Holocaust ‘memorabilia’ for sale: Replica Nazi death camp gas at Melbourne gun show

REPLICA canisters of gas used to kill millions of Jews in Nazi death camps during World War II were being sold at a Melbourne gun show last weekend.

REPLICA canisters of gas used to kill Jews in Nazi death camps were being sold at a Melbourne gun show last weekend.

A father and son, who wished to remain anonymous, left the Melbourne Arms and Militaria Fair traumatised after discovering the offensive replicas.

“Seeing replica canisters of Zyklon B for sale was one of the most confronting, traumatising and shocking sights that I have ever seen,” the father told the Herald Sun.

“We both had to leave the venue in a badly shaken state.”

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A Zyklon gas replica tin for sale at the Melbourne Arms and Militaria Fair. Picture: Supplied

Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dr Dvir Abramovich said it was sickening to think someone was making money from a model of a substance used to kill millions.

“These individuals ... are not only helping to spread poisonous hate in our society, but are showing zero respect to the survivors of the Holocaust,” he said.

“I am very worried that such indecent and repulsive objects will end up in the hands of neo-Nazis and white supremacists.”

The manufacturer behind the controversial items said it was the first time he had made and sold the replicas, but was not affiliated with Nazi groups.

Reece, who declined to give his surname, said he now realised it was a “sensitive issue”.

“I’d like to apologise for any offence it caused to anyone,” he said.

“I will discontinue anything I did previously with the can.”

A Nazi flag at the fair in 2016. Picture: Facebook

Event organiser and licen­sed firearms dealer Jeffrey Pannan said Nazi objects were legal but distasteful and should not be sold.

“We talk about Nazis … some of that stuff is highly collectable and very, very expensive in a lot of instances but a replica can is not collectable,” he said.

“What people bring along, as long as it is in accordance with the law, we have no problem. I don’t think it’s particularly tasteful.

“I will be sending a reminder to all exhibitors for future shows not to bring any such merchandise.”

However, photos on the Facebook page from the event last year show several swastika flags for sale.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry researcher Julie Nathan said there had been a 20 per cent rise in anti-Semitic incidents in Australia over the past two years.

“This includes incidents such as physical assaults, verbal abuse, vandalism, graffiti, posters, and hate messages via phone and email, ”she said.

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