The Auschwitz Museum has gathered over 10,000 pieces of the enameled kitchenware stolen from those sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau, but one recently revealed itself to be more than what it seemed.
A cup in the collection turned out to have a double bottom, and concealed inside the hidden compartment were a gold ring and a necklace. An analysis of jewelry suggests it was made in Poland between 1921 and 1931.
The museum director notes that those being deported to camps were often lied to about where they were going and encouraged to pack a bag, only to have their belongings stolen by the Nazis.
He also comments, “The hiding of valuable items…proves on the one hand to the awareness of the victims…but on the other hand it shows that the Jewish families constantly had a ray of hope that these items will be required for their existence”
