Dr. Franz von Sonnleithner's impressive double-breasted diplomatic tunic, constructed of high-quality gray-green wool with an open collar, with rows of four gilt buttons on each side, displaying an eagle and swastika superimposed over a globe. On the left sleeve are three five-pointed gold star patches, indicating the rank of Generalconsul/Gesandter 1st class (Group II, Level 2). A ribbon bar adorns the left breast. The tunic is lined in green silk with a cut for wearing a dagger, and a label inside the inner breast pocket is annotated with Sonnleithner's name and a date of January 2, 1939. In fine condition. Accompanied by the original 2008 Andreas Thies auction catalog in which the tunic is listed.
Franz von Sonnleithner was the diplomatic liaison between the Joachim von Ribbentrop's Foreign Ministry in Berlin and Adolf Hitler's 'Wolf's Lair' headquarters in East Prussia during World War II. Most notably, Sonnleithner was present at the Wolf's Lair conference on July 20, 1944, when Claus von Stauffenberg set off a bomb in an attempt to assassinate Hitler. Sonnleithner was wounded in the blast and thus became one of 23 people to receive the special Wound Badge of 20 July 1944. Following the war, Sonnleithner was a material witness during the Nuremberg Trials, testifying about the organization and operation of the Nazi Foreign Office. A rare and important uniform of a high-ranking German diplomat, and a beautiful piece associated with the famous 1944 attack on Hitler.
