Alexander Historical Auctions Alexander Historical Auctions

Transcription

Alexander
Historical Auctions
Patton prepares to invade North Africa:
“...We may be repulsed in which case I am not coming back alive…”
LIVE AUCTION
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2014 11:00 AM EASTERN
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014 11:00 AM EASTERN
Terms and Conditions of Sale
1. This auction is conducted under the laws of the State of Maryland.
2. This auction will begin at 11:00 AM Eastern time on Tuesday, February 18, and Wednesday, February 19, 2014.
3. There is a 19.5% Buyer’s Premium charged on the final hammer price of each lot. An additional 3% (for a total of 22.5%) will be added to lots
purchased live through the Internet via invaluable.com, liveauctioneers.com and other third-party bidding sites. An additional 2% handling
fee will be added to the hammer price plus buyer’s premium on all invoices, discounted if payment is made by cash, check, or wire transfer.
4. The Auctioneer reserves the right to reject any bid for any reason. In exceptional cases of clerking errors, third-party bidding platform errors,
miscommunication, or other errors beyond the direct control of the auctioneer, the auctioneer reserves the right to withdraw the lot after the
hammer has fallen but only before any payment has been accepted.
5. The Auctioneer reserves the right to withdraw any lot for any reason.
6. In the event of duplicate high bids, the earliest bid received will be the winner. Please note absentee bids left with third-party bidding platforms do not reach the auctioneer until the lot opens during the live sale.
7. Some lots may carry a reserve beneath which the item will not be sold. Any reserve will always be at or below the low estimate.
8. Detailed descriptions of lots and photocopies are available upon request. Bidders are advised that we warrant ONLY printed descriptions and
additional information set forth in the addenda and from the auction block.
9. Illustrations of lots in this catalog and our website may have had size and/or contrast modifications for display purposes.
10. Estimated selling prices are for your guidance only. Actual selling prices may be higher or lower than the estimate indicated, although our
estimates tend to be accurate.
11. The placing of a bid legally binds the bidder to purchase the lot at or below the bid placed, plus buyer’s premium (see item 3). Bids may not
be retracted without our approval: those doing so will be banned from future participation and will be reported to the trade. Please think
before you bid! You are legally bound once you do so.
12. Absentee Bidding. All bidding is undertaken in a competitive manner. The winning bid will always be one bidding increment over the second
highest bid. The minimum acceptable bid for any lot is one-half of the low estimate given in the item description. Bidders may call us at
203-276-1570 during office hours to check the status of their bids. Live bidding: Bids entered during the course of the sale by bidders on the
floor, on the phone, or live on the internet will be taken at the amount bid.
13. Payment is expected immediately upon, (but not before) receipt of invoice. Payments may be made via mail, phone, fax, or in person. We accept checks, money orders, Visa, Mastercard, and Paypal. All accounts are payable to Alexander Historical Auctions. Payment must be made
in U.S. funds. Wire transfer details are available upon request. Please note that lots purchased are subject to sales taxes where applicable
unless a resale number is filed with us prior to the auction. Invoices not paid within thirty days of the date of invoice will incur a 1.5% per
month late payment fee.
14. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice. Note: large, heavy and bulky itmes are not shipped by the auctioneer.
Client is responsible for arranging shipments for these pieces. Please see the page titled “Bidding Procedure” for contact information for
reccomended shippers.
15. All autograph material in this sale is guaranteed genuine for the life of the original purchaser (unless otherwise stated or if contrary to other
provisions of these terms). Any autograph item sold which is determined to be not authentic by two independent dealers or authenticators
acceptable to both parties to the sale may be returned by the original buyer at any time for an immediate refund of the purchase price (only).
Non-autograph items are guaranteed genuine for a period of twenty-one (21) days of receipt. A refund of the purchase price (only) will be
made If the item is determined to be not authentic by two independent dealers or authenticators acceptable to both parties to the sale.
16. Items may also be returned if the catalog description differs significantly from the item’s actual state; such returns must be made within
three (3) days of purchaser’s receipt of the lot(s). All returned lots must be in the same condition as shipped. All items are in very good condition unless stated otherwise.
17. Any lot containing five or more items is not subject to return for any reason.
18. We do not examine the condition of items contained within frames beyond what is readily visible. Such defects may include, but may not be
limited to: mounting, silking, marginal damage, closed tears, “mat burn”, etc. That being the case, we are not responsible for such hidden
damage. Bidders are further advised that we are selling the autograph, not the frame, and therefore the condition of the frame shall not
be considered reason for return. Shipping costs for framed items may vary greatly depending on the size and/or weight of the frame, and
at times these charges may be quite substantial. Customers may request us to remove an autograph from its frame to reduce shipping
charges. We will accommodate customers in that respect for an additional charge of $10.00 per framed item, but such service will be undertaken at our sole discretion. Alexander Historical Auctions will be responsible for any damage caused to the VISIBLE area of the item as it
appears in the frame. We will in no way be responsible for any pre-existing hidden damage or defect, nor will we be responsible for any damage caused by us to any previously hidden portion of the autograph, its mount, or any material matted with the autograph during removal
from the frame.
19. Property purchased and paid for by successful bidders but remaining unclaimed after 120 days will be deemed abandoned and title will be
ceded to Alexander Historical Auctions, LLC.
20. The placing of a bid shall constitute acceptance of the preceding terms and conditions of sale as well as the Bidding Procedure guidelines
posted in this catalog.
Bidding Increments
$20-100$10
$100-500$20
$500-1000$50
$1,000-2,000$100
$2,000-5,000$250
$5,000-10,000$500
$10,000+$1,000
(or at auctioneer’s discretion)
We are proud members of the
Professional Autograph Dealers Association,
The Manuscript Society,
The Ephemera Soceity and the U.A.C.C.
and adhere to their respective codes of ethics.
LIVE & INTERNET AUCTION
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 & WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014
Auctions begin at 11:00 A.M. at our Chesapeake City, Maryland offices.
ORDER OF SALE
PART I, Tuesday, February 18, 2014
World War II - Autographs World War II - Archives & Documents World War II - The Holocaust World War II - Posters & Photography World War II - Relics World War II - Uniforms & Hardware
The Great War General Militaria Lots 1 - 298
Lots 299 - 345
Lots 346 - 406
Lots 407 - 484
Lots 485 - 564
Lots 565 - 693
Lots 694 - 748
Lots 749 - 809
Part II, Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Colonial & Revolutionary War The War Between The States Americana Presidents & Politicans Royalty and Heads of State Science, Aviation, Space & Business Authors, Artists & Composers
Entertainment & Sports Notables & the Notorious! Lots 810 - 835
Lots 836 - 1020
Lots 1021 - 1074
Lots 1075 - 1190
Lots 1191 - 1231
Lots 1232 - 1301
Lots 1302 - 1354
Lots 1355 - 1436
Lots 1437 - 1493
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Alexander
Historical Auctions
98 Bohemia Ave., Suite 2
Chesapeake City, MD 21915
Telephone: (203)276-1570
Fax: (203)-883-1483
OUR STAFF: BILL PANAGOPULOS, ANDREAS KORNFELD, BRANDON BOAS,
MINDY GREENSTEIN, PETER KLARNET
ABBREVIATIONS
A.L.S. L.S. T.L.S. D.S. S.P. A.Q.S. I.S.P. A.D.S. Autograph Letter Signed
Letter Signed
Typed Letter Signed
Document Signed
Signed Photo
Autograph Quote Signed
Inscribed Signed Photo
Autograph Document Signed
A.M.Q.S. Autograph Musical Quote Signed
b/w Black and white
n.p. No place indicated
n.d. No date indicated
4to. Approx. 8” x 10”
8vo. Approx. 6” x 8”
12 mo. Smaller than 6” x 8”
folio Larger than 10” x 12”
Bidding Procedure
Please note that by submitting a bid in this auction you agree to all the Terms and Conditions of Sale
as stated on the inside front cover of this catalog.
LIVE BIDDING
In-Person
Attend our auction at our offices:
Alexander Historical Auctions
98 Bohemia Ave., Suite 2
Chesapeake City, MD 21915
203.276.1570
sales@alexautographs.com
• Please have identification available for inspection.
• New clients should be ready to present a major credit card.
• A 19.5% buyer’s premium and applicable state tax applies.
Live - On the Internet
• Go to our home page www.alexautographs.com.
• Click Register to Bid in the top right corner.
• Choose Register to Bid Live.
• An additional 3% for a total of 22.5% buyer’s premium and
applicable state tax applies.
• Please register at least 24 hours before the sale.
Live - Via Phone Bidding
• Bid Live with an Alexander agent over the phone - just as if
you were attending the auction in person.
• Phone reservations for any number of lots will be accepted
up to 24 hours prior to the sale.
• An agents will stay with you, keep you informed of the bid
level, and place any bid you request on your behalf.
BIDDING INCREMENTS
Please note the following bidding increments. All out-of-increment bids submitted on an absentee basis will be rounded
down to the nearest increment. For example, a bid of $225.00
will be rounded down to $220.00. A bid of $567.33 will be
rounded down to $550.00. All bids are taken competitively and
we will bid up to the specified number as necessary. Please also
note that we will not accept “either/or” bids or “+1” bids.
$20-100 $100-500 $500-1,000 $1,000-2,000 $2,000-5,000 $5,000-10,000 $10,000+ $10
$20
$50
$100
$250
$500
$1,000
(or at auctioneer’s discretion)
ABSENTEE BIDDING
Absentee via the Internet
• Go to our home page www.alexautographs.com
• Click Register to Bid in the top right corner.
• Choose Register to Bid (if you are not already registered).
Other Absentee bids accepted via:
• Email sales@alexautographs.com
• Fax to (203) 883-1483, or mail to our offices, using the
form at the back of this catalog.
SHIPPING
As noted in the Terms and Conditions of Sale,
weno longer ship oversized or heavy material.
Theselots have been identified in the catalogwith note at the end of the description. Winning biddersof such material should contact
our offices tomake arrangements following
the auction.
CONDITION OF LOTS
As noted in the Terms and Conditions of Sale,
we attempt to describe the condition of our material
according the criteria set forth by the Manuscript Society.
We encourage bidders to view lots in person to inspect condition.
If you are unable to come and view the material in
person, we encourage you to call us at (203) 276-1570 and
we will be happy to answer your questions regarding the
condition of any lots in this catalog.
VIEWING OF LOTS
Lots may be viewed by appointment Monday through
Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM Eastern. Please call us at
(203) 276-1570 to schedule a viewing.
World War II: Autographs
1. ADOLF HITLER OVERSIZE ORIGINAL WATERCOLOR An original oversize
watercolor painting by future dictator Adolf Hitler, 10” x 11 1/2” on heavy rag paper,
one of his typical street scenes showing St. Michael’s Church in Vienna, as well as
the surrounding structures, likely painted in Vienna ca. 1910-14. The painting is
executed in a black ink wash with muted shades of orange, ochre, brown, burgundy
and ivory. The image is signed in medium blue paint: “A. Hitler” at lower-right in
block letters, as Hitler’s works typically were. The colors, style, poor perspective,
utter lack of figures in the painting and choice of subject are entirely consistent
and typical of Hitler’s work. Indeed, he had painted St. Michael’s several other times, and those images closely resemble this example.
In very good condition. Set in a period (toned) mat and gold gilt frame with period hanger on reverse. Having handled many Hitler
paintings in the past, we are confident that the style, signature...and the lack of trumped-up paperwork, points to this piece as being
completely genuine and certainly not one of the dozens of frauds and oils (!) to have reached the market over the past dozen years.
$15,000-18,000
www.historyauctioneer.com
1
Alexander Historical Auctions • 203-276-1570
Hitler creates the SS Neederland Division
2. ADOLF HITLER Important war-date D.S. on his blindembossed “Der Fuhrer” letterhead, “Fuhrer Headquarters”,
Apr. 20, 1943 (Hitler’s birthday), In German. In full: “I order
the creation of an SS-Volunteer Armored Grenadier Division
‘Neederland’”. Co-signed by HEINRICH HIMMLER who lightly
writes his initials “HH” in green indelible pencil at the conclusion
of the text. Light damp stain at top margin well away from text,
else very good and with a strong signature. According to a color
copy of a July 6, 1945 letter (included), Lt. Henry Gellerman
of Headquarters, 7th Army, G-2 MIS writes that he personally
recovered the document at Hitler’s retreat at Berchtesgaden. The
4.SS-Freiwilligen-Panzer-Grenadier-Brigade ‘Nederland’ saw
action for the first time in September 1943. Serving in Croatia,
the unit was reinforced with troops from the “Wiking” Division,
fighting partisans and guarding communications. On Christmas
Day, 1943 the brigade was sent to Leningrad to resist a Russian
breakthrough. When the Russians finally broke Luftwaffemanned lines, Gen. Felix Steiner commended the brigade for
its tenacious fighting despite losing 30% of its strength through
combat losses. Further losses were suffered in the defense of
“Festung” Narva. The brigade was then shifted to the Kurland
and exchanged desultory blows with the Soviets. By April, the
brigade had been drawn back to the outskirts of Berlin, where
the 49th Regiment would surrender to the Americans...only
after it had destroyed the last attacking Soviet tank.
$5,000-6,000
Inscribed to Philipp Bouhler, head of the Chancellery and chief of Hitler’s euthanasia program
3. ADOLF HITLER A most unusual signed image
of Hitler, 9” x 6 3/4” b/w, showing him reclining
sideways atop a park bench beside a small lake, his
hands clasped together and bearing a broad grin.
He has inscribed the photo: “My dear Bouhler Your
Adolf Hitler”. Mounted to a period white cardboard
mount which has had three margins slightly
trimmed. Near fine. PHILIPP BOUHLER (1899-1945)
was quite close to Hitler, explaining how such
an informal photo could have been presented to
him. Bouhler joined the NSDAP in July 1922 with
membership number 12. By autumn 1922 he had
become deputy manager of the party. After the
failed Beerhall Putsch, in 1925, he became Reich
Secretary of the NSDAP. After the seizure of power
in 1933, he became a Reich Leader and Member
of the Reichstag for Westphalia. In 1934 he was
appointed chief of the Chancellery, a post specially
created which was set aside for party business. He
held that position until 23 April 1945. Bouhler also
was responsible for the killing of disabled German
citizens. Together with Karl Brandt, he developed
the Nazis’ early euthanasia program, Aktion T4
in which mentally ill and physically handicapped
people were murdered. He committed suicide by
cyanide capsule on May 19, 1945 after his capture
by Americans.
$5,000-6,000
Live Auction Part I • Tuesday, February 18, 2014
2
All lots fully illustrated on our website
“...We may be repulsed in which case I am not coming back alive…”
4. GEORGE S. PATTON (1885 - 1945) “Old Blood and Guts” was one of
the finest tank commanders in history, rolling his forces through Tunisia,
Sicily, France and Germany until halted at the Rhine. Historic content T.L.S.
“G. S. Patton, Jr.” with holograph postscript on War Department letterhead,
1p. 4to. Washington, Sep. 10, 1942 to Gen. GEOFFREY KEYES Commanding
General of the 3d Armored and 9th Armored Division, Deputy Commander
of the I Armored Corps under George Patton in North Africa, and later
Commanding General of II Corps and 7th Army at war’s end. Just slightly
less than two months before American troops would land in North Africa
in Patton’s first military command of the war, Patton describes his efforts
to have Keyes appointed to serve as his immediate deputy, and cites the
fact that he might die in the opening days of the battle. In a self-typed
letter, Patton writes his old friend: “...I suppose you think I am crazy but I
am not...As I see it I will command an army because I am called Task Force
‘A’ I have been told to organize an army Staff and am doing so. However
I must say that our mutual friend (BOY WONDER) Waine [Gen. Mark] Clark
may try to undercut me. However I think I can handle that. I tried to get
Jake [Gen. Jacob] Devers to shift you to the command of the 3d Div without
success...he will not stand in the way of your going if I can get you...My
reason aside from personal friendship for taking you is that this thing is
going to hang on a shoe string and I am going to have to go ashore in one
of the leading waves. I have utter confidence in you and know that you...
will see that the thing is pushed home and in the last extremity that you
will lead the last formed body. However we must face the fact that we may
be repulsed in which case I am not coming back alive. Think the thing over
and let me know...”. He adds in a holograph postscript: “P.S. We pull out
in about a month”. With transmittal envelope, hand-carried. Also present
is a draft copy in his hand of Keyes’ response, an A.L.S. 3pp. 4to., [n.p.,
n.d.], in part: “...you need never question my loyalty to you...there are four
ahead of me and no vacancies in sight, not to mention one or two favorite
sons of junior rank...friendship or casual promises...must not be allowed
to influence you...I do not feel for one moment that I am entitled to further
consideration for the important job of second in command...”. Very good.
Keyes would win out in the competition and indeed serve as Patton’s deputy. At the end of their relationship, he would bury Patton in
Luxembourg with Patton’s widow at his side.
$7,000-9,000
Patton asks Keyes to serve
as his deputy commander:
“I am to command a task force for
an overseas operation comprising
initially some seventy thousand...”
5. GEORGE S. PATTON Historic content T.L.S. “G S P Jr.” with the
added notation at bottom “Secret” underlined twice on War Department
letterhead, 1p. 4to., Aug. 24, 1942 to Gen. GEOFFREY KEYES (18881967), Commanding General of the 3rd Armored and 9th Armored
Division, Deputy Commander of the I Armored Corps under George
Patton in North Africa, and later Commanding General of II Corps and
7th Army at war’s end. Just slightly over two months before American
troops would land in North Africa in Patton’s first military command
of the war, Patton asks Keyes to serve as his immediate deputy in
a self-typed letter. In part: “...I am to command a task force for an
overseas operation comprising initially some seventy thousand and
subject to groath [sic]. At present it seems probable that it will be our
chief effort for some time. Do you want to go along, If they let me have
a second in command I would ask for you, otherwise I would get you
shifted to the command of one of the armored divisions comprised in
the expedition. I will do nothing until I hear from you and then can
only do my best but believe I can manage it. Hence say nothing to
anyone...You can wire me...”. Interestingly, Patton sent the letter by
regular first class mail, as envelope is included! Also present is Keyes’
handwritten draft response (unsigned), 2pp. 4to., [n.p., n.d.]. In part:
“...I appreciate your offer and am anxious to serve with you anywhere
any time. It sounds too good to be true...This has the makings of one
of the best divisions in the Armored Force...we have over 700 officers
and 7,000 enl. men...I certainly congratulate you on your well merited
and long delayed assignment...”. Two pieces, fine.
$5,000-6,000
3
Two weeks before the July 20 bombing, an
“Urgent!” order for an
OKW telephone book!
6. CLAUS SCHENK GRAF VON STAUFFENBERG (1907 - 1944)
German military officer instrumental in the infamous attempted
assassination of Adolf Hitler at the “Wolf’s Lair” in East Prussia”.
On July 20, 1944 von Stauffenberg managed to smuggle a time
bomb into the headquarters and placed it behind a map table
leg in the briefing room. Although four people were killed and
almost all present were injured, Hitler was injured only slightly
as he was shielded from the blast by a heavy, solid oaken
conference table. Thinking Hitler was dead, von Stauffenberg
returned to Berlin where he personally led an attempted coup
d’état against the Nazi government. The attempt failed, and the
following day he and four other conspirators were summarily
shot. Excessively rare partly-printed D.S. “Stauffenberg”
penned with his left hand (due to his Apr. 7, 1943 wounding in
a strafing attack), 2pp. large 4to., Berlin, July 6, 1944, only two
weeks before he would plant a bomb under Hitler’s map table
at the “Wolf’s Lair” in East Prussia. As Chief of Staff at OKH,
von Stauffenberg orders from a Berlin press quantities of three
documents, including award documents for the War Merit Cross,
2nd Class and the War Merit Cross, 1st Class with Swords, both
awards to be printed with the name of Gen. Friedrich Fromm,
as well as a quantity of stationery and, tellingly, a telephone
book for OKW which he notes in red type: “Urgent!! File holes
at left, else fine. Also interesting to note that Fromm, although
a conspirator himself, ordered von Stauffenberg’s immediate
execution following the failure of the plot. Of course, he was
eventually implicated and executed less than a year later.
$7,500-10,000
A Japanese flag signed
by 23 major war criminals
7. JAPANESE FLAG SIGNED BY THE TOKYO
WAR CRIMES DEFENDANTS An outstanding and
excessively rare item, a large Japanese flag signed
by twenty-three of the most notorious Japanese
war criminals as they awaited trial in Tokyo in
1946! The silk flag was obtained by an American
guard serving at Sugamo Prison in Tokyo. Just like
their counterparts in Germany, the guards in Japan
often had their charges sign “souvenirs” for them.
This flag, the Japanese national flag, bears a large
red circle upon a white field and measures 12” x
17”. All of the signatures are in broad, black with
each signer writing his name in English characters.
Included are the following criminals, their sentence
in parentheses: General and Premier HIDEKI TOJO
(Death), Diplomat SHIGENORI TOGO who signs
twice (20 Years), General HEITARO KIMURA (Death),
Hirohito’s advisor KOICHI KIDO (Life Imprisonment),
General SEISHIRO ITAGAKI (Death), General
TAKASUMI OKA (Life Imprisonment), Ambassador
TOSHIO SHIRATORI (Life Imprisonment), Minister
NAOKI HOSHINO (Life Imprisonment), Minister
OKINORI KAYA (Life Imprisonment), Admiral SHIGETARO SHIMADA (Life Imprisonment), Field Marshal SHUNROKU HATA (Life
Imprisonment), General KENJI DOIHARA (Death), Baron KOKI HIROTA (Death), General JIRO MINAMI (Life Imprisonment), Ambassador
MAMORU SHIGEMITSU (Seven Years), General TEIICHI SUZUKI (Life), General HIROSHI OSHIMA (Life Imprisonment), General and Korean
Gov. JIRO MINAMI (Life), Baron KIICHIRO HIRANUMA (Life Imprisonment), General AKIRA MUTO (Death), General HEITARO KIMURA
(Death), General KENRYO SATO (Life Imprisonment) and General YOSHIJIRO UMEZU (Life Imprisonment). The flag is in superb condition,
and the signatures, black ink “painted” on the silk flag with brushes, are much bolder than they appear here. Lavishly matted in beige
linen with gold wood trim, brass descriptive plaque, and gold wood frame. Ready for display.
$3,000-4,000
4
10. TERRY ALLEN (1888 - 1969) American general who commanded
the 1st Infantry Division in North Africa and Sicily during 1942-43
and the 104th Infantry Division as divisional commander until the
end of the war. Great pair of war-date signed items, includes a
T.L.S. on 104th Infantry Div. letterhead, 1p. 8vo., [n.p.], June 4,
1945 sending an admirer a 104th (Timberwolf) Division shoulder
patch, which he mentions he has also signed. Also included is the
patch, which Allen has signed on some brown paper tape affixed
to the verso
$200-300
“Few men have carried
such heavy responsibilities...”
11. COLIN M. BARBER (1897 - 1964) British General who
commanded the 15th (Scottish) Division in northwest Europe
which had the distinction to lead the three great river crossings
of the Seine, the Rhine and the Elbe. War-date T.L.S., 1p. 4to.,
“Headquarters, 15th Scottish Infantry Division”, Nov. 15, 1944 to
a friend: “...Very many thanks for...your congratulations on the
good fortune I have had so far...I have recollections that you gave
me a bottle of whiskey as a parting present...I have seen quite a
bit of your fellows...they are doing a grand job, not only here, but
in the Pacific...”. Very good.
$75-100
12. GOTTLOB BERGER (1896 - 1975) SS Obergruppenfuhrer,
Chief of Staff for the Waffen-SS and head of the SS Main Office,
tried for POW death marches and convicted in 1949 for his role
in the genocide of European Jews and sentenced to 25 years
in prison. His sentence was mitigated by the fact that he aided
prominent prisoners to escape. T.L.S. on his official letterhead, 1p.
oblong 8vo., Berlin, Oct. 4, 1941, asking that Oberdienstleiter Otto
Marrenbach be promoted within the SS. Otto Marrenbach (18991974), a member of the Reichstag, later became managing director
of the DAF. File holes at left, else fine.
$250-350
8. MATTHEW B. RIDGWAY’S HAND-LETTERED RETIREMENT
COMMENDATION Extraordinary, very important signed document,
1p. 13” x 17 1/2”, [Washington], June 30, 1955, the hand-lettered
presentation retirement commendation given to Gen. Matthew
Ridgway upon his retirement from the military. The attractive
document, bearing the Seal at top, is signed at bottom by Secretary
of the Army ROBERT T. STEVENS. It praises Ridgway’s service
noting: “...Few men have carried such heavy responsibilities...you
courageous leadership...pioneered the development of airborne
warfare and played a brilliant part in the victory of the Allied forces.
In the Korean conflict, the outstanding skill and determination with
which you led the Eighth Army against the Chinese Communist
and North Korean armies won for you...the plaudits of the Free
World...” The commendation further praises Ridgway’s role as
Commander in Chief of the U.N., as Supreme Allied Commander
in Europe, and as Army Chief of Staff “...during one of the most
critical periods in our history...”. Fine condition, in a simple wood
frame. From Ridgway’s estate, with a copy of the 1997 auction
listing and paid receipt for its purchase.
$2,000-3,000
13. HEINRICH BLEICHRODT (1909 - 1977) German U-boat
commander, one of the most successful of the war. From October
1939 until retiring from front line service following a breakdown
in December 1943, he sank 25 ships for a total of 152,320 gross
register tons. Rare S.P. 3 1/2” x 5 1/2” b/w, a Hoffmann chest, up
portrait in uniform, boldly signed at bottom. Very good.
$300-400
14. WERNER VON BLOMBERG (1878 - 1946) Minister of Defense
and Supreme Commander of the German Armies early in Hitler’s
regime, resigned following accusations that he had married a
prostitute. S.P. 5 1/2” X 3 1/2” b/w, a candid pose of Blomberg
greeting a younger soldier, signed adding his rank in blue ink. Ink
$250-350
has faded a bit, else fine.
15. GUNTHER BLUMENTRITT (1892 - 1967) German general,
instrumental in planning the German invasion of Poland and
France, participated in Operation Barbarossa, and afterward bore
a large part of the responsibility for planning the defense of the
Atlantic Wall and Normandy. S.P. 2” x 2” b/w, a printed chest, up
pose signed with rank in 1965. SOLD WITH: an A.L.S. 1p. 12mo.,
1965 giving the address of a colleague, with the transmittal
envelope bearing his name in the return address. Two pieces.
$150-200
9. MATTHEW B. RIDGWAY’S PERSONAL COPY OF THE HISTORY
OF THE 82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION Exceptional association item,
Ridgway’s personal copy of W. Forrest Dawson’s Saga of the All
American, (Atlanta: Albert
Love Enterprises). 1946,
first edition. 381pp., 8
1/2” x 12”. The maroon
leatherette cover bears a
gilt presentation at bottom:
“LT. GENERAL MATTHEW B.
RIDGWAY”. The top of the
spine bears an approx. 2”
x 1” chip, and the gutter
is cracked where the front
cover meets the spine,
otherwise in fine condition,
with custom clamshell box.
This is the original official
division history for the
82nd Airborne Division
in World War II, which of
course was commanded by
Ridgway.
$1,000-1,500
16. RUDOLF BOGATSCH (1891 - 1970) Highly decorated
Luftwaffe general who commanded the IV. Flakkorps, Knights
Cross recipient. Lot of two signed items, includes an S.P. 3 1/2” x
5 1/2” b/w, a Hoffman postcard photo of the general in uniform,
and an award of the Iron Cross, 2nd Class, Vienna, June 3, 1943.
With a second award bearing printed signature.
$200-300
17. CHARLES BOLTE (1895 - 1989) Chief of Staff of U.S. Forces
in the U.K., led the 34th Infantry Division in the rupture of the
Gothic Line, the winter campaign in the Apennine Mountains, the
capture of Bologna, and the surrender of the Axis forces in Italy.
T.L.S. “Charlie” on official letterhead, 2pp.4to., Washington, Jan.
6, 1946 to his ex-commander, Gen. Geoffrey Keyes. In part: “...
how fortunate I regard myself in being able to have had that year
of combat service moistly as a part of your command...many
times when prospects didn’t look so bright...remnants of the 34th
returned here...” File holes at top, else fine.
$100-150
5
Canaris and Himmler feel out
Austrian political sentiment
18. TADEUS BOR-KOMOROWSKI (1895 - 1966) Polish military leader
who organized and ordered the Warsaw Uprising. It commenced on August
1, 1944, and the insurgents of the AK seized control of most of central
Warsaw. After two months of fierce fighting Bór-Komorowski surrendered.
Rare partly-printed D.S. 4pp. 12mo., a 1962 Christmas card signed with
rank at bottom. Fine.
$300-400
19. MARTIN BORMANN (1900 - 1945?) Head of the Nazi Party Chancellery
and private secretary to Adolf Hitler, by the end of World War II Bormann had
become second only to Hitler himself in terms of real political power. T.L.S.
on N.S.D.A.P. Party Chancellery letterhead, 1p. 4to., Munich, Jan. 15, 1943
to Reichs Treasurer Franz Schwarz. concerning Dr. Franz Gengler, who
promoted anti-Semitic journalism. In part: “...I presented your letter from
Jan. 8, 1943 to the Fuhrer...responded that re-acceptance of such people is
generally denied. Please take notice...”. File holes at left, else very good.
$500-600
20. HEINRICH BORN (1918 - 2008) Wehrmach officer, fought on the
Metaxas Line and led a regiment of panzer-grenadiers in an audacious
attack at Host for which he was awarded the Knights Cross. Lot of twenty
signed photos, 4” x 6”, wartime images signed later, four different poses.
Fine.
$200-300
21. HEINRICH BORN Lot of twenty signed photos, 4” x 6”, wartime images
$200-300
signed later, four different poses. Fine.
22. HEINRICH BORN Lot of nineteen signed photos, 4” x 6”, wartime
images signed later, four different poses. Fine.
$200-300
23. OMAR N. BRADLEY (1893-1981) American general of World War II who
commanded the largest ground force ever led by one man. He was later
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. T.L.S. on his Army Chief of Staff letterhead,
1p. 4to., [Washington], May 4, 1949 to a member of the V.F.W. Bradley
politely declines an invitation to address the veteran’s organization, citing
his duties. He adds, in part: “...Ceremonies such as the one you outline [a
memorial unveiling] are an integral part of the American tradition. Neither
the size of the memorial nor the proportions of the ceremony make any
difference in the enshrinement of our war dead; only of importance is the
sincerity...that sincerity, if perpetuated with resolution and steadfastedness,
can insure that our comrades did not die in vain...”. Heavy mounting
remnants on verso, else very good.
$300-400
28. WILHELM CANARIS (1887 - 1945) German admiral and head of the
German intelligence agency Abwehr. Implicated in the July 20 bomb plot,
Canaris was condemned to death and was walked naked and barefoot
to the gallows at Flossenburg. Rare, fine content and association A.L.S.
“Canaris”, 1p. 4to., Wilhelmshaven, June 27, 1933 to HEINRICH HIMMLER,
who has docketed and initialed the letter “H H” at top. Canaris, acting as
Hitler’s secret service chief, submits a cryptic report to the head of the SS.
In part: “...The affair E. went constantly through my my thoughts because
I had written you about it. Then I realized I could not have foreseen the
results of bringing E’s request to your attention. Now I am really happy
to see the change. Meanwhile, I wrote to Berchtold [?] v. Alexich. It would
be really fine if we could talk about that and other things. Please give
my regards to Chief of Staff, Mr. [Ernst] Rohm...”. Research indicates the
“Berchtold” was likely JOSEPH BERCHTOLD (1897-1962), who succeeded
Julius Schreck as Reichsführer SS in 1926. He had also been an SA leader
in Austria a few years earlier. GEORGE VON ALEXICH was an outspoken
opponent of any annexation by Germany, and fled to the U.S. in 1940 to
avoid arrest. Himmler and Canaris may have been feeling out Austrian
political sentiment as within month, civil war broke out between socialists
and nationalists, and within a year Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss would be
assassinated by the Nazis. Of course, Himmler, Rohm...and Canaris would
also meet untimely ends. Four file holes in left margin affect a few letters of
text, else fine.
$800-1,200
24. OMAR N. BRADLEY Fine association S.P. “Omar N. Bradley General U.S.
Army” showing him standing beside Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, Patton’s number
two and a key player at Cassino. Fair contrast, else very good. $150-200
25. OMAR N. BRADLEY Fine signature on the face of a folding card
honoring within the achievements of the 12th Army Group which he led: “…
to join the Russians in complete destruction of the Wehrmacht…”. Fine. Sold
with five shoulder patches, including 1st, 2nd and 20th Armored Division,
and XIX Army Corps.
$100-150
26. OMAR N. BRADLEY Bold signature and rank on an album page, May
31, 1945. Fine.
$75-100
27. WALTHER VON BRAUTCHISCH (1881 - 1948) German field marshal
and commander in chief who formally led the campaigns against Greece,
France, Poland and the USSR. Partly-printed D.S., 1p. sm. folio, “Fuhrer
Headquarters”, Aug. 17, 1940, a promotion of Hauptmann Paul Schwayer
to the rank of Major. Boldly signed beneath a facsimile signature of Adolf
$200-300
Hitler. Horizontal fold, else very good.
29. OTTO CARIUS Fine lot of twelve signed photos, repros of wartime
images, 4” x 6”, signed later in life. Fine. $100-150
“We who fought in Italy are proud of you and the II Corps...”
30. MARK W. CLARK (1896 - 1984) American Army general, commanded the landings at Salerno and Anzio against the forces of Kesselring. Fine content
T.L.S. on Headquarters, U.S.Forces in Austria letterhead, 1p. 4to., [n.p.], Aug. 30, 1945 to Lt. Gen. Geoffrey Keyes who served directly under Clark at
Cassino, in the liberation of Rome, and campaigns in northern Italy. In part: “...Today you are leaving the II Corps to take over command of the Seventh
Army...you made such a magnificent record in Italy...the breakthrough south of Rome, the advance to the Arno, and the breakthrough of the Arno Line...
forcing the surrender of all German forces in Italy...We who fought in Italy are proud of you and the II Corps...You have been a source of reliance and
strength...I shall miss you as one of my most trusted and valued commanders...”. File holes at top, else fine.
$200-300
6
31. MARK W. CLARK (1896 - 1984) American Army general, commanded
the landings at Salerno and Anzio against the forces of Kesselring. Fine
content T.L.S. “Mark” on Headquarters, U.S. Forces in Austria letterhead,
1p. 4to., [n.p.], Sep.11, 1945 to Lt. Gen. Geoffrey Keyes who served directly
under Clark at Cassino, in the liberation of Rome, and campaigns in northern
Italy. In part: “...on the anniversary of the American landings at Salerno. My
gratitude and admiration go out to the men of II Corps...who fought under
you...On that September 9th we held high faith that we would accomplish
our task...We face now the challenge of making the peace firm and lasting.
I sure we can meet that challenge as we overcame the obstacles at Salerno
and the hardships of the Italian campaign...”. File holes at top, else fine.
$200-300
32. MARK W. CLARK Fine content and association T.L.S. on “United States
Forces in Austria” letterhead, 1p. 4to., [n.p.], Sept. 12, 1945 to Gen. Geoffrey
Keyes who would take over Clark’s old command of the II Corps during
the Italian Campaign. Clark cites events of six months earlier: “...When
our American Fifth and British Eighth Armies crossed the Po to force the
German foe into unconditional surrender...” and sends Keyes a compilation
of data from the campaign: “A Military Encyclopedia, Based on Operations in
the Italian Campaign,1943 - 1945”. File holes at top, else fine. $150-200
40. LUDWIG CRUEWELL (1892 - 1958) German general and commander
of the Afrika Corps, recipient of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross
with Oak Leaves. Partly-printed D.S., 2pp. 4to., [n.p.], Feb. 19, 1942, a
recommendation that a soldier in his command be awarded the War Merit
Cross, Second Class, with Swords. Very good.
$100-150
41. HOLMES E. DAGER (1893 - 1973) American general, commanded
the 4th Armored and was with them from Omaha Beach to the Rhine
where he witnessed Patton famously urinate in the river. T.L.S. on 11th
Armored official letterhead, 1p.4to., [n.p.], Aug. 17, 1945 thanking Gen.
Geoffrey Keyes, his former commander, upon the third anniversary of the
reformation of the 11th Armored and for his assistance. File holes at top,
else fine.
$75-100
42. ADMIRAL DARLAN’S MURDER - “A GIFT”? FREDERIC P. CULBERT O.S.S.
officer hidden in the staff of the American Consul in Morocco, also served
as Gen. George Patton’s deputy advisor on civil affairs. Fine content A.L.S.
with news that French Admiral Francois Darlan’s murder had been plotted
in advance, 3pp. 4to., [n.p.], Jan. 4, 1942 to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, Deputy
Commander. Culbert advises that transportation had been arranged for him
and that he was arranging airplane transportation for a “Mr Chevreux”. He
also notes that he had learned from contacts in Casablanca that Darlan “...
had been disposed of by members of a group friendly to us ‘as a Christmas
present and that we would receive another for New Year’s Day’...” Culbert
further states that he suggested no action be taken to follow-up on the
rumor which emanated from a man in the French Deuxieme Bureau named
“Ritz”. File holes else very good. Francois Darlan (1881 - 1942) was Admiral
of the Fleet and commander in chief of the French Navy in 1939. After
France surrendered, he served in the pro-German Vichy regime, becoming
its deputy leader. When the Allies invaded North Africa in 1942, Darlan
was recognized as head of French North Africa, and he ordered French
forces to cease resisting and cooperate with the Allies. On the afternoon
of 24 December 1942, Fernand Bonnier de La Chapelle shot Darlan in his
headquarters.
$200-300
33. MARK W. CLARK Fine content and association T.L.S. “Mark” on “United
States Forces in Austria” letterhead, 1p. 4to., [n.p.], Jan.5, 1946 to Gen.
Geoffrey Keyes who took over Clark’s old command of the II Corps during
the Italian Campaign. Clark acknowledges receipt of Keyes’ letter and a
copy of the history of the II Corps and promises to read them. He adds: “...I
shall never forget my days with II Corps, not the indispensible contribution
which it made under your magnificent leadership during our long Italian
campaigns, and to our final victory last May...”. File holes at top, else fine.
Clark left the II Corps in North Africa, and shortly after his departure the
corps was soundly defeated at Sidi Bou Zid and Kasserine Pass.$150-200
34. MARK W. CLARK Two items, the first a membership for the Fifth Army
Division, measures 3 3/4” x 2 2/3”, issued to Jack L. Krevisky on Dec. 11,
1944, boldly signed by Clark at bottom. Along with a S.P. 8” x 10” b/w,
a reprint of a vintage image of Clark in uniform, boldly signed in black
marker. Two items, very good.
$100-150
35. JOSEPH JAMES “JOCKO” CLARKE (1893 - 1971) American admiral and
carrier commander, the first Native American to graduate from the Naval
Academy. Clark commanded Task Force 58 in the Marianas campaign,
including the battle of the Philippine Sea. Signed book, his autobiographical
Carrier Admiral, (New York: David Mckay Co., 1967), first edition, 333pp,
with fine dust jacket. Inscribed on the front flyleaf to Commander William S.
Stuhr who beneath inscribes it to one of his friends. Fine.
$75-100
43. JOSEPH DE GOISLARD DE MONSABERT (1887 - 1981) French general
who commanded the 3rd Algerian Infantry Div. in the Italian Campaign and
liberated Siena. In August, 1944 he took command of the French II Corps and
took Toulon and Marseille. Lot of four T.L.S.s on his French Commander in
Chief in Germany letterhead, 4pp. total, 4to., Oct. 28, 1945 - Jan. 30, 1946
in French to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, commander of the II Corps and Patton’s
deputy commander who arranged the general’s burial. In his Dec. 27 letter,
the general deeply mourns the death of Patton, comparing him to Lafayette
as a liberator and hero of the French people, and expresses the public’s
condolences. The balance of the letters (one torn) offer thanks for American
participation in a ceremony at Colmar, a complaint that Americans had
barged into a hospital treating wounded Germans and photographed the
patients, thanks for a camera, etc. File holes and the aforementioned tear,
else very good.
$200-300
36. LUCIUS D. CLAY (1897 - 1978) American army general and Governor
of the American Zone of occupied Germany who devised the Berlin Airlift to
relieve the beseiged city. T.L.S. on his official letterhead as Military Governor,
1p. 4to., Sep. 17, 1945 to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, a letter of introduction for
several metallurgists travelling through the Occupied Zone on a government
fact-finding tour. File holes and dockets, else very good.
$100-150
37. JOHN B. COULTER (1891 - 1983) Lieutenant general, commanded the
85th Division in North Africa, and also fought through the Gustav and Gothic
Lines during the Rome-Arno, North Apennines and Po Valley campaigns.
Pair of T.L.S.s with his middle name “Breitling” on official letterhead, Ft.
McClellan, Al., Jan. 25 and Feb. 7, 1946 to his former commander, Gen.
Geoffrey Keyes. Coulter discusses the possibility of having commendations
issued to the 85th and 88th Divisions for their operations at Minturno and on
the Gothic Line, thanks Keyes in aiding his being awarded the French Croix
de Guerre and Legion of Honor, as well as a Bronze Star, and surprisingly
blames the 10th Mountain Division for its “interference” in prohibiting the
85th from joining Keyes’ command. File holes at top, else fine.$150-200
44. FRIEDRICH AUGUST FREIHERR VON DER HEYDTE (1907 - 1994)
Luftwaffe officer who served with the Fallschirmjäger during World War
II, reaching the rank of Oberstleutnant. a fierce fighter, he was heavily
engaged at Crete, in the defense of the Carentan, and during the battle of
the Bulge. Lot of two S.P.s, each 6” x 3 1/2” b/w, printed portraits in uniform
$100-150
boldly signed in blue ink on the mounts. Fine.
38. WILLIS D. CRITTENBERGER (1890 - 1980) American general, led
armored forces under Patton in North Africa, commander of IV Corps
during the later part of Italian campaign from 1944 to the end of the war.
A.L.S. “Critt” on Headquarters IV Corps letterhead, along with fully signed
return envelope, 2pp. 4to., Paris, Sep. 25, 1945 to his ex-commander, Gen.
Geoffrey Keyes, a letter of thanks upon his return to the U.S.. In part: “...
In so many ways you saved my official life...it was your great II Corps that
got us on the track and fathered us...no one has done more for me than
you...I want to pay tribute to your great leadership as a combat soldier...
have inspired us all...And so it is all over...” File holes affect nothing, else
$150-200
fine.
39. WILLIS D. CRITTENBERGER (1890 - 1980) American general,
commander of IV Corps during the later part of Italian campaign from 1944
to the end of the war. War-date A.L.S. “Crittenberger”, 1p. 8vo., Fort Knox,
Aug. 6, 1940 mentioning that he had read an article on “the armored force”.
Sold with a First Armored Division shoulder patch. Fine.
$75-100
7
45. THE CASABLANCA DIVISION OF VICHY FRANCE MARCHES BEFORE
PATTON’S ARMY RAYMOND DESRE French general who commanded
the Casablanca Division in North Africa and surrendered Casablanca to
American invasion forces. Rare T.L.S. on his Casablanca Division letterhead,
1p. 4to., Casablanca, Dec. 15, 1942, in French, just a little over a month
after the American landings. Excellent content to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes,
Patton’s deputy commander, who had witnessed a review of Desre’s troops.
In part: “...you could tell in the eyes of the leaders like in those of the men, a
great hope and a great joy...all of our North African troops...are impatiently
waiting to go into combat...the next step is to liberate our party from the
crush of Teutonic tyranny...we are happy and proud to blend our flags
with those of America...Appearance, discipline, fighting spirit: those are the
foundation of victory...”. File holes at top, receiving stamp at bottom, still
$300-500
very good.
46. JACOB DEVERS (1887 - 1979) American army general and commander
of army forces in North Africa, also led the landings in southern France. Fine
content T.L.S. “Jake” on official letterhead, 1p. 8vo., Washington, Oct. 22, 1945
to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes who had served under Devers in North Africa. Devers
congratulates Keyes for his efforts during the war, in part: “...You were always
there when the going was the toughest and as a result your troops have always
been successful...you have sound judgment, for you know how to accomplish
the most with the least publicity...”. File holes at top, else fine.
$75-100
55. MANTON EDDY (1892 - 1962) Lieutenant general, command of the
9th Infantry Division in campaigns in Tunisia, Sicily, and Normandy where
he captured Cherbourg. As commander of XII Corps during the Battle of
the Bulge, his units successfully held the southern shoulder of the German
salient. Fine content T.L.S. “Matt” on official letterhead, 1p. 4to., Baltimore,
Feb. 8, 1946 to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, deputy commander to George Patton in
Operation Torch who led Patton’s funeral ceremonies. In part: “...throughout
the entire European campaign [Patton] missed you and your good counsel...
His willingness to assume all risks...to me was his great outstanding quality. He
always stated that the Germans were much more licked than we thought...”. He
also mentions that Patton’s widow hoped to tour Patton’s old battlegrounds
$150-200
the following year. File holes at top, else fine.
47. JEAN TOUZET DE VIGIERS (1888 - 1980 French general, army officer
and head of the cavalry department but secretly collaborated with the French
resistance. Switched sides to the Free French under Tassigny, and his troops
were some of the first to reach the Rhine. Defended Strasbourg during the
Battle of the Bulge. Lot of two T.L.S.s on official letterhead, Strasbourg and
Paris, each 1p., Nov. 22 and Dec. 13, 1945, both to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes and
in French. Untranslated, but both are letters of thanks and likely concern
the return of stained glass windows to the cathedral in Strasbourg and the
elaborate ceremony which attended their re-installation. File holes, a tiny edge
tear, else fine.
$200-300
Eicke reports on a
concentration camp prisoner
48. KARL DONITZ (1891 - 1980) German admiral who headed the U-Boat
arm of the German Navy, later succeeded Hitler as Fuehrer after Hitler’s suicide.
T.Ms.S., 12pp. 4to., [n.p.],Aug. 7, 1970, apparently a chapter from Donitz’s
memoirs titled “America’s War Against Us Before December 11, 1941” citing
specific acts of American hostility against Germany and Germany’s avoidance
of those provocations, boldly signed and dated at conclusion. Fine. $150-200
49. JAMES H. DOOLITTLE (1896 - 1993) American aviator who gained fame
both as a racing pilot and as leader of the first air raid on Tokyo during World
War II. Two I.S.P.s, the first a vintage image 8” x 10” b/w, shows Doolittle in
uniform. Boldly inscribed at top right: “To Bobby Ree with every good wish J. H.
Doolittle”. The second is a contemporary image 8” x 10” color, shows Doolittle
in his later years in uniform, also boldly inscribed and signed at top right. Very
good condition, two pieces.
$100-150
56. THEODOR EICKE (1892 - 1943) German military officer, commander
of the SS-Division Totenkopf of the Waffen-SS and one of the key figures
in the establishment of concentration camps in Nazi Germany. Rare, fine
content D.S., 1p. oblong 8vo., Dachau, July 15, 1934, a discharge form from
the Dachau concentration camp signed in blue ink “Eicke” at bottom. In
part: “...Prisoner...Johann Wiesenthal...was interned from January 23, 1934
up until today in the concentration camp. He is to report every 2nd day at
the local police department of his residence. The prisoner was not reported
here by the police. Food , clothing, and Volk record cards were not issued...”.
With a propaganda envelope in which the document was handed to the
prisoner. Text a tad light in places, else fine.
$800-1,200
50. DOOLITTLE RAIDERS Fine lot of 34 signatures of men who flew with
Jimmy Doolittle on the surprise rataliatory bombing raid on Tokyo, April 18,
1942. Almost all of the signatures are on Doolittle Raid or Battle of the Coral
Sea first day postal covers, and most of the survivors have signed adding their
plane number, position, or both. Of the signers, six were pilots or co-pilots
and ten were navigator-bombardiers.
$600-700
51. JAMES H. DOOLITTLE AND MAXWELL TAYLOR Pair of war-date
patriotic postal covers individually signed by JAMES H. DOOLITTLE (18961993) American aviator who gained fameboth as a racing pilot and as leader
of the first air raid on Tokyo during World War II, and by MAXWELL TAYLOR
(1901 - 1987) American general and U.S. Army Chief of Staff who fought in
Sicily, Normandy, and in Operation Market Garden. Very good.
$75-100
57. DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER T.L.S. “Dwight D. Eisenhower” on his official
letterhead, 1p. 4to., [n.p.], September, 1945 to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes,
commander of the 7th Army. In part: “...With the increase in importance
of political developments in the United States Zone...[and] renewal of
political activity in Germany, I have found it desirable to assign a political
representative to each of the Headquarters Staffs...”. Marginal pencil notes
and files holes at top, else fine.
