Edwin Bechstein

Edwin Bechstein (; 11 February 1859 – 15 September 1934) was a German piano maker and businessman and early supporter of Adolf Hitler. He was the son of Carl Bechstein and was the owner of the C. Bechstein piano company from 1900 to 1923 when it became a limited company. A later restructuring in 1934 put his wife Helene Bechstein as majority shareholder. He died on 15 September 1934 and received a state funeral attended by Hitler and other Nazi Party officials.

Early career Bechstein was born in 1859 as the oldest of three brothers, Carl Jr., and Johannes, sons of the piano maker Carl Bechstein. He took over the company from his father in 1900 following Carl's death. He spent most of his time working in the firm's London operations and influenced the design of the Bechstein Theatre (later renamed Wigmore Hall) in London. Whilst in London he met Helene Capito, whom he would marry. In 1923, C. Bechstein became a limited company with all three brothers on the board.

Hitler In 1921, Edwin met Hitler and lent him the Bechstein's home as a Berlin residence. The Bechsteins supported Hitler and the NSDAP and gave him financial contributions with Edwin specifically helping to fund the publication of the Nazi Völkischer Beobachter newspaper. At the time, Bechstein was the guardian of Wagner's daughter Winifred and responsible for her education. Reportedly Siegfried Wagner regarded Hitler as a "fraud and an upstart" for appearing before him in a traditional Bavarian checked shirt and leather shorts.

Death

Bechstein died on 15 September 1934 in Berchtesgaden. Hitler gave him a state funeral in Berlin, attending personally along with other high ranking Nazi officials. He was buried in Friedhof II der Sophiengemeinde Berlin though his grave was later lost.