The Aftermath of Kristallnacht: The Nazi Auctioneers Who Profited from the Holocaust

Nov 2, 2025 | Historical data journalism brings to light the true story of Kristallnacht and thereafter. The systematic antisemitism of the Nazis peaked with the pogroms of 1938/39, the outcome of which was incomparable violence and despotism towards Jewish citizens. The events that culminated into the Kristallnacht also led to a massive wave of expropriation. The mind cannot begin to process the vast amount of monetary and material goods taken from the Jews on Kristallnacht and years to follow. But the stolen valuables were meticulously documented by a group known as the auctioneers. Their files place private stories in perspective with the major developments of Nazi-Germany, showing us those who’ve profited most from the property transfers.Tax inspectors and bailiffs, pawnbrokers and auctioneers were the exploiters of Jewish property, from industrial enterprises to silver spoons. Especially the auctioneers are among the major profiteers of the Holocaust. Their files, which in many cities were only recently made accessible, paint a new and more detailed picture of the persecution of Jews in Germany.