$400-600
52. ALFRED DRUSCHEL (1917- 1945) Luftwaffe combat pilot , the first
combat pilot to be honored with the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and
Swords. Separated from his formation over Aachen, and still missing in action.
Rare S.P. 3 1/2” x 5 1/2” b/w, a chest, up pose in uniform by Hoffmann
bearing his rare full signature. Fine.
$400-500
58. NIKOLAUS VON FALKENHORST (1885 - 1968) German general who
planned ‘Operation Weseruebung’, the invasion of Denmark and Norway
in 1940, later he became commander of the German troops in Norway
between 1940 and 1944. Probable war-date S.P. 4” x 6” b/w, showing the
general in uniform from the chest, up, boldly signed on the verso amidst his
printed rank. Fine.
$100-150
53. CLAUDIUS M. EASLEY (1891 - 1945) American general, a commander
of the 96th Infantry Division (“Deadeyes”), awarded the Legion of Merit at the
close of the Leyte campaign during which he had been wounded by sniper fire,
killed in action while directing fire on the last enemy positions on Okinawa.
Rare signature on the face of an envelope addressed to his wife, May 30,
1945.
$150-200
Signed by the artist, Elk Eber
54. ELK EBER (1892 - 1941) German artist, born Wilhelm Emil Eber. Eber
was one of the most famous of German military artists, largely remembered
for his distinctive battle scenes and forceful portraits of soldiers and officers
in uniform. An early member of the S.A., Eber sketched party events and
street battles, while at the same time indulging his passion for painting
American Indians and western scenes. Hitler himself was enamored of
Eber’s work, purchasing several pieces for his collection. Signed print,
his “Hand Grenade Battle”, 23 1/2” x 18” heavy stock, lightly-signed “Elk
Eber” in pencil at lower right. The image shows a group of German soldiers
throwing grenades at an unseen enemy at left, though clearly French as
one lies wounded at their feet. Some flaws: signature, as mentioned, is light
but legible, and is affected somewhat by a stain and toning, some glue
remnants at left and right margins, and possibly trimmed, and a few trivial
stains. Nevertheless, still very appealing and a very rare image when signed
by the artist.
$600-800
8
60. HANS FRANK Very
rare A.L.S. “Hans” on his
official letterhead, 1p. 4to.,
Seichau, to his mistress
Lilly Groh. On the run five
days after Warsaw had been
liberated by the Russians,
In part: “...I escaped at the
last hour from Krakau...
Unfortunately, I cannot
mail from here and I cannot
make anything move...I
have much to tell you. I will
leave in the next few days
and come glowingly to life
and desire free to you. I
am very, very tired now...
My father died on January
18th...”. A few short fold
splits, else very good. Lilly
Groh (1898-1977) had
been Frank’s childhood
sweetheart and as his
marriage soured with his wife Brigitte (mother of his five children), he took
up with her again, hoping to divorce his wife and remarry. Brigitte did not
want to give up her status as the wife of a Reich Minister and traveled to
Berlin, where she asked Hitler to prohibit a divorce, stating: “I’d rather be a
widow than the divorced wife of a Reich Minister”. Frank also tried to sway
Hitler, as did Groh, who told Himmler that Brigitte was a Jew who should be
eliminated. In the end, Hitler forbade any divorce until after the war when it
was, obviously, too late for Frank.
$1,000-1,500
59. HANS FRANK (1900 - 1946) Governor-General of occupied Poland,
1939-45. He instituted a reign of terror against the civilian population,
systematic plunder and brutal economic exploitation and was directly
involved in the mass murder of Polish citizens of both Jewish and nonJewish background. Very rare A.L.S. “Hans” to his mistress Lilly Groh, 2pp.
4to. on Hotel Imperial” letterhead, Vienna, July 1, 1942. Frank mentions a
speech he would soon give in Munich which he considers all-important - it
would be critical of Hitler and result in him losing his party affiliations. In
part: “...The hour of my speech approaches and I’m ready to acknowledge
my work. The halls in which I speak are filled with tension, as is being
reported to me...and you are not here....In the future nothing will separate
us...You, my dear Lilli, I beg you to accompany me everywhere...Today a
new life starts for me - a new awareness...Since you came into my life...you
supported me in my most difficult hours...You, my beloved Lilli, give me
strength...As a man, I will survive the mental battles I must endure...you
will have to make great sacrifices and have many worries but I will stand
by you...God is hearing us, he has united us, and people will not prevent
us from having our life’s work and love’s work from being recognized...”.
Lilly Groh (1898-1977) had been Frank’s childhood sweetheart and as his
marriage soured with his wife Brigitte (mother of his five children), he took
up with her again, hoping to divorce his wife and remarry. Brigitte did not
want to give up her status as the wife of a Reich Minister and traveled to
Berlin, where she asked Hitler to prohibit a divorce, stating: “I’d rather be a
widow than the divorced wife of a Reich Minister”. Frank also tried to sway
Hitler, as did Groh, who told Himmler that Brigitte was a Jew who should be
eliminated. In the end, Hitler forbade any divorce until after the war when it
was, obviously, too late for Frank.
$1,000-1,500
61. SIEGFRIED FREYER (b. 1917) Panzer ace with 4./Panzer Abt. 24, 11
kills to his credit. Fine dealer lot of 25 signed photos, each 4” x 6”, some
color, all wartime views of Freyer, tanks, destruction, etc. signed post-war
and in fine condition.
$200-300
62. WILHELM FRICK (1877 - 16 October 1946) was a prominent German
politician of the Nazi Party, who served as Reich Minister of the Interior in
the Hitler Cabinet from 1933 to 1943. Frick was instrumental in the racial
policy of Nazi Germany drafting laws against Jewish citizens including the
Enabling Act giving Hitler unlimited power and the notorious Nuremberg
Laws. Rare S.P. “Frick”, 7” x 10” b/w, a medium stock photo showing him
in party uniform from mid-chest, up, his name and title as “Reichsleiter”
printed beneath, boldly signed at bottom. Very fine condition. $600-800
63. WILHELM FRICK T.L.S. on his official letterhead, 1p. 4to., Berlin, Sep. 22, 1941 to “Party Comrade” Heinrich Glasmeier, chief of Nazi radio broadcasting.
Frick thanks his correspondent for sending him the program brooklet for broadcast made upon 150th anniversary of Mozart’s death. With copy photos
of Frick before and after his execution. Fine.
$300-400
64. HANS FRITZSCHE (1900 - 1953) Radio propaganda chief in Joseph Goebbels’ propaganda ministry. Delivered regular radio broadcasts with the
familiar opening “Hier spricht Hans Fritzsche!”, making him one of the best-known commentators in Nazi Germany. S.P. 3 1/2” x 5 1/2” b/w, a Hoffmann
portrait signed in the darker area at bottom with fair contrast. Fine.
$250-350
65. RICHARD GALE (1896 - 1982) British general who served in both world wars. In World War II he served with 1st Parachute Brigade and then the 6th
Airborne Division during the invasion of Normandy and Operation Tonga, the taking of Pegasus Bridge. Lot of two signed items, includes an S.P. 3 1/2”
x 6” overall, printed candid portrait signed on the mount, with an A.L.S., 2pp. 8vo., London, Jan. 10, 1966 sending the photo and advising that other
addresses which his correspondent seeks will be sent via the Airborne Forces Security Fund. Very good.
$100-150
66. ENOLA GAY SIGNED MODEL OF “LITTLE BOY” A fine presentation, a 10” detailed model of “Little Boy”, the atomic bomb dropped from the B-29
bomber Enola Gay on the city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, signed in silver ink by pilot PAUL TIBBETS, also signed by DUTCH VAN KIRK who adds:
“Navigator Enola Gay”. Fine condition, set on a ebony-colored wood display stand. Fine.
$600-800
67. ENOLA GAY Lot of 11 signed photos, each 8” x 10” b/w, includes seven images showing variously the Enola Gay and crew, signed in blue ink by Pilot
PAUL TIBBETS, Navigator THEODORE J. VAN KIRK and Bombardier TOM FEREBEE, along with four signed photos, various poses, of PAUL TIBBETS. Fine
condition. $400-600
68. ENOLA GAY Lot of 12 signed photos, each 8” x 10” b/w, includes ten images showing variously the Enola Gay and crew, signed in blue ink by Pilot
PAUL TIBBETS, Navigator THEODORE J. VAN KIRK and Bombardier TOM FEREBEE, along with four signed photos, various poses, of PAUL TIBBETS. Fine
condition. $400-600
69. ENOLA GAY Lot of seven items each signed by Enola Gay Pilot PAUL TIBBETS, Navigator THEODORE J. VAN KIRK and Bombardier TOM FEREBEE,
includes: two wartime photos of the three crewmen; montage photo of the Enola Gay and crew; two copies of the July 25, 1945 War Dept. letter to Gen.
Carl Spaatz advising the plans for dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima; a copy of the receipt for the enriched uranium received at Tinian, and; a poem
honoring the 509th Composite Strike Group. Fine.
$400-600
9
70. HOBART R. GAY (1894 - 1983) American Army general, chief of
staff of the I Armored Corps in North Africa, Seventh Army chief of staff in
Sicily, later chief of staff, Third Army, Gen. George S. Patton. Gay was with
Patton at the time of Patton’s auto crash. Fine association T.L.S. “Hap” on
Headquarters 15th Army letterhead, 1p. 4to., Jan. 2, 1946 to Gen. Geoffrey
Keyes, Patton’s deputy commander, close friend, and the man who had
arranged Patton’s funeral only a week earlier. In part: “...Christmas for
some of us...was not as happy as we might have desired...I wish to again
thank you for all that you and your Army did for General and Mrs. Patton.
I appreciate it and I know Mrs. Patton did also. The arrangements were
perfect and everything went off in the efficient manner that General Patton
so much admired...”. File holes at top, else fine.
$100-150
71. JOSEPH GOEBBELS DRAWS HIS 1936 SALARY JOSEPH GOEBBELS
(1897-1945) Nazi Minister of Propaganda with Hitler from the earliest days,
a master of manipulation of the masses who took his life and those of his
family members in the last days of the war. Fine content D.S., 1p. 8vo.,
Berlin, Jan. 9, 1935, issued by the Reich Main Accounting Office. Goebbels’
salary statement for the calendar year 1935 showing that he had received
over 28,160.40 Reichsmarks before taxes, including expenses of 4,800
Reichsmarks, from which 2,551.64 Reichsmark were deducted for taxes.
Light fold, file holes, else very good. With a secretary’s signature and official
stamp.
$700-900
Goebbels’ book contract
for his essays from Der Angriff
72. JOSEPH GOEBBELS Important content partly-printed D.S., 3pp. 4to.,
Berlin, Oct. 10, 1935, the publishing contract between Goebbels and the
official publishing house for the NSDAP, Franz Eher Nachfolger giving
the publishing house exclusive rights to Der Angriff - Aufsaetze aus der
Kampfzeit (“The Attack - Essays from the Time of Struggle”). The terms of
the contract are standard for the time and place: Goebbels gives permission
for publication and distribution in all forms, Goebbels warrants that he is of
“true Aryan origin”, he will receive a 10% royalty, and so on. File holes, else
very good. Der Angriff founded by Goebbels in 1927, was a mass circulation
paper that fought the hated “system” with rude and aggressive language.
Anti-parliamentarism and anti-semitism were its self-defining themes.
The most regular contributors were party functionaries; lead articles were
usually written by Goebbels and signed “Dr. G.” The book mentioned here
is a collection of Goebbels’ essays.
$600-800
73. HERMANN GOERING (1893 - 1946) German politician who began his
career as an ace in World War I, rose to become Hitler’s right-hand man and
head of the Luftwaffe, finally captured and committed suicide on the eve of
his execution. War-date T.L.S. in indelible pencil, 2pp. large 4to., Berlin, Jan.
18, 1944 to HANS LAMMERS, Minister and Chief of the Reich Chancellery.
Goering discusses the cessation of the publication of the magazine “Die
Wehrmacht”, noting that Max Amman had advised him that the magazine
“Unser Heer” would be expanded, eliminating the magazines of the
separate military branches. He is agreeable to the idea in the interest of
saving material for the war effort. Lammers dockets the letter at twice,
making a reference to Hitler, and initials the letter twice. Several dockets,
file holes, else very good.
$500-600
with information as to the amount of death benefits she may anticipate.
Fine. Dammers, with 113 aerial victories and 23 unconfirmed claims, died
the previous March after his parachute became entangled on his aircraft’s
fuselage.
$200-300
77. RODOLFO GRAZIANI (1882 - 1955) Italian army officer, commander
in chief of the General staff, and led military expeditions in Africa before and
during World War II. Graziani indiscriminately killed over 30,000 Ethiopians,
including monks, and at war’s end remained loyal to Mussolini. Important
pair of two manuscript documents in his hand, prepared by him for use in
his 1945 trial in Italy for cooperating with the Nazis: 1.) A.Ms., 4pp. 4to.,
the text of his telegram to German Field Marshal Wilhelm Kietel, military
content mentioning troop strengths and Hitler, and; 2.) A.Ms. 11pp. 4to.,
his memoir on the battle strategies of the Armata Ligure in which Graziani
insists that the “defensive” orientation of his army was in order to counter
potential attacks by the Free French, British and American invaders. Sold
with four period photos of the general. Very good.
$300-400
78. AUGUSTIN-LEON GUILLAUME (1895 - 1983) French general who
trained and led the fierce Moroccan goumiers, soldiers who served in
auxiliary units attached to the French Army of Africa. Patton claimed
Guillaume was “worth three divisions” in North Africa. Fine and important
group of four signed items, includes: a fine association I.S.P. given to
Patton’s deputy commander, GEOFFREY KEYES, 6 1/2” x 8 3/4” b/w shows
Guillaume with his native troops, inscribed to Keyes in French: “...Glorious
commandant of the U.S. 2nd Corps in Italy. [From] A goumier, Guillaume”.
Light horizontal crease, inscription contrast fair; an ornate certificate, 1p
large 4to., Rabat, June 30,1943 making Keyes and honorary member of
the 4th Tabor of the Moroccan Goums, signed at bottom by Guillaume;
with Guillaume’s July 22, 1943 letter on official letterhead sending the
certificate, and; a second such certificate, same date and data but simply
typed, also signed by Guillaume. Overall fine.
$300-400
79. WALTER HAGEN (1897 - 1963) Luftwaffe Stuka pilot and recipient of
the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves during World War II.
S.P. 4” x 5 3/4” b/w, a chest, up pose in uniform signed adding rank as
“Oberst”. Fine.
$200-300
80. FRANZ HALDER (1884 -1972) One-time German chief of staff until
transferred to the reserves by Hitler due to policy disputes. Suspected of
plotting against Hitler’s life in 1944, he was interned at Flossenburg until his
rescue by the Allies. S.P. 4” x 5 1/2” b/w, an artist’s profile of Halder, boldly
inscribed and signed at bottom. Fine.
$75-100
81. FRANZ HALDER Large bold signature on a card. Fine.
$60-80
74. HERMANN GORING S.P. 4” x 5 3/4” b/w, a fine three-quarter length
view in uniform with his baton, signed in dark blue ink at bottom. Contrast
fair to good. The verso bears “Christmas 1941” penned at top, along with
a unit identification: “[?]. T. Kdo. Bourges, a Zt. Mondesir” with about forty
signatures of the unit’s members beneath. This may have been the air
transport unit Luftdienst-Teilkommando 1/12, stationed at the Luftwaffe
air base at Mondesir - Goring may have visited the base, or he may have
been sent this image for signing. Very good.
$600-800
75. GORDON GOLLUB (1912 - 1987) German Luftwaffe ace, rose to the
position of General der Jagdflieger, one of only 27 to receive the Knight’s
Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds. S.P. 3 1/2” x 5 1/2” b/w, a
chest, up portrait by Hoffmann, boldly signed at bottom. Fine. $200-300
76. HERMANN GRAF (1912 - 1988) Luftwaffe pilot with 212 aerial
victories in over 830 combat missions, 202 of which were on the Eastern
Front, awarded the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds.
rare war-date T.L.S., on his Kommodore Jagdgeshwader 52 letterhead,
1p. large 4to., [n.p.], Dec. 8, 1944 to Gertrud Dammers, wife of KIA ace
Hans Dammers. Graf sends his condolences and those of his command
upon the death of his comrade “for Fuhrer, Folk, and Fatherland”, along
82. ERICH HARTMANN (1922 - 1993) German ace, the top ace of all time,
with 352 aerial kills during which he never lost a wing man. Captured and
held by the Soviets for ten years. Excellent dealer lot of 23 inscribed signed
photos, most approx. 4” x 6” b/w, later reproductions of wartime portraits
in uniform, boldly signed. One slightly faded, else all are in fine condition.
$2,500-3,500
10
83. ERICH HARTMANN Fine lot of 14 signed photos, each 8” x 10”
b/w showing Hartmann in post-war uniform visiting a NASA facility and
examining a model of a prototype aircraft, each photo boldly signed in blue
ink and fine.
$2,500-3,500
84. THE SINKING OF THE S.S. CYNTHIA OLSON - THE FIRST JAPANESE
SHOTS FIRED AT AMERICANS IN WORLD WAR II MINORU HASEGAWA
Japanese naval officer, commander of the Japanese submarine I-26. Thirty
minutes before Japanese aircraft attacked Pearl harbor, Hasegawa ordered
a cannon attack on the freighter S.S. CYNTHIA OLSON, then en route to
Seattle. The vessel was soon sunk with all hands, and Hasegawa won the
dubious distinction of becoming the first Japanese to fire on Americans in
World War II. Rare grouping includes an A.L.S. “the Hasegawas” signed in
the text, 1p. 8vo., [Japan, n.d.], in English apologizing for a late reply due to
old age, along with a 4pp. pamphlet in Japanese, shows a man standing on
a sub, pictures Hasegawa and he writes on the face: “My Testimony”, and a
recent photo with facsimile signature. Rare.
$150-200
85. RENE DE HESDIN (1890 - 1966) French major general, led a North
African corps ofcolonial troops in Italy, Military Governor of Rome, Dep.
Chief of Staff, 6th Army Group.T.L.S. on 4th Moroccan Division letterhead,
1p. 4to., [n.p.], Nov. 15, 1945 to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, in French, a request
that he be permitted to purchase and use a Leica camera. File holes, else
fine.
$150-200
Himmler’s signed copy of a book of
caricatures of... Adolf Hitler
86.
HEINRICH
HIMMLER (1900 1945) Hitler’s Chief
of the Gestapo placed
in charge of security
and responsible for
the
construction
and operation of
extermination camps.
He chose suicide
rather than face a
hangman’s noose at Nuremburg. Signed and dated book from Himmler’s
library”H. Himmler 21-x11 34”, a collection of very unflattering caricatures
of Hitler from around the world which Hitler had actually approved for
publication! The book, “Tat Gegen Tinte” (“Action Against Ink”), was
published in 1934 in Berlin by Verlag Braune Bucher. Images include Hitler
with a gorilla’s body carrying off Germany, as a pseudo-Napoleon, forcing a
man to buy Mein Kampf at gunpoint, and so on. Fine. The Nazis had hoped
that by exposing the cartoons to the German people as “propaganda”, their
impact would be lessened considerable, if not turned against the cartoon’s
creators and publishers. Also, they point out that the cartoons show Hitler
as a world power, a fact already known to the German people.
$800-1,200
Himmler’s signed copy of a virulently
anti-Semitic book
87. HEINRICH HIMMLER Signed book: “Rassekrieg in Wien, der Grenzfeste
des Reiches” (“Race War in Vienna, the Border Fortress of the Empire”), by
Dr. Robert Korber (Vienna: Universitats-Verlag Wilhelm Braumuller), 1939.
398pp. small 4to. in brown cloth with gilt lettering, with green indelible
pencil ownership signature on front flylef: “H. Himmler 22 VII 39”. A heavilyillustrated anti-Semitic tract bearing color frontis portrait of Adolf Hitler with
more than 300 photographs of historical documents pertaining to Jews
and Judaism in Vienna, caricatures of Jewish comedians, “Aryan” babies,
comparisons of “Aryan” and Jewish features, many examples of posters
from the early National Socialist “battle” era, charts, Jewish university
professors, freemasons, the development of Jewish society in Vienna under
the Hapsburgs, Jewish propaganda against Christians, Sigmund Freud and
Albert Einstein, etc. Presentation inscription to Himmler by author Korber
is penned above a printed quote by Hitler within. Covers a tad loose and
bumped, gutters cracked, still very good.
$750-1,000
88. HEINRICH HIMMLER Bold blue ink signature on a page removed from a
book stamped with the name of the SS hospital at Hohenlynchen, Himmler’s
last wartime residence.
$500-700
89. HEINRICH HIMMLER Signed book “Deutschlands kolonials
Vermachtnis” (“German Colonial Legacy”), by Dr. Lothar Kuhne, (Saarbruck:
Saarbrucker Druckerei), 1938. 100pp. 8vo., paper boards. An explanation
that Germany’s colonies are part of her legacy, signed “H. Himmler 16.IV.39”
in green indelible pencil on the front flyleaf. Very good.
$400-600
90. HEINRICH HIMMLER d.s. 1P.4TO., “Fuhrer Headquarters”, June 21,
[1940], a typed copy of a letter signed in type by Adolf Hitler and initialed
“ H H” in green indelible pencil twice by Himmler. Hitler’s letter refers to
the notorious SS-Gruppenfuhrer Jakob Sporrenberg. He writes: “...For the
duration of the war I promote you Higher SS and Police Leader ‘Northeast’
in Konigsberg and releasing you from your duties...in Wiesbaden...”.
Trimmed slightly at top, file holes at left, else very good. Sporrenberg would
succeed Odilo Globocnik as SS and Police Leader of Lublin. In that position,
he ordered “Operation Harvest Festival”, the mass shooting of prisoners at
Majdanek. “Erntefest” was the largest single-day, single-camp massacre of
the Holocaust under direct German occupation, totalling 43,000 in three
nearby locations. Sporrenberg would pay for his crimes once extradited and
hanged by the Poles.
$400-500
11
91. ADOLF HITLER A rare and unusual S.P. 9” x 11” b/w bust profile
photograph by Heinrich Hoffmann, boldly signed across his collar at the
lower right corner. Originally from the collection of journalist Karl August
Bickel (1882-1972), president of UPI who interviewed Hitler in 1933 who
at the time declared that the entire German state was behind him and
told him that parliaments were “’doomed’ as a form of government.”
With Hoffmann’s “Nationalsozialistischer Postkarten-Verlag” stamp on
verso. Very light creasing and a touch of silvering, a few tiny abrasions to
emulsion, else near fine condition. A very rare and unusual pose.
$3,000-4,000
91A. ADOLF HITLER S.P. 3 1/2” x 5 1/4” b/w, a fine original Hoffmann photo
of Hitler signed at bottom. Ink skips very slightly, else very good. Mounted to
black heavy photo paper.
$3,000-4,000
92. ADOLF HITLER Rare signed partly-printed document, 1p. sm. folio, Berlin, Nov. 1, 1935, the promotion
of Captain Paul Bernhard Schneider to Major of Aviation. Signed by Hitler in black ink at bottom. Also signed
by HERMANN GOERING in his capacity as Minister of Aviation, and by WERNER VON BLOMBERG (18781946) Minister of Defense and Supreme Commander of the German Armies early in Hitler’s regime who
resigned following accusations that he had married a prostitute. Fine condition, with excellent signatures.
The Luftwaffe was organized in early 1935 and promotions were being steadily issued. Schneider would
become a full colonel and command Signals/Communication Reg. 1 in northern Italy in 1944-45.
$1,500-2,000
12
95. (ADOLF HITLER) Hitler’s personal correspondence card, 7 1/2” x 5”,
Berlin, December, 1939, bears a printed greeting: “Greetings for Christmas
and the New Year”, with printed signature. Very good.
$75-100
96. WILLIAM M. HOGE (1894 - 1979) General of the U.S. Army. He directed
the construction of the 1,519-mile ALCAN Highway, commanded the
Provisional Engineer Special Brigade Group in the assault on Omaha Beach,
and directed Combat Command B, 9th Armored Div. In its heroic actions in
the Ardennes and in its capture of the Ludendorff Bridge over the Rhine. Fine
association T.L.S. on 7th Army letterhead, 1p. 4to., [n.p.], June 23, 1953 to
Gen. Geoffrey Keyes who formerly had Hoge’s command. Hoge sends a copy
of the promotional publication Seventh Army - Pyramid of Strength (included),
adding: “...As a former commander of this great organization, you are part of
its history and responsible for many of its accomplishments. We of the Seventh
Army are proud of the history and traditions we have inherited and wish to join
you in a silent toast to all who have done so much to make them possible...” Also
included are two large printed maps showing the army’s route through Europe
and its invasions of southern France and Sicily. Fine.
$75-100
93. ADOLF HITLER Typed D.S. on ornate letterhead, 1p. sm. folio,
Munich, Jan. 23, 1938, an order that a retired lieutenant in the reserves,
Valerian Anderson, have his rank and awards (including the Iron Cross, 2nd
Class) revoked according to the law. Boldly signed by Hitler, co-signed by
WERNER VON BLOMBERG (1878 - 1946) Minister of Defense and Supreme
Commander of the German Armies early in Hitler’s regime, who would
resign following accusations that he had married a prostitute. Fancifully
matted with photos of Hitler and Blomberg and a brass biographical plaque
in a custom-cut red mat, set in an equally ornate black wood frame.
$1,500-2,000
97. D-DAY PATHFINDER SUBMARINES GEORGE B. HONOUR (1918-2002)
Commander of the British mini-submarine X-23. On June 4, 1944 two “X-craft”
fixed their positions in front of the Normandy coast. Two days later, they set
up the 18 foot high navigation beacons that shone a green light to guide the
D-Day fleet towards their targets. Lot of two items, includes an S.P. 7” x 5 1/2”
b/w, a mounted magazine photo nicely signed, with a T.L.S. on his letterhead,
$100-150
1p. 8vo., Mathon, July 22, 1966 sending the image. Fine.
98. DIETRICH HRABAK (1914 - 1995) Luftwaffe fighter ace credited with
shooting down 125 enemy aircraft in over 1,000 combat missions. 109 of
his victories were claimed over the Eastern front, with 16 against the Western
Allies. Awarded the Knights Cross with Oak Leaves. Excellent dealer’s lot of ten
signed photos, each 4” x 6” b/w, showing the ace sporting his Knights Cross
in a chest, up pose, signed post-war in black marker. Fine. Each is sold with a
colorful, desciptive 8 1/2” x 11 sheet setting forth Hrabak’s accomplishments,
with a background showing an Me-109 in flight. The designer has left a blank
area on this sheet to set the photo without obstructing the text. A very nice
presentation, ex: Cy Stapleton Collection.
$300-500
99. DIETRICH HRABAK Excellent dealer’s lot of ten signed photos, each 4” x
6” b/w, showing the ace sporting his Knights Cross in a chest, up pose in most
images, all reprints of wartime photographs signed post-war in black marker.
Fine. Each is sold with a colorful, desciptive 8 1/2” x 11 sheet setting forth Hrabak’s
accomplishments, with a background showing an Me-109 in flight. The designer
has left a blank area on this sheet to set the photo without obstructing the text. A
very nice presentation, ex: Cy Stapleton Collection.
$300-500
100. DIETRICH HRABEK Excellent dealer’s lot of ten signed photos, each 4”
x 6” b/w, showing the ace sporting his Knights Cross in a chest, up pose,
signed post-war in black marker. Fine. Each is sold with a colorful, desciptive
8 1/2” x 11 sheet setting forth Hrabak’s accomplishments, with a background
showing an Me-109 in flight. The designer has left a blank area on this sheet
to set the photo without obstructing the text. A very nice presentation, ex: Cy
Stapleton Collection.
$300-500
101. DIETRICH HRABEK Excellent dealer’s lot of ten signed photos, each 4”
x 6” b/w, showing the ace sporting his Knights Cross in a chest, up pose in
most images, all reprints of wartime photographs signed post-war in black
marker. Fine. Each is sold with a colorful, desciptive 8 1/2” x 11 sheet setting
forth Hrabak’s accomplishments, with a background showing an Me-109 in
flight. The designer has left a blank area on this sheet to set the photo without
obstructing the text. A very nice presentation, ex: Cy Stapleton Collection.
$300-500
94. ADOLF HITLER War-date typed D.S., 1p. large 4to., “Fuhrer
Headquarters”, Oct. 20, 1940, the promotion of Hans Juppe to the rank
of Generalmajor, then a deputy administrator at Wehrmacht headquarters.
Co-signed by Field Marshal WILHELM KEITEL (1882-1946) German field
marshal and army chief of staff under Adolph Hitler, convicted of war crimes
and executed at Nuremburg, and by WALTHER VON BRAUCHITSCH
(1881-1948) German field marshal and commander in chief who formally
led the campaigns against Greece, France, Poland and the USSR. Light
folds, with a tiny bit of paper loss in embossed seal due to excess pressure
when embossed, else very good. HANS JUPPE (1889-1973) served in the
Wehrmacht communications department, later led the 206th Infantry and
Croatian forces near war’s end.
$1,200-1,500
102. HANS HUBE (1890 - 1944) German general awarded the Knight’s Cross
with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds, fought with distinction in Poland,
Russia, and Italy. Typed D.S., 2pp. 4to., 16th Panzer Div.’ [Russia], Sep. 4,
1941, a list of twenty soldiers to be awarded the War Merit Cross, Second
Class, with Swords.
$150-200
103. FRIEDRICH JECKELN (1895-1946) SS leader in the Soviet Union,
personally responsible for ordering the deaths of 100,000 Jews and other
“undesirables”. Sentenced to death and hung at Riga. T.L.S. on letterhead of
the 12-SS Standarte of the N.S.D.A.P. letterhead, 1p. 4to., Hannover, Aug. 20,
1931 to Heinrich Himmler. Jeckeln recommends Erich Schrage to be promoted
within the SS and be made leader of the 1.Sturmes 11/12. Several dockets,
else very good. Schrage was a member of the Nazi “old guard”, having served
in the Freiwilligen Landesjägerkorps.
$400-600
13
An archive of documents restricting the
issuance of the Iron Cross
108. WILHELM KEITEL RESTRICTS THE ISSUANCE OF IRON CROSS
AWARDS ON THE EASTERN FRONT. (1882 - 1946) German field marshal
and army chief of staff under Adolph Hitler, convicted of war crimes and
executed at Nuremburg. A fine and important archive of documents, several
signed by Keitel, all concerning those who have the authority to award the Iron
Cross and under what conditions. In particular, Keitel is concerned that too
many officers had been awarded the Iron Cross on the Eastern Front without
merit. The grouping, in chronological order, includes: incomplete copy of
a secret order from Keitel, June 14, 1941, states that following the Balkan
Campaign many officers were being unjustifiably awarded the Iron Cross 1st
104. HEINZ JOST SIGNED TOTENKOPF RING PRESENTATION (1904 - Class and asks for suggestion from troop commanders for improvements;
1964) SS-Brigadeführer and a Generalmajor of Police, involved in espionage mimeographed D.S. from Keitel with printed signature, 2pp. 4to., Berlin, July
matters as the SD section chief of Office VI of the RSHA. Jost was also 10, 1941, concerns the awarding of the Iron Cross to members of the OKH
responsible for genocide in eastern Europe as commander of Einsatzgruppe higher staff, acknowledging the difficulties in making awards to staff and
A. Jailed until 1941. Signed copy of a letter sent to the recipient of an SS officers of panzer and other mobile units in Russia and enclosing a copy
“Totenkopf” ring, signed by Heinrich Himmler with a rubber stamp, “Field of Hitler’s orders on when the Iron Cross may be awarded; copy of the
Command”, Nov. 10, 1940, further officially signed by Jost in blue ink at aforementioned order by Hitler, 1p. 4to., [Berlin], Mar. 16, 1941, tightening
bottom. Recipient Dr. Walter Rech of the Kriegs news department is advised the award to those leading troops and accelerating the awards given on
of the importance of the ring as a sign of loyalty and camaraderie, he is told account of bravery; official stamped copy of a draft order INITIALED TWICE
to be ready to serve at any time, and that the ring must be returned to the BY KEITEL, 2pp.4to., Berlin, Sep. 17, 1941 concerns that responsibility for the
SS when he retires or dies. He is also told that depictions or copies of the award of the Iron Cross 2nd Class will be transferred to the oberfeldshaber
ring are felonious crimes. Also included is the very rare transmittal envelope of each army and panzer group and setting forth specific instructions on
$750-1,000 those responsible, again citing the existing burden placed on the higher
sent to Rech.
staff to make such awards and the fact that soldiers are dying before they
105. ALPHONSE JUIN (1888 - 1967) French marshal, commanded the
receive their medals; T.L.S. SIGNED BY KEITEL “Keitel” on official letterhead,
French Expeditionary Corps in the US Fifth Army. Juin made the plan to break
2pp. 4to., Berlin, Sep. 22, 1941 to the Adjutant of the Wehrmacht at Fuhrer
the Gustav line, attacked the Liri valley, won the battle of the Garigliano, and
Headquarters, defining “bravery” which can only exist in a: “fight with the
played an important part in the battle for Siena. Excellent war-date I.S.P., 8”
enemy...to include radio operator...pioneer...being under fire is not ‘bravery’
x 10” b/w, inscribed in French to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, Patton’s number two
and cannot merit the award of an Iron Cross...all recommendations for
and a key player at Cassino. Juin inscribes the photo in French as a “souvenir
priests have been denied...the same has been done with division doctors...”
of our campaign in Italy” and signs, adding the date Apr. 4, 1944. Fine.
though Keitel believes that doctors should be allowed an exemption; draft
$200-300
T.L.S. INITIALED TWICE BY KEITEL, 5pp. including transmittal page, OKH
106. ALPHONSE JUIN T.L.S. on his personal letterhead, 1p. 8vo., Paris, July Headquarters, Berlin, Dec. 6, 1941, to different division various panzer
1, 1945 to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes in French. Juin warmly congratulates his armies, groups, army groups - essentially almost all German ground forces.
colleague on his promotion to command the “magnificent” 7th Army. File Keitel states that a number of recommendations for Iron Cross awards to
holes at top, else fine.
$150-200 officers on the Eastern Front had been denied as no special exhibitions of
bravery had been demonstrated. He asks that the denied applications be
107. BEFORE KASSERINE, AMERICANS ARE DRUNK AND DISORDERLY reviewed and that an explanation be supplied. He also states that single
Fine content typed manuscript (carbon), 2pp.4to., unsigned by from the acts of bravery would not earn the award, and he lists the number of Iron
papers of Patton’s deputy commander Gen. Geoffrey Keyes clearly showing Cross applications which had been refused; typed memorandum, 1p. 4to.,
the complete breakdown of discipline among American troops shortly OKH Headquarters, Berlin, Aug. 27, 1942, docketed and initialed by an
before the engagements which led to the debacles at Kasserine Pass, Feb. unknown officer, states that too many Iron Crosses had been awarded from
19, 1942. Keyes mentions offenses committed by soldiers at Rabat: “... lower departments, contrary to regulations, and stating that only the OKH/
urinating in the public streets...singing and shouting throughout the night... PA would handle the issuance of the award for this brigade; and a typed
accosting women...soliciting them up to their doorsteps...force their ways draft D.S. INITIALED BY KEITEL, 1p. 4to., OKH Headquarters, Berlin, Sep. 15,
into cafes after closing...sentinels under arms smoking and drinking... 1942 to the general commanding the XXXXVII Panzer Corps, with four other
indecent proposals...colored soldiers frequenting all cafes, although two dockets (unidentified). Keitel breaks down the entire affair, states that Iron
have been set aside for them...”. Very good.
$150-200 Cross awards to division commanders will be issued through the OKH/PA,
without exception. Brigade commanders’ awards will continue to be issued
by the OKH/PA as previously done. Superior material for the Iron Cross
collector.
$1,500-2,000
14
109. WILLIAM E. KEPNER (1893 - 1982) American general, commanded of
8th Fighter Command where he supervised fighters protecting the 8th Air
Force’s bombers and as ground-attack support, later commanded the 8th
Air Force’s 2nd Bomb Division. T.L.S. as commander of the Ninth Air Force
on official letterhead, 1p. 4to., [n.p.], Sep. 5, 1945 to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes.
Kepner thanks Keyes for his hospitality during a visit to Berchtesgaden
which included a meal and a local tour. File holes at top, else very good.
$60-80
110. MAJOR GEN. GEOFFREY KEYES’ CORRESPONDENCE ON
OPERATIONS HUSKY AND TORCH GEOFFREY KEYES (1888-1967)
Highly decorated Lieutenant General who commanded the II Corps
during World War II. During the war, Keyes was Chief of Staff, 2nd
Armored Division, commanded the 9th Armored Division, Dep.
Commander, 7th Army [Sicily], Commander 7th and 3rd Armies
(assuming Patton’s old command), and headed occupation forces in
Austria. Keyes was George Patton’s invaluable chief of staff, leading
Patton’s I Corps in Morocco, and accepting the surrender of Palermo.
He later served with distinction under Mark Clark at Anzio, Cassino
and before Rome. Historic file of Keyes’ retained copies of official
correspondence, orders, directives, etc. concerning OPERATION
TORCH, the Allied invasion of North Africa, and OPERATION HUSKY,
the invasion and liberation of Sicily which commenced on July 9 and
ended with the Axis withdrawal on Aug. 17. The entire file, marked
“SECRET”, is approx. 90pp. 4to., arranged in reverse chronological
order from Nov. 28, 1942 to Sep. 23, 1943.1943. Most prominent
in the grouping is a letter from French Admiral FELIX MICHELIER on
official letterhead to Gen. GEORGE S. PATTON, 2pp. 4to., Jan. 27,
1943. Michelier, who in November had dispatched Vichy French naval
forces to counter the American landings, writes in French advising
that he hopes to establish a course in Casablanca to teach sailors
to use American armaments. At top, Patton approves, writing in red
indelible pencil: “O.K. P”. Earlier letters discuss stragglers, American
soldiers patronizing prostitutes, fuel conservation, etc. A December
4 letter sets forth his comments on the Allied/Vichy French peace
agreement of Nov. 22, with special comments concerning the French
navy. Early December letters to French Gen. Charles Nogues discusses
French forces which joined the Americans when the invasion began,
and tensions between French and Spanish Morocco, with Americans
refusing not to traverse a buffer zone - an agreement is finally reached.
A January 20 memorandum summarizes the landings of the previous
November and briefly describes principal cities and towns. In midMarch, Keyes’ letters instruct generals to commence vigorous training
of troops for: “...landing operations...in mountainous terrain...”, which
is further discussed in a May 17 letter to Patton. In early June, Keyes
discusses increased naval gunfire to support the landings in Sicily, and
a post-invasion July 16 memo Keyes mentions that the 7th Army had
been relegated to only a supporting role in Sicily. On Aug. 21, 1943
Keyes notes that: “General Patton has returned with his headquarters
to Palermo”. Patton had been severely admonished by Eisenhower for
the infamous “slapping” incidents the day before, and on Aug. 22, the
next day, he would apologize personally to the doctor and staff of
the field hospital in which he struck one of the soldiers. Overall very
$1,000-1,500
good.
111. PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE OF GEN. GEOFFREY KEYES
GEOFFREY KEYES Large grouping of Keyes’ personal correspondence, about
twenty percent war-date, consisting of about 50 letters to his wife in various
formats and generally signed “Geoff” with multiple self-censored envelopes
or envelopes signed in the return address. Letters vary in length from a single
page to eight pages, and Keyes was careful concerning what he wrote: most
content consisted of family news and routine “camp” news. Most date from
1944-47, with a few letters from There is scattered mention of generals
Patton, Truscott, and Patch, inspection of D.P. camps, oversight of the German
document holding center, the Nuremburg trials, etc., with a lengthy account of
the proceedings upon the return of the stained glass windows to the cathedral
at Strasbourg. Also included are 88 V-Mail (photostat) letters each 1p. 3 1/2”
x 4 1/2, sent by Keyes to his wife from November, 1944 until the end of
1946, also bearing routine content despite the Battle of the Bulge and the
drive through Germany all occurring during the same period. Overall fine, and
perhaps worthy of a bit of research.
$1,000-1,500
112. GEN. GEOFFREY KEYES IS HONORED AS A LIBERATOR OF ROME
ROBERTO BENCIVENGA (1872-1949) Italian politician and general. In
1943 he began to participate in the resistance, as commander of the Military
Clandestine Front in Rome. He was arrested by the Germans in 1944, and
after the liberation he was for a few days Government Commissioner to the
City of Rome (6-10 June 1944). Rare partly-printed D.S. as Commissioner
of Rome on the very day the city was liberated, June 5, 1944, 1p. large 4to.,
honoring one of its chief liberators, Army Gen. GEOFFREY KEYES. Keyes was
instrumental in the final drive to take Rome. Although Mark Clark is often
given credit for the victory, it was Keyes who undertook most of the hardest
fighting while leading the II Corps. The document, in Italian, awards Keyes
the Italian Silver Medal for military valor, citing: “...he contributed to the
brilliant victory of the valiant Fifth Army with his decisive command action.
Notwithstanding the desperate resistance of the enemy, he did not slacken
the battle until the definite triumph of the Allied Armies and the liberation of
Rome were achieved...”. With Army translation and documents permitting
him to retain the medal. Badly damp stained at bottom affecting signature
and causing some loss of blank lower areas, else very good. $200-300
113. (GEN. GEOFFREY KEYES CORRESPONDENCE FILE) A grouping
of remaining letters from the files of Gen. Geoffrey Keyes (1888-1967).
Keyes was a highly decorated Lieutenant General who commanded the II
Corps during World War II. He also served as Chief of Staff, 2nd Armored
Division, commanded the 9th Armored Division, Dep. Commander, 7th
Army [Sicily], and later commanded the 7th and 3rd Armies. Group of
about fifty typed and autograph letters signed, 1945-46, most 1p., 4to.
on official letterhead, lesser figures but some good content, including info
on seized German stolen art, thanks from ex-subordinates, notice of the
return of the Strasbourg Cathedral windows, a few letters from colonels and
generals, and a copy of a tribute given to Patton at his memorial service in
$200-300
Washington, Jan. 20, 1946. File holes else very good.
114. ERNEST J. KING (1878 - 1956) American admiral, commander in chief
of the Atlantic fleet and chief of naval operations (1942-45). Fine association
I.S.P. 8” x 10” b/w, a three-quarter length pose in uniform incribed to “the
Johnsons” in 1939. Fine. From the estate of Rear Adm. Rudolf L. Johnson,
commander of the carrier USS INDEPENDENCE which was engaged at Rabaul
$150-200
and at the Gilbert Islands.
15
115. FRANZ KLEFFNER (1907 - 1945) Lieutenant Colonel in the WaffenSS, awarded the Knight’s Cross. Kleffner took over the command of his
motorcycle battalion at Bjakowo and on February 19, 1942 he led its encircled
survivors in an assault which resulted in a breakthrough to the main force. Fine
content war-date T.L.S. as SS Lt. Col. and Commander SS-Pz. Gren. Rgt. 22,
1p. 4to., “Rgt. Headquarters, Mother’s Day, 1944”, to the mother of a decease
comrade. In part: “...On this year’s Mothers Day, I take the liberty to send you
most cordial greetings to you and yours, the deepest solidarity of the 10th
SS Panzer Division...we are close to you, thought your son SS Infantryman
Wormsbaecher, especially sacrificed for the people and the Reich...which
connects us SS men with the numbers of our fallen comrades, and we are
strengthened in knowing that the struggle of our people can only lead to
victory...”. File holes at left, some light edge wear, else very good. $150-200
116. PAUL EWALD VON KLEIST (1881 - 1954) German military officer,
the top Panzer commander in the German Army and superior to Guderian
and Hoth, invaded France and later the Ukraine where he was captured by
the Russians. War-date D.S. “v. Kleist” in typical indelible pencil, 1p. 4to.,
“Headquarters”, Feb. 20, 1942, a list of two men slated to be awarded the War
Cross Second Class, with Swords for their valor in the Russian campaign. File
holes at left margin, bottom trimmed, else fine condition.
$200-300
117. PAUL EWALD VON KLEIST Typed D.S., 1p. oblong 8vo., [n.p.], Apr. 20,
1942 (Hitler’s birthday), a list of three men to be awarded the War Merit Cross
with Swords, Second Class
$150-200
118. IVAN KOZHEDUB (1921 - ?) The leading Soviet fighter ace of World War
II with 62 kills on 120 battles, later Marshal of Aviation. Unissued certyificate
intended for a graduated of the Suvorov Military Academy , boldly signed.
Fine.
$100-150
119. WILHELM KREIS (1873 - 1955) German architect and professor of
architecture. The Nazis dismissed Kreis from the presidency of the League of
German Architects, but under Speer’s direction he drew war projects in Dresden
and the gigantic plans for Berlin. Employing the respected Kreis brought
Speer some legitimacy; Kreis responded by becoming an active supporter of
National Socialism. A bound catalog and description of his works, Wilhelm
Kreis, by Hans, Stephan, bearing a lengthy signed presentation inscription to
HEINRICH HIMMLER, (Oldenburg: Gerhard Stalling Verlag), 1944, forwards by
Albert Speer.96pp. 8vo., with fold-out map of the proposed massive “Soldiers’
Hall” in Berlin, paper boards with dust cover. Kreis’ Jan. 3, 1994 inscription to
Himmler asks for financial support so that Kreis may continue in his Berlin
$200-300
projects. Fine.
A rare letter from the liberator of Paris
124. PHILIPPE LECLERC (1902 - 1947) French general and
posthumously a Marshal of France. Leclerc joined the Free French
forces after the fall of France, and under Patton his 2nd Armored
Division participated in the battle of the Falaise Pocket and went
on to liberate Paris. Represented France in the surrender of Japan,
killed in an aircraft accident. Excessively rare war-date T.L.S. “Leclerc”
with 2nd Armored Division handstamp tying signature to document,
1p. 4to., Paris, July 7, 1945 to American Gen. Wade H. Haislip, then
commanding the 7th Army, in French. Leclerc discusses a letter sent
regarding the promotion of a Major Lumianski, a liaison officer, and
noting that since he had served the allotted time and was of value, he
was worthy of promotion. File holes, staple tear and a stray red pencil
mark at top margin, else fine.
$500-700
125. WILHELM RITTER VON LEEB (1876 - 1956) German field
marshal who led an assault on France, commanded Army Group
North in the Russian campaign, sacked for challenging Hitler’s military
competence. S.P. 3 1/2” x 5 1/2” b/w, a chest, up pose in uniform
boldly signed adding “Feldmarshall”. Fine.
$200-300
126. CURTIS LE MAY (1906 - 1992) American Air Corps and Air
Force general, advocated strategic bombing during World War II and
directed the firebombing raids on Japan. His autobiography, Mission
With LeMay, (Garden City: Doubleday & Co., 1965), 581pp. 8vo.,
bound in black leather with gilt-trimmed spine, signed on the halftitle page. Spine bears a 2” split from front cover, a few scuffs, else
very good.
$75-100
127. HELMUT LENT (1918 - 1944) Luftwaffe night-fighter ace
who shot down 110 aircraft, 102 of them at night, and awarded the
Knights Croass with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds. Killed in a
routine transport flight. S.P. 3 1/2” x 5 1/2” b/w, a Hoffmann chest,
up portrait, nicely signed at bottom. Fine.
$400-500
A letter to Martin Borman
128. ROBERT LEY (1890 - 1945) Nazi leader and ardent anti-Semite
who as head of the Labor Front ruthlessly enforced slave labor policies.
He committed suicide in his jail cell at Nuremburg while awaiting
trial. Scarce A.L.S. on his personal letterhead, 1p. 4to., Berlin, June
17, 1941 to Martin Bormann. Ley wished Bormann a happy birthday,
120. OTTO KRETSCHMER (1912 - 1998) U-boat ace, he became famous adding: “...it is my deepest wish that you will be able to serve the
on his U-99 for his night-time surface attacks against convoys, and there his Fuhrer for a long time as leader of the Party Chancellery...”. Large red
motto “One torpedo ... one ship” was created. Scarce Hoffmann S.P., 3 1/2” x ink spot at upper-left, else very good. With a retained copy of a letter
5 1/2” b/w, bearing a bold, likely war-date signature at bottom. Fine. from Bormann to Ley extending best wishes on another occasion.
