An extraordinary relic drew attention on the embankment at Batthyány Square when, thanks to the Danube’s exceptionally low water level, a German military motorcycle from the Second World War became visible among the rocks. Later, other dangerous items and human remains were also uncovered at the site.
Second World War German motorcycle emerges from Danube in heart of Budapest
Experts arriving at the scene quickly established that it was a German DKW NZ 350-1 from the Second World War. Remarkably, the vehicle was found in unusually good condition, almost complete.
But the motorcycle was far from the only wartime relic in the riverbed. During the excavation, German and Soviet infantry ammunition, remnants of hand grenades and artillery shells, as well as German TMi–35 mines, were also discovered. Because of the dangerous finds, the area was secured and bomb disposal experts began clearance work. A total of ten mines had to be removed, which also required the temporary restriction of traffic on Bem quay.
According to specialists, the variety of items suggests that a rubbish pit created after the war may have been exposed. Among the objects found were animal bones and civilian ceramics, alongside military materiel.
Mud helped preserve the motorcycle
The river mud preserved the motorcycle and several associated items in a curious way, including a German Y-strap and a bayonet frog. But the DKW, weighed down by mud and trapped water, tipped the scales at more than 200 kilograms, making it impossible to lift out easily from the rocky riverbank.
In the end, it was taken across to the Pest side with the help of a research vessel, then transported to the hangar of the Military History Institute and Museum on Kerepesi Road. It will be cleaned and conserved in the coming weeks.
There is, however, a darker side to the story: human remains were found beneath the motorcycle. Investigations showed them to be the remains of German soldiers, whose further excavation and recovery was carried out by the German war graves organisation.
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What is it worth today?
On the basis of market comparisons, this is an especially valuable example, all the more so because it surfaced in near-complete form, meaning there is a chance it could be restored and even displayed. Collectors buy DKW motorcycles of this type in unrestored, incomplete condition for a few thousand euros; in good, usable condition they fetch around €7,000 to €12,000. A neatly restored, original military example can command €12,000 to €18,000, and more if it is well documented.
A 1944 NZ 350-1, for instance, sold at Dorotheum in 2020 for €7,360. Its description stated that roughly 12,000 such machines had been produced for the army by 1945. A fully restored example with original paint costs €16,500, or more than 6 million forints. In Hungary, these are the examples currently for sale.
The motorcycle found in the Danube is set to be cleaned and conserved.
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The source of the photos: honvedelem.hu
