46

MONOKEL Invitation to the famed Berlin lesbian bar, months before the rise of the Nazi Party.


MONOKEL


Invitation to the famed Berlin lesbian bar, months before the rise of the Nazi Party.
Illustrated handbill, 105x150 mm; 4x5¾ inches, completed in manuscript with date and event; folds, otherwise minimal wear. [Berlin], 3 March 1932.

Monokel was opened in 1931, one of three lesbian clubs run by Lotte Hahm (1890-1967), known for wearing short hair and tuxedos, and her partner Käthe Fleischmann (1899-1967) as part of Berlin's flourishing gay scene. It was named after the monocle, which had become a fashion staple among the international lesbian community. In this invitation, Monokel is described as "Die Bar der Frau" (the bar for women), and offers dancing and a cabaret program with free admission. The illustration shows two elegantly dressed women dancing.

Less than a year after this invitation was issued, the Nazi Party rose to power and began a violent assault on Berlin's gay culture. Fleischmann, who was Jewish, spent two years doing hard labor in a work camp before escaping; she barely survived the war.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

August 22, 2024 10:30 AM EDT
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
30.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
25.00%
$1,000,001+:
17.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000