$200-300 $400-600
121. HANS LAMMERS (1879 - 1962) Minister and Chief of the Reich
Chancellery, ordered arrested by Hitler in the final days, and ultimately
sentenced to twenty years imprisonment for war crimes. T.L.S. on his
Reichsminister and Chief of the Reichs Chancellery letterhead, 2pp. 4to., Berlin,
Dep. 23, 1944 to a Mrs. Luise Gurtner, likely the widow of deceased Minister of
Justice Franz Gurtner. Gurtner is seeking a home outside Berlin, and Lammers
attempts to assist. In part: “...Gauleiter [Paul] Giesler shared with me that...the
owner of the house accepted the selling of the property...we explained your
situation...we need to find an appropriate house for the sisters...Please stand
by, we will notify you of any news. Considering the overall shortage of living
space, this may take a while...”. Fine.
$400-500
122. HANS LAMMERS (1879 - 1962) Minister and Chief of the Reich
Chancellory, ordered arrested by Hitler in the final days, and ultimately
sentenced to twenty years imprisonment for war crimes. T.L.S. on his official
letterhead, 2pp. 4to., Werbellinsee, Dec. 27, 1944 to Luise Gurtner, likely the
widow of Franz Gurtner, Minister of Justice. Lammer sends thanks for her
season’s greetings, sends his own, and adds ominously: “...This will be the
deciding year. We have unshakeable trust it will bring us victory and peace...”.
He also mentions that he hoped that the home Adolf Hitler had provided for
her use would soon be available. Fine.
$250-350
123. PAUL LANGLADE (1894 - 1980) French genera, led a regiment of African
chasseures in North Africa, later commanded a tactical armored group under
Leclerc. T.L.S. on official letterhead, 1p. 4to., Strasbourg, Feb. 6, 1946 to Gen.
Geoffrey Keyes, in French. Langlade thanks Keyes for sending a “delegation of
the valorous American Army” to a celebration held in Colmar. File holes at top,
$100-150
else fine.
129. WOLFGANG LUTH (1913 - 1945) Second most successful
German U-boat ace of World War II. His career record of 46 merchant
ships plus the French submarine Doris was second only to that of Otto
Kretschmer. Killed by an overzealous sentry. Rare S.P. 3 1/2” x 5 1/2”
b/w, a chest, up pose signed with his rarely seen full name. Contrast
of last name is poor, estimated accordingly.
$300-400
130. JOSEF LUXEMBERGER (1915 - 2009) Luftwaffe pilot, awarded
the German Cross in Gold and the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross.
Dealer lot of 12 signed photos, 3 1/2” x 5 1/2”, most in color, copies
of wartime images showing him in uniform, signed post-war. Fine.
$100-150
131. DOUGLAS MACARTHUR (1880 - 1964) American general and
Allied Supreme Commander in the Pacific in World War II, accepted the
surrender of Japan and was later dismissed by Truman for advocating
an invasion of China. Superb S.P. 11” x 14” b/w, a fine chest, up pose
in uniform, very boldly signed in blue ink: “Douglas MacArthur”. Fine
condition, and rare uninscribed and of this size. From the files of
MacArthur’s personal secretary, and intended for inscription to special
recipients.
$400-500
132. ERICH VON MANSTEIN (1887-1973) German field marshal who
devised the plan to conquer France, held various commands on the
Russian front, sacked by Hitler for a retreat. Fine partly-printed D.S.,
1p. 12mo., Allmendingen, May, 1953, giving thanks to well-wishers
upon his release from prison for alleged war crimes. Pencil note at top,
else fine.
$200-300
16
133. HASSO VON MANTEUFFEL (1897-1978) Commander of the 5th
Panzer Army which spearheaded the ill-fated Ardennes offensive of
January 1945. After vainly requesting more help from a vacillating Hitler,
he spoke despairingly of “a corporal’s war”. Later served as a delegate
to the Bundestag (1953-7). Fine content T.L.S., 1p. 4to., Diessen, April,
1966, in German. Paraphrased, von Manteuffel mentions that he spoke
with Himmler on Mart. 5, 1945 and felt that Himmler had no concept as
to how to lead Wehrmacht units. On the battles at Weischel and along the
Oder in the Spring of 1944, he states that it was impossible to slow the
vastly superior Russian forces, with the Wehrmacht even lacking fuel for
their mechanized forces. He claims that if Hitler and Himmler had retreated
during the Battle of the Bulge, he would have had much greater forces and
materiel to combat the Russians. Near fine.
$200-300
“I deeply appreciate the cooperation of
American Jewry in attempting to solve the
trying problem of the Jewish people in some
parts of Europe…”
134. JOSEPH T. MCNARNEY (1893 - 1972) Army Air Force major general,
Deputy Supreme Allied Commander in the Mediterranean Theater and
commanding general of the U.S. Army Forces, Mediterranean Theater.
He later served as Military Governor of occupied Germany. Fine content
T.L.S. on Headquarters. U.S. Forces, European Theater letterhead, 1p.
8vo., [Berlin], Oct. 7, 1946. He thanks his correspondent for a clipping
mentioning his luncheon with Jewish leader Dr. Steven Wise. He adds: “...I
deeply appreciate the cooperation of American Jewry in attempting to solve
the trying problem of the Jewish people in some parts of Europe. I fully feel
that without their assistance and help...the situation would be inestimably
more serious...”. Very good.
$150-200
The Soviets commence fencing-off their
occupation zone
139. FRANK W. MILBURN (1892 - 1962) American general, commanded
the XXI Corps as part of General Patch’s U.S. Seventh Army. Milburn’s XXI
Corps played a decisive role in collapsing the Colmar Pocket in February
1945. Good content D.S., 1p.4to. on Headquarters, XXIII Corps letterhead,
headed “Russian Relations” to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, then commanding the
7th Army. Milburn mentions confusion when Russians released German
refugees and patients without prior notice, causing consternation at the
border. He also mentions that the Russians had erected a “wire fence” along
the border between occupation zones and the possible kidnapping of two
$150-200
German men. File holes at top, else fine.
140. WALTHER MODEL, HAND KREBS AND BODEWIN KIETEL
RECOMMEND THE GERMAN CROSS IN SILVER Excellent war-date
originals signed carbon of a typed D.S., 3pp. 4to., [n.p., but northern
France], Oct. 27, 1944, a recommendation of the award of the German
Cross in Silver to Oberst Leodegard Freyberg, Adjutant to the Commander
of Army Group B (Northern France). The document gives a glowing report
of the officer’s effectiveness as a member of the command staff of Gen.
WALTHER MODEL, written by Gen. HANS KREBS (1898-1945), General of
Infantry and Chief of Staff Army Group Center and Army Group Krebs has
boldly signed the first and third pages, WALTHER MODEL (1891-1945), a
field marshal who led German armies at Moscow and Kursk, threw back
Montgomery’s attack at Arnhem, and killed himself following his defeat in
the Ruhr Pocket, also signs on page three. The first page is initialed “K” by
BODEWIN KEITEL (1888-1953) General of Infantry, Head of Personnel and
brother of Gen. Wilhelm Keitel. Upper-left corners frayed, light toning, else
very good.
$600-700
Josef Mengele writes a poem blaming defeat
on young Germans
135. JOSEF MENGELE (1911 - ca. 1980) Nazi “doctor” who plied his trade
at Auschwitz, he was the most brutal and detestable of all the camp doctors.
It was Mengele’s decision as to whether camp inmates would be used as
forced labor or sent directly to the gas chambers, and he as well performed
hideous experiments on inmates, especially twins. After the war, Mengele
fled to Argentina where he avoided capture until his death. Very rare A.Ms.
(unsigned) in his block-lettering hand, 1p. 12mo., [South America, ca.
1970s], a poem entitled “1931”, in German. The murderer laments the loss
of his old lifestyle and the Germany he once knew. Loosely translated, it
reads: “All the luck in this world / Broke like beautiful glass, Why is this I
ask? / Who failed? / The elders say it’s the young ones’ fault, / They couldn’t
prove yet how much they love their Fatherland / In the bloody hail of iron!”.
Originates from Mengele’s collected journals written by him while in hiding
in South America, sold in 2009, with letter of authenticity. $3,000-4,000
136. FRANK D. MERRILL (1903 - 1955) American army officer who
commanded Merrill’s Marauders deep behind Japanese lines in Burma and
cleared the Burma road supply route. Rare, fine signature adding rank as
major general and date, November 9, 1945. Near fine.
$200-300
137. KARL-FRIEDRICH MERTEN (1905 - 1993) German U-boat
commander during World War II, credited with the sinking of 27 ships for a
total of 170,151 gross register tons. Awarded the Knights Cross with Oak
Leaves. Vintage S.P. 4” x 6” b/w, a cardstock image of the sailor half-length,
likely signed during the war with rather poor contrast at the bottom of the
image. Some scuffing, else very good. With: KARL DONITZ (1891-1980),
German admiral who headed the U-Boat arm of the German Navy, later
succeeded Hitler as Fuehrer after Hitler’s suicide, S.P. 5 1/2” x 3 1/2” b/w,
showing him receiving an award late in life, signed at bottom. Two pieces.
$200-300
138. KURT “PANZER” MEYER (1910 - 1961) Waffen-SS officer who saw
action in many major battles, including the invasion of France, Operation
Barbarossa, and in Normandy. Awarded the Knights Cross with Oak Leaves
and Swords. Tried for war crimes and jailed for ten years. His rare inscribed
memoirs Grenadiere, (Munich: Schild-Verlag), 416pp. 8vo., with dust jacket
(which bears a few tape repairs). The half-title page is boldly inscribed by
Meyer: “Boy, Never forget that your father was a brave soldier and fought
for the Homeland! Panzermeyer 2/IV.57”. Fine condition.
$600-800
141. WERNER MOLDERS (1913-1941) German Luftwaffe ace, he became
the leading German ace in the Spanish Civil War and was the first to claim 100
“kills”. Rare S.P. 4” x 5” sepia, a Hoffmann photo postcard showing Molders in
$300-400
uniform, signed at bottom in blue ink. Fine condition. 17
Monty eulogizes his adversary
George Patton: “...a great soldier...”
145. OSWALD MOSLEY AND COLIN ROSS OSWALD MOSLEY (1896 1980) English politician, founder of the British Union of Fascists. I.S.P. Oct.
30, 1971, 6” x 8” b/w photograph with John S. McCowan, English journalist,
inscribed: “To my friend John S. McCowan”. The ink in Mosley’s pen did not
adhere well, so he went over his inscription and signature two or three times.
Sold with the same image annotated by McCowan. Both photographs are
stamped on reverse “Copyright John Warburton, London.” John Warburton
was a freelance photographer, follower of Oswald Mosley and a “Blackshirt
“, a corps of black-uniformed paramilitary stewards instituted by Mosley.
Sold with a 5” x 7” card signed COLIN ROSS, pro-Nazi Austrian-Scottish
explorer. Two pieces.
$100-150
146. LUDWIG MUNCHMEYER (1885-1947) German anti-Semitic
Evangelical pastor and propagandist who ran an “anti-Semitic” spa on
Borkum. Unusual S.P. 5 1/2” c 3 1/2” b/w, shows Munchmeyer with
Hitler and stamped on verso: “The Fuhrer and Chancellor welcomes Fr.
Munchmeyer at the launching of the ‘Scharnhorst’ on 14.12.34. in Bremen”.
Boldly signed in pencil on verso. Light wear, very good. Sold with a reprint
of an anti-Semitic broadside from the office of Julius Streicher urging a
boycott.
$150-200
147. OSAMI NAGANO (1880 - 1947) Japanese career naval officer and
fleet admiral, navy chief of staff who very grudgingly approved the Pearl
Harbor attack. Tried for war crimes. Bold signature in Japanese characters
on a small sheet of paper. Fine.
$150-200
148. WALTHER NEHRING (1892 - 1983) German general, an Afrika Korps
commander who enveloped the British on the Gazala Line, led the 1st Panzer
Army in Silesia, captured by the Russians. His signature and sentiment on
the front panel of an envelope, dated June 23, 1969. Fine.
$100-150
142. BERNARD LAW MONTGOMERY (1887 - 1976) British Field
Marshall who commenced the drive at El Alamein that ultimately drove
Rommel from North Africa. Also involved in the invasions of Sicily
and France.Superb content T.L.S. “Yrs sincerely B. L. Montgomery
Field-Marshal”, 1p. 8vo.on “Headquarters British Army of the Rhine”
letterhead, [n.p.], Jan. 30, 1946 to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, deputy
commander to Gen. George Patton, leader of the II Corps and Third
and Seventh Armies. Montgomery eulogizes his old adversary, George
Patton, for Keyes, who had arranged Patton’s burial ceremonies.
in part: “...Thank you for sending me the General Order published
throughout Seventh Army on the occasion of the death of General
Patton. I am very glad to have it and shall retain it to remind me of a
great soldier. After I heard of Patton’s death, I wrote an appreciation of
him for the ‘Times’. This expressed my feelings and I cannot do better
than send you a copy...”. File holes at top, else fine. Sold with a copy of
Montgomery’s printed eulogy which regrettably is lacking a large part
of the right margin costing a few words, but is still understandable.
Monty’s praise is effusive, though does hint somewhat at their
personal differences, especially in the Sicilian Campaign. Two pieces.
$1,500-2,000
149. CHESTER W. NIMITZ (1885 - 1966) American admiral, Commander
in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet during World War II and largely responsible
for the successful “island-hopping” campaign against the Japanese. Nice
content T.L.S. on his personal letterhead, 1p.4to., [n.p.], Mar. 1, 1949 to the
newborn son of a friend. In part: “...I congratulate you upon the excellent
judgment which you have shown in choosing your father and mother...
your parents may trouble you from time to time...no other land can offer
you a brighter future of a better chance for good health, happiness and
success...”. Mounted, very good.
$150-200
150. JOHN W. O’DANIEL (1894 - 1975) Army general, best known for
commanding the Third Infantry Division in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and
Southern France, also known for being the commanding officer of Audie
Murphy. Fine content T.L.S. on Fort Benning Infantry School letterhead, 1p.
4to., Feb. 1, 1946 to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, his former commander under
Gen. George Patton. He comments upon Patton’s death, in part: “...It was a
great shock to all of us to hear of the General’s passing...I am glad to know
that you are commanding the Seventh...it would give me great pleasure to
have the honor of serving under you again...”.File holes at top, else fine.
$150-200
151. HIROSHI OSHIMA (1886 - 1975) General in the Japanese Army and
Japanese ambassador to Nazi Germany during World War II. Virtually all of
his diplomatic dispatches were intercepted by the Allies. Sentenced for war
crimes at Tokyo and imprisoned until 1955. Scarce S.P. 5 3/4” x 4” b/w,
shows Oshima seated at a table and signing what is likely a treaty, signed
in blue ink at bottom. Fine.
$250-350
At war’s end, the Secretary of War
143. BERNARD LAW MONTGOMERY Excellent, very early S.P. 5” x 9” b/w,
commends America’s fighting force
a printed chest, up image on heavy stock showing Montgomery in uniform
at the age of 30, signed later at top: “Montgomery of Alamein F.M.”. Fine. $200-300 152. ROBERT P. PATTERSON (1891 - 1952) U.S. Under Secretary of War
under Franklin Roosevelt and Secretary of War under Harry S. Truman.
144. FREDERICK MORGAN (1894 - 1967) British Army officer who fought Historic content A.Q.S. as Secretary of War on War Department letterhead,
in both world wars. He is best known as the Chief of Staff to the Supreme 1p. 4to., Dec. 5, 1945. In part: “...You men of the Armed Forces have given
Allied Commander (COSSAC) and was the original planner of OPERATION fully of your strength and spirit in delivering the world from the menace of
OVERLORD, the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day. T.L.S. on U.N.R.R.A. totalitarian slavery. Every one of you...contributed in some measure to the
letterhead, 1p. 4to., Hochst, Jan. 8, 1946 to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes. Morgan final outcome. It was your fighting teamwork, backed up by the productive
warmly thanks Keyes for his assistance in moving UNRRA headquarters and effort of the people at home, that changed the pattern of battle from defeat
for the time being, politiely declines any further assistance. He also hopes to total victory...You have earned the eternal gratitude of your fellow
$400-600
to pay his regards to Keyes in person.File holes at top, else fine.$100-150 Americans and of lovers of freedom everywhere...”. Fine.
18
Patton’s 1943 signed copy of the life of
Hannibal - whom he believed he had
previously been!
153. GEORGE S. PATTON, JR. (1885 - 1945) “Old Blood and Guts”
was one of the finest tank commanders in history, rolling his forces
through Tunesia, Sicily, France and Germany until halted at the Rhine.
A superb association signed book, “Hannibal”, Vol. II by Theodore A.
Dodge, from the “Great Captains” series, (New York: Houghton Mifflin
Co.), 1891, first edition, 8th printing, 684pp. 8vo. in red cloth with
gilt printing on the spine. Patton has signed the front flyleaf: “G S
Patton Jr. from Beatrice A Patton July 1943”. Fold-out map of Italy
is affixed at the rear of the book. Covers and spine ends bumped,
Houghton-Mifflin library bookplate affixed to inside front cover, else
fine. A superb association: Patton was a firm believer in reincarnation,
and made it known that he also believed that he was the reincarnation
of the Carthaginian general Hannibal. Beatrice, his wife, presented
this book to him during the Sicilian Campaign, in which Patton
campaigned, and no doubt this book accompanied him during that
period. He must have had great pride in it and been quite joyful that
his wife had presented him with it to pen the gift inscription within.
But for the “slapping incident”, Patton no doubt would have continued
in commanding U.S. forces in an invasion of mainland Italy.
$1,500-2,000
154. GEORGE S. PATTON, JR. (1885 - 1945) “Old Blood and Guts” wa one
of the finest tank commanders in history, rolling his forces through Tunisia,
Sicily, France and Germany until halted at the Rhine. T.L.S. with initials “G S
P Jr.” on Headquarters Third Army letterhead, 1p. 4to., [n.p.], Sep. 16, 1945
to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes who had served as Patton’s deputy commander
in North Africa, and who would arrange Patton’s funeral three months
later, also assuming command of the Third Army. In part: “...Young Count
Rudolph Czernein [sic, probably “Czernin”], who is connected by marriage
with the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg who has been very helpful to the
Americans, is anxious to attend college in Heidelberg. Could you please
have somebody inform me whether or not it is possible...”. File holes a top,
else fine.
$750-1,000
155. GEORGE S. PATTON, JR. (1885 - 1945) “Old Blood and Guts” was one
of the finest tank commanders in history, rolling his forces through Tunesia,
Sicily, France and Germany until halted at the Rhine. Excellent signature on
a portion of an envelope cover sent to his wife: “Mrs. G. S. Patton Jr. South
Hamilton Mass”. Very good, and could obviously be matted. $400-600
156. THE “OLD GUARD” HONORS GEORGE S. PATTON H. J. VANDER
HEIDE American military officer, Colonel of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, the “Old
Guard”. Fine content T.L.S. on official letterhead, 1p. 4to., [n.p.], Jan. 17, 1946,
about three weeks after Gen. George S. Patton was laid to rest with his men at
Hamm, Luxembourg. Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, who succeeded Patton, oversaw
his funeral and escorted Patton’s widow at the services, had commended
Vander Heide’s men, and the colonel responds: “...The certificates...given each
individual of the group who escorted the body of General Patton to Luxembourg
are unique. They are cherished...We hold a sincere admiration for General
Patton and all he accomplished...”. The colonel also sends Keyes an ashtray
made by German prisoners “whom you and General Patton contributed so
much to defeat...” File holes, else fine.
$100-150
157. (GEORGE S. PATTON HOSPITALIZATION) GEOFFREY KEYES (1888-1967) Highly decorated Lieutenant General who commanded the II Corps during
World War II. During the war, Keyes was Chief of Staff, 2nd Armored Division, commanded the 9th Armored Division, Dep. Commander, 7th Army [Sicily],
Commander 7th and 3rd Armies (assuming Patton’s old command), and headed occupation forces in Austria. Initials holograph endorsement at the bottom
of a letter sent to him by Quartermaster Col. R. P. Hollis, 1p. 4to., [n.p.], Dec. 15, 1945, mentions that his superior: “...has arranged for the shipment of some
oranges from Marseille for General Patton...”.At bottom, Keyes pens a pencil endorsement the same day: “Oranges sent to hosp. under escort of officer...”. File
holes else fine. Patton would die six days later.
$100-150
158. ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE’S FIRST CAPTAIN An extraordinarily rare signed by the first captain of the ill-fated German cruiser ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE, CONRAD
PATZIG. The certificate is a commendation given to boiler room machinist Endres in recognition of his “..special services...” . The document, which bears a
printed drawing of the cruiser at sea with a U-boat in the foreground, bears the rare circular ink stamp of the vessel and is boldly signed by Patzig as captain.
Conrad Patzig (1888-1975) commanded the vessel from its launching until Oct. 1, 1937 when he was transferred to Kriegsmarine headquarters. He would
eventually surrender with Donitz at war’s end. Also present is a rare 5” x 7” photo of a young crewman from the GRAF SPEE wearing a sailor’s cap with the
vessel’s name. Two pieces.
$300-400
19
159. ARTHUR PERCIVAL (1887 - 1966) British lieutenant general who
commanded British forces in the battles of Malaya and Singapore. His
surrender included the greatest number of British troops ever taken
prisoner. Very rare A.L.S., 2pp. 8vo., Little Hadham, July 22, 1946, ten
months after his return to England after imprisonment by the Japanese for
four years. In part: “...I am writing to ask whether you have two good class
beds and mattresses for disposal. Betty and I are trying to complete our
household belongings now but are having great difficulty...Apparently beds
have to be sold at a controlled price at auctions now - about 25 pounds for
a pair - which is of course less than the market price - so I thought perhaps
you might be inclined to sell them privately at an agreed price...”. Post-war
England had a great scarcity of consumer goods, made evident in this letter.
Fine.
$200-300
160. OSWALD POHL (1892 - 1951) Head of the Economic Office of the
SS and ultimate overseer of the concentration camp system. It was Pohl
who turned his victims’ dental gold, eyeglasses, hair, etc. into cash for
the SS, using the infamous “Max Heiliger” Swiss accounts. Captured and
executed in 1951. T.L.S. on his official letterhead, 1p.4to., Berlin, Feb. 13,
1941 to KURT DALUEGE (1897-1946) Chief of Security Police, appointed
SS-Oberstgruppenfuehrer and succeeded Heydrich as Deputy Protector of
Bohemia and Moravia, hanged by the Czechs in 1946. Pohl thanks Daluege
for an invitation to participate in the “police ski competition” in Kitzbuhl, and
promises to attend if time allows. Docketed in Daluege’s hand in pencil at
top. Other dockets, file holes, else very good.
$400-600
161. OSWALD POHL War-date T.L.S., 1p. large 4to., Berlin, Jan. 29, 1942
to the SS Personnel Office advising that SS-Sturmbannfuhrer Paul Hubner
had been in the full service of the SS since January 31, 1942, part of the time
in reserve, and as of Feb. 1 would be serving as Deputy Commissioner in
Karthaus. Small tear at top margin, else very good.
$400-500
167. WOLFRAM VON RICHTOFEN (1895 - 1945) German fighter ace
during World War I and a general and field marshal during World War
II, died while held in captivity by American forces. Rare war-date I.S.P.,
9 1/2” x 12 1/2” b/w, a chest, up pose in uniform, inscribed on the
mount to “Oberleutnant Schwarz” of Luftfotte 2 and signed with rank,
Oct. 15, 1944. A light crease and some soiling on the mount, else very
good.
$600-800
168. WOLFRAM VON RICHTOFEN S.P. 3 1/2” x 5 1/2” b/w, a
Hoffman chest, up pose in uniform signed in dark blue ink at bottom.
Pen skipped slightly causing thinning of ink, else very good.
$400-500
169. WOLFRAM VON RICHOFFEN Partly-printed D.S. 1p. 8vo., “In the
field”, Feb. 18, 1942, an award of the Iron Cross, 2nd Class to a man
$250-350
in his command, boldly signed at bottom. Fine.
Ridgway’s personal signed copy
of a history of the 504th P.I.R.
170. MATHEW B. RIDGWAY’S PRESENTATION COPY OF THE
HISTORY OF THE 504TH P.I.R. An excellent association signed book,
The Devils in Baggy Pants, an excellent, heavily illustrated history of
the famous 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment of Ridgway’s 82nd
Airborne, compiled by Lt. William Mandle and Pfc. (Paris: Draeger
Freres), ca. 1945. The book, about 150pp, 9” x 13”, documents the
history of the regiment from its landing in North Africa to the German
surrender. It bears a printed dedication on the verso of the front flyleaf:
“This copy, Number 5 of 5,500 issued, has been specially printed for
General MATTHEW B. RIDGWAY”. Ridgway has boldly signed beneath.
The edge of the spine is chipped and slightly loose, else very good.
Within, the derivation of the book’s title is explained: a German officer
at Anzio had described the parachutists as such in his diary recovered
$500-700
at Anzio.
162. OSWALD POHL Partly-printed D.S. 1p. legal folio, Berlin-Lichterfelde,
June 6, 1941, request to issue a backdated promotion award certificate for
SS-Obersturmfuhrer Hans Raeder-Grossman, who excelled in the excution
of a special order from Hitler’s Chancellery. Toned pink, moderate staining
and erosion at left edge with file hole thereon, just good condition. 171. MATHEW B. RIDGWAY’S SIGNED PERSONAL COPY OF THE
$300-400 HISTORY OF THE 18TH (AIRBORNE) CORPS Very rare publication,
“Mission Accomplished” A Summary of Military operations of the XVIII
163. WALTER VON REICHENAU (1884 - 1942) German field marshal who Corps (Airborne) in the European Theatre of Operations 19445-1945,
commanded the Tenth Army in the invasion of Poland, and the Sixth Army a heavily-illustrated history of the corps published by the corps in
in the invasion of France and in the taking of Kiev and Kharkov. Reichenau Schwerin, probably in late 1945 bearing the title embossed in gold
supported the work of the SS Einsatzgruppen in exterminating the Jews in on the red cover with black leather trim. The book, from Ridgway’s
the occupied Soviet territories, yet may have been plotting against the Nazi personal library, has been signed on the first page and again on the
hierarchy. Died of either a heart attack...or at the hands of the Gestapo. Bold title page. Very good. XVIII Airborne Corps was organized on Aug. 25,
sentiment and signature mounted beneath a Hoffmann postcard photo of 1944 under Ridgway’s command and included the 82nd and 101st
the general. Fine.
$150-200 Airborne divisions, as part of the preparation for Operation Market
Garden. Following the Battle of the Bulge, all airborne units in the
164. HERMANN REINECKE (1888 - 1973) German infantry general and U.S. Army fell under its command. XVIII Airborne Corps planned and
convicted war criminal, head of the General Office of the Armed Forces at executed Operation Varsity, the crossing of the Rhine into Germany.
OKW. Fine content partly printed D.S. signed at conclusion and in block It was one of the largest airborne operations in World War II, including
letters on first page, 4pp. legal folio, [n.p.], June 7, 1945, in pencil. While the 17th Airborne Division and the British 6th Airborne Division.
$400-600
a prisoner and in the hands of Allied interrogators, Reinecke completes a very detailed “fragebogen”, or personnel questionnaire issued by the
occupational military government. In this very detailed document, he sets 172. MATHEW RIDGWAY T.L.S. “Matt” on his personal letterhead, 1p.
forth all Nazi party affiliations, writings and speeches, military service and 4to., Pittsburgh, Aug. 30, 1967 to Lt. Gen. Geoffrey Keyes who led 7th
positions, income, travel abroad, and so on. On a separate sheet he adds Army and captured Palermo. Ridgway advises that he has located the
a holograph list of publications written and speeches he had given. Tape West Point certificate of appointment issued to their mutual friend Ray
repair at center fold, else very good. At the German High Command Trials in Harrison and advises that as Harrison was deceased, he would send it
$75-100
Nuremburg, Reincke was given the harshest sentence - life imprisonment on to Keyes. Very good.
- having been found guilty of war crimes by being responsible for murder,
ill-treatment and other crimes against prisoners of war and enemy
Ridgway’s signed copy of a Normandy
belligerents and Crimes against humanity by participating or ordering the
Campaign retrospective,
murder, torture, deportation, hostage-taking, etc. of civilians in occupied
signed at Ste. Mere Eglis
$600-800
countries.
165. STANLEY E. REINHART (1893 - 1975) American general and
commander of the 65th Infantry Division which he led in river crossings
and actions in western Germany near war’s end. A.L.S. on 65th Division
letterhead, 1p. 4to., [n.p.], July 12, 1945 to Lt. Gen. Geoffrey Keyes.
Reinhart expresses his pleasure at joining Keyes’ II Corps and promising his
complete cooperation and assistance. Two tiny tears at bottom margin, else
$200-300
very good.
166. JOACHIM VON RIBBENTROP (1893 - 1946) Nazi foreign minister.
First of the Nurenberg defendants to hang on October 16, 1946. Very fine
full blue ink signature on a 4” x 2” slip of paper.
$200-300
173. MATTHEW B. RIDGWAY Fine signed book from Ridgway’s library,
the French commemorative publication Utah Beach a Cherbourg Toute
la Bataille de Cotentin (“Utah Beach to Cherbourg The Entire Battle of the
Cotentin [Peninsula]”), (Saint Lo: Editions Leclerc), ca. 1950. 199pp. large
4to., with multiple illustrations and fold-out maps, illustrated dust jacket.
In French. Signed on the title page: “Ridgway Ste. Mere Eglise 6 June 1952”,
exactly six years to the day that his men from the 82nd Airborne landed in
the same famous small French town. Undoubtedly Ridgway was visiting the
site on a post-war tour of his old battlegrounds. Very good to fine.
$300-500
20
174. MATTHEW B. RIDGWAY Scarce signed book, Britain’s Homage
to 28,000 American Dead, (London: The Times Publishing Co.),
1952. 70pp., 7 3/4” x 11”. This volume, from Ridgway’s personal
library, has been boldly signed on the first page, above an image of
American soldiers on the march. With a foreword written by Winston
Churchill, the book describes that American military effort based
in England and is dedicated to those American servicemen who
had died while serving from that country. With a letter from the
publisher to Ridgway presenting the book stapled within.
$200-300
175. MATTHEW B. RIDGWAY EPHEMERA GROUP Grouping of items
from the estate of Gen. Matthew B. Ridgway, includes two books
from his library: Those Devils in Baggy Pants, by Ross S. Carter (New
York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, Inc.), 1951, first edition, a selection
of anecdotes concerning the 82nd Airborne, and Matthew Bunker
Ridgway, Jr., (Pittsburgh: Privately printed by Ridgway), 1972,
a collection of tributes written following the accidental drowning
of Ridgway’s son in 1971. Also present are two 3” x 5” photos of
the general reviewing troops, ca. 1952; an 82nd Airborne Division
review program, 1994 honoring Operation Neptune; program for
the 1994 dedication of Ridgway Hall at Fort Bragg; a 1952 French
luncheon menu; 1951-52 copies of TIME and LIFE picturing Ridgway
on the cover; a birthday card given to the general and signed by
19 veterans of the 82nd; and a letter from the division historian
sent to his widow. Also included is a bound annotated bibliography
referencing almost everything ever written about Ridgway. Very
good.
$250-350
“M. B. Ridgway Major General Comdg 82d
Airborne Division D-Day, 06 June 1944”
176. MATHEW B. RIDGWAY (1895 - 1994) American Army general
who led airborne assaults on Sicily and commanded U.N. forces in
the Korean War. Fine S.P., 10” x 8” b/w, an official Army photograph
of men crawling upon a landing beach amidst a shell explosion on
D-Day, landing craft visible in the background. On verso Ridgway
writes (later): “M. B. Ridgway Major General Comdg 82d Airborne
Division D-Day, 06 June 1944”. Fine. Ridgway jumped into France
with his troops on the night of June 5-6, 1944.
$150-200
177. MATHEW B. RIDGWAY T.L.S. “Matt” on his Chief of Staff
letterhead, 1p.8vo., Washington, June 16, 1954 to Gen. Geoffrey
Keyes concerning the rewriting of a memorandum “as a basis for
initiating action”. Fine.
$75-100
178. LENI RIEFENSTAHL (1902 - 2003) German film director,
an intimate friend of Hitler who filmed the propaganda classic,
Triumph of the Will. S.P. 4 1/4” x 5 3/4” b/w, a fine portrait as a
young woman, nicely signed in black ink.
$100-150
179. LENI RIEFENSTAHL Lot of four S.P.s, each generally about 4”
x 6” b/w, magazine photos of the director or scenes from her films,
mounted and signed by Riefenstahl on the white mount. Fine.
$100-150
180. LENI RIEFENSTAHL Lot of four S.P.s, each generally about 4”
x 6” b/w, magazine photos of the director or scenes from her films,
mounted and signed by Riefenstahl on the white mount. Fine.
$100-150
181. KELLER E. ROCKEY (1888 - 1970) American general who
commanded the Fifth Marine Division at Iwo Jima and later the 3rd
Amphibious Corps. Scarce A.L.S. on his military letterhead, 1p. 4to.,
San Francisco, Oct. 31, 1946 sending a 3rd Amphibious Corps patch
to a collector. Folds, else very good.
$100-150
182. BERNHARD ROGGE (1899 - 1982) German captain of the
merchant raider ATLANTIS. Good content T.L.S., 1p. legal folio,
Hamburg, June 13, 1968 in English. Rogge sends a photo of the
ATLANTIC and is unable to discuss the capture of U-505 which he
advises he never commanded. He mentions that there were “great
disadvantages” when secret documents fell into the hands of Allied
captors. Fine, along with a mimeographed biographical sheet he
also included in the letter. Three pieces. $150-200
183. ERNST ROHM (1887
- 1934) Nazi Brownshirt
who organized, trained,
and headed the SA, a
friend of Hitler who was
at his side in the 1923
Beer Hall Putsch, later setup and executed by Hitler following their disagreement on the use of the two million-strong SA. Fine
association signed book, his volume Wehr in Ehr (Munich: Verlag Franz Eher Nachf, 1928?), 348pp.
hardbound, inscribed on first free endpaper: “To my dearest friend and brother in arms Gustav von
Prosch, my dear comrade. Signed by the author. Munich, 10. 4. 1928 Ernst Röhm”. Gerhard von Prosch
was a German aviator during World War I, and received the Saxon Albert Order-Knight 2nd Class with
Swords on Aug. 8, 1928 as a Lieutenant in
Infantry Regt 192. He was probably the Lt.
von Prosch of Saxon 108th, 1926 (Honor
Rank List). According to Ernst Rohm: Hitler’s
SA Chief of Staff, von Prosch participated in
meetings for the SA during 1933-34. Light
staining to dedication page, good to very
good condition.
$750-1,000
Rommel crtiques a future
Knights Cross recipient...
poorly
184. ERWIN J. ROMMEL (1891 - 1944)
German field marshal whose Afrika Corps threw back repeated British and American assaults
in North Africa, later he defended Normandy and ultimately was forced to commit suicide due
to his implication in the Hitler bomb plot. Interesting pre-war D.S. “Rommel”, 2pp. large 4to.,
“Kriegschule Potsdam”, Potsdam, July 2, 1938. Rommel submits ten grades on a student’s
performance at the War School in Potsdam for courses running from Oct. 17, 1937 to July,
1938. Student and future Luftwaffe Knights Cross recipient Benno Herrmann appears to have
been less than the perfect student, as his grades are rather lackluster. On the verso, Rommel
adds five paragraphs of typed comments: “…small, frail appearance, little soldierly attitude…
Very simple character still in development… he is gifted mentally…command language
suffices…In combat service lacking liveliness and imaginative…Cannot ride with hunts…
pleasant companion; correct and tactful in behavior toward superiors…Suitable for promotion
to officer”. File holes and dockets, else very good. BENNO HERMANN (1918-1999) would later
find his niche in the Luftwaffe, flying in Russian with 4./KG 76 and receiving his Knights Cross
on June 19, 1942.
$2,000-3,000
21
In North Africa, Rommel praises his men’s “exemplary bravery and duty”
185. ERWIN J. ROMMEL Fine content war-date D.S. on his official “Panzerarmee Afrika”
letterhead, [n.p., North Africa, n.d.], printed text signed in bold pencil at conclusion honoring
his Afrika Korps. In part: “…From all parts of Germany I get daily an extraordinary amount
of mail, greetings from home with which I am very pleased...The German troops assigned
here…have so many experiences reported in word and image, that I can refer to this…[the
press] gave a striking picture of the services’ most exquisite of troops in North Africa. I am
proud to say that the German soldier, even under the extraordinarily difficult conditions of
the desert, fights with exemplary bravery and duty by the side of his Italian comrades for
the common victory. In the future the German troops will persevere in North Africa with
their heavy load and make their contribution to the final victory of the Axis…”. One vertical
fold, else very good to fine.
$1,500-2,000
186. ERWIN J. ROMMEL
Mimeographed
souvenir
program, 16pp. 4to., Senne,
Germany, for an Apr. 21 - May 9,
1934 course for under-officers
taught by Rommel. The first page
bears a caricature of Rommel
seated at his desk with a teasing
poem written by one of the
students. Other content consists
of rhymes and brief lighthearted essays about the soldiers
training, and even a piece about
the facility’s psychiatrist testing
the “bad boys” every night.
The last page is printed with
a sentimental mutual farewell
between the soldiers, who hope
they will remember their experiences together. Rommel had good-naturedly boldly signed the
top left in dark pencil. Additionally, over forty of the students, and possibly some instructors,
have signed the same page - they have not been identified by us but are worthy of research.
Near fine. The location was a long-time training center from the time of the Prussian Empire to
today, used by the British.
$2,000-3,000
187. ERWIN J. ROMMEL Fine association D.S., 1p. 12 1/2” x 9 1/2”, honors
a departing officer and depicts a German soldier in uniform standing on a hill
overlooking Goslar. Signed at lower right in black ink by Rommel as battalion
commander - he has cramped his usual effusive signature within the confines
of the white area available to him. Also signed by a second officer, unidentified.
Light vertical fold, else very good. Rommel assumed command of the III Jager
Battalion of the 17th Regiment at Goslar in the Harz Mountains on Oct. 1, 1933
and held the post for two years until his transfer to the Potsdam War School. $1,000-1,500
188. ERWIN ROMMEL Fine S.P. 4” x 5 3/4” matted to 9 1/2” x 11 1/2”, a superb, sharp, chest, up portrait with goggles atop his visor cap, signed in pencil
on the beige mat. A few toned spots to mount, else fine.
$500-700
189. ERWIN ROMMEL Rare S.P. 5”: x 8”: color, a commercially printed photo of the general in uniform while in North Africa with goggles atop his visor,
signed in pencil at bottom with fair contrast. Mounted to period black photo album paper.
$600-800
190. ALFRED ROSENBERG (1893 - 1946) Nazi leader considered the ideologist of Nazism, Reichsminister of the eastern territories, executed at
Nuremberg. A superb chest, up image in uniform, 8 3/4” x 11 3/4” overall, b/w, shows Rosenberg intently regarding the viewer, boldly signed “Rosenberg”
on the mount at bottom, also signed in pencil by the photographer. Matted and set into a wood frame. Fine condition.
$600-800
191. ALFRED ROSENBERG Bold war-date signature: “Rosenberg 14.10.43.”. Mounted, fine condition.
$200-300
192. HELMUT ROSENBAUM 1913 – 10 May 1944) U-boat captain who commanded U-2, U-73 and the 30th U-boat Flotilla. He received the Knight’s
Cross of the Iron Cross for the sinking of the British carrier HMS Eagle. Killed in an airplane crash. Scarce S.P. 3 1/2” x 5 1/2” b/w, a chest, up pose as
grizzled U-boat captain, nicely signed at bottom. Very good.
$250-350
22
193.
HANS-ULRICH
RUDEL
(1916-1982)
Stuka dive-bomber pilot
during World War II, The
most highly decorated
German
serviceman
of the war. Rudel was
the only person to be
awarded the Knight’s
Cross with Golden Oak
Leaves, Swords, and
Diamonds. Excellent lot
of eight oversized S.P.s,
each 8 1/2” x 12 1/2”
b/w on heavy stock,
possibly
war-date
printings. The identical
images show Rudel
chest, up in Luftwaffe
uniform and smiling
broadly, with his Knights
Cross with Oak Leaves,
Diamonds and Swords.
Boldly signed (later) in
blue marker in the white
bottom margin. Fine.
With six snapshots of
his grave site.
$2,000-3,000
194. HANS-ULRICH RUDEL S.P. 3 1/2” x 5 1/4”, a newspaper article with
photo describing his record, in German, signed across his image with an
early signature, possibly war-date. Mounted, fair contrast.
$100-150
195. HJALMAR SCHACHT (1877 - 1970) German financier and banker
who engineered the rearmament of Germany. Broke with Hitler and joined
the resistance when Germany went to war. Aquitted at Nuremberg. Fine
S.P., 3 1/2” x 5 1/2” b/w, a chest, up portrait signed in the white bottom
margin. Fine.
$150-20
196. HJALMAR SCHACHT (1877 - 1970) German financier and banker
who engineered the rearmament of Germany. Broke with Hitler and joined
the resistance when Germany went to war. Aquitted at Nuremberg. T.Ms.S.,
7pp. 4to., [n.p., n.d.], his description of an early, important meeting with
Hitler, possibly copied from his memoirs, boldly signed at conclusion.
Fine.
$100-150
197. BALDUR VON SCHIRACH (1907 - 1974) Nazi leader of the Hitler
Youth and Gauleiter of Vienna, sentenced at Nuremburg to twenty years
for war crimes. Partial printed D.S. “Schirach”, a huge pencil signaure, 1p.
oblong 8vo., the lyrics to the folk song: “Hoch auf dem gelben Wagen”
(“High on the Yellow Carriage”), an 1870s folk song put to music in 1922. In
1974 it went to Number 5 on the German charts...Fine.
$150-200
198. EDUARD RITTER VON SCHLEICH (1888 - 1947) Luftwaffe general
and a World War I ace, commander of the occupation forces in Denmark,
and Luftwaffe ground forces commander in Norway. Partly-printed D.S. 1p.
8vo., [n.p.], Apr. 20, 1944, an award of the War Merit Cross 2nd Class with
Swords to a soldier in his command. File holes at left, light foxing, else
fine.
$300-400
199. GUY SCHLESSER French general who commanded the 31th Dragoons
during the campaign of France. Wounded, taken prisoner, he escaped and
later fled to North Africa with his officers. Reforming the 2nd Dragoons
in Algeria, he then fought under Lattre de Tassigny. T.L.S. on French 5th
Armored Division letterhead, 1p. large 4to., [n.p.], Dec. 31, 1945 to Gen.
Geoffrey Keyes under whose command he fought in North Africa, in French.
In part: “...At the end of this year which consecrated the triumph of arms
of our two brotherly nations united on the field of battle, I did not want to
neglect to send you, in the name of our Division, our sincere wishes...”. File
holes and somewhat ragged bottom margin, else very good. $150-200
200. MAX SCHMELING (1916 - 2005) German boxer and heavyweight
champion defeated by Joe Louis for the title. Good lot of three German
postal covers commemorating sports, each boldly signed in black marker.
Fine.
$100-150
201. GERHARD SCHOEPFEL (1912 - 2003) Luftwaffe 45-victory
flying ace and recipient of the Knight’s Cross, Geschwaderkommodore
of fighter wing Jagdgeschwader 26. Excellent dealer’s lot of 11 full
signatures, some in pencil, plus three signed 3 1/2” x 5 1/2” signed
photos, each set to a beautiful 8 1/2” x 11” glossy colorful mount
setting forth Schoepfel’s accomplishments as a pilot, with anecdotes
concerning his military career. A very nice presentation. Also included
is a boldly signed Battle of Britain commemorative cover. Fine.
$150-200
202. WALTER SCHUCK, WOLFGANG SCHENCK AND JOHANNES
STEINHOFF Excellent dealer’s lot of 19 signatures of Luftwaffe
Knights Cross recipients, includes WALTER SCHUCK (8), WOLFGANG
SCHENCK (5) and JOHANNES STEINHOFF (6). Each signature has
been set to a fine, glossy mount bearing a photo of the Knights Cross
and the recipient, as well as biographical data and military anecdotes
covering the man’s career - each bearing a colorful background of a
German aircraft. Certainly framable, and all in fine condition.
$250-350
203. ERIC SEIDEL Wehrmach generalmajor, commander of the 257.
Volksgrenadier-Division, Knights Cross awardee. Good dealer’s lot of
14 signed photos, about 4” x 6”, various war-date poses reprinted
and signed post-war. Some in white ink worn but still very legible,
estimated accordingly.
$200-300
204. ARTHUR SEYSS-INQUART (1892 - 1946) Nazi occupation
governor of Holland and deputy governor of Poland, executed as war
criminal. Bold signature as Acting President of Austria on a 12mo.
pre-printed card sending his autograph with “Heil Hitler!”. Fine.
$150-200
205. OTTO SKORZENY (1908 - 1975) Nazi officer and Hitler’s chief
and favorite commando, he made a daring mountain-top rescue of
Mussolini, placed english-speaking soldier in American uniforms to
mislead American forces in the Bulge, and after the war headed the
organization that helped hundreds of ex-SS officers flee Germany.
Typed D.S. with initials “O Sk”, 1p. 4to., [Madrid, 1975], in French.
The typescript describes an instance when Skorzeny was attacked by
an ex-member of the French Resistance following his having given a
television interview. Skorzeny was bloodied in the attack during which
his assailant was arrested, but he did receive many expressions of
sympathy from the public. Marginal wear, else very good.
$100-150
206. REGINALD D. SMITH (1914 - 1985) BBC radio producer,
probable communist spy active in Palestine and the U.K. rare war-date
T.L.S. “Reggie” with signed holograph postscript, 2pp. 8vo., “Palestine
Broadcasting Service”, Jerusalem, Sep. 21, 1943 to a friend asking that
he be allowed to use some of his correspondent’s prose for a radio
production and promising to split the proceeds. He also mentions the
names of several compatriots. Very good.
$100-150
207. WALTER BEDELL SMITH (1895 - 1961) Army general who
served as Eisenhower’s chief- of-staff during the Tunisia Campaign
and the invasion of Italy in 1943. Beginning in the next year, he was
Eisenhower’s chief-of-staff at the Supreme Headquarters Allied
Expeditionary Force (SHAEF). T.L.S. “Bedell” on his official letterhead,
1p. 4to., [n.p.], Sep.19, 1945 to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, then commanding
the 7th Army. Smith forwards a memorandum (included) per orders
of Eisenhower which addresses the problem that “...many order and
directives from Headquarters fizzle out somewhere along the line...”.
$150-200
Annotated in pencil by Keyes at top. Very good.
208. JAMES F. SOMERVILLE (1882 - 1949) British admiral, destroyed
the cream of the French fleet at Mers-el-Kébir, played an important
role in the pursuit and sinking of the Bismarck and in leading Malta
convoys. Became Commander-in-Chief, Eastern Fleet and went on the
offensive in the occupied Dutch East Indies. War-date T.L.S. as C.I.C.
Easter Fleet, 1p. 4to., [n.p.], Apr. 12, 1944, states that Capt. C. L.
Green, U.S. Navy continues to fulfill his post as a liaison officer. File
$100-150
holes a tiny rust spots at top margin, else fine.
209. NO LOT
23
Albert Speer outlines his defense strategy at Nuremberg:
“I do not intend to answer for Hitler’s orders...”
210. ALBERT SPEER (1905-1981) Nazi German architect and Minister of Armaments and War
Production, convicted of war crimes at Nuremburg. An extraordinarily rare and important typed
draft D.S. “Speer” in pencil, with an additional short autograph postscript in ink signed, “Sp.” 2pp.
legal folio, Nuremberg, Nov. 21, 1945 in German with numerous pencil corrections, emendations,
notes and diagrams, being a draft of his opening declaration before the International Military
Tribunal at Nuremberg. In a two page draft that would mirror his ultimate defense strategy during
his trial, Speer answers the four counts leveled against him which included conspiracy and
participation in rearming Germany for war as well as war crimes and crimes against humanity. The
most sympathetic defendant in the top-tier dock of defendants at Nuremberg, Speer was quick
to cooperate with Allied authorities, even before his formal arrest on May 23, 1945 and continued
his cooperation, allowing extended interviews on all manner of operations of the Nazi regime.
