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Adolf Hitler's first self-portrait up for auction

A self-portrait of Adolf Hitler, thought to be the first he ever painted, is to go under the hammer for the first time.

The watercolour painting is among 13 works by the Nazi dictator, created back in 1910 when he was just 21.

The small portrait has no nose or mouth, but the side parting hairstyle is unmistakable and experts are sure it is him because of the markings on the piece.

All of the pictures had been kept under lock and key in storage since their liberation during the Second World War.

But the paintings, which were dated between 1908 and 1912, have now been brought out for the public to see before they go under the hammer in April.

Each of the pieces by the then struggling artist have been individually viewed and authenticated by the late Peter Jahn, a renowned expert on the Austrian period of Hitler's life.

The pictures are mainly of flowers and picturesque landscapes.

Now they will be auctioned at Ludlow Racecourse in Shropshire by Mullocks on April 23 where they are expected to fetch tens of thousands of pounds.

Read entire article at Telegraph (UK)