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STAMFORD -- The desk set that once belonged to the leader of Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler, sold for $423,000 to a California historical collector at a Stamford auction Thursday, according to Bill Panagopulos, owner of Alexander Historical Auctions.

Thursday kicked off the two-day historical auction held at Alexander Historical Auctions, located on 860 Canal Street in Stamford. The desk set was among hundreds of items auctioned off from the World War II era, said Panagopulos.

"For all intents and purposes the desk set was sold to a longtime customer and devoted autograph collector," said Bill Panagopulos. "We are thrilled that it is going to a devoted collector and will be in good hands."

Panagopulos said the desk set has historic significance because photographic research shows the set was undoubtedly used at the signing of the Munich Pact on Sept. 30, 1938, at which Czechoslovakia's Sudetenland -- a group of Czech border areas -- was ceded by France and England to Germany. The solid cast brass desk set still has Hitler's initials "AH" and an eagle facing to its left, symbolizing the Nazi Party versus the military, which in turn clutches in its talons a wreath encircling a Swastika, said Panagopulos.

Because of the economical downturn, auction prices have been low over the last few years, he said, but the best pieces are still selling for decent prices.

"Pieces like the desk set will usually sell for a good amount," Panagopulos said. "The best material still brings the best prices even though the prices have been soft over the past couple of years."

The desk set was estimated to sell for approximately $500,000 to $700,000, Panagopulos said.

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