According to Telford Taylor’s work, The Anatomy of the Nuremberg Trials (1992), during his
incarceration prior to trial, “he had been interrogated almost unceasingly, not only by the
prosecution, but also by a string of military, administrative, engineering, and other visitors greedy
for full information on the nature and workings of the German war machine...Thoughtful
defendants can also profit from the questions and reactions of their integrators, and in all
probability this experience aided Speer in framing his strategy for the trial”. And that strategy was
outlined in this draft of his opening statement before the court in both type and in notes outlining
his thought process. His ultimately successful defense rested on his admission of general guilt
for the crimes of Hitler’s Germany, while carefully limiting his own personal responsibility. This
ran counter to Hermann Goering’s strategy of flat denials of knowledge of any crimes, and
painting the tribunal as a mere show trial. In particular, in answering to the first two counts, Speer
flatly denied any responsibility as he was not a member of the German high command and was
involved in purely civilian projects prior to 1942: “To point 1 an 2 of the accusation I must state
that I was neither involved in the planning nor in the preparation of the war. I was, prior to 13
Feb. 1942, one of Hitler’s architects. As an architect during the time of rearmament, until Sept.
1939, I utilized a large number of workers and considerable material exclusively for the peacetime
construction. -- The implementation of Hitler’s large construction plans was psychological and
actually served as a hindrance to rearmament.”. Indeed, Speer had little to do with the plan to
create Lebensraum for the Third Reich and before teh war only served Hitler in his visions to
create monuments to the party and country. Counts three and four proved difficult to deny
categorically, and Speer chose to qualify his role in the war machine that enslaved and killed
millions. In particular, he chose to distance himself from Fritz Sauckel, who at the recommendation
of Speer had been appointed minister of labor procurement in 1942. In that role Sauckel imported
millions of forced laborers to act in industrial and even combat roles for Nazi Germany: “ To point 3 and 4 of the accusation I must state: I was not a
participant in the crimes against human life. I took measures against it and prevented Sauckel from bringing laborers to Germany until approved in mid1943 when workers, prisoners of war and concentration camp prisoners were then utilized. The increase in production was delegated to other authorities
within the Third Reich not subordinate to me and not in accordance with international regulations.”. Interestingly, Speer chose this last phrase over the
initial typed phrase “MIT DER HAAGER KONVENTION “ or ‘The Hague Convention’ to use the more vague term of ‘international regulations’ not wanting to
be too specific in his admission of wrongdoing. Despite his qualified explanation, he still agreed he should shoulder responsibility for his actions. Speer’s
statement concluded, “Since I was a minister, it is obvious that I must fully answer for the activities within my extensive field of work. -- I do not intend to
answer for Hitler’s orders. I accept full responsibility for myself: As Minister of Armaments and Production I accept full responsibility for my tasks. As a
leader of the Third Reich I must accept full responsibility for actions within my influence. That is the decisive, difficult, moral decision I have to make. Duty
to one’s own people must stand higher than the oath or commitment to an individual or a system. Moreover, the regard for one’s own life must also stand
aside if events demand it. Also, in an authoritarian system, the leadership must make important and serious decisions of responsibility to its own people.
Those who are obligated however, must govern their people within the general laws of humanness. -- Thus it is this common responsibility for one’s own
people that is automatically a responsibility to mankind. I, as an important member of the leadership of the Third Reich, have to carry this responsibility
from 1942 and now must answer for the consequences”. As this document was drafted by Speer to provide an initial plea to the four counts charges against
him, the statement was rejected by the court. Below his signature, Speer added the following note in ink: “Addendum: this explanation could not be
admitted before the court as only a ‘Guilty’ or ‘Not Guilty’ plea was allowed. Sp.”. (Speer chose to plea, ‘Not Guilty). Speer’s draft statement also helps reveal
the development of his defense strategy; the verso of each page bears additional pencil notes in Speer’s hand. The verso of the first page bears a table of
names, places and statements, reading, in most part: “Toward 1938 / 39 // Insufficient. Done myself // When it was homemade it was getting better //
Sometimes blurry. // Secret state police // Request denied // Turned Wehrmacht officers into enemies // Meeting with Hitler // Against Baumann Serving
the German people // I’m partly guilty that is the main goal of the prosecution... // Became his enemy // Went sometimes directly to the boss // The union
of the party // Dr. Goebbels // There has to be something in my speech against Luden // Ammunition factories in Warsaw”. On the verso of the second
page, Speer draws what appears to be a diagram possibly illustrating a chain of command. Most of the boxes (see illustration) are left blank, save for one
which bears the word “Sauk”: most likely a reference to Fritz Sauckel, who was appointed in 1942 as General Plenipotentiary for Labor Deployment on the
recommendation of Speer. To the right of Sauckel’s name is a series of arrows and dotted line...possibly illustrating Speer’s thinking has he mounted his
initial defense before the tribunal, examining possible official connections between Sauckel and Speer that would undermine his argument that he had no
control over labor procurement. But in fact Speer did influence Sauckel’s decisions tremendously. His continual pressure on Sauckel to produce millions
of workers gave the labor minister little choice but to supply forced labor, and Speer was well aware of this. Sauckel would testify that out of five million
foreign workers who arrived in Germany, perhaps 200,000 came voluntarily (Taylor, p. 429). Later, during the trial, he was oddly cavalier about his actions,
according to Telford, he stated: “’I had no influence on the method by which workers were recruited. If the workers were being rough to Germany against
their will that means, as I see it, that they were obligated by law to work for Germany. Whether the laws were justified or not, that was a matter I did not
check at the time. Besides, this was no concern of mine” (Taylor, p. 451). Speer’s defense spared him from the gallows and the tribunal sentenced him to
twenty years in prison. He spent the next two decades confined in Spandau Prison confined with six of his fellow defendants, all of whom were alienated
from Speer for his admission of guilt and responsibility at Nuremburg. Following his release in 1966, he became a best-selling author, anonymously
donating upwards of 80% of his royalties to Jewish charities, and made himself available to numerous historians and journalists. His works, including Inside
the Third Reich have proven to be invaluable resources for historians studying Hitler’s Germany. A supreme rarity. This is the only example of a signed
statement by any Nuremburg defendant we have ever encountered. Fortunately, from a collecting standpoint, the document was rejected by the tribunal
and remained in Speer’s possession. Both pages bear even toning, the usual folds, and minor marginal tears which cause some minor curling at the
$2,500-3,500
extreme edges, else very good condition. A truly remarkable and important document.
24
211. HANS SPEIDEL (1897 - 1984) German general, served in Russian and
notably at Stalingrad, later with Rommel in France. T.L.S. 1p. oblong 8vo., [n.p.,
n.d.], in German. Speidel mentions a photo postcard of Erwin Rommel sent to
him but cannot identify a signature which had been placed on it. He adds: “...
In the field, a lot of papers were signed with ink or pencil...”. Fine. $100-150
212. HERMANN STEHR (1864 - 1940) German writer and advocate of the
“blood-and-soil” ideology, he also wrote a justification for the legality of the
murders during the Rohm putsch. The Nazis celebrated Stehr as a “prophet of
the German soul” and praised him for his “ethnic earthiness”. Fine association
T.L.S. on his official letterhead, 1p. 4to., Berlin, Mar. 1, 1934 to Minister of
Propaganda JOSEPH GOEBBELS. He thanks Goebbels for sending a letter upon
the occasion of his 70th birthday: “...and your forceful commemoration of my
life’s work...I am happy that my lonely and so often dark rings around the
German man are finally getting the light of recognition...”. Some faults include
ragged right margin, file holes at left, two toned spots and a small fold split,
still quite good.
$200-300
213. JOSEPH W. STILWELL (1883 - 1946) “Vinegar Joe”, American Army
general who commanded all American forces in the China-Burma-India
theater in World War II; a brilliant tactician and combat leader. Rare S.P. 8” x
10” b/w, a fine chest, up pose in his general’s uniform, boldly signed with rank
in the white bottom margin. Fine condition.
$250-350
214. DAVID STIRLING (1915 - 1990) British army officer and founder of the
S.A.S. Before his capture, S.A.S. had destroyed over 250 aircraft on the ground,
dozens of supply dumps, wrecked railways and telecommunications, and had
put hundreds of enemy vehicles out of action...and Stirling had personally
strangled 41 men. Small Christmas card, St. Leonards-on-Sea, [n.d.], signed
Col: Stirling” at bottom adding his return address. Very good.
$100-150
Truscott is hard-pressed by Patton in Sicily
220. LUCIAN TRUSCOTT (1895 - 1965) U.S. Army general, commanded
the 3rd Infantry Division, VI Corps, Fifteenth Army and Fifth Army.
Truscott was conspicuous in the invasion of Sicily and the landings at
Anzio. Fine content war-date A.L.S. “Truscott”, 1p.4to., [Sicily], July 13,
1943 to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, deputy commander to Gen. George S.
Patton, overall commander of American forces in the invasion. Three
days after the seaborne landings, Truscott writes from the field, in
pencil: “...Reference my operation against the RJ SW of Riesi...to ‘secure’
it - ie prevent hostile artillery...would require far more force than I
anticipated...I assume therefore that the term ‘secure’ in the order is
loosely used...I hope to do the operation either tonight by a night attack
or early tomorrow...with artillery and armor...If this is not in accord with
Gen. P[atton’s] desires please advise me...”. On an attached type memo
sent by Keyes to Truscott the same day, Truscott is advised that he is
correct in his assumptions. He is further told to push toward Agrigento,
and is asked what advances he can make without overly stretching his
lines. Very good.
$300-400
221. ERNST UDET (1896 - 1941) German aviator and combat flyer.
Flying a Fokker D.III, he scored his first victory on 18 March 1916 in a
lone attack against 22 French aircraft, later racking up 61 more victories.
Udet was the highest scoring German ace to survive World War I. S.P.
3 1/2” x 5 1/2” b/w, a Hoffmann pose of Udet in uniform, signed at
bottom and dated Apr. 24, 1941. Pen skipped on the glossy surface a
great deal, hence signature is weak, otherwise fine.
$250-350
215. HANS STRELOW (1922 - 1942) Luftwaffe fighter ace and recipient of the
Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves. To avoid capture by the Red Army, Strelow
committed suicide after he was shot down by a Petlyakov Pe-2 twin-engine
bomber. He had made a forced landing 9 kilometres behind Soviet lines. Very
rare S.P. 3 1/2” x5 1/2” b/w, a Hoffmann photo of the ace wearing his newlyissued Knights Cross, signed at bottom. Signature worn a bit largely in his first
name, else fine.
$400-600
222. PAUL VON LETTOW-VORBECK (1870 - 1964) German general
and commander of forces in the East Africa campaign. For four years,
with a force that never exceeded about 14,000 Africans, he held in
check a much larger force of 300,000 British, Belgian, and Portuguese
troops. Undefeated in the field, von Lettow-Vorbeck was the only
German commander to successfully invade British soil during World War
I. A.L.S. signed twice, a postcard, Bremen, Dec. 19, 1938 in German,
untranslated but discussing dates of an events and closing “Heil Hitler!”.
File holes at bottom, else fine.
$150-200
216. OLIN EARL “TIGER” TEAGUE (1910-1981) World War II veteran and
Congressional representative, participated in the D-Day invasion, received the
Silver Star with two clusters, Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts. War-date 79th
Infantry Div. Christmas card depicting a soldier in a foxhole with a candlelit
home and Star of Bethlehem behind him, sent from France and signed adding
rank as lieutenant colonel.
$75-100
223. JONATHAN M. WAINWRIGHT (1883 - 1953) “Skinny”, American
general who defended Bataan and Coregidor after MacArthur’s
withdrawal early in World War II. Fine S.P. “J. M. Wainwright Genertal USA”,
8” x 10” b/w, a fine pose of the general showing him acknowledging the
crowd just after his return to the U.S., supporting his weakened body
with a cane. Boldly signed and fine.
$150-200
217. ERNST-JOHANN TETSCH (1916 - 1993) Sturmbannführer in the
Waffen-SS, a recipient of the Knight’s Cross, served in the Germania and Das
Reich Divisions, later commanded the 10th SS Panzer Division. Good content
typed D.S., 4pp.4to., “In the field”, July 27, 1943, a recommendation for the
German Cross in Gold for SS-Hauptscharffuhrer Ernst Claussen. Tetsch’s
report sets forth six reasons for the award, including Claussen’s fearlessness
in attacking Russian tanks from short distances, including the destruction of
three T-34s and a smaller armored car, the destruction of a tank with a hand
grenade and gasoline, his leadership in a counter-attack on 5,000 Russians,
destroying two tanks and several artillery pieces, and other acts of insane
bravery. Fine condition. Claussen would receive the award on Sep. 8, 1943
and live to the ripe age of 83.
$300-400
218. PAUL TIBBETS (d. 2008) American bomber pilot of the Enola Gay which
delivered the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, August 6, 1945. Signed typed
quote on a 3” x 5” card, 1995: “A mushroom cloud boiling dust up 20,000
feet”. Fine.
$75-100
219. ERICH TOPP (1914 - 2005) Third most successful of German U-boat
commanders, recipient of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords.
Topp sank the USS REUBEN JAMES before the U.S. entry into the war, sparking
a diplomatic fury. Fine archive of material includes an A.L.S. on his letterhead,
1p. 4to., Remagen, June 23, 2000: “...I have written something in connection
with the ‘Reuben James’...The book has been published...”. Also included is a
copy of a letter Topp sent to the son of a crewman aboard the NIBLACK, which
rescued REUBEN JAMES survivors. Topp explains that in the early morning he
could not make out the vessel’s flag and assumed it was British. He also claims
that American claim to the western Atlantic was against “international law”.
Also present is a copy of a clipping he annotated with a note stating that he
did not attack the NIBLACK as she was involved in rescue operations. Several
pages of his memoirs concerning the event are included, as is a 5” x 7” photo
signed by Topp adding his three commands, and a photo of the REUBEN
JAMES. Fine.
$100-150
224. ALBERT C. WEDEMEYER (1897 - 1989) American general who
succeeded Stilwell as Chiang Kai Shek’s Chief of Staff and Commander
of American forces in China. War-date T.L.S. on Headquarters, China
Theater letterhead, 1p. 4to., Jan. 29, 1945 sending a signed photo to a
Boy Scouts leader and adding: “...At such times as these when America
needs trained and disciplined manpower, we recognize the contribution
which the Boy Scouts of America have made to our national welfare...”.
Sold with the signed photo, 8” x 10” b/w, a chest, up portrait in
uniform.
$150-200
225. OTTO WEIDINGER AND FRIEDRICH SCHULZ War-date typed D.S.
(carbon) making application for the issuance of the Knights Cross of the
Iron Cross to SS-Obersturmfuhrer Hans Eckert of the Das Reich Division,
8pp. 4to., “In the field”, Apr. 14, 1994. The recommendation is signed
on the first page by Gen. OTTO WEIDINGER (1914-1990), WaffenSS commander of SS-PzGrenRgt 4 “Der Führer” (2nd SS Division
Das Reich) and involved in the massacre of Oradour-sur-Glane
in France in June 1944. Eckert is credited for assuming leadership
after his commander was wounded and preventing a Russian
break-through. He also led a storming of Russian positions and
took Russian artillery. Signed at conclusion by FRIEDRICH SCHULZ
(1897-1976) German general of infantry, recipient of the Knight’s Cross
with Oak Leaves and Swords, then commanding the 46th Panzer Korps.
$400-500
Very good.
226. WALTHER WENCK (1900 - 1982) German general, chief of Staff of
the First Panzer Army and of Army Group South Ukraine. With Gen. Felix
Steiner, he commanded the 11th SS Panzer Army in one of the last major
German tank offensives of the war. S.P. 3 3/4” x 5 3/4” b/w, signed
adding “General of Panzer Troops” at bottom, and signed with sentiment
$100-150
a second time on verso. Fine.
25
227. MAXIMILIAN WENGLER (1890 - 1945) German general, awarded
the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. Recognized for fighting
his way out of Gotenhafen late in the war. Killed with his staff by an aerial
bomb. Partly-printed D.S. 1p. 8vo., “In the field”, Feb. 19, 1944, an award of
the Iron Cross First Class to a soldier in his command. File holes at left, else
fine.
$250-350
228. MAXIME WEYGAND (1867 - 1965) French general who fought under
Foch at the Marne, and in World War II replaced the panic-stricken Gamelin
as chief of the general staff, captured by the Germans as he sought to join
the Free French. Fine I.S.P. 5 1/4” x 8” b/w, a chest, up pose inscribed to
a fellow general “...for the government and command in North Africa and
Black Africa...”. Fine.
$150-200
229. HENRY M. WILSON (1881 - 1964) British field marshal, commander
in chief in the Middle East and supreme Allied commander in the
Mediterranean. Fine S.P. “Wilson Field Marshal”, 8” x 10” b/w, a fine chest,
up pose in uniform, dated by him April 24, 1946. Fine.
$150-200
230. KARL WOLFF (1906-1975) Colonel-general in the Waffen-SS, liason
officer for Himmler with Hitler, German military governor of Northern Italy.
T.L.S. on Der-Reichsfuhrer-SS letterhead, 1p. 4to., Berlin, Nov. 19, 1937
to Walter Darre, (1895-1953) Nazi head of the Central Office of Race and
Resettlement of the SS. Wolff sends a letter from Himmler and asks that
Dare acknowledge receipt of an earlier letter concerning the same subject.
File holes, else very good.
$400-500
231. GEORGI K. ZHUKOV (1896 - 1974) Soviet Field Marshall, perhaps
the greatest general of World War II, he survived crushing poverty and
Stalin’s purges to command the Russian armies at the monumental battles
of Moscow and Kursk, and in the taking of Berlin. Partly-printed D.S.,
2pp. legal folio, Moscow, 1949, in Russian. Untranslated, but labeled an
attestation and approved by Zhukov on the verso. Very good. $200-300
233. NUREMBERG WAR CRIMES TRIAL DEFENDANTS Signatures of
eight of the principal Nuremberg War Crimes Trial defendants, each . The
signatures, all penned on individually prepared sheets stating in English
and German: “This is to certify that the following is my proper signature”.
All have signed in ink, and surprisingly, all have signed their full names,
except Kaltenbrunner. Included is: HANS FRANK, WILHELM FRICK, ERNST
KALTENBRUNNER, WILHELM KEITEL (adds date), FRITZ SAUCKEL,
BALDUR VON SCHIRACH (adds date), ARTHUR SEYSS-INQUART (adds
date), and JULIUS STREICHER (adds title as “Gauleiter”) and date. Fine, and
most with images of the criminals following their execution. $800-1,200
232. WEHRMACHT INFANTRY REGIMENT 61 FORMATION GUEST BOOK Excellent hand-illustrated guest book made to commemorate the
formation of Wehrmacht Infantry Regiment 61 of Kuchler’s III Army, a very elaborate 9” x 12 1/2” specially made album with beige vellum
covers imprinted in black: Gaeste Buch I R 61 III”. The first page bears a fine rendering of a Prussian infantry soldier shown full-length, standing
beside two wreaths, one with a crown within, the other with the regiment’s designation, two red banners with swastikas at bottom. FRANZ
RITTER VON EPP (1868-1947) Nazi politician and general, Governor of Bavaria and Reichsleiter of the NSDAP has signed at bottom, adding
the date the regiment was formed, Jan. 11, 1939. The next page bears a calligraphic announcement of the inauguration of the regiment’s
officers, bearing the same date. There follows on the next few pages bold signatures of about 55 officers of the new regiment, including
Gen. MAXIMILLIAN SCHWANDLER (1881-1972), many also bearing rank. There follows another drawing, one titled: “Beer Evening” and
showing sausages, cigars, and party-goers, followed by a 14-line poem mentioning those who attended their party, including police officials,
city administrators, RAD officials, artists, hunters, etc. and signed by about sixty guests. A well-executed pencil and watercolor drawing of
a soldier hoisting a stein with mountains in the background with the legend: “The Regiment was wearing a crown and the crown on the beer
stein everyone knows, that’s why every musketeer likes to drink beer, even today” is followed by about fifty signatures. Finally, there appears
an excellent watercolor painting of mess officers in uniform serving guests dinner and steins of beer , headed: “A comfortable evening in the
casino” with about twenty “City Government:” signatures following. Some blank pages were removed, probability out of necessity, else in near
$1,000-1,500
fine condition. A beautiful presentation! Live Auction Part I • Tuesday, February 18, 2014
26
234. U-BOAT KNIGHTS CROSS AWARDEES AND PROMINENT
COMMANDERS Book signed by 15 prominent U-boat commanders,
U-Boats Offshore, by Edwin P. Hoyt, (New York: Stein & Day), 1978, first
edition. 264pp. 8vo., with soiled dust jacket. Signed on the first three pages
by: SCHROETELER, TOPP, FRANKE, SCHULTZE, CREMER, KRETSCHMER,
KRUER, EMMERMANN, HESS, LANGE, WESTPHALEN, MERTEN, EICH,
BABERG, and one other. Fine.
$250-350
235. KNIGHTS CROSS RECIPIENTS AND R.A.F. ACES SIGNED BOOK Book
signed by 25 Knights Cross aces, R.A.F. aces, and others, Hitler at My Side,
by Hans Bauer, (Houston: Eichler Publishing), 1986, first English edition.
The first four pages are boldly signed by: ADOLF GALLAND, WOLFGANG
FALCK, DIETRICH HRABAK, GERD SCHOEPFEL, GUNTHER RALL,
HEINZ LANGE, HEINZE MARQUARDT, HEINZ JOACHIM JABS, WALTER
KRUPINSKI, SABURO SAKAI, HERBERT IHLEFELD, FRANZ KIESLICH,
JOHNNIE JOHNSON, JOHN CUNNINIGHAM, ROBERST S. TUCK, WALTER
SCHUCK, JOHANNES STEINHOFF, DESMOND HIGHES, DENNIS DAVID,
EDUARD NEUMANN, HANS BAUER, ERNST JUNGER, and others. Fine,
with dust jacket. With letter of provenance from Colin Heaton. $400-600
236. NAZI DIPLOMAT ARCHIVE Group of six documents concerning
the diplomatic career of one Alfred Blank, three being appointments
or promotions. One of the documents is signed by KONSTANTIN VON
NEURATH (1873 - 1956) Nazi diplomat and Hitler’s advisor on foreign
affairs who later served as Reich Protector of Bohemia and Moravia,
sentenced to 15 years at Nuremberg, 1p. sm. folio, Berlin, Jan. 11, 1937,
as inspector in the Reichsdienst, file holes in margin; and JOACHIM VON
RIBBENTROP (1893 - 1946) Nazi foreign minister and the first of the
Nuremberg defendants to hang, 1p. folio, Berlin, Apr. 20, 1943 (Hitler’s
birthday), Blank’s appointment as diplomat, file holes in text. $350-450
237. MEDAL OF HONOR AWARDEE AND P.O.W. SIGNED BOOK
Extraordinary gathering of signatures in a single volume, includes 38 Medal
of Honor recipients from World War II through Vietnam, 24 ex-P.O.W.s,
the author, and eight other prominent military-related individuals. The
signatures are contained within A Gathering of Eagles, by Col. Jim Coy
(Mobile: Evergreen Press), 2000, 290pp.8vo. The book is comprised of
inspirational and religious anecdotes by each individual who is also pictured,
and most of the anecdotes are military in nature. Warmly inscribed, with
$200-300
fine dust jacket.
238. TUSKEGEE AIRMEN - 301ST FIGHTER SQUADRON Excellent limited
edition color print “Red Tail Fury” by artist A. Ric Druet, 24” x 19”, no.
1233/1500, depicts five American Mustang fighters of the 301st Fighter
Squadron attacking a German airbase signed in pencil at bottom by the
artist and five “Tuskegee Airmen”, including CARL E. CAREY, SR. (DFC,
Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaves), WALTER M. DOWNS DFC, Air Medal with 1
silver, 2 bronze cluster), ALEXANDER JEFFERSON (Air Medal, POW Medal),
HAROLD E. SAWYER, (DFC, Air Medal with 7 Oak Leaves), and HARRY T.
STEWART, JR., (DFC, Air Medal with 7 Oak Leaves). Fine, with a brochure
$150-200
with pilot profiles.
239. TUSKEGEE AIRMEN - 302ND FIGHTER SQUADRON Excellent
limited edition color print “Button Up Time” by artist A. Ric Druet, 24” x
19”, no. 1230/1500, depicts four American Mustang fighters of the 302nd
Fighter Squadron (one in flight), with ground crew, as they prepare for
a mission. Signed in pencil at bottom by the artist and five “Tuskegee
Airmen”, including LEE A. ARCHER, JR., CHARLES M. BUSSEY, VERNON
V. HAYWOOD, MELVIN T. JACKSON, CHARLES E. MCGEE, WILLIAM R.
MELTON, HARRY A. SHEPPARD, JOHN J. SUGGS, and LUKE WEATHERS.
Fine condition.
$150-200
240. WAR FATALITY CONDOLENCE GROUPING Grouping of items,
some signed by prominent figures, surrounding the death in an air
crash of naval aviator Herman W. Smith. Smith perished at the Naval Air
Station in Charlestown, RI on Apr. 10, 1944 when his aircraft crashed and
burned resulting in his death from burns and other injuries. Included in
this poignant lot is a letter from Secretary of the Navy FRANK KNOX to
his widow, Apr. 19, 1944 expressing his sympathy; JOHN S. MCCAIN, SR.
(1884-1945), Admiral who headed all air operations at Guadalcanal and
commander of a carrier group in Mitscher’s Task Force 58, grandfather of
the current U.S. Senator, a warm Apr. 17, 1945 letter of sympathy; GEORGE
H.MILLS, Navy Commodore of Atlantic Fleet Airships, Apr. 11, 1944
letter of sympathy; Smith’s named, cased Purple Heart; his bound
flight log, two Navy discharges, 1933 and 1937, memorial document
signed in facsimile by F.D.R.; Navy Report of Death; order to report to
B.W.I. for airship service; memorial service letter and documents, 12
photos; a recording his wife sent him, along with her photo; his flight
log showing several hundred hours and ending just five days before
his flight; and three letters to his wife, one noting: “...I would hate to
have to pay for flying in these planes...”. Very good.
$150-200
241. WORLD WAR II “SURVIVORS” Good lot of 13 items signed by
World War II “survivors” - those who escaped death at the hands of the
enemy through a variety of means. Includes the youngest crewman of the
“Memphis Belle”, TONY NASTAL, signed Japanese currency; ROCHUS
MISCH, last survivor from Hitler’s bunker, S.P. 5” x 7” in uniform; OTTO
GUNSCHE, Hitler’s adjutant, also escaped the bunker, signed postal cover;
HEINRICH KUHNT and BRUNO RZONCA, both survivors of the sinking of
the BISMARCK, signed photos; TED BRIGGS, survived sinking of the HMS
HOOD, signed photo; PAUL TIBBETS and DUTCH VAN KIRK, Enola Gay
pilot and navigator, individual signed photos; JIMMY JAMES, RAF P.O.W.
and escape plotter, signed photo; KERMIT A. TYLER, survived Pearl Harbor
attack despite telling radar operators “Don’t worry about it” when they
spotted Japanese waves of aircraft, signature; GEORGE GAY, sole survivor
of his squadron at Midway, signature; REX BARBER, led secret flight to
shoot down Adm. Yamamoto, signed photo, and FRED ASHWORTH,
weaponeer on Bock’s Car at Nagasaki, signed card. Also included is an S.P.
by SCOTT O’GRADY, shot down in his F-16 over Bosnia and survived six
days in enemy territory. Overall fine.
$200-300
242. WORLD WAR II COMMANDERS A group of seven pieces by notable
military leaders in various formats (noted), includes: MATTHEW RIDGWAY
(signature on embossed autograph card); JAMES FIFE (A.L.S. 1968, in part:
“...the most memorable occasion in my life was in Guam 1943...when I was
in a B-24 of the Fifth Air Force & was suddenly surrounded by 12 Japanese
Zeros. None of us thought we would come out of that one...); MARK W.
CLARK (signature on a FDC from French Guiana, cancelled Nov. 7, 1941);
J. LAWTON COLLINS (signature on a card); ISAAC DAVIS WHITE (T.L.S.
1968, in part: “...probably the greatest thrill I had was when I was informed
that I was to be Commanding General of the 2d Armored Division during
the Battle of the Bulge”), and JAMES H. DOOLITTLE, two 8” x 10” b/w S.Ps.
being repros of vintage image, each signed with an old age signature. Very
$100-150
good.
243. ADVERSARIES IN THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE Fine framed
assemblage of signatures of the main adversaries at the siege of Bastogne,
includes: ANTHONY MCAULIFFE (1898-1975) American Army general
who held Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, remembered for his
reply to a German surrender ultimatum, “Nuts!”, his signature beneath a
typed note: “To: German General NUTS!”; and HEINRICH FREIHERR VON
LUTWITZ (1896-1969) German general of Panzer troops who delivered
the surrender ultimatum to McAuliffe, rare war-date D.S., 1p. 8vo., [n.p.],
Feb. 19, 1945, to the headquarters of the 47th Panzer Corps approving a
proposal, signed in indelible pencil. Matted with two reproduction photos
of the soldiers, and a 5” x 5” bronze medallion commemorating the siege,
$400-600
all set into a wood shadowbox. Near fine.
27
244. ALLIED ACES Lot of two signed items includes a first day postal cover
signed by USAAF ace JAY T. ROBBINS (22 kills), U.S.N. top ace DAVID
MCCAMPBELL (34 kills, M.O.H.), Marine Corps ace JAMES E. SWETT,
shot down seven Japanese aircraft on one mission, M.O.H.), and Marine
KENNETH A. WALSH, 21 kills, M.O.H.). Sold with a photo of WWI Canadian
ace Lt. ERNEST P. CROSSEN standing beside his plane, possibly signed by
him.
$100-150
245. ALLIED AND AXIS ACES Book signed by twelve Allied and Axis
aces, The Mighty Eighth, by Gerald Astor (New York: Donald I. Fine Books),
1997. First edition. Signed on the front flyleaf, half-title page and title
page by GUNTHER RALL, GERHARD SCHOEPFEL, WALTER SCHUCK,
WOLFGANCH FALCK, HANS JOACHIM JABS, JOHNNIE JOHNSON,
ROBERT S. JOHNSON, FRANCIS “GABBY” GABRESKI, WALTER KRUPINSKI,
HEINZ LANGE, SABURO SAKAI, and one illegible. Fine, with dust jacket.
$250-350
246. ALLIED AND AXIS MILITARY AWARDEES Book signed by over fifty
Allied and Axis notables, the vast majority being Knights Cross awardees,
Voices From the Third Reich, by Johannes Steinhoff et al, (Washington:
Regnery Gateway), 1989, first edition. Boldly signed on the first eight
pages by: ERICH HARTMANN, ADOLF GALLAND, OTTO KUMM, HANS
HOSSFELDER, WILLI FEY, HANES TRAUTLOFT, DIETER HRABAK, PETER
EGON, ALBERT KERSCHER, GERHARD SCHOEPFEL, HEINZ LANGE,
GUNTER RALL, JOHANNES STEINHOFF, WOLFGANG FALCK, WALTER
SCHUCK, ERICH RUDORFFER, ERICH TOPP, GEOFFREY PAGE, JOHN
CUNNINGHAM, JOHNNIE JOHNSON, and many others. Fine, with dust
jacket.
$300-400
247. AMERICAN GENERALS Lot of four T.L.S.s of American generals, most
1p. 4to. on official letterhead, various locations, 1946, all sent to Gen.
Geoffrey Keyes who commanded the II Corps and Third Army. Various
routing military content. Includes: BRIG. GEN. JOHN WCKERLING, MAJ.
GEN. W. A. BURRESS, MAJ. GEN. F. H. LANAHAN, BRIG. GEN. CLARE H.
ARMSTRONG, along with a July 10, 1945 A.L.S. from ex-Yugoslav P.O.W.
MAJ. YOUNGUITCH and an unrelated letter to Keyes from New York’s
FRANCIS CARDINAL SPELLMAN. File holes, else fine.
$75-100
248. AMERICAN GENERALS Lot of three items, includes MARK CLARK
S.P. 8” x 10” b/w, a fine seated pose in uniform, boldly signed; CARL
SPAATZ, seated pose in uniform signed in blue ink, surface crease at right;
and a T.L.S from Spaatz on Newsweek letterhead, 1959, sending the photo.
Overall very good to fine. $100-150
249. AXIS ACE MULTI-SIGNED BOOK Book signed by 19 German aces,
most Knights Cross awardees, The Straits of Messina, by Johannes Steinhoff
(London: Andre Deutsch), 1971. Boldly signed within by aces: SCHUCK,
TRAUTLOFT, HAJO HERMANN, FALCK, SCHOEPFEL, JABS, HARTMANN,
HRABAK, PELTZ, SCHENCK, RALL, GALLAND, IHLEFELD, KRUPINSKI,
STEINHOFF, LANGE, and MAXIMCUIC, a free Ukrainian, said to have
become an ace at the age of 16. Fine, with dust jacket.
$200-300
250. BURMA CAMPAIGN “SHORT SNORTER” India five rupee bank note
signed in 1945 by eight military men, three identified by us including:
CLAUDE JOHN AUCHINLECK (1884-1981) Commander of British forces
in India and later in the Middle East where he halted Rommel’s forces at
El Alamein (commanding Montgomery); DANIEL SULTAN (1885-1947)
American general who campaigned in northern Burma under Stilwell,
commanded two Chinese armies in Slim’s offensive, and helped build the
critical supply lines into China; H. H. CHANG, Chinese general; also what
appears to be a “Major Gen. S. C. Chiao”, as well as British actress and singer
GRACIE FIELDS. Very good.
$200-300
251. IWO JIMA Fine S.P. 8” x 10” b/w depicts the first flag raising at the
summit of Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima (the second flag raising is the better
known image), boldly signed by “flag raiser” CHARLES W. LINDBERG, also
signed by Iwo Jima Medal of Honor awardees Williams, Lucas and Wahlen.
$100-150
Fine.
252. IWO JIMA M.O.H. RECIPIENTS S.P. 10” x 8” b/w, photographer Joe
Rosenthal’s famous image of the flag being raised atop Suribachi on Iwo
Jima, signed by Iwo Jima Medal of Honor recipients GEORGE WHALEN,
JACKLYN LUCAS, and HERSHEL WILLIAMS. Fine.
$75-100
253. KNIGHT CROSS AWARDEES Lot of five signed photos, most about
4” x 5 3/4” b/w, Knights Cross awardees, includes: HEINZ UNGER,
WILLI SOELTER, HANS SANDROCK, RUDOLF SANDIG, and JOHANN
SALLER. Fine.
$150-200
254. KNIGHTS CROSS AWARDEES Lot of five signed photos, most
about 4” x 5 3/4” b/w, Knights Cross awardees, includes: HERBERT
WITTMAN, LOTHAR WEHLITZ, HERBERT WEHNALT, KARL-EDWARD
WILKE, and THEODOR WISCH. Fine.
$150-200
about 4” x 5 3/4” b/w, Knights Cross awardees, includes: RICHARD
RUDOLF, WERNER RANCK, SEPP PRENTL, MICHAEL POSSINGER, and
ARTHUR PICKERT. Fine.
$150-200
256. KNIGHTS CROSS AWARDEES Lot of five signed photos, most about
4” x 5 3/4” b/w, Knights Cross awardees, includes: ALFRED PHILIPPI,
HANS-GOTTHARD PESTKE, VICTOR MOSLERS, JOHANNES LUTZ ,and
ERWIN LEYKAUF. Fine.
$150-200
about 4” x 5 3/4” b/w, Knights Cross awardees, includes: OTTO
KUMM, HERBERT KUNTZ, KURT KUHLONG, ERNST-AUGUST KRAG, and
EDUWARD ISKEN. Fine.
$150-200
about 4” x 5 3/4” b/w, Knights Cross awardees, includes: GERHARD
HUNDERTMARK, KURT HUHN, FRITZ HENKE, GUNTHER HALM, and
REINHARD GRAUBNER. Fine.
$150-200
259. KNIGHTS CROSS AWARDEES Lot of eight signed photos, most
about 4” x 5 3/4” b/w, Knights Cross awardees, includes: JOHANNES
GEISSMAN, WILHELM GANSLER, KARL-HEINZ ERTEL, ROLD DUE, PETER
PAUL BREU, SEPP BRANDNER, HANS BAUER, and HANS-HENNIN FR.
VON BEUST. Fine.
$150-200
260. KNIGHTS CROSS RECIPIENTS Lot of ten items signed by recipients
of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, includes approx. 4” x 5” signed
photos of: ERHARD BAUER, HEINRICH BENNER, ERICH BECKER, ARTUR
BECKER NEETZ (2), WERNER BUXA, HEINRICH BORN (2) and A.L.S.’s of
OTTO BAUMand HEINZ BEHNKE. Fine condition.
$150-200
of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, approx. 4” x 5” signed photos of:
HANS-GEORG BORCK, HEINRICH BORN, ERWIN BACHMANN (with
signed envelope), HEINRICH BOIGT, THEODOR BURCHARDI, PETER
BROICH, GEORGE BOSE, FRIEDRICH BUSCHHAUSEN, HANS BUSCH, and
an A.L.S. of ERNST BIEHLER. . Fine condition.
$200-300
ERHARD BAUER, HANS BUJAK, ARTUR BECKER-NEETZ, HEINRICH
BORN, KARL BIEG, MANFRIED BUTTNER, KONRAD BRETTSCHNEIDEER,
ALBERT BRUX, , a mimeographed letter signed by WENRER BUXA and an
A.L.S. by OTTO BAUM. Fine condition.
$200-300
of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, approx. 4” x 5” signed photos
of: JOSEPH BRUETSCH (signed on verso), ARTHUR BECKER-NEETX,
HEINRICH BORN, JOSEPH BREMM, KURT BUHLIGEN, JOHANN BOOS,
FRITZ BOHM, OSKAR BOESCH, GEORGE BLEHER, and PHILIPP VON
BOESLAGER (2). Fine condition.
$150-200
GEORG BLEHER, ARTUR BECKER-NNETZ, HEINRICH BORN, PHILIPP VON
BOESLAGER, FRITZ BIRNBAUM, HEINZ BINBACHER, HEINZ BEUTLER,
HERMANN BUCHNER, HELMUT BANASKI and HEINZ VON BRESE. Fine
$150-200
condition.
OTTO BINNIG, HEINRICH BORN, PHILIPP VON BOESLAGER, ARTUR
BECKER-NNETZ, JOHANN BICHL, GUNTHER BIERBRAUER, FRITZ
BIRNBAUM, OTTO BINNING, and one unknown, with a T.L.S. by FRIEDRICH
$150-200
BUCHENAU, 1982, military content. . Fine condition.
28
of: PETER CREMER, HEINRICH BORN, FRITZ BIRNBAUM, WERNER
CRUSIUS, HEIZ CRAMER, UDO CORDES, JOHANN CONDONE, RUDOLF
CLEVE (small), OTTO CARIUS, and ALOIS EISELE. . Fine condition.
$150-200
of: GUNTHER FRENZEL, HEINRICH BORN, PHILIPP VON BOESLAGER,
JOHANN BIEHL, OTTO CARIUS (2), RUDOLF CLEVE, HEINZ FRETTNER,
PHIL FRITZ FOCKE, , and a signed card of HEINZ FRANKE. Fine
condition.
$150-200
275. KNIGHTS CROSS RECIPIENTS Lot of fifteen (15) items signed by
recipients of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, approx. 4” x 5” signed
photos of: HEINZ MARQUARDT, JOSEF LUXENBERGER, OTTO CARIUS,
HEINRICH BORN, ERWIN DICKWISCH, FRITZ MICHAEL, FRIEDRICH
AUGUST VON MICHAEL, MARTIN MITSCHKE, LUDWIG MEISTER,
HERMANN NIEHOFF, WILHELM JOHNEN, AUGUST MIELCKE, WILHELM
LEHNER, KARL TRAPP, an A.L.S. on the verso of a 1985 postcard, and
WOLFGAND FALCK , T.L.S. “Wolf” on his letterhead, 2001, in english,
friendly content. Overall fine condition.
$200-300
276. KNIGHTS CROSS RECIPIENTS Lot of fifteen (15) items signed
by recipients of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, approx. 4” x 5”
signed photos of: BRUNO MEINKE, HEINRICH NEUMANN, JOSEF
LUXEMBERGER, LUDWIG MEISTER, ERNST NEUFELD, RUDOLF
NEUBERT, HARALD NUGIESEKS, HERMANN NEUHOFF (worn),
FRIEDRICH AUGUST VON MICHAEL, HEINRICH BORN, WILLI NOLLER,
KARL LAPP, HEINRICH BORN, GREGOR NOWOWIESKI, and a 1993
T.L.S. on his letterhead from WOLF FALCK. Fine condition. $200-300
of: GUNTHER FRENZEL, SIEGFRIED FREYER, KURT FLAD, GERHARD
FISCHER, AUGUST FUCHS, ERWIN KOCH, ERWIN FISCHER, ROBERT
FISCHER, KARL-HEINZ FISCHER, and HANS FLEDLER. Fine condition.
$150-200 277. KNIGHTS CROSS RECIPIENTS Lot of twenty-five (25) items signed
by recipients of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, approx. 4” x 5” signed
269. KNIGHTS CROSS RECIPIENTS Lot of twenty (20) items signed photos of: HUGO DAHMER, GEORG BLEHER, WILHELM ODENHARDT,
by recipients of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, approx. 4” x 5” JOSEPH DORRIES, HEINRICH BORN, HENIZ MARQUARDT, KARLsigned photos of: SIEGFRIED FREYER, JOHANN BIEHL, GUNTHER WILHELM LINDEMANN, WILHELM LEHNER, HARALD NUGIESEKS,
FRENZEL, PHILIPP VON BOESLAGER, HEINRICH BORN, OTTO CARIUS, WILLI NOLLA, FRIEDRICH AUGUST VON MICHAEL, ERNST NEUFELD,
GERHARD FISCHER, ERICH FELLMEN, PAUL FEIERTAG, WALTER VICTOR OEHRN, HANS GERHARD MOWS, HANS LOTH, KARL
FASEL, OTTO ENGLE, JOHANNES ERASMUS, HANS ENDRES, HANS NEUMEISTER, HANS-JOACHIM LOSER (damaged)HUGO LAUBERAU,
EIKMEIER, ALFRED EICK, HERMANN EGGERS, ANTON EDER, ERNST MAX MECKLENBERG, SIGMUND MATHEJA, RUDOLF MUNSER,
EBELING, WERNER EBELING, and GUSTAV FRIEDRICH. Fine condition. WILHELM MORAWIETZ, WALTER-PETER MOHR, JOHANN LUTZ, and
$250-350 a signed photocopy of a congratulatory letter signed in red ink by
LEO MAXIMCIUC . Fine condition.
$350-450
recipients of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, approx. 4” x 5” signed 278. KNIGHTS CROSS RECIPIENTS Lot of fifteen (15) items signed
photos of: HANS ENDRES, HEINRICH BORN, JOHANN BIEHL, OTTO by recipients of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, includes approx.
CARIUS, HERMANN EGGERS, GUSTAV FRIEDRICH, OTTO DOROW, 4” x 5” signed photos of: SIEGFRIED FREYER, WALTER FUSEL, WILLI
ARNOLD DORING, C. PAUL DORENBECK, ERWIN DICKWISCH, WILLI DIPBERGER, PHILIPP VON BOESLAGER, GERHARD MOWS, ERNST
DIPBERGER, ADOLF DICKFELD, OSKAR-HUBERT DENNHARDT, NEUFELD, WERNER EBELING, FRIEDRICH AUGUST VON MICHAEL,
HERMANN DIESENBERGER, and OTTO DOSER. Fine condition.
VICTOR OEHNER, SIEGMUND METHEJA, HARALD NUGIESEKS (A.Q.S.),
$200-300 HERMANN EGGERS, GERHARD FISHER, GEORG BLEHER and RUDOLF
MUNSEN. Fine condition.
$200-300
recipients of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, approx. 4” x 5” signed 279. KNIGHTS CROSS RECIPIENTS Lot of fifteen (15) items signed by
photos of: ADOLF DICKFELD, WILLI DIPBERGER, OSKAR-HUBERT recipients of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, includes approx. 4” x 5”
DENNHARDT, JOHANN BIEHL, HEINRICH BORN, ERWIN DICKWISCH, signed photos of: HERBERT IHLEFELD, WILLI NOLLER, JOSEF DORRIES,
HANS EIKMEIER, HENNING DAUBERT, PETER DUTTMANN, ALFRED WOLFRAM KURTZ,WILHELM NIGGEMEYER, CHRISTOPH KRAMER,
DURRWANGER, ROLD DUE, ALBERT DUBICKI, HUO DAHMER, HANS JOHANN-ALFRED KLAUS, FRANZ KIESLICH, HANS KILN[?], PHILIPP
DREXLER, and a signature of PETER DUTTMANN. Fine condition. KLEFFEL, EDUARD KIEFERALBERT KERSCHER, EUGEN KUGLER, KARL
$200-300 KENNEL, and WENER KLUMPER. Fine condition.
$200-300
photos of: FRITZ HUMMEL, JOHANN BIEHL, ROLF DUE, HERMANN
EGGERS, OTTO CARIUS, WILLI DIPBERGER, GEORG BLEHER, HUGO
DAHMER, JOSEF DORRIES, ADOLF DICKFELD, HEINRICH BORN,
ERWIN DICKWISCH, JACOB JENSTER, OTTO JEDERMANN, and JAKOB
JAKWERT. Fine condition.
$200-300
by recipients of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, approx. 4” x 5”
signed photos of: JAKOB JENSTER, OTTO CARIUS, HEINRICH BORN,
JOSEF JACKWERT, KARL JAGER, WILHELM ISSELHORST, HERBERT
ISACHSEN, HANS-JOACHIM KUNZEL, MAX KURZE, EWALD KRAUS,
HANS LUTTER, KARL-WILLI LUMPE, PAUL LUNEBURG, , a T.L.S. by
KARL-HEINZ ERTL, and a signature of HEINRICH DAMMEIER. Fine
$200-300
condition.
photos of: ADOLF DICKFELD, JOHANN BIEHL, HEINRICH BORN, KARL
LAPP, LUDWIG LAUBMEIER, WILHELM LEHNER, ALOIS LEHRKINDER,
KARL WILHELM LINDEMANN, JOSEF LUXEMBERGER, KARL MARBACH,
WALTER C. MULLER, RUDOLF MUHLBAUER, HEINRICH DAMMEIER
, ERNST-RUDOLF LIEBENGUTH, a war-date T.L.S. 1p. 4to., 1941
sending birthday wioshes on behalf of Gen. Wolfram von Richtoffen, and
$200-300
a card signed by HEINZ LANGE. Fine condition.
recipients of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, includes approx. 4”
x 5” signed photos of: HERBERT LAMPRECHT, HANS KRETSCHER,
EDUARD KIEFER, PHILIPP KLEFFEL, HEINRICH KONIG, DIETRICH TER
JUNG, GEORGE JURA, FRANZ KIESLICH, WOLFRAM KERTZ, HANS
JUNGKUNST, KARL-LUDWIG JOHANSSEN, WALTER FUSEL, WILLI
NOLLER, ERNST JETTING, JOSEF DORRIES, and a military-content
T.L.S. (form letter) authentically signed by ROLF DUE. Fine condition.
$200-300
x 5” signed photos of: DIETRICH TER JUNG, WILLI NOLLER, GEORG
BLEHER, GERHARD FISCHER, JOSEF DORRIES, ARTHUR JUTTNER,
HANS KAHLER, HARALD NUGIESEKS, WILHELM KAISER, HANS KALB,
FRIEDRICH KEMMNADE, HEINZ OPITZ, SIEGFRIED FREYER, FRIEDRICH
AUGUST VON MICHAEL, and ERNST NEUFELD. Fine condition.
$200-300
recipients of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, includes approx. 4” x
5” signed photos of: GEROLD OVERHOFF, KONRAD KNABE, GERHARD
KREMS, JOSEF JAKWERT, KARL-LUDWIG JOHANSSEN, DIETRICH
TER JUNG, RICHARD JOHN, ERNST NEUFELD, KARL WILHELM
LINDEMANN, WILLI DIPBERGER, NORBERT KUJCINSKI, JOSEPH
KULOT, JOSEF DORRIES, WILHELM NIGGEMEYER, and HANS KUNERT.
$200-300
Fine condition.
29
5” signed photos of: OTTO KLOS, DIETRICH KOCH, WILHELM KOHL,
SIEGFRIED KOITSCHKA, HEINRICH KOLCZKY, WILHELM NIGGEMEYER,
KARL-LUDWIG JOHANSSEN, SIEGFRIED FREYER, GERHARD KREMS,
PHILIPP KLEFFEL, HEINRICH KOHLER, JOHANNES KOLL, HERBERT
KOMPCH, WERNER KAMISCHKE, and HEINZ KOLCZYK. Fine condition.
