of cracking them. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The extra lamp panels are known to be created by the Swiss company Werkstatten H. Bischhausen, while the external power supply was created by H. Stucki Transformatorenbau in Bern and bears the company's plaque in the lid interior. This Enigma is marked with serial number \"K760\" while all four of the 4 matching rotors are numbered \"K799.\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 15 1\/4” wide x 11 3\/4” deep x 6” high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44843534516359,"sku":"32-2601","price":198500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2601_1_7ecc3cd4-db98-47fd-ae6c-7d9653d066d1.png?v=1781284907"}],"url":"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/collections\/6-26-history-lessons.oembed","provider":"M.S. Rau","version":"1.0","type":"link"}