*German, WWII, Named Right Boot of SS-Oberaufseherin Gerda Steinhoff, K.L. Danzig-Holm, Dated 1944*
A single right-foot black leather riding-style boot retaining an internal stitched identification label naming Gerda Steinhoff (1922–1946), a female overseer within the Stutthof concentration camp system. Personal effects named to specific, high-ranking female Holocaust perpetrators are exceptionally scarce. Most were discarded to avoid detection during the post-war "denazification" period.
The rank SS-Oberaufseherin denotes a senior female overseer within the concentration camp system. The abbreviation K.L. stands for Konzentrationslager (concentration camp), and Danzig-Holm identifies a subcamp within the Stutthof camp complex operating in the Danzig region during the final phase of the war. The date 1944 places the boot within the late-war period of service.
Deeply stamped into the interior leather is the production code: “2818 (M) 17 22 / 42”
These markings are consistent with wartime German footwear manufacturing conventions. The “42” is most plausibly interpreted as a 1942 production year stamp, reflecting the common wartime practice of earlier-manufactured equipment remaining in service and later being issued or relabelled.
The marking “17 22” follow wartime German footwear sizing conventions, with 22 indicating an approximate 22 cm foot length (Mondopoint-style sizing), equating broadly to UK size 2–3 / EU 34–35 and 17 likely denoting a narrow width (Weite). The slim profile, small sole length and tall shaft indicate a notably petite-fitting knee-high boot of equestrian style. This is consistent with historical records of Gerda Steinhoff, who was noted to be of relatively small stature (approx. 5'3" or 160 cm).
Construction is of civilian-pattern riding boot form, with tall pull-on shaft, low stacked heel, and stitched and pegged leather sole. This style differs from standard military marching boots and is consistent with the mixture of issued and privately obtained clothing documented among female camp overseers.
As a named personal artefact, this boot constitutes rare material evidence directly linked to an identified member of the Stutthof concentration camp staff.
Approx. Measurements – Height: 47.4 cm. External sole length: 18.8 cm.
Historical Note:
Gerda Steinhoff (1922–1946) served as a female overseer within the Stutthof concentration camp system during the final phase of the Second World War. She was promoted to the rank of SS-Oberaufseherin on 31 October 1944, consistent with the title and date recorded on the internal label of this boot.
Following her promotion, she was assigned to the Danzig-Holm subcamp, a facility within the Stutthof complex associated with forced labour connected to German naval construction administration in the Danzig area. Records indicate her tenure at Danzig-Holm was relatively brief, with reassignment to Bromberg-Ost on 1 December 1944. The label therefore corresponds to a narrowly defined and historically specific period of service in late 1944.
Female camp overseers were administratively classified as SS-Gefolge auxiliaries, serving under SS authority but not as full SS members.
Following Germany’s surrender in May 1945, Steinhoff was arrested by Polish authorities and brought to trial in Gdańsk during the First Stutthof Trial (1946), one of the earliest post-war proceedings held against concentration camp personnel. She was convicted of crimes against humanity and publicly executed by hanging on 4 July 1946 at Biskupia Górka Hill alongside other condemned former camp staff.
This boot survives as a documented named artefact associated with an identified individual within the Stutthof camp hierarchy.
*Condition*
Single right boot only. Leather remains structurally stable but displays age-related wear, including scuffing, creasing, finish loss and surface cracking consistent with period use. Upper rim shows fraying and wear. Interior identification label is worn but remains legible, and the factory stamps are clearly visible. Sole shows substantial wear with dryness and cracking to the heel and mid-section. Unrestored, original condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