$200-300
recipients of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, includes approx. 4” x 5”
signed photos of: WILHELM NIGGEMEYER, HEINZ KOLCZYK, PHILIPP VON
BOESLAGER, SIEGFRIED FREYER, PHILIPP KLEFFEL, JOHANNES KOLL,
GERHARD KREMS, HEINRICH KOHLER, HEINRICH KEESE, GERHARD
MOWS, SIEGMUND MATHEJA, ERNST NEUFELD, NORBERT KUJACINSKI,
WILLI DIPBERGER, and a commemorative postal cover signed by WALTER
KRUPINSKI. Fine condition.
$200-300
x 5” signed photos of: ERICH KLAWE, HANS JOACHIM JABS, HELMUT
KLEMANN, WILLI JAHDE, WALTER KUHN, NORBEET KUJACINSKI, WILLI
DIPBERGER, KARL-WILHELM LINDEMANN, JOSEPH JACKWERT (copy of
newspaper article with photo), HARALD NUGIESEKS, GERHARD MOWS,
THEO KROJ, ERNST NEUFELD, WILHELM KROHNE, and an A.L.S. on his
letterhead, 1977 by OTTO KUMM. Fine condition.
$150-200
286. KNIGHTS CROSS RECIPIENTS Lot of twenty (20) items signed by
5” signed photos of: HANS JOACHIM JABS, GERHARD KREMS, WALTER
KUHN, THEO KROJ, GERHARD MOWS, JOHANNES KOLL, PHILIPP
KLEFFEL, SIEGFRIED FREYER, PHILIPP VON BOESLAGER, SIEGFRIED
KOITSCHKA, WERNER KRIEGER, HEINZ KRETTEK, HERMANN KREMER,
WILLI DIPBERGER, ERNST NEUFELD, WILHELM KROHNE, WILHELM
NIGGEMEYER, WERNER EBELING, WALTER FUSEL, and WOLFRUM
KERTZ. Fine condition.
$250-350
by recipients of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, includes approx.
4” x 5” signed photos of: KARL KOPPENWALLNER, HEINZ KRETTEK,
WALTER FUSEL, HEINRICH KOHLER, GERHARD KREMS, WALTER KUHN,
GOTTFRIED SCHADLICH, HERBERT KONIG, RUDOLF SCHEFFEL, ERICH
SCHEBIG, JOSEF SCHIMMELE, WALTER SCHUCK, HANS SCHMID, with
HERBERT SINGER, handwritten post-war military record, signed, and
KURT SUNKEL, post-war T.L.S., apparently setting forth his record. Fine
condition.
$150-200
5” signed photos of: FRANZ SCHMITZ, WOLFRUM KERTZ, SIEGFRIED
FREYER, GERHARD KREMS, HEINZ KRETTEK, KARL KOPPENWALLNER,
WALTER FUSEL, PHILIPP VON BOESELAGER, GOTTFRIED SCHADLICH,
WALTER KUHN, WERNER SCHIRP, and a 1993 T.L.S. of JOHANNES
STEINHOFF complaining of war in Europe, a postwar A.L.S. of MANFRED
SCHONFELDER, signatures of WOLFGANG SCHENCK and SIEGFRIED
KOITSCHKA. Fine condition.
$150-200
signed photos of: JOHANNES KOLL, GERHARD MOWS, WALTER FUSEL,
HEINRICH KOHLER, WERNER EBELING, ALOIS SCHNAUBELT, HEINRICH
SPRINGER, ALFRED SCHNEIDEREIT, WALTER SCHINDLER, SIEGFRIED
FREYER, PHILIPP KLEFFEL, ERNST NEUFEL a signature of KARL IHLEFELD,
an A.L.S., 1985, by SILVESTER STADLER, and a war-date D.S. by HANS$200-300
ARNOLD STAHLSCHMIDT. Fine condition.
signed photos of: GERHART SCHIRMER, ERNST NEUFELD, GERHARD
KREMS, KURT SCHLIESSMANN, GOTTFRIED SCHADLICH, WALTHER
SCHINDLER, WALTER KUHN, HEINRICH SCHLOSSER, ADOLF SCHNAHL,
BRUNO SCHMELZINGER, THEO KROJ, HEINRICH KOHLER, ERICH
SCHLEMMINGER, form letter signed by MARLIS SCHEWIOR, and a
signature on attractive mount of WOLFGANG SCHENCK. Fine condition.
$200-300
x 5” signed photos of: KARL SCHMID, OTTO SCHMIDT, GOTTFRIED
SCHADLICH, ERNST NEUFELD, WALTER FUSEL, HEINRICH SPRINGER,
WALTER SCHINDLER, HERBERT SCHNEIDER, JOSEF SCHNEIDER, ERICH
SCHNEIDER, commemorative postal covers signed by WINFRID SCHMIDT,
WILL SCHMUCKLE, fine content post-war T.L.S. describing his exploits by
JOHANNES STEINHOFF, nicely presented signature and bio of WOLFGANG
SCHENCK, and signature of WALTER SCHUCK. Fine condition.$200-300
signed photos of: HELMUT SCHOEN, HERBERT SCHNEIDER, WALTER
SCHINDLER, WALTER KUHN, ERICH SCHLEMMINGER, GOTTFRIED
SCHADLICH, ERNST NEUFELD, A.L.S. on his letterhead of KARL SCHMID,
signatures of KARL LAPP, KARL KURZ, WALTER SCHUCK, JOHANNES
STEINHOFF, WOLFGANG SCHENCK, GERHARD SCHOEPFEL, and KLAUS
SCHOLTZ, the last four all beautifully presented on biographical sheets
with photos. Fine condition.
$200-300
5” signed photos of: GERHARD SCHOEPFEL, ERICH SCHLEMMINGER,
GOTTFRIED SCHADLICH, WALTER KUHN, WALTER SCHINDLER, HANS
SCHONE, G. WILHELM SCHONING, HORST VON SCHORTER, HEINRICH
BORN, FRITZ SEFFARDT, JOHANNES STEINHOFF, WALTER SCHUCK,
KARL SCHULZ, and nicely displayed signatures of WOLFGANG SCHENCK
and KLAUS SCHOLTZ. Fine condition.
$200-300
signed photos of: ERICH SCHLEMMINGER, HORST VON SCHROETER,
WALTER SCHUCK, FRITZ SEFFARDT, WALTER KUHN, GUNTHER SEEGER,
HANS SCHRINGER, HEINRICH SEIDEL, HANS SEIDERMANN, KARL
SELINGER, WALTER SCHINDLER, HERBERT SCHNEIDER, LUDWIG SIMON,
RUDOLF SNELLICH and a nicely presented signature of WOLFGANG
SCHENCK. Fine condition.
$200-300
5” signed photos of: EUGEN SONNTAG, WALTER SCHUCK, GUNTHER
SEEGER, KURT STEIDL, WILHELM STEFFANO, WILHELM STAUTNER,
HERBERT SPADIUT, WILHELM STARCK, PAUL STAHL, HERBERT
SCHOEN, HERBERT SCHNEIDER, KARL SELINGER, WALTER KUHN, ERICH
SCHLEMMINGER, and FRITZ STEINBACHER. Fine condition. $200-300
296. KNIGHTS CROSS RECIPIENTS Lot of sixteen (16) items signed by
signed photos of: HANS STURM (signed photo and signed military record),
FRIEDRICH SCHULZ, WERNER SCHWERIN, JOHANNES STEINHOFF,
GERHARD STUDEMANN, ERHARD STEINKE, WALTER SCHUCK,
WOLFRAM STRONK, ERICH SCHLEMMINGER, WALTER KUHN, KURT
SELINGER, HELMUT SCHOEN, HEINRICH SEIDEL, ERNST STRACHWITZ,
and a T.L.S. ofKARL LAPP. Fine condition.
$200-300
297. KNIGHTS CROSS RECIPIENTS Lot of fifteen (15) items signed by recipients
of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, includes approx. 4” x 5” signed photos
of: HORST VON SCHROETER, ERNST SORGE, JOSEPH SCHOL, HERMANN
SCHUTZ, LEOPOLD SCHREMS, H. J. SCHULZ-MERKEL, PAUL SCHUMACHER,
KARL SCHUNCK, GERHARD SCHOEPFEL, WALTER SCHUCK, EBERHARD
STEPHAN, ERICH SCHLEMMINGER, HELMUT SCHOEN, KARL SELINGER,
HERBERT SCHNEIDER, GUNTHER SEEGER, LEOPOLD SCHREMS, WALTER
KUHN, a post-war T.L.S. by JOANNES STEINHOFF, and signature of GEORG$200-300
WILHELM SCHULZ. Fine condition.
298. WORLD WAR II MISCELLANY Lot of 16 miscellaneous items, includes:
1971 A.L.S. of Marine Corps ace JOHN F. BOLT; signature of Navy admiral
HAROLD STARK; postcard photo of destroyed Hiroshima, signed on verso
in English and Japanese by KIYOSHI KIKKAWA, dubbed “Bomb Victim No.
1” by the press and the prime mover to preserve the Atomic Bomb dome;
signature of scientist and atomic bomb developer GLENN SEABORG;
T.L.S. from Lt. Col. Robert Elbert, 1944 mentioning a blight in a B-29 and
“liquidating” Hitler; a Sep. 24, 1944 soldier’s letter from Belgium, routine,
along with a postcard sent from a G.I. in Rome, May, 1945; three pieces
of various insignia including a general’s five stars, and; four signatures of
WILLIAM F. HALSEY, undoubtedly done with a stencil or mechanical device;
$200-300
and an AVRO Lancaster commemorative fly-by cover.
30
World War II: Documents & Archives
Extensive plans on the invasion of Sicily owned by one of the key planners and leaders of the invasion
299. GEN. GEOFFREY KEYES’ SECRET FILE ON PREPARATIONS
FOR THE INVASION OF SICILY Extraordinary and historic file
owned and used by one of the primary planners of the invasion
of Sicily (OPERATION HUSKY), Gen. Geoffrey Keyes (1888-1967).
Keyes had served as Gen. George Patton’s deputy commander
in the TORCH landings in North Africa and subsequent action
there against the Germans and Italians. While he was occupied
in Tunisia, Patton ordered Keyes to draft plans for the Seventh
Army’s seaborne invasion of southern Sicily. The plans and
directives, approx. 220pp. 4to. in 17 parts, are set with fasteners
into a period dark brown folder marked on the cover:”SECRET BIGOT MAJ. GEN KEYES BIGOT FILE”. The sections include: a May
19, 1943 4pp. copy of a list of every American battalion involved
in the invasion, vehicles, strength, and shipping and craft allotted
for their carriage; a May 21, 1943 20pp. list of every type of force
available, from infantry to medical to trucking; the concentration
of forces to be landed at beaches JOSS, CENT and DIME; FORCE
141 Operation Instructions, May 19, 1943, a 3pp. summary of
the intended battle plan; plan for OPERATION SHARK, a beach
landing; retained copies of a May 25, 1943 letter from Patton
to generals Omar Bradley, Manton Eddy, Hugh Gaffey, Mathew
Ridgway, and Lucius Truscott advising each of their orders in
general; a listing of aircraft to be used for the airborne assault
component of the invasion, as well as forces to be employed; June
19, 1943 radio command channels of communication schematics; telephonic and carrier pigeon arrangements; June 18, 1943 study of enemy wire
communications; June 21, 1943 Signal Corps operations including countermeasures, June 15, 1943 3pp. Coastal Defense Plan, engineer, chemical
weapons and anti-aircraft deployment; naval gunfire and air support plans, a six page final outline plan, June 20, 1943, large fold-out map of the
landing beaches and allotted forces; smaller topographical map also showing beaches and landing zones and allotted forces with clear plastic overlay;
a large folded U.S. Army 1943 road map of Sicily; sunrise/sunset schedules; chronological schedule of expected events from D-Day to D+4; possible
steps in the development of HUSKY; embarkation details and naval firepower available at the landing zones, an intelligence report, a summation of the
invasion’s successes and failures, and several of Keyes’ hand-drawn maps likely showing advances made from the beaches. This is as complete a major
invasion plan as one could possible obtain, possible unique in that some of the reports were limited to less than fifty copies. The amount of detail is
staggering, and the reports were generated until almost the very day of invasion. A fantastic archive from one of the Army’s most succesful operations
- from the estate of a key general crucial in its planning.
$4,000-6,000
300. GEN. GEOFFREY KEYES’ II CORPS ITALIAN
CAMPAIGN MAPS AND MAP CASE GEOFFREY
KEYES Most important wartime relic from Keyes’
estate, his personal map case filled with maps used
by Keyes in the Italian campaign from the liberation
of Rome through OPERATION GRAPESHOT - the
destruction of the remaining German forces in Italy
and the liberation of the country’s major northern
cities. The map case consists of two 14” x 18” pine
boards painted dark green with an oilcloth hinge
and two cotton ties. The symbol of the II Corps,
which he commanded, is painted on the front cover.
Within are 14 maps of various types and sizes, most
trimmed by Keyes to be accommodated within the
case. The majority are combination geographical/
topographical maps and are from several sources,
though their trimming and reassembly by Keyes
to suit his needs ahs often resulted in the loss of
mapmaker information. Some of the maps are even
linen-backed for long-term heavy use. Most of the
maps are set into large, heavy clear acetate sleeves
with old tape remnants at the margins - clearly
assembled by the general. Represented within is
Rome and the region directly north of it, including
Viterbo and Grosseto, Pisa, several maps of Bologna
including restricted maps showing various routes
into the city, La Spezia, Campiglia and east, Massa,
Pisa, Vergato, etc. Also present is Keyes’ clear plastic map template divided into 16 one hundred plot mark areas, set to a scale of 1/20,000 yards.
$2,000-3,000
Condition varies, generally very good. Two post-war maps also included. From Keyes’ estate.
31
303. GEN. GEOFFREY KEYES’ CAVALRY BOOTS AND WOODEN
STRETCHERS Gen. GEOFFREY KEYES (1888-1967) was a highly decorated
Lieutenant General who commanded the II Corps during World War II. During
the war, Keyes was Chief of Staff, 2nd Armored Division, commanded the
9th Armored Division, Dep. Commander, 7th Army [Sicily], Commander
7th and 3rd Armies (assuming Patton’s command), and headed occupation
forces in Austria. Keyes was George Patton’s invaluable chief of staff, leading
Patton’s I Corps in Morocco, and accepting the surrender of Palermo. He
later served with distinction under Mark Clark at Anzio, Cassino and before
Rome. A fine relic, Keyes’ pair of tall light brown cavalry boots complete
with laces, ca. early 1940’s, showing clear signs of use. Also present are the
original three-piece wooden stretchers fitted within the boots. Removed
by us directly from Keyes’ foot locker obtained from his estate. Untouched
since he last wore them.
$400-600
301. GEN. GEOFFREY KEYES’ COMMISSIONS, DIPLOMAS AND AWARDS
GEOFFREY KEYES (1888-1967) was a highly decorated Lieutenant General
who commanded the II Corps during World War II. During the war, Keyes
was Chief of Staff, 2nd Armored Division, commanded the 9th Armored
Division, Dep. Commander, 7th Army [Sicily], Commander 7th and 3rd
Armies (assuming Patton’s command), and headed occupation forces
in Austria. Keyes was George Patton’s invaluable chief of staff, leading
Patton’s I Corps in Morocco, and accepting the surrender of Palermo. He
later served with distinction under Mark Clark at Anzio, Cassino and before
Rome. Important grouping of commissions, diplomas and awards given
to Keyes during his lengthy military career. Includes: Commission as First
Lieutenant of Cavalry, Washington, Aug. 17, 1916, signed by President
WOODROW WILSON (signature light) and Secretary of War NEWTON D.
BAKER; commission as Captain of cavalry, Washington, Aug. 25, 1917,
signed by an Assistant Secretary of War; commission as temporarily a
Lieutenant General, Washington, Apr. 26, 1945, signed by Secretary of War
HENRY STIMSON; commission as Brigadier General, Washington, July 18,
1946, signed by Secretary of War ROBERT P. PATTERSON; commission
as Major of Cavalry, Washington, July 1, 1920, signed by Secretary of War
JOHN W. WEEKS, heavy water stains at top; commission as Lieutenant
Colonel of Cavalry, Washington, Aug. 1, 1935, signatures obliterated due
to heavy water damage affecting bottom of document; commission as a
temporary Colonel, Washington, June 30, 1941, stained; the Cavalry School
Advanced Course diploma, also Machine Gun Course, June 24, 1925, Fort
Riley, June 10, 1925, Army War College 1937 class completion certificate;
General Service School diploma, Fort Leavenworth, June 18, 1926, Lateran
and Czech documents recognizing his service; and the Royal document
making him an Honorary Companion, badly water damaged. Also present
are two early postwar photos of Keyes in uniform. But for damage stated
above, this fine grouping is very good.
$1,500-2,000
302. GEN. GEOFFREY KEYES’ FILE OF MILITARY ORDERS GEOFFREY
KEYES Fine grouping of approx. thirty documents, orders, etc., about 80pp.
in all, almost all dated 1942 and many concerning his appointment as George
Patton’s deputy commander in the landings in North Africa (OPERATION
TORCH). Many are signed true copies, some are the original orders
themselves. Includes: Keyes’ DD-214 (Armed Forces Separation Work Sheet);
DA-300, “Secret” order to travel to Washington for further orders, Sep. 23,
1942 (OPERATION TORCH); TORCH Headquarters Task Force A personnel list,
including Patton and listing Keyes as Deputy Commanding General; “SECRET”
true copy of Keyes Sep. 23, 1942 orders to report to Washington to participate
in an “important was mission”; “SECRET” assignment to Headquarters, Task
Force A, Sep. 24, 1942; “SECRET” relief of command from 9th Armored, Oct.
21, 1942; official “SECRET” appointment as Patton’s Deputy Commander,
Sep. 26, 1942; orders to attend training at Camp Polk, Feb. 5, 1942; relief
from duty at Camp Polk; assignment to Fort Riley, June 1, 1942; Special Order
No. 142 assigning Keyes to command the 9th Armored Div., May 30, 1942;
order to transfer to Fort Knox, June 4, 1942; printed Special Orders No. 17
indicating promotion to Commander, 3rd Armored Div., Jan. 20, 1942; also
various furloughs, orders to attend training, etc. Some duplicates. Also present
are six copies of the newspaper The Fort Riley Guidon, 8pp. small folio, July 17,
1942 noting that the 9th Armored Division had been reactivated under Keyes’
command. Overall fine, should be seen.
$500-700
304. GEN. GEOFFREY KEYES’ SILVER STAR SILVER STAR CITATION AND
REPAIR RIBBON Fine D.S., 1p. 4to., “Headquarters Seventh Army”, Sep. 1,
1943, the signed Silver Star citation given to Gen. GEOFFREY KEYES (18881967), the highly decorated Lieutenant General who commanded the II
Corps during World War II. The signed carbon reads, in part: “...General
Keyes made daily flights over the enemy lines in a Piper Cub to...keep the
commanding General, Seventh Army [Gen. George Patton] accurately
informed...These flights, made without fighter escort...were a major factor
in the rapid and overwhelming victory...By command of Lieutenant General
PATTON...”. Sold with a 2” length of replacement ribbon for the award, from
Keyes’ estate, and the Seventh Army announcement of the award. Very
good.
$250-350
Owned and used by Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, a
planner of the invasion that captured Palermo
305. “SECRET” PANORAMIC MAPS USED IN THE INVASION OF SICILY
Excessively rare set of nine panoramic sketches used by Gen. Geoffrey
Keyes (who would later take Palermo) in the planning and execution of the
American seaborne invasion of Sicily on July 9, 1942. Each printed 14” x
9 1/2” plan is marked in red: “SECRET BIGOT-HUSKY” and was prepared
specifically for the invasion by COMNAVNAW N-2 Section and dated June
4, 1943. Four of the plans (one duplicate) are for the “JOSS” beaches which
surrounded Licata, one for “DIME” which was in the center of Gela, and three
(one duplicate) are for “CENT”, in the area of Safaglione. Each plan indicates
surface and soil conditions, labels hills, mountains, fields, groves, roads,
railroads, and defensive works are highlighted in red. These maps were
obviously indispensible in planning attacks and advances, and are certainly
much rarer than their OVERLORD equivalents - only 800 sets of these views
were printed in all. Also present is the cover sheet sent with the plans,
likewise stamped “SECRET”. An unrelated carbon copy of a memo sent to
Gen. George Patton by Maj. Gen. Edwin House is present, 1p. 4to., [Sicily],
Aug. 1, 1943 quoting a letter from Gen. Terry Allen stating somewhat
sarcastically that he will not request close air support for ground troops,
due to deaths from friendly fire. A later typed note at bottom refutes the
claim. Fine condition. From the estate of Gen. Geoffrey Keyes.
$1,200-1,500
32
306. 7TH ARMY HEADQUARTERS COMMANDING GENERAL’S GUEST REGISTER Guest book of Gen. GEOFFREY KEYES (1888-1967), Gen.
George Patton’s deputy commander in North Africa, planned the invasion of Sicily and captured Palermo, led the II Corps and 7th Army, and
planned Patton’s funeral. Bound guest register, 11” x 8 3/4”, vellum covered boards with gilt printing: “HEADQUARTERS U.S. ARMY GUEST
REGISTER OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL”, also bearing a color image of the army’s emblem, with six of the approx. 200pp. partlyprinted pages bearing date, name, rank and organization of the 80+ visitors. A post-war book, Nov. 5, 1945 to Mar. 30, 1946, also signed
by four members of the International Tribunal. Included are: FRANCIS BIDDLE, BRIG. GEN. W. A. HOLBROOK, LT. GEN. JOHN C. H. LEE, MAJ.
GEN. E. P. PARKER, JR., MAJ. GEN. ALBERT KENNER, GEN. JOSEPH MCNARNEY, MAJ. GEN. RODERICK ALLEN, MAJ. GEN. ROBERT BURRESS,
MAJ. GEN. WILLIAM SCHMIDT, MAJ. GEN. A. R. BOLLING, MAJ. GEN. JOHN DEVINE, BRIG. GEN. N. A. BURNELL, BRIG. GEN. GEORGE RIXEY,
MAJ. GEN. EDWIN P. PARKER, MAJ. GEN. W. R. SCHMIDT, and many other officers not identified by us. Cover slightly warped, discolored and
worn, overall very good.
$500-700
Top Secret after-action report on Japan’s lost “treasure” submarine
307. THE SINKING OF JAPANESE SUBMARINE I-52 Amazing archive of original documents surrounding the June 24, 1944 sinking of the I-52,
a Japanese type C-3 cargo submarine which sailed from Japan to Lorient on March 10 with a cargo which included 9.8 tons of molybdenum,
11 tons of tungsten, 2.2 tons of gold bullion and three tons of opium. Unbeknownst to the vessel’s crew, the U.S. had intercepted radio
messages
and
trailed
the vessel, and a task
force initiated an aerial
attack late on June 23,
1944. Lt. Cmdr. Jesse D.
Taylor’s Avenger dropped
depth charges on the sub
after radar contact was
established at 2340, and
after he saw he had made
a near miss, he dropped
a
sonobuoy.
Hearing
propeller
sounds,
he
then dropped an acoustic
torpedo on the vessel. As
Taylor’s patrol ended, he
was relieved by Lt. William
Gordon who, hearing faint
propeller noises, dropped
a second acoustic torpedo.
A search the following day found some of the cargo and human remains. The Navy has
credited both Taylor and Gordon with the sinking of Japan’s “Golden Submarine”. Offered
here are original signed after-action battle reports, almost all marked “TOP SECRET”, likely
prepared aboard the escort carrier USS BOGUE immediately after the sinking by Gordon,
the acoustics specialist flying with him, wing men, and gunners. Included is Gordon’s 4pp. 4to. likely self-typed draft of his narrative of
the battle. He describes his arrival on the scene and monitoring of smoke and sonobuoys. He describes dropping additional sonobuoys
and smoke lights to mark the perceived location of the submarine. Hearing stronger propeller noises, he describes his approach and the
drop of the torpedo (called a “mine”). At 0212 he writes that he heard a “tremendous explosion” at the sonobuoy sending the greatest
signals, and propeller noises ended two minutes later. He then describes dropping more smoke lights and sonobuoys and being relieved
by Lt. Francis Brady. Also present are two signed and numbered compilations of statements of participants in the attack, taken aboard the
BOGUE by a Navy interrogator, each including Gordon’s narrative, his statement, a condensed form of the narrative, signed by him, as well
as signed statements by his acoustics technician Price Fish, gunner Quentin Kelso, Gordon’s radio operator I. E. Martin, wing man Arthur
Hirsbrunner, Hirsbrunner’s radioman Donald P. Knox, and relied pilot Francis Brady. The two reports also list the 3,127 lbs. of wreckage
debris picked up and a schematic showing Gordon’s attack. Also present: a nearly complete third set of signed reports; a 21pp. 4to. copy
of Report of Operations of Composite Squadron 69, the task force sent to destroy I-52; handwritten notes on firing armaments; and a
group of ephemera from the Naval Air Combat Information School including identification of aircraft, photos of Japanese planes, etc. and
five Flak Information Bulletins, Oct., 1944 - Apr., 1945. A National Geographic video on the search for the gold aboard the submarine is
included.
$1,000-1,500
308. 591ST BOMB GROUP (“RINGMASTERS”) GROUPING The 591st Bong Group (the “Ringmasters”) was an Eighth Air Force B-24
Liberator unit stationed in England. Assigned to RAF North Pickenham in early 1944, the group flew 187 combat missions, being awarded
a Distinguished Unit Citation for a raid over Misburg on 26 November 1944. Good grouping of ephemera from this distinguished unit,
includes: a 13” x 16”1943 aviation map of Rotterdam and points south with pencil notation: “A/C No. 42-95104 went down with No. 1 &
No. 2 engine smoking at 1347 hrs. Three chutes observed”, with an “x” southeast of Munster; July, 1945 printed news letter; laminated
“Lucky Bastard’s Club” card carried by survivors of the unit; a 6pp. 4to. period typed history of the group; 14pp. period photo printings
of a souvenir booklet issued by the group; two certificates issued by commanding officers to master sergeant at war’s end; Jan. 10, 1945
notice to the members of the 8th Air Force, signed in facsimile by Jimmy Doolittle praising them; and May 14, 1945 V-E Day issued of
Newsweek. Also present are dozens of pages of research material on the unit. Very good.
$300-400
309. NO LOT
33
312. A ROMANIAN CORPORAL ENLISTS IN THE WAFFEN-SS Document
from the Volksbund of the Germans in Hungary, Local Group Jaad, certifying
a Romanian soldier, formerly active in the Romanian army with the rank
of corporal and on the front while in the Hungarian army, is voluntarily
enlisting in the Waffen SS and sent into action on May 12 1944. T.L.S., 6.75”
x 8.25” stamped by the Ortsgruppenleiter in Jaad on May 7 1944, with a
handwritten notation “Number 142/SS W.SS.”.
$60-80
310. UNIFORM, MEDALS, AND MILITARY ARCHIVE OF PIONEER WOMEN’S
MARINES TECH. SGT. LOUISE SIMPSON The uniform, medals, identification
and personal records of pioneering Women Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt.
Imogene Louise Simpson, born in Mattoon, Illinois in 1922 and sworn into the
Marine Corps on May 6, 1944. She trained at Parris Island and remained there
February, 1946 and for 18 months remained in the reserves. In February,
1949 Simpson reenlisted and was served in the Commandant’s Office in
Washington, and thereafter assumed recruiting duties in several locations on
the East Coast. She remained active in the Marine Corps until 1960 giving her
country twelve years of steady service. Included in this grouping is two sets
of dog tags, American Campaign, National defense, World War II and Marine
Corps medals, ribbon bars, post-war gunnery sergeant’s tunic, World War II era
visored cap with Marines insignia, green-striped garrison cap, her recruitment
documents, a file containing her various orders through the years, flyers and
hand-outs promoting the Womens Marine Corps, letters of commendation,
medical records, newsletters, about 40 loose photos, some of which show
her greeting President Harry Truman, funeral and parades scenes, and
signed photos of generals Clifton B. Cates and Merwin Silverthorn, honorable
discharges, passes and identification, and Simpson’s separation report. Also
of interest is a photo album Simpson assembled during her training on Parris
Island. Thirty-four of Simpson’s fellow Woman Marines inscribe and sign the
album, which contains about 140 2” x 4” photos. Subjects include marching
in Washington, local tourism including the Tomb of the Unknowns, images of
fellow Marines at leisure, etc. A complete record of the service of one of the
first enlisted career Woman Marines.
$800-1,200
311. A GERMAN CITY REPORTS ON ALLIED BOMBING DAMAGE A fine pair
of items evidencing the damage done to the city of Landshut, Germany by an
Allied bombing raid (likely American) on Apr. 11, 1945. The grouping includes
a report issued by the mayor of the city and sent to Luftgaucommando 7, likely
responsible for the defense of the city, along with a map of the destruction
done during the attack. The partly-printed report is 8pp. 4to., prepared in
Landshut on Apr. 16, 1945, five days after the attack. The mayor advises that
the attack occurred on the 11th at 12:56 PM and continued until 1:11 PM. 120
Allied bombers attacked in 11 waves in approx. one minute intervals, they
dropped 800 H.E. bombs of 50-1,000 kilos each, as well as 5,000 incendiary
bombs. 4,200 propaganda fliers were also dropped. Targets included railway
yards, other communications, fuel and supply depots, bridges, and factories.
The dead and wounded (11 - 41) are ennumerated, including concentration
camp internees (two injured). Twenty-one buildings were totally destroyed,
and about fifty others were damaged. This pre-printed form also allows one
to list livestock killed - in this case, eight horses and one cow were lost, but
rabbits, goats, sheep, chicken, ducks, pigeons, etc. were spared. The map, 18”
x 22”, is essentially a blueprint of the city upon which a draftsman has coloredin the areas of destruction which are testament to the accuracy of American
bombing technique at this late period of the war: the populated parts of the
city are almost untouched, but the rail yards and factory area are devastated
with: “...explosive bombs...fires...”, and even “duds” are located on the map.
Both map and report and stamped “Secret”. With transmittal envelope. Map
bears a 1 1/2” fold tear at left, else in very good to fine condition. During the
war, a subcamp of Dachau was located in the city to provide slave labor for
local industry. The first such report we have ever seen come to market.
$200-300
313. AMPHIBIOUS FORCE ENSIGN DESCRIBES VJ DAY, WITH RARE
POSTAL COVER An A.L.S. written by Ensign Robert E. Pierce aboard the
USS Medea in the Pacific Theatre with a rare VJ postal cover from the Third
Amphibious Force, 6pp. 8vo., cancelled Sept. 2, 1945. Pierce writes to
friends in Hadley, Mass., in part: “...I never dreamed I’d be in Tokyo on THE
day. But I was....It was really a terribly thrilling experience. There were
perhaps thirty transports and cargo ships stretched out in a long column
some nine or ten miles long weaving their way thru a swept channel in
the minefield that black the harbor. Overhead wave after wave of B29s
and fighter planes passed in formation. On the Missouri itself we could see
everyone standing at attention...We had no sooner put the anchor down
when we lowered all our boats and within a matter of minutes the entire
harbor was swarming with perhaps 500 small boats all dashing toward
the beach with troops of occupation...Much of the waterfront section has
been utterly destroyed or gutted by allied fire bombs. But the allies seem
to have been pretty careful about their targets for what sections of the city
we could see destroyed all entirely all were factories or shipyards...I don’t
know whether or not you know I was at Okinawa. We rate a battle star for it
although we don’t deserve it. We ran into very little action. We did have the
job of laying smoke screens with our small boats...The first night we were
out, suicide planes passed overhead and one of them dropped some bombs
on an LST anchored about a half mile away. But the bombs missed the LST
and hit another smoke boat instead, blowing it to kingdom come...” and
$100-150
more. Very good condition.
314. ARCHIVE OF LETTERS FROM A GERMAN IN SERVICE AT PRISON
CAMP STALAG IIC Lot of letters from Schutze (private) Heinrich Lederer, a
German soldier serving at Stalag IIC Greifswald, Germany. Present are six
A.L.S.’s, 11pp. 4to., Stalag IIC, 1941, all bear the camp’s rubber-stamped
letterhead. The soldier writes to his family in 1941, describing his receipt
of packages, sending his family gifts, a mention of receiving the huge
sum of 1,600 marks, etc. With envelopes with feldpost stamps. Together
with a letter sent to Lederer from another soldier stationed near Kiev, 2pp.
8vo., mentioning the death of his wife, and a prisoner’s identification
disc stamped “Stalag 2E Nr 33764”. . Overall very good. Stalag IIIC was in
operation from June, 1940 until April, 1945.
$200-300
315. B-17 PILOT’S LOGBOOKS, MAP, NAVIGATIONAL INSTRUMENTS
AND REFERENCE TABLES Large grouping of ephemera from World War II
B-17 pilot Capt. Charles F. Hanselman, includes: Royal Canadian Air Force
Pilot’s Log Book, showing his training in single-engine aircraft from Oct.
29 to Dec. 13, 1941, R.C.A.F. promotional booklet for potential pilots, ca.
1938; his Pilot Log Book, about 75pp. 8vo., with entries from Aug. 10, 1942
to Feb. 14, 1943, day and night training, accompanied and solo; U.S.A.A.F.
cadets handbook, about 20pp. 4to. Maxwell Field, Al, Aug., 1942; Army
Air Force Dead Reckoning Computer Type E-6B with case and instructions,
made by Cruver, Chicago; a second Dead Reckoning Navigation Computer,
Type MB-4, mil spc. MIL-C-5414-b, made by G. Felsenthal & Sons; a
“memory map” of France, 8vo.,; Weems & Plath Star Finder model 2102-D
with case, and three vols. ca. 1977 sight reduction tables.
$100-150
316. BELGIAN RESISTANCE An intriguing item, one side being a period
copy of a letter signed in facsimile by Dwight D. Eisenhower, [n.p., n.d., but
likely October, 1944], headed: SECRET To the officers and men of all Belgian
Resistance Organizations”. In the letter, Ike praises the Belgian resistance for
their assistance in helping the Allies liberate their country, but asks that now
that the conflict has moved on, all arms be surrendered to the authorities
and that all hostilities “be directed against our common enemy”. In October,
British soldiers actually wounded 45 members of the resistance who had
marched on Parliament seeking to retain their arms to continue fighting
with the Allies. Soon, large numbers of former members of the resistance
enlisted into the regular army, largely joining the Belgian Fusilier Battalions.
The verso of the letter bears about 70 lines of tiny script in French which
appears to document post-war combat action by ex-members of the
Belgian resistance. Very good.
$150-200
34
317. DEC. 7, 1941 HOMEFRONT LETTER FROM FORT BRAGG A.L.S. 2pp.
4to., Dec. 7, 1941, in pencil on letterhead of Fort Bragg, South Carolina, in
which a bored young soldier writes home, in part: “...I received your two
letters and was glad to hear from you...you said I was going to get a bonus
from the American Thread Co. but I did not get it yet when I get it I will let
you know about it...I cannot think of anything more to write...P.S. don’t read
this to the old man...I will bring the accordion home...I got your letter that
you sent to Fort Jackson S.C. I am back at Fort Bragg. I am going to town
tonight to make the picture for you in full uniform...”. Very good.$75-100
within Zone A, except for those being relieved, and troops within Zone B
could not be augmented in any way. Sold with a full period translation.
Nogues letter has a few tiny holes in blank areas, else very good; map has
small tears at fold junctions. Spain of course was a client of Nazi Germany
and involvement by that country in North Africa or the European theater
could have spelled disaster for the newly-landed Americans. $400-600
Also quoting Amb. Joseph Kennedy
and mentiong JFK
321. GERMAN “OFFICIAL” PUBLICATION BLAMES POLAND FOR
PROVOKING WAR German propaganda publication, Polish Documents
Relative to the Origin of the War, First Series”, (Berlin: Deutscher Verlag),
1940. Approx. 150pp. large 4to. A collection of reprints of sixteen pre-war
official communications, virtually all from Polish ambassadors to the Polish
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Apr. 2, 1935 to July 13, 1939 but also including
a memorandum from a Polish commercial attaché on a conversation
with Ambassador Joseph Kennedy, father of the future president. The
introductory note indicates that the documents reproduced within, which
also have been translated into English, were discovered after the capture
of Warsaw and “throw light upon the origins of the war”. Not read by us
but undoubtedly if not entirely bogus, they portray the Germans’ desired
image that the Poles had provoked the September, 1939 invasion. Kennedy
is quoted as saying that Poland’s army was the most capable in Europe, his
two eldest sons (John and Joseph) had recently toured Poland, and that Joe,
Jr. had “influence” with F.D.R.. A bit brittle, cover held to spine with old cello
tape, still very good.
$150-200
318. FIELD-PRINTED RUSSIAN ULTIMATUM FOR THE SURRENDER OF
BUDAPEST Excellent and quite rare field-printed ultimatum delivered (in
quanity) to the German and Hungarian troops defending Budapest against
a Russian siege from December 29, 1944. The crudely printed flyer, 2pp.
4to., addressed the commanders of the encircled Hungarian and German
units which are named as well. It continues: “The Red Army estimates
they will finish the clearance of German troops from Hungary within a
month...has surrounded troops commanded by General Schorner and
destroyed them...” The flyer urges surrender to avoid further bloodshed and
destruction of the city, promising fair treatment with Hungarians allowed
to return to their homes. The second page lists the battles which led to the
siege, and harshly criticizes the Germans for shooting a truce negotiator in
the back when he was refused to be heard. For the act, the Germans are
labeled “barbarians and wild animals” and warned that such tactics will not
be tolerated. With translation. Following a failed break-out, the garrison
surrendered on Feb. 13, 1945. Eighty percent of the buildings in the city
were wrecked, and 500,000 Hungarians were transported to the USSR for
forced labor. 38,000 civilians were killed, 50,000 women were raped, and
virtually none of the German prisoners survived captivity.
$300-400
319. GEN. GEORGE S. PATTON’S “NOTES ON THE SICILIAN CAMPAIGN”
Rare printed publication “Notes on the Sicilian Campaign”, published under
the name of Gen. George S. Patton and bearing his facsimile signature,
22pp.with a 17pp. annex, “Headquarters Seventh Army”, [n.p., likely
England, n.d., probably Spring, 1943], and marked “SECRET” on every
page. A lengthy series of recommendations for training, infantry and tank
tactics, equipment deployment and improvements, many thought out to
the smallest detail, all having sprung from the mind of Gen. George Patton
while planning the invasion of Sicily. Probably the most telling of Patton’s
orders concerns soldiers digging-in: “The expression, ‘dig or die’ is not
only true but harmful. Troops must not be permitted to dig until they have
reached the final objective”. The cover of the report has been duly signed
with rank by Gen. GEOFFREY KEYES, Patton’s second in command in North
$400-600
Africa who would capture Palermo. Fine.
320. GEORGE S. PATTON AND NEGOTIATIONS TO PREVENT A WAR
WITH SPAIN CHARLES NOGUES (1876-1971) French general and civil
administrator, commander in chief of Vichy French forces in North Africa
and high commissioner following the American invasion. Fine content T.L.S.
on his Resident-General letterhead, 2pp. 4to., Rabat, Dec. 6, 1942 to Gen.
George S. Patton, in French. A week earlier the pair had met to discuss
negotiations between Nogues and Spanish Gen. Orgaz, then commanding
forces in Spanish Morocco, concerning ways to prevent further heightened
tensions between newly-liberated French Morocco and Spanish Morocco.
Nogues provides Patton with a 39” x 24” map of northern Morocco showing
a buffer area delineated into a “Zone A” and “Zone B”. He explains in his letter
that he and Orgaz were about to agree that no troops may be relocated
322. GERMAN EMBASSY PRINTING OF HITLER’S APRIL 28, 1939 SPEECH
MOCKING ROOSEVELT Rare printing “Official Translation of the Speech
Delivered by Adolf Hitler Before the German Reichstag on April 28, 1939”
printed by the German Embassy in Washington, 72pp. 8vo., [1939]. With
no commentary added, the entire text of Hitler’s speech is set forth. In it,
he as usual insists he wants peace, rails against Versailles, and plays down
Germany’s rearmament. However, of great American interest is his response
to Franklin Roosevelt’s earlier letter to listing over a dozen countries and
demanding to know if Hitler intended to invade them. In a famous film
clip of the speech, Hitler elicits peals of laughter from the members of the
Reichstag as he rattles off the names of the countries…most of which he
would indeed invade within a few years. Very good.
$100-150
323. GERMAN P.O.W. CAMP LETTERS Good lot of five letters from Allied
prisoners held in German P.O.W. camps, includes four letters from Polish
officers held at Woldenburg (Oflag II-C), two sent to Krakau, one to West
Prussia, and one sent to Litzmannstadt, all with censor’s stamps, 1942-45,
and one letter from Stalag II-D, Oct. 20, 1942, a Polish officer’s letter to a
Polish address. Untranslated, generally very good.
$100-150
324. GERMAN PROPAGANDA Good lot of three items, includes In Gottes
Eigenum Land (“In God’s Own Country”), by Dr. E. Ahlswede, a satirical antiAmerican publication, (Berlin: Franz Eher Verlag), 1942. 96pp. 8vo.. The
cover illustration shows gold pouring into a New York skyscraper, while the
content, heavily illustrated, mocks the United States as a land of hypocritical
gangsters with a few enjoying life while millions suffer. Illustrations show
showgirls, young women marrying old codgers, Al Capone, tenements,
etc. Cover worn, else good. Sold with a Hitler Youth publication, 34pp.
8vo., an illustrated history of the attack on Narvik, and a 16pp. pictorial
newspaper: Fuhrer, wir Danken Dir! which shows how much better German
life has become between 1932 and 1937 (splits, only fair). Three pieces.
$150-200
325. GESTAPO PROMOTION DOCUMENTS A group of three Gestapo
promotion documents, 1p. legal folio each, Stettin, Pomerania, 1941. Each
document certifies that the individual to be promoted had been questioned
regarding his political stance, and that the promotion may be carried
through. Each is signed by the Kreisamtsleiter as well as a representative of
the Gestapo who questioned him. Very good condition, three pieces.
$300-400
326. IDENTIFICATION CARDS OF S.A. STORMTROOPERS Good lot of six
identification cards issued to S.A. members who are so identified thereon
(one a temporary ID), each 4pp. 12mo., all being students. All bear official
stamps and signatures, all but one printed on waterproof cloth. None bear
photographs. Overall fine condition.
$200-300
35
327. JAPANESE OFFICER’S COLLAR TABS, P.O.W. DOCUMENTS, AND
EPHEMERA LOT Grouping of items once belonging to Japanese Capt. Isamu
Yamamoto. Included are five photos of the officer in uniform, Pacific War
medal and miniature, boxed, unissued collar tabs from a shop in Bandoeng,
a book on Surabaya, Indonesia, nine documents in Japanese, untranslated,
three P.O.W. documents issued to Yamamoto upon his release from the
Jurong J.H.S.P. Transit Camp in August, 1947 listing clothes, etc. given him
upon his discharge, railway pass, Japanese officer’s cap desk ornament,
personal notebook which includes a list of documents surrounding his
internment, and a British Bible tract, the Gospel of St. Matthew. $700-900
328. K.G. 51 LUFTWAFFE MAP CASE AND LUFTWAFFE MAP OF BRITAIN
Excellent Battle of Britain grouping, includes a 14” x 9” leather Luftwaffe
map case with two celluloid see-through panels which fold in upon each
other and can be secured with a leather snap. A flap is also provided at
top: it bears two snaps. A black ink stamp on the interior of the flap reads:
“Stab. K. G. 51” indicating that the case was used by Luftwaffe Bomber
Wing 51 “Edelweiss”. That wing of light and medium bombers was heavily
involved throughout the war, including the Battle of Britain, in the Balkans,
and in the East. Within the case is a well-used waterproof 17” x 24” LuftNavigationskarte, an air navigation map issued in 1942. One side depicts
Ireland, England, and the French coast, with the verso showing a large
section of northern Europe mapped in 1940. Likely intended for emergency
use. Map is soiled with folds, case is very good.
$400-600
330. MAP OF POST-WAR OCCUPIED EUROPE Scarce printed map, 35”
x 27”, a July, 1944 National Geographic map overprinted in blue by the
U.S. Army titled “OCCUPATION ZONES GERMANY AND AUSTRIA” and twice
marked: “RESTRICTED”. The map, from the estate of Gen. Geoffrey Keyes
who would be the occupation administrator of Austria, shows the borders
of the areas which would be under post-war military control of the U.S.,
U.S.S.R., France and Great Britain, with Berlin undesignated. Marginal tears
$200-300
and wear, a small clean tear at one fold, else very good.
331. MEDALS AND INDENTITY PAPERS OF EMIL GUTMANN Two
medals, pin, and papers of Pvt. Emil Gutmann, includes: Westwall Medal,
bronze, 1 1/4” x 1 5/8” bronze with suspension loop, eagle, shovel, sword
and fortification on obverse, legend “FOR WORK FOR THE PROTECTION
OF GERMANY” on the reverse, with ribbon. Award cerificate issued Aug. 8,
1940 with litho signature of Otto Meissner also present; War Merit Cross
with Swords, 2nd Class, with award certificate and uniform ribbon bar, Jan.
30, 1944; small circular “tinnie” showing a fortification on the Maginot line,
likely captured in France; a certificate of thanks for a donation, signed in
type by Goring; a furlough, a Reichskolonialbund membership book, and
his POW release paperwork. Very good.
$150-200
332. NAVY GROUPING OF LT. LEO GORDON Nice grouping of items from
Senior Navy Aviator Lt. Leo Gordon, Patrol Squadron 204, who flew escort
and rescue missions from Guantanamo Bay. Included is a pair of green
Navy saddle bags marked “MEESE INC. 1945”, interior lined with rubberized
canvas, along with Gordon’s Navy Mark 33, Model 1 6 x 30 binocular,
cased. Also present is a restricted May, 1944 aeronautical chart of Cuba
and surrounding islands, copy of a 4pp. May. 9, 1944 report on the crash
of a PBM at sea, three cables and a “trouble report” relating to the crash,
12 Wright Engine Course documents, Gordon’s orders, and six 8” x 10”
photos, including planes in flight and a rescue at sea. Very good.
$150-200
333. POLICE OFFICER IS DRAFTED BY THE SS Lot of three documents,
3pp. total, concerniung the drafting of Viktor Grabietz to serve as a
police officer in Braunschwieg. Includes his draft notice on ReichsfuhrerSS letterhead, Berlin, May 30, 1940, his May 8, 1944 raise in pay while in
service in Dessau, and a copy of his birth certificate (taped at folds).
$100-150
329. KORVETTENKAPITAN WOLFGANG BAHN GROUPING Small
grouping of documents and shoulder boards once belonging to
Korvettenkapitan (Commander) Wolfgang Bahn, who formerly served
on U-31 and U-24, and became staff officer at the 3rd U-boat teaching
division in Neustadt/Holstein, Germany. Included are two shoulder boards,
4 3/4” and 4”, interwoven silver/aluminum Russian braiding on black
bases, good condition; two pay books from May 1940 to May 1944, a 3
1/2” x 5 1/2” photo of Bahn, his birth certificate, his marriage certifcate
dated Jan 3, 1940. Also included is a four page inventory report of personal
property, probably to be prepared for the impending air raids by the allies.
Fine.
$500-700
334. S.A. AUSWEIS Identity papers issued to a member of the S.A., 4pp.
32mo., waterproofed light brown fabric, bears an image of the owner, one
Philippe Stock from Hessen, a member since 1933, these papers prepared
in 1937. Photo not tied to document, possibly unissued.
$150-200
335. SAAR-ISSUED PASSPORT Very rare passport issued from Saarbrucken
only three weeks after Germany re-integrated the region into the German
Reich. The Reisepasse was issued to Maria Rossbert in Saarbrucken on Mar.
23, 1935. Visas within permit unlimited visits to France, likely due to the
fact that she lived in the border town of Forbach. The visas extend until
September, 1939 - the outbreak of war with Poland. Also present is a rare
Grenzkarte issued to those who regularly crossed the French border, and
Rossbert’s 1920 “Reclamation of French Nationality” document, approved
in 1920 which likely caused her further confusion at the border. On Mar. 11,
1941 the region was renamed “Westmark” making this passport obsolete.
$150-200
36
336. SAFE CONDUCT PASS GIVEN TO RUSSIANS Printed safe conduct
pass distributed to Russian soldiers 2pp. legal folio, one side bearing
photographs of Russian prisoners apparently being well-treated with the
caption in Russian: “Do you know who this is?. The verso bears untranslated
text, but the German text reads: “The bearer of this pass does not want
useless bloodletting in the interest of the Jews or the Commissars. He is
leaving the defeated Red Army and joining the side of the Wehrmacht. The
German officers and soldiers will treat the deserter very well - the will feed
him and give him work. This safe conduct pass is valid for any number
of officiers and soldiers of the Red Army that surrender...”. Folds, else
very good. Of course, 95% of the Russians who surrendered were either
executed or imprisoned and starved to death.
