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Ebay apologises for selling memorabilia from Nazi era

Third Reich knick-knacks are still being traded despite a ban put in place 20 years ago

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eBay supposedly banned the sale of Nazi memorabilia 20 years ago. But Third Reich knick-knacks are still being traded through the online marketplace, the JC has discovered.

Items on sale over the last week included a Nazi propaganda book aimed at Britons, a swastika-emblazoned Nazi record book and postcards celebrating Adolf Hitler’s victories across Europe.

The online auction giant apologised and removed the offending items after the JC brought them to its attention.

In 2001, eBay barred users from selling items that promoted hate or violence.

The prohibition included items relating to the Nazi regime, the Holocaust and slavery, among other historical events.

But a raft of products violating these rules can still be easily discovered on the site.
Pins from the German African legion, the Nazi’s Munich district and a 1933 rally of the party’s paramilitary wing were all available from a seller based in the United Kingdom. Several featured prominent swastikas.

On sale from China was a “high quality” replica Second World War-era Wehrmacht pin.

And for at least £50, you could buy a 1938 copy of Germany Speaks, a collection of essays edited by Nazi Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop.

Offensive material is blocked on eBay by a combination of filter algorithms and security teams which are supposed to monitor the site.

The company is understood to be currently reviewing its automated system to strengthen its ability to prevent Nazi memorabilia from appearing in the first place.

A spokesperson for eBay said: “We have removed the listings that breach our policy and taken action against the sellers responsible.

“We would also like to apologise for any offence caused.”

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