$75-100
341. U.S.S.R. FIVE-YEAR PLAN 1946-1950 Fascinating relic of the Cold
War, a translated period copy of Josef Stalin’s “Five-Year Plan for the
Restoration and Development of the National Economy of the U.S.S.R. for
the Years 1946-1950”, presented by Stalin to the Supreme Soviet on Mar.
15, 1946 and submitted to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, then leading the Third
Army and charged with the military administration of occupied Austria.
This translation, dated July 19, 1946, is a one-off copy, bound in cloth with
gold-lettered cover with a map of the U.S.S.R. and containing a hand-drawn
economic map and 67 pages of text. Much hyperbole and propaganda,
also stressing growth of the military and protection from future invasion
through occupation of border countries. Cover chipped at bottom, else
fine.
$200-300
337. SS AUSWEIS CARD Partly-printed identification card for a member
of the SS, bears red SS stamp on recto, Heinrich Himmler’s signature in
facsimile on verso. Unissued.
$100-150
342. WALTHER PP AND PPK PISTOL MANUAL Walther Waffenfabrik
manual for the Walther PP and PPK pistols, undated but possibly war-date,
34pp. 6” x 4 1/2” with color cover and illustrations. Worn a bit, just good.
$75-100
338. SS PROMOTION DOCUMENTS Lot of three scarce promotion
documents issued by the SS, includes SS-General HEINZ REINEFARTH
(1903-1979) awarded the Knights Cross with Oak Leaves, a war criminal
whose men assisted in the murder of 40,000 Jews in Warsaw, a retained
copy of his promotion order from Adolf Hitler, Berlin, Apr. 20, 1942, signed
by an unknown SS-sturmbannfuhrer, with original photo; retained copy
of the promotion to Brigadefuhrer-SS of OTTO KUSCHOW (1890-1945),
a Chief of Police killed defending the Nuremberg Police Station, July 27,
1944, from Himmler and signed by an unknown SS-Sturmbannfuhrer;
and a retained copy of the promotion to SS-Gruppenfuhrer of RUDOLF
JUNG (1882-1945), Nazi ideologue, also signed by an unknown, one
corner chipped. Also included is a telex received by the SS concerning the
appointment of a Croatian officer. Four pieces.
$400-600
339. SS SOLDIER’S IDENTITY CARD SS soldier’s identity card, 3 1/2” x 4
3/4”, issued in Munich to Gustav Mueller of Pr. Holland May 7, 1934. Mueller
would be assigned to 10/61 SS-Standarte. Bears a facsimile signature of
Himmler, signed by the bearer. Two file holes else very good. $200-300
340. U.S. MILITARY TWO-DIMENSIONAL VIEWS OF MONTE CASSINO Lot
of two rare, war-date printed panoramic maps of the region surrounding
and including Monte Cassino, the scene of some of the fiercest fighting of
the war. One map, 22” x 10”, is labeled “VALLEY OF THE LIRI” and shows
roads, visible hills, and the directions and distances to about twenty other
hills and villages further inland. The second map, 20” x 11 1/4”, is labeled
“VIEW FROM O.P. G 9312 ON MT. MAGGIORE” and bears comparable
information, with the village of Cassino shown to be 12 km. distant. Both
maps were produced by Walter Burn of the II Corps on Nov. 30 - Dec. 1,
1943. Folds,else near fine. From the estate of Gen. Geoffrey Keyes who
commanded the II Corps under Gen. Mark Clark. Within six weeks, British,
American and Polish forces would commence a determined - and very
$200-300
bloody - assault on the immediate region.
343. WEHRPASS AND ARBEITSBUCH GROUPING Good grouping of
documents includes three Wehrpasses, including one soldier wounded
three times, in France, Denmark and Russia, awarded the Iron Cross,
2nd Class, with the signed award certificate included, and a flak battery
crewman in Arnstadt; and three Arbeitsbuchs, one issued to a young
woman, with her post-war ID, an electrician, and an Ahnenpass tracing one
of the holders back three generations. Also included is a military discharge
and a Kennkarte issued to a young lady. Overall very good.
$150-200
344. WEHRPASS FOR ARTILLERY OFFICER ON EASTERN FRONT
Wehrpass issued to Leutnant Johann Schaller on Nov. 28, 1938, born
1916 in Hamburg and serving until Aug. 11, 1944. After attending artillery
school, he was largely engaged in Kiev and along the Dnieper with the 6th
Army before being transferred late to Norway. Also included are various
other documents pertinent to his military career, including medical forms,
a pass, statement of employment and political beliefs, course completion
documents, etc.
$75-100
345. WORLD WAR II CORRESPONDENCE OF (SECTION 8?) PVT. GIRARD
H. HARRIS Grouping of 12 war-date letters and covers from Pvt. Girard H.
Harris, 593rd Engineers Amphibious Reg., covering his training at Camp
Carrabelle (near Panama City, FL), Aug 7-Dec. 7, 1942, most 4pp. 8vo. The
content of the letters, along with the fact that Harris has remained behind
while his regiment has shipped-out to California, leads us to believe that
he may have been in line for a Section 8 discharge, i.e. mental instability.
In part: “...Received instructions on what to do before we use the boats...
we were preparing for inspection...the general takes the rifle from you,
looks it over...then throws it back at you...my knees were knocking...he
spotted your two pictures behind my bunk...He said ‘You have a very lovely
wife’...[at base hospital] we have a fellow that just came in who thinks
he’s Napoleon. He looks it too. Something tells me I’m in the right ward...
the fellow that tried to cut his wrists was put in another ward...he dove
through the window and ran down the road...my outfit is out on Catalina
Island...Carrabelle has been condemned but the Army has overruled it...
[he encloses a miniature pair of panties and promises to replace them
with a larger pair when he returns home]...There is a possibility I might
be coming home...I haven’t eaten in a week...Quite a few boys didn’t come
back from town last night...when they showed up this morning they were
all battered...someone was beating them up and rolling them of their
money...it happens every pay day...the men gambled again...a lot of them
have gone broke...they were betting as high as $40 a hand...I never saw
so much money floating around...bombs, torpedoes and mines might
be found on the shores. We were told not to touch them or pick up any
fragments...Tomorrow I should know if I’ll get home for Christmas. Of
course, a lot may have to depend on the outcome of my session with the
Board...the Medical Board won’t meet again ...until after Christmas...”. Sold
with an unrelated soldier’s letter, 4pp. 8vo., Camp Adair, OR, Oct. 13, 1943
enclosing three photos of a young lady and noting: “...I don’t know what
to think about Dot. But she sure in hell seems a little wackie to me. You
ought to see some of her letters...Here is some pictures I got from Dot...
You can do anything you wish [with] them. Burn them up or throw them
away or do what you want with them...”. Also with nine war-date A.L.S.’s
of Pvt. Alan I. Burnap, each 2pp. or more, all written from the South Pacific,
1942-43 with covers but as Burnap was very careful about content due to
censorship restrictions, the content is mundane at best. 22 pcs.
$100-150
37
World War II: The Holocaust
“Does one have to put up with these outrageous lies
from the prosecutor?”
346. ADOLF EICHMANN (1906 - 1962) Nazi military officer charged by Hitler with
the destruction of the Jewish race, present at the Wannsee Conference where the “Final
Solution” was formulated, and generally oversaw the operation of the death camps.
Captured and smuggled to Israel, he was convicted of war crimes and hanged. Very
rare fine content A.D.S. “E”, 1p. legal folio, in German to his defense counsel, Dr.
Robert Servatius. In full: “Does one have to put up with these outrageous lies from the
prosecutor, without any recourse. The claims this man is making are really outrageous.
The press accepts all of it with great pleasure. ‘There were Polish transports which
were directed to Auschwitz by IV B4’. This is supposed to sound like I also killed them.
E.” Interestingly, Eichmann adds in pink grease pencil at top: “On the sterlizations”.
Servatius dockets the item with an “x” through the text. Very good.
$3,000-4,000
Eichmann lays out the organizational structure of the Gestapo
347. ADOLF EICHMANN (1906 - 1962) Nazi military officer charged
by Hitler with the destruction of the Jewish race, present at the Wannsee
Conference where the “Final Solution” was formulated, and generally
oversaw the operation of the death camps. Captured and smuggled to
Israel, he was convicted of war crimes and hanged. A unique, historically
important Eichmann item, a drawing executed in blue ballpoint ink on a
12 1/2” x 8” lined legal sheet, showing a schematic titled “Amt IV RSHA”
-- the organizational structure of the Gestapo, the infamous SS Central
Bureau directed by General Heinrich Muller, who disappeared in 1945.
Beneath the main office are portrayed satellite offices in Prague, France,
Holland, Vienna, etc., with lines drawn connecting them to the main office.
At left, Eichmann has drawn some building blocks, with a paragraph
of text which he then scratched out. This drawing was produced by
Eichmann in 1961 in Jerusalem, and used for his defense during his
subsequent trial. In 2000, the State of Israel released Eichmann’s detailed
memoirs written while in prison, which included many organizational
charts - this is a fine example. In very good condition, with a small pencil
docket at bottom right by renowned Swiss autograph expert Renato
Saggiori attesting to the item’s authenticity. A unique Eichmann item.
$2,500-4,000
348. RUDOLPH BRANDT (1909 - 1948) Personal assistant to Heinrich Himmler, condemned to death at Nuremberg for human experiments and killings
of prisoners in German concentration camps, including supplying 86 skeletons of Jews to a German anatomist. Rare T.L.S., 1p. 8vo., “In the field”, Nov. 22,
1943 to Heinrich Himmler. Brandt writes the SS personnel department expressing Himmler’s opinion that no brigadefuhrer position is needed under the
Police President of Nuremberg. Fine.
$300-400
349. HANS FRANK (1900 - 1946) Nazi occupational Governor of Poland partly responsible for the genocide perpetrated there. T.L.S. as Reichsminister on
his official letterhead to Adolf Hitler, 1p.4to., Berlin, Oct. 26, 1937. Frank thanks Hitler for giving him permission to travel to Paris and would like to give
his leader his impression of the city, life in France, and especially the comments of Prime Minister Camille Chautemps. He notes: “...His remarks were in
part very interesting and not unimportant to judge the French intentions...”. Camille Chautemps, three-time Prime Minister and described as “intellectually
$500-600
bereft,” succeeded Leon Blum, and notably threw out all of the Socialists in his government. File holes else very good.
38
350. ERNST-ROBERT GRAWITZ (1899 - 1945) Reichsphysician SS and
Police, Grawitz advised Heinrich Himmler, commander of the Schutzstaffel
(SS), on the use of gas chambers and carried out brutal medical experiments
on Nazi concentration camp prisoners. Due to his own SS rank, Grawitz was
administratively responsible for all medical experiments conducted. Grawitz
was also a physician in the Fuhrerbunker. As high-level ranking Nazis fled
Berlin, Grawitz committed suicide by detonating two grenades at the dinner
table, thus obliterating himself and his family. Fine association T.L.S. on
his person Waffen-SS letterhead, 1p. large 4to., Berlin, Nov. 10, 1941 to
“Comrade Querner” warmly wishing him a happy birthday. File holes at
left, else fine. RUDOLF QUERNER (1893-1945) was a Waffen-SS general
and police leader who harshly enforced orders to locate July 20 bomb plot
conspirators. Arrested at war’s end, he wisely committed suicide.
$400-500
He supervised the destruction
of the Warsaw Ghetto...
351. MAXIMILLIAN VON HERFF (1893 - 1945) German army and SS
general who led “Kampfgruppe von Herff” in North Africa, and was in
Warsaw during the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising where he supervised the
proceedings under orders directly from Himmler. D.S. 1p. 4to. “In
the field”, Sep. 5, 1944, signature at the bottom of a retained copy
of a letter from Heinrich Himmler dismissing Harald Turner from
the position previously held by Richard Hildebrandt. Accompanied
by a second retained copy (unsigned), 1p. large 4to., “In the field”,
Dec. 25, 1943, in which Himmler appoints Turner to replace Richard
Hildbrandt in the SS Race and Resettlement Office during the latter’s
absence. Harald Turner (1891-1947) was SS commander and
Staatsrat (privy councillor) in the German military administration
in Serbia. Turner widely used gas vans to exterminate Jews and
prisoners in Serbia. Very good.
$300-400
352. DER STURMER “JEWS ARE NOT WELCOME HERE” SIGN Very rare
original brass door sign: “Juden sind hier uner wunscht! Der Sturmer” (“Jews
are not welcome here! Der Sturmer”). The sign, 6” x 4 3/8”, bears four small
holes for nails or screws to secure it to a backing. The reverse bears an image
of a muscular arm grasping the neck of a fanged snake representative of
the Julius Streicher’s Sturmer publishing house. Accompanied by a color
copy of a letter bearing an image of the plaque, shipping package, and
handwritten letter from the daughter of a Sturmer employee who mentions
that her father had worked for the company. Eight plaques were in the
original box pictured, which also bore a label: “For Loyal readers”. Fine.
$2,500-3,500
354. JULIUS STRTEICHER’S ANTI-SEMITIC CHILDREN’S BOOK “DO NOT
TRUST A FOX IN A GREEN PASTURE OR A JEW UPON HIS OATH!” A
vile piece of Nazi propaganda, the “instructional” children’s book Trau
keinem Fuchs auf grüner Heid und keinem Jud auf seinem Eid, created by
18-year-old art student Elvira Bauer and published by Julius Streicher’s
Sturmer Publishing Company in 1936. The brightly-colored hardbound
picture book was issued to school children as a supplement to other antiSemitic “primers” such as The Poisonous Mushroom. It is replete with lurid
imagery of dirty, dark-skinned Jews up to no good amongst innocent and
angelic Aryan children, and highlights the heightened Nazi perception of
racial differences with every stanza. The book begins with an account of
how the lazy Jews historically made their race bothersome to others, and
quips: “Look, children, and the two compare, The German and the Jew.
Take a good look at the two In the picture drawn for you. A joke - you think
it is only that? Easy to guess which is which, I say: The German stands up,
the Jew gives way”. This rhetoric amplifies as the book progresses with
narratives against Jews and their alleged love of money, Jewish lawyers
swindling a simpleton farmer, luring Aryan women away from their men
with gold and jewels, and so forth. It goes so far as to include an unabashed
glorification of Streicher himself: “To him we owe our deepest thanks That
German stock remains so sound. The Jews in turn he’s taught a lesson, The
value of a healthy folk. He let them feel the German spirit Twixt Jew and us
he’s shown the difference. That is Streicher!!”. Of particular note is an image
of a wealthy Jew driving a pauper and his daughter from his doorstep, a
Jewish butcher serving Aryans cuts of meat from a filthy butcher shop, and
ignorant Jewish children tormenting the school-loving Aryan kids. Trau
keinem Fuchs concludes with a bucolic image of Hitler Youth on the march
and the verse: “From this picture may be seen, Hitler Youth in splendid mien,
From smallest to the biggest boy. All are husky, tough, and strong. They
love their German Führer And God in Heaven they fear. But the Jews they
must despise! They’re not like these boys, So Jews must just give way!”. This
piece of anti-Semitism was one of the most vitriolic published by Streicher.
With its bright illustrations and appealing typeface, it enjoyed tremendous
popularity and had a run of over 100,000 copies. This particular example
is in near fine condition with just slight loosening to the hinge and wear at
spine.
$2,000-3,000
353. HITLER YOUTH RACIAL IDENTIFICATION TEACHING AIDE Printed
canvas-backed color poster, 36” x 26”, captioned at the bottom: Germany’s
Races and Those of the Rest of Europe”. The poster bears at center the “build
of the body” of the “Alpine race”. That image is surrounded by profiles
and portraits of four other “races”, including “Dinaric...Alpine...Gypsy...
Jew”. The caricature of the Jew used in this image was widely used by the
Nazis for such purposes. This poster was issued by the NSDAP, printed by
Schulmann, Stuttgart, 1934. Apparently split at the seams at one time and
repaired with linen tape on verso, a 1 1/2” marginal tear at bottom, else very
good. Rare.
$750-1,000
39
355. “THE JEWISH WORLD
PLAGUE” One of the most
notorious of Germany’s antisemitic posters, a 24” x 33
1/2” image of a swastikatopped
dagger
deeply
stabbing a green snake which
has encircled the globe.
Blood-red lettering at top
reads: “The Jewish World
Plague”. Horizontal fold, else
near fine condition, simply
framed.
$1,000-1,500
The most virulent Nazi publication
356. “THE JEW AS RACE
DESECRATOR” Excessively
rare anti-Semitic book, Der
Jude als Rasseschander (“The
Jew as Race Desecrator”), by
Dr. Kurt Plifschke, illustrated
by
Philipp
Rupprecht
(“Fips”),
(Berlin:
Verlag
Deutsche
Kulter-Wacht),
ca. 1934. 122pp. 8vo., 28
illustrations, with repro. of
the original cover. Possibly
the most virulent antiSemitic publication created
during the Third Reich, with
graphic images including
caricatures of Jews leering at
“Aryan” women (one being
crucified and whipped), Jews
spitting upon non-Jews,
Jews clutching at innocent
women, etc. Chapters cover
such topics as how Jews see
themselves, teachings of the
Talmud, Jewish law, Jewish
trade in women, and the
need to punish and jail Jews.
Simply unbelievable content.
Excellent condition.
$1,500-2,000
357. “HEREDITY, RACE AND LINEAGE” SCHOOL TEACHING AIDE
Propagandistic anti-Semitic German high school teaching aid, “Erblehre und
Rassenkunde in bildlicher Dartstellung” (“Pictorial Representation of Heredity
and the Science of Race”), by Alfred Vogel, illustrations by Eberhard Brauchle
(Stuttgart: Verlag fur nationale Literatur Gebr. Rath), 1938. 75 separate plates,
most illustrated in color, each 11 1/2” x 15 1/2”. This volume was produced as
a teaching aid to introduce “new” discoveries in genetics and their application
to racial science to high school students. The foreword touts the volume as:
“...the best way to educate youth in our current and future fight for the total
rejection of Jewry...”. In a very clever manner, the plates and text progress from
showing plants and their pollination, showing the products of cross-breeding
of various colored plants, corn, wheat, etc. through the use of diagrams
and illustrations, also taking into account environment. It then proceeds to
introduce humans into the equation, illustrating that “sick” parents produce
“sick” children, and including those who are deformed, mentally retarded,
murderers, etc. The geographic proximity of those with “undesirable”
character traits to each other in a reproductive sense is also explored. One
plate sums up the evils previously explored: flight from the land, big-city living,
and reduction of the birth rate will all lead to the death of the population. The
flight of the population eastwards into the cities is examined, as are reasons
for the reduction of the birth rate. The second part of the text, “Race Science”,
commences at Plate 49. Two plates show the faces of various German “faces”,
with another plate showing the Jews as a mix of races including Blacks and
Asians. Another plate compares photo portraits of German and Jewish youths,
yet another compares their mentalities: “The Jews are always wandering...
and greedy...”. Other plates depict Jews “flooding” into Germany, dominating
industry, Jews “misrepresenting” and “poisoning” German art, literature and
theater, attacks on the Talmud, associations between Jews and Freemasons,
results of mixed marriages, and effects of race laws. Quotes from Hitler’s “Mein
Kampf” appear within the text and as captions to some of the illustrations, The
last plates are the harshest, with attacks on Freemasons, Jewish influence in
world revolutions, showing “Mixed Breed” children, etc. In hard cover portfolio
with dark brown printed title, covers worn, contents fine.
$1,500-2,000
358. “DAS WELTJUDENTUM” SS propaganda anti-Semitic publication
“Das Weltjudentum” (“The World Jewry”) by Dieter Schwarz, 64pp. 8vo., soft
cover, with 17 illustrations, published by Zentralverlag der NSDAP, Berlin,
1939. Very anti-Semitic text discussing the worldwide organization, power
and politics of the Jews, a supposed “intellectual” publication with photos
of Weitzmann, Brandeis, Baruch, Frankfurther, Rabbi Stephen Wise, and
others. New condition.
$150-250
359. “DER JUDISCHE RITUAL-MORDE” Anti-Semitic publication “Der
Judische Ritual-Mord” (“Jewish Ritual Murder”) by Hellmut Schramm, (Berlin:
Theodor Fritsch Verlag), 475pp. 8vo., paper boards, the cover bearing
an image of a Star of David dripping red blood. The book, dedicated to
party ideologue Alfred Rosenberg, is a “historical investigation” gathering
all previous diatribes and relied on outdated Vatican declarations. After
reading it, Himmler ordered Ernst Kaltenbrunner to make inquiries about
ritual murders in the occupied territories and ordered an edition of the book
be sent to staff overseeing for mass shootings. Spine could use re-gluing,
else fine.
$200-300
40
360. “DIE JUDEN IN DEUTSCHLAND” Scarce “official” publication, “Die
Juden in Deutschland” (“The Jews in Germany”), (Munich: Verlag Franz Eher
Nachf.), 1936. Fifth printing, 416pp. Printed by the official printers for the
NSDAP, this creation from the Institute for the Study of the Jewish Question
studies the involvement of Jews in Germany’s past and present, obviously
in the most unfavorable light. The text is divided into chapters such as: “The
Jews in Economic Life...Jews as Carriers of Corruption...”The Jews in the
Press...Jews as ‘Stewards’ of German Culture...The Jews and Immorality...”,
and so on. Two ink stamps within show that this copy was retained in the
N.S.D.A.P. Gau Schwaben offices. Very good to fine.
$300-400
361. “JEWISH DICTATORSHIP” PIN Rare anti-Semitic tin pin, 1 1/8”
diameter with pin on reverse, shows a Jewish man threatening a German
worker with a whip, the Jew surrounded by flames and with a Star of David,
the worker holding a shovel and sword. Captioned: “International Peace or
Jewish Dictatorship”. Fine.
$150-200
362. “JEWS LOOK AT YOU” German anti-Semitic publication Juden sehen
Dich an (“Jews Look At You”), by Dr. Johann von Leers (Berlin: N-S Druck
und Verlag), 1933. 96pp. 8vo. with photo illustrations, in heavy stock
boards with pictorial dust jacket. Extensive criticism of German and other
European Jews of the time, including Albert Einstein (three photos, pp. 3234), Charlie Chaplin (pictured on p. 71), Max Warburg, Karl Liebknecht,
Rosa Luxemburg, etc. The cover illustration is a heavily retouched caricature
meant to be a Jew but who more closely resembles Al Capone...likely an
intentional effort. Very good.
$500-700
369. FRENCH ANTI-SEMITIC PROPAGANDA “DOLLAR” A clever piece of
French anti-Semitic propaganda, an excellent two-sided replica of a Series
1935A U.S. dollar printed on recto and verso. Closer examination shows that
the “dollar” is actually a carefully folded piece of propaganda. Printing within
makes obtuse comparisons to “Jewish attributes”, continuing: “The Minister of
the Treasury in the United States is the Jew MORGENTHAU, a member of the
huge sharks of international finance…THIS DOLLAR PAYS FOR THE JEWISH
WAR…Money doesn’t have an odor..BUT THE JEW HAS ONE!…” Fine.
$150-200
370. FRENCH POST-WAR HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE French printed
booklet “15 YEARS AFTER…THE DEPORTATION”, 32pp. 8vo., Paris, 1960,
published by the Department of the Seine Association of Deportees, Internees,
Resistants and Patriots. An examination of the development and expansion
of the German concentration camp system and its operation, with extensive
use of first-hand quotations by survivors and other evidence. Some photo
illustrations. One page chipped, and some scribbling in the margins of another
page, else very good.
$100-150
371. GERMAN ANTI-SEMITIC ILLUSTRATION Hand-inked and colored
anti-Semitic illustration, 12” x 8 1/4”, shows an obviously starved man with
a shaved head (concentration camp inmate?) dressed in a tuxedo and labeled
“BEFORE”, with an image of an obese character, obviously a caricature of a
Jew, also in a tuxedo and placed behind him, labeled”AFTER” with an arrow
pointing from one description to the other. More frightening is the fact that
the same adjectives are reversed at bottom, probably indicating that the “Jew”
would soon have the roles reversed. Mounted, some soiling.
$500-700
363. “JUD SUSS” PROGRAM Printed program from the 1940 anti-Semitic
propaganda film made at the behest of Joseph Goebbels, 3pp. 8vo., a foldout bearing 15 images from the film, cast listing, and synopsis. Very good. 372. GERMAN ANTI-SEMITIC PROPAGANDA POSTER German anti
$100-150 Semitic propaganda poster, published by the NSDAP in 1942, 16 1/2” x 23
1/2”, pictures Franklin D. Roosevelt hovering above Winston Churchill and
364. “POLITISCHE GEHEIM VERBANDE” Anti-Semitic publication, Josef Stalin with the title: “Who’s fault is the war?”. The lengthy text quotes
“Politische Geheim Verbande” (“Secret Political Association”), by Franz Vernon Bartlett, a British political writer: “...England is the only state...that
Schweyer (Freiburg: Herder & Co. GMBH). 234pp. 8vo., black cloth boards took up weapons without having been attacked.... It continues: “...England
with red printing including a red Star of David. Fine. Franz Schweyer (1868- was the attacker and declared war on Germany for no reason...Roosevelt,
1935) was a German lawyer and politician, Bavarian Minister of State for Churchill and Stalin are responsible for this war, but behind them is the Jew...
Home Affairs, responsible for the defeat of the Hitler-Ludendorff Putsch. International Jewry wanted this war to gain power...Roosevelt, Churchill and
He was briefly imprisoned at Dachau.
$100-150 Stalin are their tools...The responsible party for this war is Jewry!...” Fine.
$400-600
365. “TEN LITTLE NIG_ERS” German racist children’s song booklet, “Die
Kleinen Negerlein” (“Ten Little Niggers”), 14pp. 9” x 6”, [n.p./, n.d., ca.1940s], 373. GERMAN ANTI-SEMITIC PROPAGANDA POSTERS Scarce grouping
an adaptation of “Ten Little Indians” but with red-lipped African substitutes, of 13 captioned photographic posters from four different series by the
bearing a 1945 gift inscription and more vile added verse in German. Fine. propaganda department of the NSDAP, each 8” x 13” all showing images Jews,
$75-100 Americans, and “appropriate” Germans. These images were intended to be
posted on public streets and in governmental buildings. A variety of images
366. “THE EASTERN LANDS RETURN TO EUROPE” Rare anti-Semitic, anti- and captions, including “...[Jewish] Criminals who want to rule the world...
Bolshevik publication, Ostland kehrt nach Europa zuruck, by E. Frotscher Black Marketeer [shows F.D.R.]...Those Responsible for the War! [shows Jews]
(Riga: Deutsche Zeitung), 1941. 32pp. 8v. in paper boards. Issued just after “mentally retarded” [F.D.R. , Knox]… “the eternal Jew”[ LaGuardia], “hysterical
Latvia came under German control, the text is a report from occupation hag” [Eleanor Roosevelt]... and a typical member of the civilized people [a
$500-700
governor Hinrich Lohse on “improvements” already instituted by the Nazis Polish Jew]...”. Overall very good.
and blames the Jewish-Bolshevist alliance for the horrific living and working
conditions in Lithuania. A few photos: one unflattering image of elderly 374. GERMAN ANTI-SEMITIC SAFE CONDUCT PASSES Three German safeJews is captioned: “You could see these Jews everywhere in Ostland but now conduct passes intended to induce Soviet soldiers to not only surrender, but
that they have been deported into ghettos they can no longer disturb the to attack their officers and Jews in general, each 2pp. 8vo., ca. 1943. The face
rebuilding of the country...”. Fine condition.
$400-500 of the passes, printed in Russian, bear drawings, one showing a commissar
standing behind a tree and shooting Russian soldiers as they surrender,
367. “THE ETERNAL JEW” FILM PROGRAM Program issued in conjunction below the same commissar on the ground with one soldier holding a brick
with the release of the 1940 anti-Semitic film “Der ewige Jude” (“The Eternal above his head. The verso bear the usual empty promises of good treatment,
Jew”), a contrast between myths and stereotypes of Jews and the Nazi adding: “This pass is valid for a limited number of soldiers and comrades of
ideal of a “master race,” between the alleged inferiority of the Jews and the the Red Army for a limited time - whoever shows this wants no more senseless
$300-400
superiority of the Germans. The 8pp. large 4to. program bears very little bloodshed caused by Jews and commissars!...”. Very good.
text - it consist almost entirely of unflattering photographs of Polish Jews
taken from the film, one shown a kosher butcher smiling with upraised
knife, an African mask used for facial comparison, and on the cover an
image of Peter Lorre (also Jewish) in character as a child molester from the
$100-150
film “M”. File holes at left, else very good.
368. FRENCH ANTI-SEMITIC HUMOR MAGAZINE April 16, 1898 edition
of the French humor magazine Le Rire, 12pp. large 4to., issued in Paris
and circulated nationally. The color cover, titled “ROTHSCHILD”, depicts a
member of the prominent banking family wearing a crown which bears a
calf as an ornament, His claws with long nails and webbed fingers encircle
the earth, with France located front and center. The moon behind him
reads: “God Protect Israel”. For good measure, the editors include a cartoon
$150-200
with black caricatures within. Very good.
375. JEWS MUST REPORT TYPEWRITERS AND BICYCLES Bizarre printed
document, 2pp. oblong 8vo., Prague, Sep. 4, 1941, issued to Paul Leidler, in
German, an order that all typewriters and bicycles must be registered with the
government no later than Sep. 10, 1941, issued by the Jewish Community
Government. Printed in Czech on verso. Of course, the Wehrmacht needed
both bicycles and typewriters for the war effort.
$75-100
376. JUSTICE AT NUREMBERG Scarce vintage volume entitled Justice
at Nuernberg by Charles W. Alexander, (New York: Marvel Press, 1946),
189pp. 4to. A spiral-bound account of the Nuremburg Trials with numerous
photographs of the destroyed city, defendants, the trial in progress, judges,
staffers, press, witnesses, film footage, and so on, all bearing full descriptions
by the photographer. Some wear to cover, but overall very good condition,
with the interior quite clean.
$200-300
41
377. N.S.D.A.P. ANTI-SEMITIC PUBLICATIONS Pair of N.S.D.A.P.-issued
anti-Semitic publications, both issued by Franz Eber Nachf., Munich, the
official publishing house. Included is Die Juden, by Gottfried Feder, a key
early Nazi leader, 1933, 80pp. 8vo.; also: Nationalsozialismus und Klasse,
by “Dr. Rudolf”, 1931, 52pp. 8vo.. Very good.
$150-200
378. NAZI ANTI-SEMITIC ANTI-BOLSHEVIK “JOKE” BOOK Rare
N.S.D.A.P.-issued anti-Semitic and anti-Bolshevist “joke” book Lacht ihn tot!
(“Laugh Him to Death”), (Dresden: National Socialist Publisher for the Gau
of Saxony), 1937, approx. 200pp. 10” x 7 1/4” with cartoon illustrations
throughout, attributed to “Waldl”, actually Walter Hofmann (1905-1977),.
Each page contains a single cartoon strip, the group variously mocking
Jews, Bolsheviks, the rich, the Church, and even Hermann Goering is teased
in one of the strips. Jews are depicted in the usual unflattering caricatures,
priests are depicted as homosexuals, Communists are murdering thieves,
and so on. Fine.
$200-300
384. DEPORTATION TO AUSCHWITZ Chilling partly-printed D.S. 1p.
oblong 8vo., ca. 1940, in which 11-year-old Simon Gunter Ernst Leopold
Israel of Berlin, already stripped of citizenship, is transported to Auschwitz.
Signed in pencil by the camp’s attorney at bottom, with a red grease-pencil
notation at right reading: “Transport!”. File holes at left, light toning to
edges, very good condition.
$200-300
385. DER STURMER BROADSIDE Broadside issued by Julius Streicher’s
virulently anti-Semitic newspaper Der Sturmer, 8” x 12”, with Streicher’s name
at the masthead. The broadside promotes camaraderie between Der Sturmer
and the S.A., equating the two. The image at center shows an S.A. man in
profile with soldier marching with banners behind him. An eagle flies to his
right, clutching a dead snake covered with Stars of David. The text reads, in
part: “Shoulder to shoulder with Fuhrer Adolf Hitler against the Jews…Without
a solution of the Jewish question, there will be no salvation of mankind!”. A 1”
tear at top margin, a few tiny marginal wrinkles, else very good. $200-300
379. NAZI PARTY MEETING FLYERS Lot of three Nazi Party handbills, 4” x
6” and larger, 1932, some bearing swastikas. The flyers claim that Nazis are
fighting capitalism, attack the Social Democrats for protecting capitalists
and harming workers, and other bombastic terminology. One flyer reads:
“Don’t allow yourself to be lied to by the Jews”, another tells the reader to
be misled by the “Jewish bourgeoisie...using you as a Jew protection group”,
and two of the flyers read at bottom: “Entry by Jews forbidden”. Fine.
$200-300
380. SEVENTH ARMY DACHAU REPORT Early post-war report issued by
the American Seventh Army on the history, composition, operation, and
surrounding area of the concentration camp at Dachau, with a forward
written by Col. William W. Quinn of the 7th Army. The book, 67pp. 4to.,
contains reports of various investigative and intelligence groups in the 7th
Army, including the OSS, CIC, and PWB, and also includes excerpts of a
prisoner’s diary and statistics. It is also illustrated with photographs of the
dead and emaciated survivors. Also included is the July 10, 1945 issue of
Army Talks, 16pp. 4to., an Army-issued illustrated news magazine with
this issue largely dedicated to “Hitler’s murder mills” (ie: concentration
camps). Some splits to pages in the latter publication, else very good.
$150-200
381. AUSTRIAN ART DEALER SELLS ART TO GOEBBELS AND THE NAZIS
Pair of fascinating war-date documents in which a very prominent Vienna
art dealer sells works of art to JOSEPH GOEBBELS and presumably other
high-level Nazi officials. Both letters emanate from Galerie Sanct Lucas and
are signed by proprietor and author Dr. Robert Herzig. Herzig may or may
not have been Jewish - further research would determine that. The letters
both are sent to “Landeskulturwalter Gebietsfuhrer Gunther Kaufmann” in
Vienna. In the first letter, Mar. 1, 1941, Herzig transmits a list of eleven
works of art he is showing in his gallery, with additional items listed at
bottom, apparently with the hope that his correspondent will view them
and purchase some of the works. Among the artists listed are de Momper,
Savery, Magnasco, Ostade, Teniers, van Goyen and Schel. In the second
letter, Mar. 1, 1941, Herzig advises: “...From your office yesterday I received
the message that Reichsminister Dr. Goebbels decided to purchase the work
of A. van Dyke, ‘Apostelkopf’...”. Herzig expresses his delight at the sale,
and advises that he has sent the invoice to Lieut. von Gravenhorst. Both
letters conclude with a “Heil Hitler!” above the signature. File holes in left
margin, else very good.
$400-500
382. CROATIAN USTASHA CONCENTRATION CAMP DOCUMENT
Rare Croatian concentration camp document issued by the Nazi-aligned
Croatian government, 1p. oblomg 8vo., Croatia Mitrovica, Sep. 28, 1943.
The document, headed “Croatian Ustasha Camp Croatia Mitrovica” permits
a detainee to work outside the camp for a period of fifteen days and is
signed by a camp administrator. It concludes: “ZA DOM SPREMNI!” (“For
Homeland - Ready!”). According to the U.S. Holocaust Museum, these
camps were used for the murder of thousands of Serbs, Jews, Roma and
$200-300
Muslims for religious and political reasons. Rare.
383. DACHAU CONCENTRATION CAMP LETTER Letter sent from Dachau
Concentration Camp with camp name and letter-writing instructions
printed thereon, from Henryk Janowski, inmate number 12043, block 13/1,
2pp. 8vo., Dec., 13, 1942 with Dachau postmark, writes to his parents and
brother thanking them for sending him clothing and food since it had
$100-150
already snowed in Dachau. Very good condition.
386. FLOSSENBURG CAMP GUARD’S IDENTIFICATION BOOK Scarce
Waffen-SS concentration camp guard’s Wehrpass, issued to Georg Bernard
Menzel of Dresden on April 4, 1941. The 49 year-old reservist, shown in
uniform in his photo affixed to the second page, changes his religion from
“Catholic” to “Believer in God” (as did Himmler). On Aug. 31, 1939 Wenzel
started his service with 2.SS Totenkopf Sturmbann Flossenburg, later being
transferred to 1.SS Totenkopf Sturmbann Flossenburg where his service ended
in 1943, likely due to his advanced age or the fact that Flossenburg became
a training camp for female guards. Of course, it was not at all uncommon
for the eldest SS members to serve as camp guards. Flossenburg became
notorious for the murder of Polish political prisoners, Russian prisoners, and
the detention and murder of female prisoners. Fine condition. $700-900
387. K.L. BUCHENWALD INMATE CERTIFICATE Party-printed D.S., 1p.
oblong 8vo., [Buchenwald], Sep. 9, 1944, signed certification that “Jew
Eduard Levy” had been furnished rations since June 17, 1943. Fine. In
many cases, inmates or their families were obliged to pay for the food they
consumed while imprisoned.
$100-150
388. LABOR CAMP HESSISCH-LICHTENAU HOUSES NAZI PRISONERS
AND RECORDS OF THE THIRD REICH Unique presentation photo album
titled: MINISTERIAL COLLECTING CENTER ENCLAVE AREA HESS. LICHTENAU,
GERMANY”, 27pp. 9” x 6 3/4”, each bearing original 5 1/2” x 4 1/4” b/w photos
of various individuals and structures associated with the facility. The M.C.C.,
officially activated on July 15, 1945, was jointly administered by the British and
U.S. armies. The 650 building complex was used to store documents of the
Third Reich for eventual use in prosecuting war crimes. However, the site had
a sinister past: it had been a sub-camp of Buchenwald, and slave laborers,
including women from Auschwitz, had been transferred there to work in
the munitions plant complex hidden in the woods, owned by a subsidiary of
Dynamit Nobel. The photos within the album show these hidden structures
with vegetation growing on their roofs to further camouflage them, and
other images show sulphuric acid tanks, acid-deforested areas, and prisoner
housing. Several detention camps also within the facility are shown, including
those for displaced persons or freed prisoners (“Camp Herzog”), and one or
two that may have held pro-Nazi prisoners as the text mentions “automatic
$150-200
arrestees” and officers being held. Interesting.
389. LITZMANNSTADT GHETTO DIVORCE DOCUMENT An unusual partlyprinted document, 1p. 12mo., Lizamannstadt, Nov. 27, 1943. It notes that:
“The Elders of the Jewish Court in Litzmannstadt” require Frau Rechsanwalt [?]
and her lawyer Mrs. R. Rumkowska in a divorce case appear in court on Nov.
28, 1943. The verso outlines the consequences for not showing up in person.
$150-200
Rusted staple holes at top left, wrinkled, very good.
42
390. NOTICE FOR PACKAGE PERMIT STAMP THERESIENSTADT
Notice to retrieve a package permit stamp “Zulassungsmarke” for
use on parcels being sent from Theresienstadt concentration camp in
Bohemia, Feb. 28, 1944
$40-60
398. ORIGINAL HOLOCAUST ARTWORK Original charcoal depiction
of the interior of concentration camp barracks, 22 1/2” x 17” (sight),
showing two women in a concentration camp barracks seated on
straw bedding as they warm themselves before a crude stove made
from an oil drum. Their laundry hangs on a line in the background.
391. NOTICE TO APPEAR FOR WORK ELDERS OF THE JEWS IN Unsigned. The image was done on thin cardboard with a matte white
PRAGUE Typed D.S., 1p. oblong 8vo., Prague, Sep. 28, 1944, an order coating on the reverse which also bears an untranslated inscription in
given to Rudolf Seidler to appear for work, issued by the “Elders of the green ink, likely Hungarian. Set in a crude green frame “decoratively”
Jews in Prague”. Typed in both German and Czech. Very good. covered in green cloth tape quite some time ago. Almost certainly a
$75-100 period piece, most likely done by a female ex-prisoner while at a DP
camp.
$600-800
392. NSDAP PUBLICATIONS INCLUDING RACE LAWS Lot of seven
publications issued by the NSADP, includes: “Race Laws of the Third
Reich” by Wilhelm Frick, 1934, 16pp. 8vo., an explanation to the
press corps of Germany’s race laws as given by Frick at a reception;
two volumes of Hitler’s speeches given on Reichs Party Day, 1935
and 1936, 80pp. and 86pp.; three copies of “Der Schulungsbrief”, a
primer on German history, race, the Nazi movement, politics, etc.,
published by Dr. Robert Ley, 1934 and 1936, each about 46pp., and
“Confidential Information of the Reichs Justice Office”, procedures,
changes in laws, etc., 1936, 32pp. 8vo. Overall very good.$150-200
393. POLISH IDENTITY PASS FROM THE “WARTHELAND”
Rare identity pass issued to an annexed portion of Poland called
“Wartheland”, in the vicinity of Posen, 2pp. 8vo., Aug. 5, 1940,
permitting a woman to travel outside the limits of the town of Konin
for three months until October 30, 1930. The pass was also extended
twice. Very good. 50,000 Germans who lived in the region perished as
Russians pushed through in 1945.
$75-100
394. PROOF OF RACIAL PURITY Lot of five documents concerning
Germans’ proving their racial backgrounds, essential if one wanted to
obtain a job and evade persecution and deportation. Included are four
documents concerning S.A. man Walter Grimke, including his 1943
marriage certificate application setting forth his racial and religious
lineage, thoroughly examined and approved by Nazi official, along
with a 1937 letter claiming he is desperate for a job and with a hungry
family, a certificate of employment from a sanitarium, and a telegraph
service examination certificate. Also present is an unrelated proof of
descent form submitted by another German in 1937. Very good.
$150-200
395. DISPLACED PERSONS CAMPS ARE A “DISGRACE” CLARENCE
L. ADCOCK (1895 - 1967) American general charged with supplies
and logistics for the II Corps in the Mediterranean Theater, later
performing the same duties for the Fifth Army. In 1943, on the staff
of Allied Forces Headquarters and then with the Sixth Army Group.
Fine content T.L.S. as Director of Military Government (Germany), 1p.
4to., [n.p.], Oct. 11, 1945 to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes commanding the
Western Military District. Adcock reports on disgraceful conditions at
the displaced persons camp at Darmstadt: “...a disgrace, especially
from a sanitary viewpoint...littered, disordered...little attention had
been given to elementary sanitary principles...we can’t afford to have
such a mess right in our yard...”. File holes at top, else fine. At war’s
end, D.P. camps were often nearly as deadly disease centers as the
original concentration camps.
$100-150
396. (LIBERATED CONCENTRATION CAMP VICTIMS)- Lot of
twelve original photographs of victims, survivors, and facilities and
at unidentified concentration camp. The photos, taken by a liberating
American G.I., are about 2” x 3” each. Images include heaps of bodies,
soldiers surveying mass graves, and a distant view of the camp. Also
included from the same soldier is a circular BeVo swastika patch from
an NSDAP armband and an unused RAD patch. Overall very good.
$300-400
397. U.S. SIGNAL CORPS HOLOCAUST DOCUMENTATION Group
of 35 printed photographs with captions issued by the U.S. Army’s
166th Signal Photo Co. which apparently was detached to document
atrocities at Ohrdruf, Buchenwald, near Nuremburg, and elsewhere.
The 5” x 7” images certainly produced during or immediately after the
war, are gruesome to say the least: piles of corpses, mutilated bodies,
but with other images showing civilians forced to view the carnage in
$400-600
their own back yards.
399. AMERICAN “JEWS FORBIDDEN” SIGN Ugly piece of American antiSemitic signage, a home-made sign, approx. 12” x 3 1/2” overall, consists
of a pine wood backing upon which is set in photo mounts a crudelyprinted sign: “JUDEN VERBOTEN DEUTSCHES UBER ALLES”, with swastikas
printed at corners and center. A piece of 1/4” plate glass was cut and glues
decades ago to the wood at the four corners. The wood verso, which shows
discoloration appropriate for its age, bears a black ink ownership stamp
with much lettering obscured, but a maker is partially legible, as is “St.
Louis”. In all likelihood originated from a German-American Bund meeting
hall.
$800-1,200
400. ANTI-SEMITIC CIGARETTE CASE German soldier’s anti-Semitic
cigarette case, 4 1/4” x 3”, hand-engraved with “Death to Jewry” and a
snake covered with Stars of David and hammers and sickles being strangled
by a muscular arm bearing a swastika. German maker’s name printed
within. Oxidized, good to very good.
$200-300
401. ANTI-SEMITIC CIGARETTE CASE Steel cigarette case, 4 1/4” x
3 1/4”, engraved with two muscular hands forcing a swastika-engraved
sword through a Star of David. German maker’s stamp appears within.
Good to very good.
$200-300
402. ANTI-SEMITIC CIGARETTE CASE UKRAINIAN DIV SS VOLUNTEERS
Cigarette case owned by a Ukrainian soldier believed to be fighting with an
SS unit, 3 1/4” x 4 1/4”, the front crudely engraved: “Glory to Ukraine, Glory
to heros”, the verso: “For a free Ukraine, Down with Jews” with a swastika.
An unknown brass emblem is also affixed to the front of the case.
$200-300
403. DUTCH “JOOD” STAR OF DAVID PATCH Dutch “Jood” Star of David
arm or chest patch, black printing on yellow cloth, 4 1/4” diameter, this
example having apparently been used as it is backed in white cloth and
bears tiny traces of thread on verso where it may have been tacked to a
garment. Near fine. The Dutch were very sympathetic towards their Jewish
fellow citizens, but over 100,000 were deported to death camps.
$500-700
404. FRENCH “JUIF” STAR OF DAVID PATCH Scarce French “Juif” arm or
chest patch, intended to be worn by French Jews to distinguish them from
the balance of the population. This 3 1/2” x 4” example, black printing on
$400-500
yellow cloth, is uncot and bears a few dark spots.
405. LITZMANNSTADT GHETTO STAR OF DAVID WOOD BOX
Litzmannstadt ghetto hand-decorated box once belonging to a Polish
Jewish family residing there, 5 1/2” x 4 1/2” x 2” finished pine with
hand-inked design on the top lid: LITZMANNSTADT GETTO 1940” with
a large Star of David at center and laurel leaves. The top opens to reveal
two compartments within. The inside of the top lid bears a crude pencil
$400-600
inscription in Russian, untranslated. Very good.
406. POLISH SLAVE LABORER SHIRT BADGES Lot of six shirt badges
(uncut), 7” x 5” overall, each bearing a “P” intended to be sewn to the shirt
of a Polish “guest worker” in Germany. Over 1.4 million Poles were deported
by their German occupiers to work in German factories and mines, often
$150-200
under the harshest conditions.
43
World War II: Photography, Posters & Ephemera
Over 100 excellent images from the Eastern Front
407. LEIBSTANDARTE ADOLF HITLER - SEPP DIETRICH PRESENTATION PHOTO ALBUM TO GEN. PAUL VON KLEIST Extraordinary presentation
photograph album given to Wehrmach Gen. Paul von Kleist by the Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler’s commander, Joseph “Sepp” Dietrich, from Berlin in July, 1942
where the exhausted division was recuperating following constant combat and heavy losses in the Ukraine and the Crimean peninsula. The presentation,
titled: Aus dem Feldzug im Osten, Juni-Dez. 1941 (“The Campaign in the East June-Dec. 1941”) is presented to von Kleist by Dietrich’s adjutant, SSUntersturmfuhrer MAX JUNGE, who also signs the presentation. The division had served under von Kleist in Kiev during that six month period. Over one
hundred original 4 1/2” x 3 1/4” b/w photos are mounted to the 9” x 11 1/4” heavy stock pages within, and most have been captioned in black ink in a
calligraphic hand. Many superb images, including von Kleist arriving in Sofia in March, panzers advancing across fields, Sepp Dietrich examining maps
with von Kleist and other officers, an amphibian panzer, an advance mired in mud, von Reichenau and von Manstein visiting headquarters, prisoners and
dead Russian soldiers, Stukas in flight and bombing field positions, Jews gathered in a “KZ (concentration camp), wrecked aircraft, flak batteries, destroyed
Russian armor, German graves, burning buildings, Knights Cross awardees Pleiss, Wisch, Witt and Meyer, officers in meetings and reviewing operations,
etc. Interesting to note that individual Russian prisoners were photographed and labeled as “Idiot” and “Criminal”, and others were identified as “Jew...
Kommissar...Mongol...Armenian...Caucasian...”. Many stark contrasts as burning buildings and half-dead prisoners are shown in the midst of idyllic views
of pastoral scenes, flowers, and rivers. Pages are brittle and many chipped, many detached as are covers, but captions and photos remain fine. A rare
$4,000-5,000
presentation from an important division.
Hitler reviews the German fleet with Hungary’s Adm. Horthy
408. PHOTO ALBUM DOCUMENTS HORTHY’S VISIT WITH HITLER, 1938 Outstanding photo album
documenting the part of the seaborne visit of Hungarian Regent Admiral Miklos Horthy to Kiel and Berlin,
Aug. 21-26, 1938 during which Hitler tried to convince Horthy to participate in any proposed German attack on Czechoslovakia. Horthy arrived in Kiel
to tour the Germania shipyard and view the launching of the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen, and then boarded Hitler’s yacht Grille. The next day, they moved
to the passenger ship Patria for a cruise to Helgoland. Hitler and Horthy reunited in Berlin for a tour of Germany. The 6 3/4” x 10 1/2” album, 78 pp.,
contains 47 photographs taken by Heinrich Hoffmann showing Hitler, Horthy, Joseph Goebbels, Wilhelm Keitel, Heinrich Himmler, Julius Streicher, Baldur
von Schirach, Arthur Seyss-Inquart, and other Nazi officials aboard the Grille and the Patria, with other photos showing the Prinz Eugen, a naval review, a
fly-over, U-27 and U-30 (the latter later to sink the passenger ship Athenia, the first vessel sunk in the war), and a sumptuous feast laid out for Hitler’s
guests. The album, likely prepared by a sarcastic crewmember of the Patria, bears a collage of photos and an ink drawing on the first page showing the
party leaders including Adolf Hitler in the center, captioned: “ Memories of a Voyage on the “Patria” 1938”. A postwar owner has added a few pages listing
those pictured within. Very good. A month later, the Munich Pact would be signed, and German troops would march into the Sudetenland. Horthy and
Hungary joined the Axis in April, 1941 with ultimately disastrous results.
$2,000-3,000
44
409. ADOLF HITLER REVIEWS THE KRIEGSMARINE Photo album, possibly
a presentation piece, bearing twenty-five excellent 7” x 5” b/w photos
showing Adolf Hitler’s review of German naval vessels on May 22-23, less
than two months after his appointment as Chancellor and his consolidation
of power. The first two images show Hitler in casual poses conferring with
a general aboard his aircraft. The next eight photos show Hitler receiving
a bouquet from two children, then the procession to the launch which
included Goebbels, Goring, von Papen, Blomberg, Hess, Raeder, von
Epp, von Wedemeyer, and other Nazi administrators. The balance of the
photographs, taken aboard the battleship SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN, variously
show Hitler and others reviewing and saluting the fleet, ships passing in
formation, Hitler in a group pose with the vessel’s officers, and finally
departing with Sepp Dietrich, Goebbels, von Papen, and Milch. First page
detached, else near fine, in a 9 1/2” x 7” striped cloth album. On May 22,
1933 Hitler boarded the SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN in Kiel to review the fleet at
the start of maneuvers intended to show the world Germany’s newly-built
naval strength. The vessel Hitler visited would be sent to the bottom by
British bombers in December, 1944.
$1,500-2,000
411. FALLSCHIRMJAGER SOLDIER’S PHOTO ALBUM, SOLDBUCH,
FUHRERSCHEIN, AND P.O.W. FILE Exceptional grouping of material
concerning Fallschirmjager Cpl. Walter Lindner, born in 1919 and serving
with the 5th Fallschirmjager Battalion. Lindner participated in the invasion
of Crete and returned with his comrades to Germany, later captured during
heavy fighting on the Brest peninsula on Sep. 18, 1944 after he was nearly
buried by earth from a nearby artillery explosion. From Nov. 11, 1944 he
was held prisoner at camps in Gordon, Georgia and at Fort Jackson, S.C.
Included is Lindner’s personal photo album with about 165 photos pasted
within, with brown textured faux leather cover with silver Luftwaffe eagle
insignia. The first photo shows Lindner taking his oath upon a regimental
flag, with the following images showing field training (some commercial),
soldiers parachuting with a great sequence of four photos showing a soldier
jumping and his parachute just beginning to open, wrecked German and
British transports at Crete, artillery, offloading of supplies at an airport on
Crete, occupation of Athens and Crete, funeral of a comrade on Crete,
his commanding officer receiving the Knights Cross, in the field in Winter
and Spring, 1943-44, packing parachutes, etc. Also included: Lindner’s
Luftwaffe Soldbuch, issued Feb. 26, 1940, lists all equipment issued to him,
medical history, promotions, etc.; Wehrmach-fuhrerschein, cloth, issued by
the 5th Fallschirmjager, issued Apr. 2, 1944; and a fairly complete P.O.W.
file, including personnel records, medical records, records of clothing and
equipment issued, pay records, medical assessment mentioning “buried by
earth”; two small photos as P.O.W., driver’s permit, and more. Lindner was
held until at least April, 1946 before he was finally released. $1,500-2,000
410. LUFTWAFFE NEWS UNIT PHOTO ALBUM OF THE INVASION OF
HOLLAND, BELGIUM, AND FRANCE, AND THE MIRACLE AT DUNKIRK
Excellent photograph album issued by the motorized news department
Luftnachrichten-Abteilung 1 (H) (motorized), organized in July, 1939 and
disbanded in August, 1941. The album, 17” x 12” with a beige cloth cover
and gilt lettering, was produced in some quantity for Christmas, 1940 and
it bears a printer’s credit and printed captions, but the photographs are all
original second-generation prints taken by the semi-professional members
of the news unit. The album, in excellent condition, contains about 150
photos from 3” x 3” to 4” x 6”, and occasionally larger. It opens with a
large color map showing the tracing unit’s path with the Luftwaffe through
Germany, Holland, Belgium and northern France. The images commence
with Christmas of the previous year, photos of officers, and some training
images. The unit documents the invasion of Holland, showing their vehicles
crossing into Holland, wrecked aircraft, dead Dutch soldiers, destroyed
towns, and sunken river barges. The invasion of France is shown with black
colonial troops mocked, shattered villages (captioned: “C’est la guerre!”),
a few images of Compiegne, German graves, panzer tanks, wreckage,
sunken vessels and graves at Dunkirk, radio installations, and visits by Hitler
and Goring. An outstanding collection of quality images. $1,000-1,500
45
412. EIGHT PHOTO ALBUMS OF JAPANESE NAVAL CAPTAIN OGATA
KOZUKE Imperial Japanese Navy Capt. Ogata Kozuke had a naval career
of over thirty years, rising through the ranks from NCO to captain. He
initially trained aboard the older Japanese battleships MIKASA and YUMA at
Yokosuka and Maizuru naval bases during World War I until his transfer to
the KASUGA and witnessed the sinking of the target battleship TSUGARA.
He later commanded the destroyer HAGI and served aboard the famous
carriers RYUHO and ZUIKAKU. In May,1943 Kozuke was stationed at Truk
where he hosted three German naval officers, Kapitanleutnant Hoppe,
Oberleutnant zur See Schrein, and an interpreter who hoped to sail on the
Zuikaku but remained ashore following Yamamoto’s death. The albums
are outstanding, showing many aspects of Kozuke’s career: family and
group shots in uniform and traditional garb, his graduation photo book, his
service as cadet, naval firing practice, vessels in dry dock, multiple images
of vessels at sea, shore batteries, captured pirate vessel KAITSU MARU, the
heads of bandits on public display, prisoners awaiting execution, multiple
commercial images of combat, death and destruction, possibly at Nanking,
martial arts training, multiple group military and family poses, and so on.
Also present is a very limited edition presentation book with hundreds
of printed photos with text of naval aviators, officers, airplane markings,
anti-aircraft devices (some quite bizarre), Japanese and enemy aircraft,
with some experimentals, Japanese carriers and flight operations, airships,
German consultants, and so on. Rear cover detached, else near fine. A fine
grouping.
$1,500-2,000
414. U-BOAT OFFICER’S PHOTO ALBUM Excellent photo album owned
by an officer of U-510 who served under Capt. Karl Neitzel, a Knights
Cross winner who sank twelve vessels. The 12 1/2” x 9” album bears a
blue leatherette cover with German kriegsflagge on the cover. Within are
44 photos averaging 3 1/4” x 4 1/2”, each set into black photo corners.
A variety of images from what appears to be various sources, including
sailors on parade, various views of a U-boat taken at sea and as the vessel
dives, departure of a vessel from a submarine pen, a large Japanese
submarine, multiple images of Grand Admiral Donitz awarding medals,
portraits of vessel Capt. Karl Neitzel and showing him with Donitz, and a
Lancaster bomber overhead and a falling star shell. Near fine. During her
seven war patrols the U-boat sank fifteen vessels and ended her career in
the French navy.
$1,500-2,000
413.
U-BOAT
CREWMAN’S
PHOTO
ALBUM An extraordinary
photo album assembled
by a young crew member
of U-103, approx. 185
original
photographs
generally 3 1/2” x 3”
showing
the
young
sailor, his friends, shore
installations,
training...
but with th great majority
showing his ship and crew
while at sea in all types of
conditions. The album, 7
1/2” x 8 1/2” overall with
simple cardboard covers
and string binding, has
paper pages to which the
sailor affixed his images.
Only a few are captioned
but it is abundantly
clear that he served on U-103 under Capt. Viktor Schutze (1906-1950),
awarded the Knights Cross with Oak Leaves for the 35 vessels he sent to
the bottom. Lutze would later command the 2nd U-Boat Flotilla and head
all U-boat training in the Baltic. The album opens with a photo repro of a
signed quote from Lutze fixed to the inside front cover: “Target recognized Full power!” There follow photos of crewmen in training, U-boats departing
and arriving in port, merchant ships, presumably target, in the far distance,
many images of U-boats at sea in rough and calm weather, in frozen, icepacked seas and tropical climes, a submarine coated in heavy ice, U-boats
meeting at sea, training vessels U-120 and U-121, below-deck engine
room and crew area photos, men on deck watch, anti-aircraft, pistol and
rifle training, leave with family, construction at a submarine pen, and much
more. Fine condition. U-103 was laid down on 6 September 1939 at AG
Weser in Bremen and launched on 12 April 1940. She saw overwhelming
success, sinking 45 ships and damaging three other vessels. She ended her
career as a training vessel and was sunk by Canadian bombers on Apr. 15,
1945.
$1,500-2,000
46
415. SS OFFICER’S PHOTO
ALBUM
Photo
album
assembled and once owned
by an SS officer, maroon
faux leather cover with black
SS emblem, 12” x 8” overall.
Within, the album contains
about 55 photographs, each
about 4” x 3” on average. The
first several images include
candid photos of Heinrich
Himmler and Erich von dem
Bach-Zelewski visiting the
Wiking Regiment “Westland”
in garrison in Munich. Also
included are images of a huge
indoor SS rally, troops being
addressed and reviewed
by an officer, marching in
formation, winter maneuvers
at Bad Tolz and Heuberg, etc.
Overall very good.
$1,500-2,000
Obtained from Heinrich Hoffmann’s
gallery at war’s end
The following seven lots are from an outstanding collection of black and
white 35mm. film negatives (but positive images taken from the original
negatives) created by the son of Hitler’s personal photographer, Heinrich
Hoffman and given to a staffer employed at the Nuremberg trails of the
German war criminals. These images were made for Ruth M. Piantoni who
is listed in the Directory of the Nuremberg Military Tribunal’s Personnel in
January, 1948. Piantoni was a photography buff, and established contact
with photographer Willi Mueller, who knew Hoffmann’s son, Heinrich.
Mueller obtained these negatives for Piantoni, and they remained in her
collection until her demise in 2009. Some of Hoffmann’s images are held by
the National Archives and by the Bavarian State Archive, but these images
may not be among them. Copyright likely rests with the purchaser. Each lot
is sold with a copy of Piantoni’s notes indicating provenance.
416. ADOLF HITLER AND OFFICERS NEGATIVES COPIED FROM
HOFFMANN STUDIO ORIGINALS Good grouping of about 30 black
and white 35mm. film negatives. Images include a few of Hitler in a
mountainous winter setting, possibly at Berchtesgaden, with the balance
showing officers, administrators, a few including aircraft, etc. Very good
condition. $400-600
417. ADOLF HITLER NEGATIVES COPIED FROM HOFFMANN STUDIO
ORIGINALS An outstanding collection of 26 black and white 35mm. film
negatives The images, almost every one of which includes Hitler, document
his visit to a girl’s school and show him greeting the students, also a very
young girls, and include larger group shots as well. Very good condition. $400-600
ORIGINALS An excellent collection of about 50 black and white 35mm.
film negatives largely showing Hitler giving a speech at a podium, often
gesticulating, with other images showing him greeting party leaders
including Joseph Goebbels. Very good condition.
$700-900
ORIGINALS An excellent collection of about 23 black and white 35mm. film
negatives. The images, almost every one of which includes Hitler, largely
show Hitler signing what is obviously an important document, meeting
privately with Minister of Armaments Albert Speer, and again meeting with
Speer in the interior hall of a large building. Very good condition. $300-400
ORIGINALS An excellent collection of about 39 black and white 35mm. film
negatives. The images, all but one of which includes Hitler, show the dictator
in a variety of poses, including meeting young children giving speeches,
signing an important document, visiting at Berchtesgaden, and laughing
on a park bench. Very good condition. Sold with Piantoni’s original notes
indicating provenance and her photo book from her stay in Nuremberg
showing a few fellow staffers, local scenes, etc. Also included is a set of
Piantoni’s slides of Nuremberg, commercially produced (50+ pcs.).
$600-800
421. BENITO MUSSOLINI VISITS GERMANY, PHOTOGRAPHED BY
HEINRICH HOFFMANN An excellent collection of about 14 black and
white 35mm. film negatives. The images show Mussolini at an airfield in
Germany, a Junkers tranport visible in several images, being greeted by
$200-300
high-ranking officers. Very good condition. 422. DEATH AND DESTRUCTION AS PHOTOGRAPHED BY HEINRICH
HOFFMANN A collection of 13 black and white 35mm. film negatives,
images show various scenes of destruction in apparently a single village,
possibly in Czechoslovakia, as well as the wreckage of a crashed aircraft.
All are set in metal mounts. Sold with Piantoni’s original notes indicating
provenance and her photo book from her stay in Nuremberg showing a few
fellow staffers, local scenes, etc. Also included is a set of Piantoni’s slides of
$150-200
Nuremberg, commercially produced (50 pcs.).
47
423. GEORGE S. PATTON AND THE CAPTURE OF MOROCCO Lot of
four photographs, three about 14” x 11”, one showing Gen. George S.
Patton, his Vichy French counterparts, and his new friend, Morocco’s
Sultan Mohammed V during and after negotiations which resulted in the
French laying down their arms in North Africa and scuttling their fleet
at Toulon. One image shows Patton, French and American officers, and
an unknown Arab leader in a group, setting, two others photos show
Patton with the Moroccan sultan, and the smallest, 11” x 7”, shows
French naval officers (Darlan?) with American counterparts and an Arab
leader. Very good, three with Army backstamps. From the estate of
Patton’s Dep. Commander Gen. GEOFFREY KEYES, who has signed the
envelope in which they are contained.
$200-300
424. GEORGE S. PATTON CELEBRATES THE LIBERATION OF SICILY
Great set of four 8” x 10” photos, each issued by the 7th Army pictorial
service, three showing George S. Patton and an elaborate cake (as
well as a distraught chef) which celebrates the liberation of Algeria,
Morocco, TunIsia and Sicily, topped with a recreation of Patton’s threestar helmet! A fourth photo shows Army soldiers on the fantail of a Navy
ship, possiby en route to North Africa. Fine.
$150-200
431. JAPANESE ARMY PILOT’S ALBUM Good grouping of about 40
photographs in an album assembled by a Japanese army pilot, most 4” x
6” or larger. Includes an image of the pilot greeting his biplane’s machine
gunner, several poses of the pilot beside his aircraft, multiple group shots
including one in a mess hall, two additional images of the pilot in flight
gear, one with his sword in hand, an aerial view on an unknown beach, likely
captioned on verso, a few images of aircraft, etc. Very good. $500-700
425. GERMAN FAMILY’S PHOTO ALBUM German family’s photo
album consisting mainly of family photos showing members skiing and
hiking in the mountains, about 15 photos showing young members of
the family in Luftwaffe and Wehrmacht uniforms, some getting married.
About six photos show construction at the BMW plant at Munich. 432. JAPANESE NAVAL PILOT’S PHOTO ALBUM Photo album compiled
$75-100 by a Japanese NCO naval pilot, about 12” x 10” with black leather cover
bearing naval aviation symbol of red wings, anchor and chrysanthemum.
426. GERMAN SOLDIER’S PHOTO ALBUM Wehrmacht soldier’s photo Within are almost 90 photos including marching and training in the field,
album containing about 60 photos depicting his service in the R.A.D., many group photos of fellow officers and friends, class photos including
Christmas celebrations in the barracks, physical training, taking an oath one with cadets in flight gear, with a second photo of six pen in flight gear,
on the flag, lining up and marching in formation, training in winter gear, and five period Japanese color postcards showing military aircraft. Very
and three images of motorcycle dispatch riders. Very good.$300-400 good.
$500-600
427. GERMAN U-BOAT PHOTO ALBUM Excellent U-boat sailor or
officer’s photo album contain 34 photographs of a U-boat which had
been damaged either in combat or in a collision and thereafter repaired
at Deutsches Werft in Hamburg. The shipyard produced the album,
which bears a silhouette of a U-boat on the cover and the title “Mein
Boot”, probably as a presentation to crewmen or an officer. The first
four photos, 5” x 3 1/4”, show the shipyard, the vessel at sea after
repair, and the crew lined up on deck. The balance of the 3 1/2” x 2
1/2” images are candid, likely added by a crewman or copied by the
yard for insertion in the book. They variously depict men at watch on
the conning tower, a meeting of two U-boats at sea, an iceberg in the
distance, firing of the deck gun, different angles of the submarine, and
the extensive damage done to a now-crumpled conning tower. Fine
condition.
$400-600
428. HEINRICH HIMMLER RACE AND RESETTLEMENT OFFICE
PROPAGANDA FILM STRIP Film strip “World Enemy Bolshevism”
distributed by the Reichs Propaganda Department, bears Himmler’s
title at conclusion and containing approx. 70 individual images of
Russian atrocities including experiments on humans, mass burials,
starving children, etc. along with portraits of Lenin, Stalin and other
leaders. Accompanied by a second, much smaller propaganda strip,
Bildbericht der Woche with political images, sports, etc. These strips
were distributed with an accompanying text to be read at small
meetings. Typically used in outlying areas where people had less access
to newsreels, at party meetings, and in the military.
$100-150
433. JAPANESE OFFICER’S PHOTO ALBUM FROM CHINA AND
MANCHURIA Japanese officer’s photograph album containing over 80
photographs of various sizes documenting his service in the Japanese
occupation of China and Manchuria, The photos, housed in a simple brown
cardboard scrapbook, commence with a full-length image of the soldier
in uniform with his sword before him. There follow images of a Chinese
child looking at four bodies in the water before him (obviously placed by
the officer there as representative of the occupation), several group photos
of officers and men, headquarters in the mountains, armed soldiers in
the field, patrol in cold weather and along rivers, entrenchments, a blackbordered photo of a deceased colleague, an awards presentation, seaborne
transport of troops, and so on. Very good.
$500-600
434. JAPANESE OFFICER’S PHOTO ALBUM FROM THE MANCHURIAN
CAMPAIGN Japanese officer’s photo album from the 1937-38 Manchurian
campaign bearing about 80 photos. The red cloth-covered album has the
photos pasted within. They include images of cold weather service outdoors
including a snap of two men standing before an armored personnel carrier,
three photos of Chinese dead, a Japanese gunboat, patrol in city streets,
vehicles stuck in snow, a paddlewheel steamer, officers, officers’ mess, and
two small photos showing officers groping geishas! Very good.$300-400
429. HITLER SMILES An uncommon postcard photograph, 3 1/2” x
5 1/2” b/w, shows Adolf Hitler seated upon a park bench and smiling
broadly, captioned “A happy hour of relaxation during travels”.
Hoffmann backstamp. Fine.
$75-100
430. ITALIAN 1ST REGIMENT BERSAGLIERI PHOTO COLLECTION
Fine group of about 150 photos, 4” x 6” and smaller, highlighting the
military career of Col. GIUSEPPE AZZARO, first wartime commander of
the elite1st Regiment Bersaglieri (Italy). They span the years 1910-43,
mostly 1935, on, and show Azzaro and other Italian officers in uniform,
military parades, travel to Goslar in 1938 to purchase NSKK motorcycles
for their use, testing of the bikes, presentations, tank maneuvers, etc.
Overall very good. The Barsaglieri would fight the Greeks with distinction
during the abortive invasion of Greece. They exist as an elite unit to this
$700-900
day. A rare and important Italian photo grouping.
48
435. K.I.A. GERMAN SOLDIER’S PHOTO ALBUM AND WEHRPASS Photo
album and Wehrpass once belonging to Otto Kollarczik, killed on the
Russian front. The soldier’s Wehrpass shows that he was born on May
12, 1921 in Recklingshausen and volunteered to serve in a replacement
company which ultimately served in Russia. On the day after Christmas,
1941 he was killed with by a shot to the head. His photo album, 10” x
7”, has brown cloth covers and a R.A.D. gilt symbol. Within are about 90
photos, most about 2” x 3”, largely showing the doomed soldier performing
his labor service, assisting in a flood, with family, in uniform and marching,
and in the field for morter training. Very good.
$250-350
436. LUFTWAFFE FLAK BATTERY PHOTO GROUPING Good group of
150 candid photographs taken by a member of a flak battery stationed
in Hungary and nearby, most photos about 4” x 2 3/4”. More than half
of the photos are military-related, showing gun emplacementsm troop
movements by road and rail, destroyed villages, dead soldiers in the street,
prisoners, bridge construction, cold weather, etc. Interesting. $200-300
437. OPERATION TORCH AND FRENCH NEGOTIATIONS Excellent
grouping of about seventy photographs from the estate of Gen. Geoffrey
Keyyes, one of the planners of Operation TORCH, some original photos,
some second generation. The images, 3” x 5” to 8” x 10”, variously depict
the invasion fleet at sea, aerial views of the beaches, Gen. George S. Patton
meeting French and Moroccan dignitaries, French officers examining
military arms, and so on. All in excellent condition.
$200-300
438. PACIFIC THEATER PHOTOS IN NEGATIVE Collection of 52
contemporary 4 1/2” x 3 1/2” prints in negative of various World War
II scenes from the Pacific Theater. These images were likely used in the
production of postcard and similar-sized image for market and thus are
contemporary to the times. They include Joe Rosenthal’s famous image
of the Iwo Jima “flag raisers”, American and Japanese prisoners, Japanese
dead, some incinerated, troop transports, destruction at Hiroshima, the
surrender in Tokyo Bay, and more. Overall near fine.
$100-150
439. PHOTO ALBUM AND ARCHIVE OF ADOLF KROMER, AWARDED
THE GERMAN CROSS IN GOLD...AND THE DEATHS OF HIS BROTHERS
Photo album and document archive of Oberfeldwebel Adolf Kromer of
Pz.Aufkl.Abt. 57, awarded the German Cross in Gold on Feb. 28, 1942 and
subsequently killed in action in Russia. The album, 13” x 9” with textured
black leather cover imprinted in silver: “Meine Dienstzeit”, contains about
sixty photos, most 3” x 4” or larger. He is shown in uniform in 1933, at a
1934 Christmas celebration, and in 1935-36 at various celebrations and
gatherings. August and September, 1938 show him riding in an armored
car and living well, while the last six or so photos show him in uniform,
with his German Cross, and on the Russian front. One photo in the album
was removed by a family member and replaced with a photo of Kromer’s
lonely grave in Russia. The front of the album bears a T.L.S., 1p. 8vo., Jan.
25, 1943 sending the Cross in Gold from the dead soldier to his father,
a burgermeister. Documents include a Dec. 20, 1942 letter to his father
(period official copy) informing him that his son Adolf had died in a tank
battle north of Kotelinkov on Dec. 17, 1943, struck in the neck, and was now
buried in Russian soil; a Mar. 18, 1943 letter returning Adolf’s Wehrpass;
an Oct. 6, 1943 notice that Adolf’s death certificate was being processed;
notice of the posthumous promotion of Adolf’s brother, Ernst Kromer, Oct.
6, 1943; a handwritten notice from an officer, Oct. 17, 1944 asking that the
parents of Friedrick Kromer be notified of his death; and two letters sent
by Friedrich to his father (untranslated). A tragic archive documenting the
wasted lives of three soldiers.
$500-700
440. “THE FIGHTING 69TH” IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC Lot of 16 Signal
Corps photos taken during the war but released ca. 1950, all portraying
the 165th Infantry, A.K.S. the “Fighting 69th”. The regiment fought with
distinction at Saipan and Okinawa. The photos, each 8” x 10”, variously
show combat patrols, men in the fields, priests officiating in religious
$75-100
services, and officers in the field. Fine.
442. VINTAGE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR
A set of 22 5” x4” b/w vintage images of Pearl Harbor, being period
reproductions of incredible shots showing the bombing of the American
ships, destroyed airplanes, clouds of smoke, wreckage and aftermath, a
sailor covered in oil, and so forth. Light wear, very good.
$100-150
443. WEHRMACHT INFANTRYMAN’S PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM Very good,
extensive grouping of over 300 photographs documenting a Wehrmacht
infantryman’s service collected in a 14” x 11” leather-covered album
stamped: “Meine Soldatenzeit im Krieg 1940-45”. The images, many of
which are captioned, commence with his basic training and very quickly
segue into the invasion of France, in which he participated. Images include
panzers, artillery pieces, wrecked bridges and roads, shelled and bombed
cities and towns, refugees, and the grave of an unknown French soldier.
He returns to Germany for a short while, seeing friends and family, and
then is sent back to southwestern France, the under Vichy control, likely
in pursuit of Resistance fighters in and around Angouleme, Concleon,
Royan and in duties concerning the West Wall. Many images are taken in
the field, marching, at planning tables, showing Kriegsmarine vessels at
sea, etc. His party soon ends, as he is sent across Europe to the USSR in
the area of Witebsk and Welish (he includes a hand-drawn map), with great
photos of destroyed Russian and German armor, Russian dead, bunkers,
“dragons teeth”, graves, etc. Some photos bear a little brewing at corners
from adhesive on verso, else very good.
$500-700
444. WORLD WAR II PRESS PHOTOS Fine group of nine press photos,
each 8” x 10”, showing Allied political and military leaders of World War II,
some in group shots and at briefings including Franklin Roosevelt, Chester
Nimitz, Josef Stalin, Winston Churchill, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower,
George Patton, Douglas MacArthur, etc. Very good. $100-150
445. (ADOLF HITLER) Fine lot of two original candid photos, each 2 1/2”
x 3 1/2” b/w, the first showing Hitler full-length in civilian garb in Munich
as he is saluted by several civilians, the second an exterior view of the the
Braunes Haus in Munich showing two guards with standards attached to the
wall beside them. Very good.
$100-150
446. BATTLE OF BRITAIN Photo, 14” x 10” b/w (overall), shows a group
of about 30 RAF pilots, captioned: No. 9 INITIAL TRAINING WING A, FLIGHT
No. 1 SQUADRON”, with ink notation at bottom: “Stratford-on-Avon 1942”.
Corners creased, a stray pen mark, still good.
$75-100
447. AMERICAN PROPAGANDA POSTER American propaganda poster
promoting the sale of War Bonds, 28 1/2” x 40”, shows three young
children playing in a “patriotic” manner, the shadow of a black swastike
descending upon them. The reader is admonished: “Don’t Let That Shadow
Touch Them”. Mailing folds, else very good.
$150-200
448. GERMAN PROPAGANDA POSTER Excellent propaganda poster
issued near war’s end, 18” x 20” color, shows an abstract image of suffering
families and reading in German at bottom: “Help the plight of Refugee - Help
- Action”. Folds, one slight marginal tear, else very good.
$150-200
449. GERMAN U-BOAT PROPAGANDA POSTER AIMED AT RUSSIANS Rare
poster, 33” x 24”, printed in Russian and issued in March, 1943.Untranslated,
but illustrations make it abundantly clear that the German U-boat service
is being heavily promoted with images of men receiving awards relaxing,
meeting girls, etc. Very possibly aimed at recruiting German-speaking Russian
crewmen, or at the very least convincing Russians that the submariners were
not the devils they were said to be. Weak folds and some tears reinforced with
paper tape on verso, just good.
$200-300
441. THIRD REICH NEWS WIRE PHOTOS Lot of nine original wire
photographs from German wire sources, images including Hitler at a
Nuremberg rally, Goring, Hindenburg, funerals and other ceremonies,
etc., with three printed photos, a smaller original photo of a wreath-laying
(flawed), and four pieces of unrelated ephemera including a printed gift
card from Hitler to a soldier (sending food), a postcard of Nazis in Salzburg,
$100-150
first day post cover, etc. Overall good to very good.
49
N.S.K.K.
“ARZT”
450.
PORCELAIN
SIGN
Rare
N.S.K.K. “Arzt” (“Physician”)
yellow porcelain on steel sign,
16” x 12”, bears the N.S.K.K.
banner, eagle and swastika
symbol at top. Typical wear
at hanging holes, light
abrasions, overall very good.
This sign no doubt indicated
to the travelling NSKK
member that a physician
fellow member or NSKK
participating physician was at
$700-800
hand.
451. THE FIVE SULLIVAN BROTHERS KILLED IN ACTION A fine World War
II poster 28 1/2” x 30” issued by the Office of War Information featuring the
five Sullivan Brothers who died together when their ship was torpedoed off
Savo Island the night of Nov. 12-13, 1942. The poster shows the Sullivans in
uniform with the caption: “The five Sullivan brothers ‘missing in action’ off the
Solomons THEY DID THEIR PART”. As a direct result of the Sullivans’ deaths the
War Department adopted the Sole Survivor Policy. Usual folds, else fine.
$300-400
452. WORLD WAR II PROPAGANDA POSTER An American-issued World War
II propaganda poster, 20” x 28” color, shows Dwight Eisenhower from chest,
up and in uniform, saluting, with red and white stripes in the background. The
bold legend reads: “Back ‘em Up! BUY EXTRA BONDS!”. Folds, else near fine.
$100-150
453. WORLD WAR II PROPAGANDA POSTER An American-issued World War
II propaganda poster, 14” x 20” color, showing a farmer clutching his tearful
wife who bears a Western Union telegram in her hand, with the large redlettered legend: “AMERICANS SUFFER when careless talk kills!” Fine.$150-250
454. “DEUTSCHELAND ERWACHT” CIGARETTA CARD ALBUM Large format
illustrated book Deutscheland Erwacht, (Herausgegeben vom Cigaretten/
Bilderdienst: Hamburg), 1933, 150pp. folio, with an enormous fold-out photo
in the rear showing a rally at Nuremberg. A “cigarette book” which a smoker
would purchase and then fill with photographs obtained when quantities of
smokes were purchased. This volume, well-written, is completely filled, in
excellent condition.
$150-200
455. “OLYMPIA1936” CIGARETTE BOOK Scarce publication, “cigarette” photo
books Olympia 1936, Volumes I and II, published by Cigaretten Bilderdienst,
Hamburg, 168pp. and 126pp., 9” x 12 1/4”, in blue cloth with black lettering
and gilt Olympic logo. These books were originally devoid of photos but were
filled with images by smokers who accumulated high-quality photos as they
purchased cigarettes. Both volumes are complete, and incredibly Jesse Owens
and other racial “inferiors” are fairly represented (though caricatured at the
bottom of the page). Hitler is given the first page - a full-page illustration - and
German athletes are most prominently depicted. Volume I also includes a foldout map of the Olympic village. Edges of the spine of Volume II is worn, else
near fine condition.
$150-200
456. ADOLF HITLER 1932 ELECTION VICTORY HANDBILL Printed handbill,
8 1/2” x 12 1/2”, Berlin, in part:”14 million gave us their vote on July 31...they
wanted a radical new organization of political life...for a free national and
socialist Germany...they voted against...Marxist blood terror...400 of our best
gave their lives in the fight for the soul of the German worker...they died for
the ideals of Adolf Hitler...Adolf Hitler refused to sell out...against the powers
against the will of the people...against the party of the Jews and Freemasons...
we take up the fight...” . Very good.
$200-300
457. ADOLF HITLER CIGARETTE CARD ALBUM Large format illustrated
book Adolf Hitler Pictures From the Life of the Fuhrer, (Herausgegeben vom
Cigaretten/Bilderdienst: Hamburg), 1936, 136pp. folio, foreword by Hermann
Goring. A “cigarette book” which a smoker would purchase and then fill with
photographs obtained when quantities of smokes were purchased. This
volume, well-written, is completely filled, the cover slightly soiled else in fine
condition.
$120-150
458. “THE PRIVATE LIFE OF...HITLER!” A particularly cheesy movie poster
advertising the long-forgotten 1962 film “Hitler”. The large poster, 40” x 76”,
shows Hitler (as played by well-respected star Richard Basehart) slapping a
scantily-clad woman as another smug, equally scantily-clad woman looks on
approvingly (the film depicts the women as Geli Raubal and Eva Braun!). The
text reads, in part: “THE PRIVATE LIFE OF...HITLER Revealed for the first time! SEE
IT ALL...in the shocking personal story of HITLER!”. A two-sheet poster, bears
a small well-repaired tear at top, light toned water staining at bottom which
hardly detracts from this masterpiece. The film, which Basehart actually spent
a good amount of time preparing for, was filled with factual errors including
Hitler ordering Geli’s murder and Claus von Stauffenberg being hanged (versus
shot) Interestingly, John Banner (“Sergeant Schultz”) portrayed Gregor Strasser
but was unable to save the production.
$150-200
459. “ENGLAND’S REGIMENT IN PALESTINE” German propaganda
publication, Englands Regiment in Palastine, by Gert Winsch, (Berlin: German
News Service, 1940), 86pp. 8vo. This illustrated volume describes England’s
involvement in Palestine, particularly emphasizing the British repression of the
Palestinians, plundering of Jerusalem, alleged massacres of Arabs by settlers,
etc., with illustrations showing the British destroying Arab homes and villages,
allegedly looting, the taking of prisoners, and “An Arab shot by a Jew being
removed...”. Slight wear to the spine, else very good.
$100-150
460. “HITLER STARTS WAR, POLES CALL FOR HELP” The Wichita Eagle Extra,
Wichita, Ks., Sep. 1, 1939, Evening edition, 16pp. bearing a bold headline as
Hitler invades Poland. Hitler’s attack commenced on Sep. 1, the same day
the Eagle went to press. Quotes include “Nazi War Machine Strikes Lightning
Blow”, and “British Going To Poles Aid”. At the bottom of the front page are two
photographs of men and women fleeing London and Paris in fear of air raids.
Other content pertains to a German bomber being shot down by Polish anti
aircraft guns, Poles fleeing Warsaw streets, and more. An historic newspaper.
Light toning at fold, else fine.
$75-100
461. “KAMPF UM’S DRITTE REICH” German cigarette card book, Kampf um’s
Dritte Reich (“Fight For the Third Reich”), 96pp. 9 1/2” x 12 1/2”, issued by
Cigaretten-Bilderdienst, 1933. A rarely seen cigarette book, lacking any of the
plates.
$75-100
462. (ANTI-PATTON ENVELOPE) Rare envelope satirizing the soldier
“slapping incident” which nearly ended Gen. George Patton’s career, the
envelope commemorating the Jan. 1, 1941 bombing of neutral Ireland by
Germany with printed commentary at left: “Shall we go Pattonslappingly along,
and just penalize privates?”. Canceled Jan. 1, 1944…days after Patton relieved
Bastogne, at the height of the Battle of the Bulge.
$75-100
463. 13TH AIRBORNE DIVISION UNIT HISTORY Excellent official history of
the 13th Airborne Division, published in 1946 and edited by Lt. Col. William
J. Blythe. This approx. 250pp. history is fully illustrated, and bears embossed
leather covers. Part 1 includes the index and covers the 13th Airborne Division,
222nd Medical Company, 513th Signal Company, 713th Ordnance Company,
409th Quartermaster Company, 13th Parachute Maintenance Company, 78th
“Lightning” Division, 153rd Airborne Anti-Aircraft Battalion, 129th Airborne
Engineer Battalion, 326th Glider Infantry, and 517th Parachute Infantry
Regiment. Part 2 covers the 515th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 13th Airborne
Division Artillery, 458th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, 677th Glider Field
Artillery Battalion, 460th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, and 676th Glider
Field Artillery Battalion. A complete roster is also included. Covers are rubbed a
bit at edges, else very good.
$150-200
464. 1935 BERGHOF SOUVENIR PRINT Color print of Hitler’s retreat at
Berchtesgaden, the Berghof, 9” x 6 1/2” (sight), shows one of the structures
with a large NSDAP banner flying before it, set into a period black wood frame.
Fine.
$75-100
465. 82ND AIRBORNE REPORT: “BELGIUM THE STORY OF THE BULGE”
Rare after-action reports compiled into a single confidential dossier with printed
cover, 38pp. legal folio with eight large folded maps detailing movements of
the division from December, 1944 through February, 1945. The entire report,
apparently written in early 1945, is “Classified”, with additional parts originally
marked “Secret” but since downgraded. The first 12 pages include Gen. James
M. Gavin’s preface and his narrative of the division’s actions during the battle.
The balance of the publication reports events chronologically, lists losses and
casualties, prisoners taken, etc. and notes that only about 100 of these reports
were issued. Sold with a brief signed note from JAMES M. GAVIN presenting
the report and noting that it is the last copy he possesses. Very good.
$200-300
466. ADOLF HITLER ELECTION BALLOTS Good lot of three ballots marked by
voters in support of Adolf Hitler, each 1p. 8vo., include two ballots from HesseNassau voting for Hitler and his co-runners Goring, Hess, Frick, Goebbels,
Rohm, and others for seats in the Reichstag, the third ballot from supporting
Hitler and the annexation of Austria in 1938. Fine.
$200-300
467. ADOLF HITLER’S WATERCOLORS Rare portfolio of seven reproductions
of watercolors painted by Adolf Hitler, each tipped to an 8 1/4” x 11 3/4”
backing and protected by a tissue cover baring the title of the work. These seven
color prints were issued by his personal photographer Heinrich Hoffmann in
1935, presented in cloth backed decorative portfolio boards cover title Adolf
Hitler Aquarelle in black type. Introduction by Hermann Nasse. Portfolio covers
are cracked and loose at the spine, the prints are fine.
$700-900
468. ALLIED AIR-DROPPED PROPAGANDA LEAFLETS Great lot of six airdropped illustrated propaganda leaflets, most of which turned Nazi leader’s
own quotes against them using the ongoing destruction of Germany as proof.
Includes: Hitler and Goebbels quoted from a Nov. 8, 1942 speech, verso
showing frozen dead on the Russian Front; a comparison of the Reichstag
burning to the world burning, with anti-Asian tone; unflattering photos of
Hitler and Nazi leaders with promises made of victory and fact Hitler started the
war; a chronology of German defeats in 1942, from North Africa to Stalingrad
with Hitler quote: “I calculated every possibility ahead of time”; a comparison
of German terror bombing versus precision bombing of the Krupp works by
the RAF; and a thin flyer showing six portraits of Goring going from gleeful
50
to petrified, each above the name of a city which fits the image (ie: Warsaw to incredible work of the writer’s imagination: “...Look! The Stars and Stripes lies
Dusseldorf). Some flyers bear tears, one has tape repairs, most have folds. on the ground, beaten...vanquished enemy brought back as a present for the
$200-300 Commanding Officer...the scorched earth policy of the U.S. Forces...our gallant
forces burn with intense redness...what a pathetic sight the enemy presents!...
469. AMERICAN PROPAGANDA & GERMAN EPHEMERA Grouping of various The long line of prisoners of war, feet dragging heavily...marches along...”.
documents and ephemera, includes: appointments of a postal inspector and a Lacking spine, otherwise very good, in original cardboard slipcase.$300-400
oberstleutnant in the Schutzpolizei, both bearing printed signatures of Adolf
Hitler (worn); copies of the newspapers Die Mitteilungen, Die Neue Zeitung and 478. JOSEPH GOEBBELS ORDERS NON-ESSENTIAL CITIZENS OUT OF
Front und Heimat; a 9 1/4” x 11 1/2” Hoffmann photo of Hermann Goring; BERLIN Small broadside, signed in type by Propaganda Minister as Reichs
a World War I Liberty Loan flyer (torn and chipped); an underground French Defense Minister for Berlin, 8 1/2” x 12 1/2”, Berlin, ca. 1943, an order that
newsheet Liberator, June 27, 1944, and an American propaganda leaflet non-essential personnel leave Berlin for their own safety. In part: “...The enemy
headed “SUICIDE”. Good to very good.
$100-150 has continued the air terror against the German civilians...women, children,
and retired people [should leave the city]...whoever has relatives outside Berlin
470. DUTCH PROPAGANDA ARTIST “JORDAAN” LEENDERT JURRIAAN where they can stay...may leave...It is required to obtain a certificate to leave
JORDAAN (1898-1980) Dutch artist and cartoonist, a virulent anti-Nazi the city...free passage is provided...those without relatives...may leave for
employed by the Dutch weekly news magazine De Groene Amsterdammer. regions under the auspices of the Berlin government...it is not permitted to
Jordaan continued to contribute artwork to the journal while it was published depart without any plans...”. Top margin chipped and a marginal tear, else very
underground during the German occupation. His most noted work depicted a good.
$100-150
giant, unstoppable Nazi “robot” advancing on helpless soldiers. Rare collection
of Jordaan’s wartime works, published by De Groene ca. 1950, about 50pp. 479. MAUI NEWSPAPER REPORTS JAPANESE ATTACKS TWO WEEKS
small folio with descriptive texts, extraordinary works of art suitable for AFTER PEARL HARBOR Two copies of the Maui News, Wailuka, Maui, Dec.
framing.
$150-200 20 & 22, 1941, single sheets. The Dec. 20th War Extra has the head line “U.S.
Wins China Battle 22,000 Nazis are Killed Davao Under Fire”. Paper also details
471. GERMAN ANTI-POLISH PROPAGANDA Scarce German publication American fighters downing Japanese aircraft and a U.S. air field in Manila being
Dokumente Polnischer Grausamkeit (“Documenting Polish Cruelty”), published bombed. Also states that Roosevelt will be giving the eastern command to
in Berlin, 1940, following the conquest of Poland. Not carefully examined by Douglas MacArthur. The Dec. 22 issue bears the headline “30 Land on Maui’s
us, but clearly propaganda aimed at justifying the German invasion of Poland Coast”. Goes into detail how the S.S. Lahaina, a Matson freighter, had been
a year earlier, citing Polish persecution of Germans, with some photos. Front torpedoed by a Japanese submarine, and how a tiny lifeboat brought thirty of
cover loosening and taped, a few pages coming loose, contents very good. the men to safety. The men go into details about how they were only allowed
$100-150 to have one half cup of water per day, and how they ate lemons to survive.
The paper continues with reports of ships being torpedoed in San Francisco by
472. GERMAN BATTLE OF BRITAIN PROPAGANDA BOOK German Japanese submarines. A fascinating read. Fine.
propaganda booklet “Bomben auf Engeland”, a 22pp. 8vo. illustrated booklet $75-100
describing the ongoing attacks on London and the rest of England, photos
within showing a dogfight, destruction of cities taken from near and far, a wave 480. ORDER FOR THE REGISTRATION OF GERMAN NATIONALS IN
of German bombers, aces Moulders, Wick and Galland, etc. Toned and a bit UKRAINE Printed document 7pp. 4to., Rowno (Rivne), Ukraine, Mar. 1, 1943,
brittle, still very good.
$100-150 “Order of the Reich Commissioner of Ukraine”. Printed in German, it instructs
German citizens on how to conduct themselves in occupied eastern territories,
473. GERMAN EPHEMERA Grouping of ephemera, includes Adolf Hitler and including registering with the police within three days of arrival, reporting
the German Nation, a 20pp. 1933 propaganda booklet issued by Dunlop Tires children up to the age of 15, making sure service officers wear a uniform, and
(Germany); May 1, 1934 issue of Der Arbeiter newspaper celebrating National so forth. The Reich Commissariat of Ukraine was a civilian occupation regime
Workers’ Day; printed poem Lied der Braunhemden and picturing Hitler (split, whose tasks included maintaining peace within the region and exploitation of
chipped and generally poor); two partial copies of Dunlop Zeitung, and a 1926 persons and resources for the benefit of Germany. Light wear, toned a bit, very
Serbian passport issued in Berlin with multiple visas (cover detached). good.
$200-300
$100-150
481. PHILIPPINE GUERILLA CURRENCY Six bank notes circulated in the
474. HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI ARE WARNED OF THEIR DESTRUCTION Philippines during the Japanese occupation but backed by the exiled Philippine
Rare air-dropped leaflet warning of the destruction of Japanese cities, issued National Bank and often used to fund guerilla activities. The Japanese issued
five days before the atomic destruction of Hiroshima. The 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” leaflet occupation currency, but these notes were actually backed by the national
bears an image on one side of B-29s dropping loads of bombs on Japan, the bank’s silver holdings. Included are 20 peso notes issued in Negros and Iloilo,
verso bearing the printed Japanese text. In part: “...In the next few days, some or five peso notes issued in Bacolod and Mindanao, 50 centavo notes issued in
all of the cities named on the reverse side will be destroyed by American bombs. Bohol and Cagayan, and a one peso note issued in Cebu. Circulated condition.
These cities contain military installations...We are determined to destroy all the $75-100
tools of the military clique...bombs have no eyes...give you warning to evacuate
the cities named and save your lives...heed this warning and evacuate these 482. POLISH RESISTANCE BANKNOTE Lot of two five zloty Polish banknotes
cities immediately...”. Eleven cities are listed on the front of the flyer, and issued in Krakow in 1941, following the German destruction of the Polish army
Hiroshima and Nagasaki are among them. Fine.
$100-150 and conquest of the country. One of the notes bears the seal of a resistance unit
and the signature of a leader, with typed endorsement approving the use of the
475. HITLER YOUTH EPHEMERA Group of three items pertaining to the Hitler note for soldier’s pay. Very good.
$100-150
Youth, includes a Hitler Youth Mitglieds-Ausweis identity card picturing and
signed by an appox. ten year old member, from Hessen-Nassau, along with 483. RICHARD WAGNER AND THE THIRD REICH Scarce book honoring
two copies of the Hitler Youth school reader, “Hilf Mit!” (“Help Out!”), April and Richard Wagner and his contributions to the Third Reich, Richard Wagner and
May, 1936, illustrated school readers buttressed with plenty of propaganda. the Master Singers of Nuremberg, by Wilhelm Stock (Nuremberg: Verlag Karl
Very good.
$100-150 Ulrich), 1938. 230pp. 8vo., white cloth boards with gilt title. The book opens
with facsimiles of messages from Winifred Wagner and Eva Wagner, with
476. HITLER YOUTH FLIEGERKORPS PAPER AIRPLANE Unusual Nazi youth- photos of Hitler, Julius Streicher and Winifred enjoying a performance, Goring,
oriented toy, a Fliegerkorps cut-out paper airplane with Hitler Youth and Goebbels, von Epp, costumes, scenery, etc. Title and covers a bit worn, else
N.S.F.K. markings. Overall 16 3/4” x 11 3/4”, very good.
$100-150 fine.
$200-300
477. JAPANESE PROPAGANDA BOOK ON THE CAPTURE OF THE
PHILIPPINES An incredible find, an approx. 200pp. bound heavily illustrated 484. STURMABTEILUNG (S.A.) ILLUSTRATED PROPAGANDA BOOK A rare
propaganda publication issued by the Japanese government following the fall publication, a lengthy, heavily illustrated promotional publication issued by the
of the Philippines. What makes this item particularly interesting is the 14pp. NSDAP for the “new” S.A., published by Franz Eher Nachf, Munich, 1938. 128pp.
supplement issued with the book translating the captions within. The book, 10 1/4” x 14 1/4”. Following the elimination of the too-powerful Ernst Rohm,
“Philippine Expeditionary Force”, is large 4to., published by the “Watari Group the S.A. was essentially relegated to the role of further tormenting Jewish citizens,
Information Dept”, most likely in Japan. It contains hundreds of images taken by along with some public works. This book, with hundreds of illustrations, shows
Japanese combat photographers showing everything from bombers, destroyed every aspect of the organization’s functions, its leaders, training, “cultural work”,
cities, shattered vehicles and American prisoners on the “Bataan Death March” etc. Ownership signature inside rear cover indicated this was property of
$150-200
to “grateful” Filipinos and celebrating Japanese soldiers. The captions are an the S.A. Truppe Friedrich Hancky in Vienna. Very good.
51
World War II: Relics
Signed as Patton is buried in Luxembourg with his men
485. THE VISITOR’S BOOK USED AT THE FUNERAL OF GEORGE S. PATTON
An evocative relic from Gen. George S. Patton’s death in Heidelberg, Germany,
the red leather-bound visitor’s book who visited Villa Reiner, where Patton’s
body lay in state the day before he was laid to rest in Hamm, Luxembourg with
his fellow soldiers of the Third Army. The book, 8 1/4” x 10 3/4”, contains
about 150pp.of white rag paper, of which the first eight pages are filled with
signatures, the vast majority from Seventh Army headquarters officers and
staffers (as Villa Reiner also served as headquarters for the Seventh Army). Of
course, many of these Seventh Army signers served with Patton in his hugely
successful invasion of Sicily two years earlier. Over two hundred mourners
have boldly penned their names, and most in logical groupings, including
commercial and military photographers, military police, anti-aircraft officers,
artillery officers, engineers, etc. Also signing is FREDERICK AYER, Patton’s
brother-in-law who co-escorted Beatrice Patton at her husband’s funeral, a few
British and French representatives, and all six pallbearers, including Patton’s
person aide, African-American WILLIAM G. MEEKS, who perhaps was closer
to the late general than anyone else during the war. Particularly representative
of Patton is the fact that mourners from all walks of life viewed the late general,
from major generals to the housekeeper at the Villa Reiner. The front cover of
the book is badly chipped at top and left and cover is nearly detached at spine,
back cover also loosening, yet contents remain very good to fine. The following
day Patton’s body was taken to Christ Church in Heidelberg for an Episcopal
funeral service, after which it was interred in the American military cemetery at
Hamm. Twenty thousand of Patton’s veteran soldiers volunteered to serve as
one of his pallbearers...From the estate of Gen. Geoffrey Keyes (1888-1967),
Patton’s long-time friend who served as his deputy commander in North Africa,
planned the invasion of Sicily and captured Palermo, led the II Corps and 7th
Army, and planned Patton’s funeral.
$20,000-30,000
From the estate of Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, who made Patton’s funeral arrangements
486. GEORGE S. PATTON’S FOUR-STAR GENERAL’S BANNER, USED
AT HIS FUNERAL Historic, fine quality closely woven red cotton hanging
banner, 33” x 45”, bears four 10 1/2” white stars sewn to both sides,
with a 2 1/2” wide loop at top so that a pole could be passed through to
suspend the banner vertically, owned and used by Gen. George S. Patton,
and in all probability present at his funeral. Light soiling to one star, else
fine condition. Patton died in Heidelberg, Germany on December 21,
1945. He lay in state until December 23rd when funeral services were held
in Heidelberg, after which his remains were buried with those of his fellow
Third Army soldiers in the military cemetery at Hamm, Luxembourg. This
relic is from the estate of Gen. Geoffrey Keyes (1888-1967), Patton’s longtime friend who served as his deputy commander in North Africa, planned
the invasion of Sicily and captured Palermo, led the II Corps and 7th Army,
and planned Patton’s funeral. As Keyes never achieved Patton’s four-star
rank, this banner could not have belonged to him. As Patton and Keyes
were long-time close friends and in light of the fact that Keyes planned
the former’s funeral, this banner could only have belonged to George
Patton. Undoubtedly while Patton lay in state and at church services, this
banner was in use. Also self-evident is the fact that Keyes would have
used one of Patton’s existing banners for the ceremonies, versus having a
new one fabricated within only three days. An exceptional relic of historic
import.
$10,000-15,000
52
487. XV CORPS FLAG USED AT GEN. GEORGE S. PATTON’S FUNERAL
An important relic from the Dec. 23, 1945 funeral of Gen. George S.
Patton, a 52” x 35” flag from the XV Corps which fought in Patton’s
Third Army during COBRA, the advance across France, the closing of the
Falaise pocket, the first bridgehead across the Seine, and the advance
to the Moselle. The two sided cotton flag, possibly theater-made, bears
the corps insignia in rayon comprised of separate sections of fabric at
center. Leather tabs at the top and bottom of the fly show some use,
and film from Patton’s funeral hint that this flag was present. From the
estate of Gen. Geoffrey Keyes (1888-1967), Patton’s long-time friend
who served as his deputy commander in North Africa, planned the
invasion of Sicily and captured Palermo, led the II Corps and 7th Army,
and planned Patton’s funeral. Keyes was serving in Italy while Patton
was racing across France, and he had no association with XV Corps, so
undoubtedly he kept this flag as a souvenir of the funeral proceedings.
Very good.
$5,000-6,000
488. CONTEMPORARY GEORGE S. PATTON MEMORIAL BOOKLET Very rare booklet published following the
death of Gen. George S. Patton, “In Memoriam George S. Patton, Jr. General U.S. Army”, 32pp. 7” x 9 1/2”, (Bad
Tolz, Germany: 667 Engr. Repro Train, 3rd Army H.Q.), 1946. Paperboards, with frontis portrait of a painting of
Patton in uniform, foreword by Gen.Lucius Truscott. This rare printing was the first memorial tribute to Patton,
published at his headquarters just two months after his death. It contains Eisenhower’s general order announcing
the death, the Third and Seventh Army announcements, an address by Secretary of War Robert Patterson, a series
of illustrated articles written about the general, and the text of Patton’s Oct. 7, 1945 farewell to his Third Army.
With a 5” x 4” b/w photo showing Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, Patton’s close friend and deputy commander, laying a
wreath at Patton’s grave. Fine, from Keyes’ estate.
$1,000-2,000
Over five hours of original film of Otto Skorzeny, sold with copyright
489. PERSONAL FILMS OF OTTO SKORZENY, FROM
HIS ESTATE An important lot of 64 reels of color film
(plus one roll of 35mm. film exposed to light), all but one
roll being 8mm. or “Super” 8mm. film on 53 x 3” reels
and 10 x 5” reels likely filmed 1960-1975, approximately
a total of 5 1/2 hours of private footage, several
labeled with locations or topics including “Germany...
Berchtesgaden...Havana...New
York...Ireland...1972
Olympics...Hudson...Acadia
House....Easter
1961...
Majorca...Egypt”. Although none of these films have
been viewed by us or by the consignor, sampled frames
showed many unidentified individuals with Skorzeny at
different locations, an interview of Skorzeny (likely at his
home in Ireland), Skorzeny surrounded by friends and
skiing, an unidentified bedridden old man, etc. There
is one roll (mentioned above) which emanates from the
National Archives and which bears microfilm images of
documents pertaining to the July 20, 1944 bomb attempt
on Hitler’s life. These films are sold WITH full copyright
transfered to the purchaser. These films were bequeathed
to Skorzeny’s wife, Ilse Finckenstein Skorzeny by her
husband at the time of his death in 1975. Ilse continued
to reside in in the Tres Cantos section of Madrid, but was
slowly cheated out of her wealth by various con artists and
manipulators in Spain and in the United States. Early on,
she befriended an influential businessman who sought to
obtain her legal and financial assistance. By the time of her
death in 2002, Ilse was bankrupt and living in a nursing
home, supported by the charity of her friend. On Jan. 13,
1998 she granted the man her full power of attorney, and on May 4, 1999 she executed a legal document leaving her entire estate to her benefactor. He
has since transferred this property to his son, our consignor. In September, 2011 representatives of Alexander Historical Auctions met with the heir of Ilse
Skorzeny’s estate and his son, the consignor. Also viewed was the original power of attorney given by Ilse and the fully-executed and notarized copy of
the legal document bequeathing the property to her Spanish friend. Copies of those documents are included in the lot, as is a copy of a letter attesting to
the fact that the son had been gifted the estate by the father, this document also signed by both.
$10,000-15,000
53
490. BLOOD-STAINED FABRIC FROM
ADOLF HITLER’S SUICIDE SOFA
An incredible relic with outstanding
provenance, a 6” x 3 1/2” semirectangular section of fabric with one
corner bearing a blood stain, removed
from the sofa upon which Adolf Hitler
committed suicide with a pistol shot to
the head at 3:30 PM on April 30, 1945.
This fabric section, part of a sightly
larger piece obtained by our consignor,
exactly matches the pattern of the
“suicide sofa” as it appears in period
photographs by LIFE photographer
William Vandivert and others taken
just days after Hitler’s death. The
swatch of fabric, bearing a 1 1/2” x
2” dark stain, was taken as a souvenir
by Col. Roswell P. Rosengren (1902-?) who
served as an intelligence officer under the Chief of
Engineers, and on the public relations staffs of Secretary
of War Henry Stimson, Chief of Staff George Marshall, and
also served on Eisenhower’s staff at SHAEF. His Army service
continued through the Korean War, during which he was Chief of Public
Information for the 8th Army. An original contemporary tag attached to the
relic, undoubtedly written in Rosengren’s hand, reads: “No. 39 Piece of covering
of davenport in Hitler’s air raid shelter - blood supposed to be Hitler’s”. The relic is also
accompanied by the original 2001 notarized letter of provenance on his letterhead from his son, professional photographer Erik L. Rosengren. It reads, in
part: “My father, Col. Roswell P. Rosengren, was Gen. Eisenhower’s Public Information Officer for most of the Second World War...A few days after Hitler’s
suicide my father and three senior Army officers entered Hitler’s bunker within the Reichskanzlei. Dad cut a piece of blood soaked material from Hitler’s
davenport on which he reportedly died...my father also cut two swatches of material and one piece of leather from chairs and a sofa. These and other
mementos were cataloged and numbered with tags and placed under lock and key...These pieces have been in my possession since that date...”. Other
relics from Rosengren’s collection, a leather swatch and Hitler’s office safe dial, also bear tags with identical handwriting and are also offered in this sale. A
Kastle-Meyer presumptive blood test was twice performed on a sample of of residue from the stain on the swatch, and both tests indicated positive for the
presence of hemoglobin. Rosengren, whose biographical data can be easily researched and some of which is included, had much of his correspondence
donated to the Truman Library and the Wisconsin Historical Society. A most historic relic, as no blood relics of Hitler’s have ever been offered publicly - a
DNA test would conclusively put to rest rumors of body doubles, flight to Argentina, and other theories of an escape from Berlin.
$10,000-15,000
491. A SWATCH OF LEATHER FROM A CHAIR IN HITLER’S OFFICE An interesting relic from Adolf Hitler’s office
in the Reichs Chancellery in Berlin, an approx. 1” x 1/2” section of brown dyed leather seat covering recovered days
after the city’s fall by a well-known press and intelligence officer attached to SHAEF headquarters. The relic was
taken by Col. Roswell P. Rosengren (1902-?) who served as an intelligence officer under the Chief of Engineers, and
on the public relations staffs of Secretary of War Henry Stimson, Chief of Staff George Marshall, and also served on
Eisenhower’s staff at SHAEF. His Army service continued through the Korean War, during which he was Chief of Public
Information for the 8th Army. The relic is accompanied by a copy of a 2001 notarized letter of provenance from
his son, professional photographer Erik L. Rosengren. The son states that Col. Rosengren and three senior officers:
“...entered Hitler’s bunker within the Reichskanzlei. Dad cut a piece of blood soaked material from Hitler’s davenport...
my father also cut two swatches of material and one piece of leather from chairs and a sofa. These and other mementos
were cataloged and numbered with tags and placed under lock and key...”. Sold with a copy of Rosengren’s original tag
attached to the swatches: “No. 28 Three pieces covering + 1 swatch leather from chairs in Hitler’s large office”. Biographical
data also included. Rosengren’s papers now reside at the Truman Library and the Wisconsin Historical Society.
$400-600
492. THE BATTERED DIAL FROM ADOLF HITLER’S OFFICE SAFE A 3” aluminum and steel safe dial, the
knurled knob heavily battered and dented, with the shaft broken - apparently caused during an amateurish
attempt to force the safe open. An original contemporary tag attached to the dial reads: “No. 32 Dial from
Safe of Hitler in private office.”. The relic was taken by Col. Roswell P. Rosengren (1902-?) who served as an
intelligence officer under the Chief of Engineers, and on the public relations staffs of Secretary of War Henry
Stimson, Chief of Staff George Marshall, and also served on Eisenhower’s staff at SHAEF. His Army service
continued through the Korean War, during which he was Chief of Public Information for the 8th Army.
The relic is accompanied by a copy of a 2001 notarized letter of provenance from his son, professional
photographer Erik L. Rosengren, stating that Rosengren: “...entered Hitler’s bunker within the Reichskanzlei.
Dad cut a piece of blood soaked material from Hitler’s davenport...my father also cut two swatches of
material and one piece of leather from chairs and a sofa. These and other mementos were cataloged and
numbered with tags and placed under lock and key...”. Also present: a copy of one of Rosengren’s tags
which was attached to a fabric swatch - the handwriting on the tag exactly matches the handwriting on the tag attached to the dial, along with biographical
$400-600
info on Rosengren. Rosengren’s papers now reside at the Truman Library and the Wisconsin Historical Society.
54
493. DAGGER, SAILOR’S SOLDBUCH, AND JACKET CAPTURED FROM U-234
An extraordinary grouping of items all purportedly seized in the highly-publicized
surrender of U-234 on May 14, 1945 off the Newfoundland coast. Her first and only
mission into enemy territory consisted of the attempted delivery of uranium oxide
and German advanced weapons technology to Japan. After learning of Germany’s
unconditional surrender, the submarine’s crew surrendered, giving up Luftwaffe Gen.
Ulrich Kessler of the Luftwaffe, Kai Nieschling, a Naval Fleet Judge Advocate sent to rid
the German embassy in Japan of the remnants of the Sorge spy ring; Dr. Heinz Schlicke,
a specialist in radar, infra-red, and countermeasures, and August Bringewalde, who
was in charge of Me 262 production. Two Japanese officers committed suicide rather
than be taken prisoner. Included in the lot is a 2nd pattern custom Naval dagger with
walrus grip, pommel and crossguard showing good detail but lacking much of their
original finish, the locking button operable. The Eickhorn-marked blade bears the
fouled-anchor motif against a fropsted background, the tip very sharp, with just the
smalles bit of oxidation and a few surface scratches. A regulation sword knot has
been tied with the proper knot to the grip of the dagger. Traditional “lightning bolt”
scabbard is straight and bears no dents, though finish is likewise worn. Also present
is the soldbuch, or military identity card, of U-234 crewman Hubert Lehrmann from
Halle and born 1925. Lehrmann was a machinist’s mate, entering the service on Aug.
2, 1942, and attended training schools prior to his first posting aboard U-190 before
transfer to U-234. Also present is Lehrmann’s steel gray leather overcoat, with eight
matching gray buttons by Overhoff & Co. (three detached but present), two wool-lined
side pockets and two well pockets with flaps, no vent, the entire jacket lined in dark
gray wool and showing some wear consistent with use. According to the consignor,
these items were seized by Navy Coxswain Judson W. Catlett of the destroyer USS
SUTTON (confirmed a crewman by us) which seized the submarine. Catlett, a member
of the boarding party, is said to have seized the dagger directly from Lt. Cmdr. Gerhard
Falck, part of U-234’s crew and charged with escorting the two Japanese envoys back
to Japan with the uranium. The jacket and soldbuch were likewise taken by Catlett
from a crewman who has been confirmed as a surrendering crewman. Obtained by our consignor from Catlett’s surviving family member. A superior
grouping: a great dagger, rare soldbuch, and authentic U-boat sailor’s overcoat!
$4,000-5,000
494. REINHARD HEYDRICH’S BOAR’S TOOTH HUNTING LODGE ASHTRAY A rare relic
from Reinhard Heydrich’s hunting Lodge near Nauen, a large ashtray bearing a boar’s tooth
which crosses the breadth of the ornamental piece. The cut-glass bottom of the ashtray, 7
1/2” wide, bears a sunburst design. It is topped with a wide silver band deeply engraved: in
German: “HUNTING ESTATE STOLPSHOF FAM[ILY] HEYDRICH”. The band, which also bears
an engraved inventory number: “INV. NR. 75/1938” supports an enormous wild boar’s tusk
which also serves as a carrying handle, and two cigar/cigarette rests are soldered to the
band as well. Fine condition. Stolpshof was Reinhard Heydrich’s personal hunting estate,
near Nauen and about 40 kilometers west of Berlin. Previously, he had obtained hunting
rights at Parlow in the Schorfheide forest north-east of Berlin in immediate proximity to
Hermann Göring’s country estate Karinhall. From 1936, on Heydrich hunted at Stolpshof
where he renovated a hunting lodge and celebrated Christmas, 1941. At Nauen, the SS
even maintained a small concentration camp from which Heydrich recruited slave laborers
for the upkeep and renovation of the lodge.
$2,000-3,000
From the second year of Volkswagen production
495. FERDINAND PORSCHE IS HONORED WITH A SWASTIKA PLAQUE BY VOLKSWAGEN
EMPLOYEES An extraordinary item from the infancy of the Volkswagen vehicle plant in
Wolfsburg, Germany, a hand-carved wood plaque featuring the famous Volkswagen “Beetle”
and swastika, presented to the car’s designer, Ferdinand Porsche. The overall presentation
measures 16 1/2” x 19 1/2”, the varnished 10” x 13” pine plaque showing an early Volkswagen
in a side view. Above it appears the symbol of the Deutsches Arbeitsfront, a cog wheel with a
mobile swastika within, with a left-facing eagle with two oak leaves beneath. A rising sun with
rays occupies the entire background. Framed in dark stained oak, with a silver presentation
plaque affixed at bottom: “Herr Prof. Dr. Porsche as a keepsake at Christmas 1940 from the
Workforce of the Body Fabrication Site”. A tiny chip to the eagle’s left wing, else fine. Also present
is an original 11 1/2” x 9 1/2” photo showing Hitler, Porsche three other men, presumably
during a visit to the plant. Volkswagen was originally founded in 1937 by the Nazi trade union,
the German Labor Front (Deutsche Arbeitsfront). In 1933 Hitler became involved, demanding
the creation of a “People’s Car” to be sold under 990 Reichsmarks. He ordered an all-new, stateowned factory be built at Wolfsburg (site of present VW headquarters), and that vehicles be
built using Ferdinand Porsche’s design. A savings book scheme was developed into which over
330,000 citizens paid in order to purchase a car, but only a handful were made by the time the
war started and production was shifted to military vehicles, and none were actually delivered to
any holder of the completed saving stamp books - their money was confiscated by the Russians
at the end of the war. Ferdinand Porsche (1875-1951) was a member of the Nazi Party and SS,
and also designed many of the heavy German tanks used very effectively against the Allies. He
was held as a war criminal by the French for over 20 months.
$2,000-3,000
55
496. GEN. GEOFFREY KEYES’ CORRESPONDENCE, PHOTOGRAPHS,
DOCUMENTS, FOOT LOCKERS, AND THREE-STAR GENERAL’S FLAG An
enormous grouping of material belonging to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, being
the balance of material purchased from his estate, includes Keyes’ 33”
by 58” three-star general’s flag, likely used by him during the war, two
sided reinforced with white canvas along the hoist, with brass grommets, a
standard Army green footlocker marked and painted with Keyes’ name and
rank as lieutenant general, along with his second footlocker manufactured
in 1946. Within are various pieces of clothing including a field gray cotton
trench coat, fully lined; khaki military tunic and pants, possibly French with
buttons bearing a hawk holding a banner reading “Essayons” (tunic and
trousers stained, zipper rusted); and green canvas 1940 U.S. field pack.
There is an enormous amount of ephemera including his ornately famed
photo as West Point cadet and a class photo; Ten Year Book, Class of 1913,
West Point; 20 Year Book, two photo albums of his service at Regensburg
and Vienna, 1946-47; photo album of the farewell reception for Gen. Mark
Clark 1947; two guest books signed by over one hundred officers and
guests including brigadier and major generals; a silver Chinese cigarette
box, Message to the Troops 1943; 1948 diplomatic passport; Keyes’s signed
Catholic prayer book; speeches given before military and civilian audiences;
translations of war-date and post-war correspondences; address books;
much personal correspondence including medical, financial, and retirement
matters; newspaper clippings; copies of letters of commendation; letters
from family members; and hundreds more photographs and documents
from his life both in and out of military service. Should be examined. Third
party shipping required.
$2,000-3,000
497. GEN. GEOFFREY KEYES’ MAJOR GENERAL’S HEADQUARTERS
BANNER Gen. GEOFFREY KEYES (1888-1967) was a highly decorated
Lieutenant General who commanded the II Corps during World War II. During
the war, Keyes was Chief of Staff, 2nd Armored Division, commanded the
9th Armored Division, Dep. Commander, 7th Army [Sicily], Commander
7th and 3rd Armies (assuming Patton’s old command), and headed
occupation forces in Austria. Keyes was George Patton’s invaluable chief of
staff, leading Patton’s I Corps in Morocco, and accepting the surrender of
Palermo. He later served with distinction under Mark Clark at Anzio, Cassino
and before Rome. A fine war-date relic, Keyes’ two-star major generals’
hanging headquarters banner, obtained from his estate. The cotton banner
measures 34” x 50” and bears a canvas fly. It appears to be field-made,
as the construction of the banner and the stitching along the end of the
flag and that securing the two white stars is not of top professional quality.
This banner likely saw only limited use, as but for a clean tear beside one
star, it is in fine condition. It may have hung permanently in an office in
England, he may have preferred a hanging flag, or Keyes may simply have
used it only until a more professionally constructed flag was shipped from
the States. The flag was purchased from an auction of Keyes’ effects and
was found in his foot locker.
$1,000-1,500
498. USS ARIZONA
HAT BAND AND
PHOTOGRAPH Very
rare and possibly
unique relic of the
ill-fated
battleship
USS ARIZONA, a 36”
x 1 1/2” black sailor’s
hat band (or “tally”)
embroidered
with
a fine gold bullion
thread through the
black silk backing.
The band wraps about a photo of the ARIZONA and is affixed with period
glue on the verso. The photo of the vessel is rare and impressive: measuring
20” x 12”, it shows the mighty battleship as she transits the Panama Canal
in 1921 and it display incredible detail. The photo is likewise mounted and
matted with period glue not readily obtainable today. The verso of the image
bears an ink museum filing notation: “76-084 INGERSOLL COLL ITEM #25
ARIZONA”. Obtained by our consignor, a Marines veteran an employee of
the U.S. Navy Yard in Washington, DC during a de-accessioning of material
by that institution. Outstanding.
$1,200-1,500
499. RELIC FROM THE USS ARIZONA
A section of wood decking most likely
originating from the ill-fated USS ARIZONA,
sunk by Japanese torpedoes and bombs
at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. The dark
brown segment of teak deck has been
carefully carved into the shape of an anchor
and set upon a 5” x 7” shield-shaped pine
base. It bears a period engraved plaque
affixed to it reading: “DECKING FROM U.S.S.
ARIZONA SUNK BY JAP ATTACK ON PEARL
HARBOR DEC. 7, 1941”. This is a carefullycrafted piece with even the mounting
screws carefully aligned and it bears period
hardware. No provenance present, and it’s
doubtful there ever was - but it “feels right”.
$750-1,000
500. ADOLF HITLER PRESENTATION FRAME WITH DIAMONDS Rare
Adolf Hitler presentation frame intended for a lady, a 4” tall sterling silver
oval trimmed with gold oak leaves and laurel leaves at bottom, with the
same font initials “A H” in the front he typically used on silverware and other
engraved objects in the early Thirties. The sides of the frame bear a small
swastika on either side, each adorned with nine tiny diamonds (one missing
at left). The reverse bears a red cross-hatched leather-covered board with
an easel stand. The side of the frame has a “FHW” hallmark and 925 purity
stamp. This frame is likely rarer than the larger oft-seen Hitler presentation
$2,500-3,500
photograph frame. Very good.
56
501. WORLD WAR II PROPELLER RECOVERED
FROM THE NORTH SEA A rare discovery from the
bottom of the North Sea, a black painted 64” long,
101/2” wide (at its broadest) aluminum aircraft
propeller which likely was in motion when the aircraft
struck the ocean. The prop, still bearing remnants
of sea life encrustation, was forcefully torn from
its hub, and about 10” of its tip has been bent at a
ninety degree angle, probably from impact with
the water. The prop bears no discernible markings,
but its length, approx. 75” overall, indicates it
came from a larger aircraft, not German, possibly a
Sterling bomber. Our consignor purchased this relic
from North Sea fishermen and apparently no other
wreckage remained in the immediate vicinity. Worth
researching, and a great wall-hanger!
$400-500
502. “ELASTOLIN” SOLDIERS AND BUNKER Good
grouping of 45 items, includes 42 Elastolin soldiers
made up of 9 marching “Brownshirts”, two carrying
large glags, 25 Wehrmacht soldiers, some marching,
others carrying shells, firing machine guns, lying
on the ground, etc., one German artillery piece with
4 shells, and eight (outnumbered) British soldiers,
similarly posed. Also present is a 21” wide, 10” deep
camouflaged artillery command post with map table,
dugout, and telephone and an assortment of 7 supply
bags. Overall very good.
$200-300
503. 1936 WINTER OLYMPICS MEDAL Period copy
of the 1936 Winter Games Olympic Silver Medal, 80
cm. (vs. the 100 cm. original) bearing images of a
triumphant gladiator, skates, skiis, a toboggan, and
on the reverse, the Olympic rings. Tarnished, still very
good. Returning to the old tradition that the Winter
Games should take place in the same country as the
Summer Games, the IOC gave the 4th Winter Games
to the German towns of Garmisch-Partenkirchen,
while Berlin organised the 11th Olympic Games. As
he did in Berlin, Hitler opened the Winter Games as
well where a Jew was the star of Germany’s hockey
team.
$100-150
504. 2ND SS PANZER DIVISION CREST Wooden
hand-carved plaque, 8” x 10 1/4”, bearing the
symbol of the wolf-hook “Wolfsangel” of the 2nd SS
Panzer Division “Das Reich”. Undoubtedly a wartime
creation.
$100-150
505. 398TH INFANTRY DIVISION RING AND PINS Vintage sterling silver
ring with cloisonné inset emblem of the 398th Infantry Division and the
division’s motto “On the Alert”, definitely a period piece. During World War
II the 398th pushed through the Vosges from Marseilles, captured Bitche
after a hard-fought battle, crossed the Rhine and drove into Germany,
taking Odheim and occupying Stuttgart. Sold with two period collar or
chest pins and the Aug. 23, 1945 edition of the regiment’s newspaper.
Along with five maps: the Battle of Bitche, The Battle of Vosges Mountain,
The Battle for Heilbronn, “Operations of the 100th Infantry Division in the
European Theater of Operation”, and one titled “Finale”.
$100-150
A signed captured flag used to identify an artillery
battalion’s headquarters
506. 3RD ARMORED DIVISION CAPTURED AND SIGNED NAZI FLAG
A great war souvenir, a 50” x 88” cotton NSDAP flag captured by
members of Battery C, 67th Artillery Battalion of the Third Armored
Division in Germany. The two sided flag, made with a separate white
field with printed black swastika, was re-used by the battery at their
headquarters. It was painted with large white letters identifying the
battery and the Third Armored, and two photos are included showing
the consignor’s father standing beside the flag after its capture and
while it was in “use”. It was thereafter signed in ink on the white center
by about thirty members of the unit who have added their home towns
- everywhere from Texas to Brooklyn to Minnesota. There are a few
minor marginal tears from its use as a headquarters flag, else very
good. The 67th went ashore at Omaha Beach on June 24, 1944 with
mobile 105mm self propelled guns. They remained in action until
war’s end, fighting intensely in France and through German defenses
$300-400
at the Rhine.
507. ADOLF HITLER BRONZE PLAQUE Bronze plated iron plaque, 8 1/2”
x 12 1/2”, bears a relief profile portrait of Hitler and his quote beneath: “I
believe in Germany and I fight for today, tomorrow, and the future until
victory is ours.” Finish scuffed in a few places, else very good. $200-300
508. ADOLF HITLER CHRISTMAS TREE ORNAMENT Proof of Germany’s
devotion to Adolf Hitler, a 4” long silvered glass bust portrait of the dictator,
hand-trimmed with black paint and topped with a metal fixture for the
$200-300
attachment of a hanging hook. Fine condition.
509. ADOLF HITLER FORMAL PATTERN
NAPKIN RING Fine original formal silver
napkin ring from one of Hitler’s formal dinner
services, 1 3/4” tall, 1 1/2” diameter, bearing
a large Nazi eagle and swastika device in relief,
the swastika flanked by Hitler’s initials “A H”
at bottom. At top and bottom the ring also
bears an engraved “Greek key” design. On
the opposite side the napkin ring bears the
hallmarks of silversmiths Bruckmann, “925”
purity stamp, and other appropriate hallmarks.
Some light tarnishing, else fine condition. The
Bruckmann “formal pattern” of silver flatware and tableware was made as
a 50th birthday present to Hitler from Albert Speer. There are believed to
be six complete sets of 500 pieces, or possibly five sets of 600 pieces,
and they were distributed among the places Hitler frequented the most:
the “Berghof” (Hitler’s mountain home), “Der Adlerhorst” (the Eagle’s Nest),
the “Gasthaus” (Guest House) at Obersalzberg, the “Braune Haus” (the
“Brown House”), the “Prinzregentenplaz” apartment in Munich, and the
“Reichskanzlei” in Berlin.
$750-1,000
510. ADOLF HITLER FORMAL PATTERN NAPKIN RING Fine original
formal silver napkin ring from one of Hitler’s formal dinner services, 1 3/4”
tall, 1 1/2” diameter, bearing a large Nazi eagle and swastika device in relief,
the swastika flanked by Hitler’s initials “A H” at bottom. At topand bottom
the ring also bears an engraved “Greek key” design. On the opposite side
the napkin ring bears the hallmarks of silversmiths Bruckmann, “925” purity
stamp, and other appropriate hallmarks. Some light tarnishing, else fine
condition. The Bruckmann “formal pattern” of silver flatware and tableware
was made as a 50th birthday present to Hitler from Albert Speer. There are
believed to be six complete sets of 500 pieces, or possibly five sets of 600
pieces, and they were distributed among the places Hitler frequented the
most: the “Berghof” (Hitler’s mountain home); “Der Adlerhorst” (the Eagle’s
Nest); the “Gasthaus” (Guest House) at Obersalzberg: the “Braune Haus”
(the “Brown House”); the “Prinzregentenplaz” apartment in Munich; and the
“Reichskanzlei” in Berlin.
$750-1,000
511. ADOLF HITLER ROSENTHAL
PORCELAIN PORTRAIT OWNED
BY AN SS OFFICER Scarce
porcelain plate depicting Adolf
Hitler in a chest, up profile portrait,
wearing a brown suit jacket and
large overcoat, created by the
famous firm of Rosenthal. The
fire-glazed porcelain, about 1/4”
thick, bears an image originally
painted by Willy Exner who was
widely employed by the NSDAP
and as a result had most of his
assets confiscated at war’s end.
The reverse is clearly marked with
the logo of Rosenthal and the
word GERMANY with attribution
to Exner, with the original foil
Rosenthal label. Set in a period silver frame with cardboard stamped by
its original owner, “SS-Kriegsberichter Friedrick Zschazkel SS-PK” Zschazkel
taught photography at Munich University with Heinrich Hoffmann, was
awarded the Iron Cross, and served with Das Reich, Nord, Leibstandarte,
Totenkopf and Hitlerjugend as a SS-Kriegsberichter. Fine condition.
$1,000-1,200
57
512. AFRIKA CORPS PRISONER’S CAMP ART A small folk art-like
wooden keepsake box, 4” x 3” x 2 1/4” with removable lid, fabricated
with small pieces of inlaid wood and heat stamped “INTERNMENT CAMP
LETHBRIDGE ALBA” on the lid, made by an unknown German prisoner
most likely captured in North Africa. One tiny piece of inlay is lost, else
very good. The first inmates at Lethbridge were prisoners taken by the
Australians at El Alamein. They were first held in Egypt, and then shipped
by boat to South Africa, Uruguay, Liverpool, and New York, from where they
were sent by train to Medicine Hat, Alberta for transport to the internment
camp. By November, 1942, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat held over 25,000
prisoners.
$200-300
513. AN X-RAY OF ADOLF HITLER’S
SKULL A contemporary x-ray of Adolf
Hitler’s skull on photographic fil, 7”
x 9”, showing nearly the entire skull
and including Hitler’s extensive upper
bridge work. This image was once part
of a 47pp. classified printed report
issued by the U.S. Military Intelligence
Service Center, Nov. 29, 1945, which
contained highly-detailed data obtained
from Adolf Hitler’s six chief physicians,
along with ten x-rays of various views
of Hitler’s skull and several EEGs. The
report was the result of interrogations
of doctors Theodore Morrell, Erwine
Giesing, Walter Loehlein, Karl Weber,
A. Nissle and E. Brinkmann who each specialized in different areas of
treatment. Fine.
$200-300
514. B-29 TAIL GUN REMOTE CONTROL TURRET SYSTEM A rare,
complex and important relic from a World War II B-29 bomber, the aircraft’s
Remote Control Turret (RCT) system, otherwise known as the Central Fire
Control Unit. This General Electric analog computer allowed all turrets on
the aircraft to become “harmonized” and to be taken over by different
gunners. For example, the nose gunner typically controlled the top and
bottom forward turrets, but if desired, he could make one of them available
to a side gunner who could then synchronize the available turret with his
own turret. Likewise, the tail gunner could relinquish his control of the tail
mount guns to a side gunner. The RCT also automatically corrected for
bullet drop, windage, and aircraft maneuvering. When these features are
taken as a whole, this early computer provided devastating firepower to
counter any enemy airborne attack. The RCT measures 20” x 18” x 11”
and weighs about 100 pounds, which is understandable considering the
massive amount of machinery and components within, and it bears its
original markings. Also present is an original 100pp. 4to. July, 1944 “Air
Forces Manual No. 27 GUNNERY IN THE B-29”, a restricted publication
discussing all aspects of the use of the RCT, sighting, turrets and care of
cannon and machine guns, check lists, etc., additionally signed on the cover
by Enola Gay navigator DUTCH VAN KIRK who adds: “Navigator - Enola
Gay Hiroshima 6 Aug. 1945”, and also including the restricted August,
1944 wiring diagram. Fine condition and a great technological and military
relic.
$500-700
517. BERHARD RUST’S PERSONAL SILVERWARE Excellent lot of seven
pieces of silver plated flatware once belonging to BERNHARD RUST (18831945), Nazi Minister of Science, Education and National Culture who
believed that blacks and Jews viewed the world “in a different light” than
German investigators. Included are six 7 1/8” long four-tined forks and a
4 1/4” demitasse spoon. Each bears the letters “D H” beneath the national
eagle emblem and hallmarked by maker Henneberg.
$600-800
518. BURGERMEISTER PRESENTATION COPY OF “MEIN KAMPF”
Unissued burgermeister’s presentation copy of Mein Kampf, marbled paper
covers with leather spine bearing gilt printing, frontis portrait of Hitler,
overall very good. These were presented to newly-married couples to
ensure that they became model citizens.
$100-150
519. D.A.F. FLATWARE Lot of nine pieces of stainless steel flatware, 7” - 9”
long, each marked “M.D.A. Sch. d. A.” for the Modell des Amtes-Schönheit
der Arbeit”, literally the Office of “Beauty of Work”. The M.D.A. was an
organization of the German Labor Front D.A.F. (whose symbol also is
engraved on each piece), and it was responsible for such things as hygiene
in factory operations, catering, etc. Most of the pieces are stamped with the
name of a large foundry: “FRIEDRICHSHUTTE A.G.”
$200-300
520. DAS REICH DIVISION SIGNAGE FROM RUSSIAN FRONT Piece of
crude signage once used to direct motorized elements of the Das Reich
division on the Russian front, the salvaged wood scavenged by a soldier and
stenciled with the division logo and a symbol representing a motorized unit.
Reverse bears a Russian museum de-accession label.
$300-400
521. DICK WINTERS YEARBOOK RICHARD “DICK” WINTERS (1918-2011)
Army officer and decorated war veteran, commander of Co. “E”, 2nd Battalion,
506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, made famous in
“Band of Brothers”. Winters’1941 college yearbook, the “Oriflamme”, issued
by Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa. Winters, who majored in
economics and graduated in 1941, is shown on page 66, and likely elsewhere.
He was a member of Alpha Delta Sigma and played intramural sports. Fine.
Winters He graduated with the highest academic standing in the college and
that August enlisted in the Army.
$150-200
515. B.D.M. BRONZE BUST Cast bronze bust attributed to a Bund Deutscher
Mädel artist, 12 1/2” tall, typical style of “Aryan” art personifying the German
“ideal”. Marked with the unidentified artist’s initials “V.S.” Bit of dark green
wax on crown, else very good. The B.D.M. was the female branch of the
overall German youth movement in the Third Reich, the Hitler Youth. 522. EASTERN OCCUPIED TERRITORIES UPPER-LEVEL PRESENTATION
$500-700 VANITY BOX A fine (and quite ironic) relic from the Nazi-terrorized Eastern
occupied territories under the control of Hans Frank, a delicately decorated
516. BATTLE OF THE BULGE U.S. TANKER’S GAS MASK A great battlefield
and bejeweled vanity box, undoubtedly presented to a high-ranking
“pick-up” from the area of Manhay, Luxembourg, scene of a fierce battle
officer. The 10” x 7 1/2” x 3 3/4” box has a glass shadowbox lid which
between American tankers and their SS counterparts in the days leading up
contains under glass a carefully crafted 4 1/2” brass eagle in the style
to Christmas, 1944, namely an American tanker’s gas mask, accompanying
eagle adopted by Hans Frank for the use of his occupation government.
bag and accoutrements recovered shortly after the monumental battle.
The eagle has a diamond set in its eye, and four small rubies at the tips of
These items, likely lost by a member of the 3rd Armored Division, include
each of the arms of the swastika beneath (such presentations invariably
a complete gas mask and canister, green canvas bag with stenciled ID “US
bore authentic stones). The eagle rests upon an oval of black velvet with
MASK, PROTECTIVE TANK M25AI”, and empty canisters which once held eye
a thin tooled filigree brass border, all of which rests on beige velvet. The
ointment and “ANTI-DIM” cloth. One can only image the hell breaking loose
balance of the fully hinged lid and all four sides of the box are adorned with
when this item was lost! From the personal collection of World War II and
expertly crafted hand-tooled filigree, leaf and flower designs. Within there
Civil War historian Michael Miner. Miner’s thirty-year collection was built
is matching beige velvet lining edged with similarly tooled edging. Although
through an extensive system of contacts he developed with artifact hunters
the lining bears some wear and has a few stains, the exterior of this piece is
and diggers in Europe and the Far East, and he maintained careful records
almost flawless. No inscription but judging by its quality, this was a gift for
$100-150
of the items he amassed.
$1,500-2,000
a very important official or military figure.
58
523. ETTLINGEN TRUMPET BANNER Rare and most trumpet banner from
the City of Ettlingen in Baden, a 22” x 21” trumpet banner bearing the city’s
heraldic coat of arms on one side with the Nazi national eagle and swastika
on the reverse, both hand embroidered with superb craftsmanship. The
national emblem appears on a field of finely-woven red fabric, the symbol
itself a composition of white fabric over which has been carefully applied
twisted silver and gold bullion, and brown, black, and silver metal thread
to form the eagle and wreathed swastika. The reverse bears the handembroidered heraldic seal of Ettlingen, accented with silver and gold
metallic thread. Three sides of the banner bear silver bullion fringe and
ornate silver ribbon, the top also bearing the silver ribbon and five straps
for attachment to a long trumpet. The side with the coat of arms has a few
loose metallic threads and is a tad soiled, the national eagle side bears a
small tear in the red field, otherwise in very good condition. Ettlingen, south
of Karlsruhe, lies very close to the French border. It escaped destruction in
the war, although nearby Karlsruhe was devastated.
$4,000-5,000
524. FRENCH POPULAR PARTY (P.P.F.) ARMBAND One of the rarest of
World War II armbands, one issued by the French Popular Party (P.P.F.).
The P.P.F. (1936-1945) was a French fascist and Nazi political party led by
Jacques Doriot before and during the war. It is generally regarded as the
most collaborationist party of France. It was founded by former members
of the French Communist Party who opposed the Jews and retained their
opposition towards freemasonry. The organization also had radio stations
and training camps for sabotage and intelligence gathering - operatives
were dropped into Allied-occupied France. Doriot was killed by strafers as
he rode in a car in his SS uniform. This rare armband measures 3 3/4”
wide and about 13 1/2” long, machine sewn at back with octagonal white
emblem and party insignia machine-sewn to the black wool band. In
excellent condition, the first such example we’ve seen.
$250-350
525. GERMAN RADIO INSIGNIA Unknown German radio-related insignia,
a brass 3” dia. Maltese Cross with rays emanating from its center and a
lightning symbol at center, engraved on verso: Nachr. Feier 11.7.40”. Very
good.
$60-80
526. GERMAN WEHRMACHT GAS MASK CANISTER Dark green painted
ribbed metal canister which once held a gas mask for a member of the
Wehrmacht, the canister 11” tall, 5” dia. with a lid that seals through the use
of a spring-loaded snap with canvas pull tab. On the inside of the lid is a
compartment for spare glasses, maker marked “rtl 44” Three metal loops
are spot welded to the canister, used to secure it to the shoulder strap. The
letter “D” is embossed upon the bottom of the canister for water tight. Light
oxidation, else near fine.
$100-150
527. GESTAPO “INTERROGATION” CHAIR Wooden chair purportedly
used by the Gestapo in the interrogation of individuals of “interest”. The
four-legged chair stands 32” tall, 28” wide, with a seat abnormally large for
a European chair, 19 3/4” wide. Two armrests are present, each terminating
with adjustable leather straps (replaced) which presumably were used to
secure the prisoners arms to the chair. The straps are in turn screwed into
the armrests with period brass screws and grommets, two per strap. When
inverted, the seat bears two burned-in imprints, clearly made at the time
of the chair’s construction: “Geheime Staatspolizei Stapo-Stelle Dortmund”
with an eagle and swastika above. One could speculate that the chair and
seat were made this wide so as to remain stable in use. Typical wear and
tear from age, otherwise good condition. The Gestapo officers and agents
in Dortmund were particularly violent, especially in the persecution and
murder of Jews in the city and surrounding area. Near war’s end, they
administered the rounding-up and execution of 300 prisoners in a local
park.
$2,000-3,000
528. GUNTHER PRIEN - U-47 PAINTED SERVING PLATE Excellent handpainted oval platter, 11 1/2” x 9 1/8”, heavy white commercial porcelain upon
which a well-skilled artist has painted a full-length view of a Type VII U-boat
at sea at twilight, a Kriegsmarine standard flying from the conning tower. Gilt
lettering is skillfully added at top and bottom: “U-47” and “1939”. U-47 was
captained by the noted Gunther Prien who torpedoed and sank the battleship
ROYAL OAK in the British anchorage at Scapa Flow. This item may have been
presented to Prien, who was KIA later in the war.
$400-500
529. HERMANN GOERING CIGAR BOX An unusual relic from the Third
Reich, a 9 1/4” x 5” x 1 1/8” “Luftfahrt Minister” brand cigar box honoring
Luftwaffe Reichsmarshal Hermann Goering. The cedar box’s top lid is lightly
branded with the brand. Within, a paper label picturing Goering, an eagle
and a swastika are affixed to the inside of the lid, and the paper liner also
bears the brand name. Two facsimile signatures are also printed within.
The box originally contained 25 claro cigars - a previous owner has placed
twelve larger cigars in their place for display purposes. A crease through
Goering’s image, the interior leaf likewise creased, still entirely presentable
and an interesting addition to your humidor.
$250-350
530. HITLER YOUTH ACCESSORIES Fine lot of six items includes a pair
of grey Hitler Youth pants with proper H.J. - D.J. buttons and laces at pant
bottoms but lacking the RZM tag (sized for about a 15 year-old), H/J cloth
arm patch with RZM label, two shoulder boards with yellow piping, each
marked “203 I”, a pre-1933 youth’s buckle (rusty in places), an H/J medical
box (only), and a kerchief knot.
$200-300
531. HITLER YOUTH BUGLE Rare Hitler Youth bugle, brass with steel trim, 11
1/2” long with two suspension rings, with a scarce Hitler Youth symbol of an
eagle with a swastika on its chest, clutching a sword and hammer, brazed to
the end of the bugle. Mouthpiece bears a maker’s stamp. The “Jungfolk” used
this symbol to show their commitment to National Socialism. Near fine.
$500-700
59
532. IDENTIFIED P-51 EXHAUST STACK A cast aluminum exhaust stack
from Lt. Jerome E. Jahnke’s P-51 Mustang which crashed at Lawling Hill
Farm, Latchington, England on Aug. 12, 1944. Jahnke, flying with the 334th
FS, 4th BG, took off on a mission against targets deep in France when he
immediately had indications of engine trouble. As he continued to fly, acrid
white smoke began to issue from the engine. Jahnke decided to bail out,
and after making several violent maneuvers to position him properly, he
ejected. In 1976, 32 years after the crash, this stack was recovered from
the buried wreckage of his plane. Very good. From the personal collection
of World War II and Civil War historian Michael Miner. Miner’s thirty-year
collection was built through an extensive system of contacts he developed
with artifact hunters and diggers in Europe and the Far East, and he
maintained careful records of the items he amassed.
$75-100
533. KRIEGSMARINE GAS MASK AND CARRYING CONTAINER Rarely
encountered Kriegsmarine gas mask and container, the gas mask in good
condition with no piercings to the rubberized canvas, all straps but one
intact, lenses almost entirely clear. This model differs slightly from those
issued to the Wehrmacht in that the color is slightly grayer and the canvas
is more coarse. The 11” x 5” steel carrying canister has been painted
“battleship gray” and carrying straps are attached with black rubber. “A355”
has been painted in black letters on the outside of the can.
$400-500
534.
LEIBSTANDARTE
ADOLF HITLER SPOONS Set
of six sterling silver demitasse
spoons, each 5 5/8” long
with fluted handles and the
emblem of the Liebstandarte
Adolf Hitler in stippled
lettering engraved at the end
of the handle. Each spoon also
bears the hallmark of noted
silversmiths
“BRUCKMANN”
and “100” purity stamp. Set
in a lavender cloth lined case
with label of Berlin jeweler
Uhren-Metz. Fine. $700-900
535. LIST OF BERTHS ON HITLER’S PRIVATE YACHT A fine relic from
Hitler’s state yacht, the Aviso Grille, a printed card bearing at top the
name of the vessel Aviso Grille and “Telephone Listing”. The card lists fifty
extensions which include Line 10: “The Fuhrer and Chief of the Wehrmacht”,
Line 14: “Head of the Kriegsmarine”, with other lines including the vessel’s
captain, officers, engineers, ship’s doctor, etc. The verso bears instructions
on telephone operation, ship-to-shore calls, etc. Hitler’s line number and
title have been underlined in red. The consignor, a military dealer and
collector, advises that the list was recovered by a 101st Airborne soldier
who stumbled upon the vessel and “liberated” the souvenir. The Aviso
Grille was commissioned in 1935 and was used not only by Hitler (who
sometimes suffered from seasickness) but for other state ceremonies as
well, including attendance at King George VI’s coronation. It was from the
vessel’s stern that Karl Donitz announced Hitler’s death and his assumption
of the role of head of state. The vessel was broken-up in the 1950s - only
a toilet survives, in a New Jersey auto shop.
$200-300
536. LUFTWAFFE DESKTOP BUST Desktop chest, up bust of a Luftwaffe
soldier in uniform and wearing a helmet, well-executed and with a great
amount of detail, down to the Luftwaffe eagle on his helmet. May be silverplated, though we thought it best not to clean it. The bust is mounted atop
$350-450
a slightly worn marble pedestal, overall height 8”.
537. LUFTWAFFE FLATWARE Lot of six pieces of Luftwaffe flatyware, 8” 9 1/2” long, all made of cast aluminum (except stainless steel knife blade)
and bearing “drop tail” Luftwaffe emblem. Includes four forks, soup spoon
and table knife. Each piece bears Flight Barracks Administration hallmark on
$200-300
handle. Very good.
538. LUFTWAFFE PILOT’S CHRISTMAS GIFT Porcelain tile, 4” x 4”, depicts a
Luftwaffe pilot with aviator’s cap and goggles above a propeeler, all in relief,
with the corners of the tile bearing two runes, a Maltese Cross and a Swastike.
A period paper label on the reverse bears a typed notation: “In remembrance
of our first Christmas at war together, 1943”. A pencil signature appears at
the conclusion of the note. Very good to fine. The runes are a mystery to us, as
they generally appear only on items related to the SS. There were apparently
only a tiny number of SS pilots during the war (ex: Hitler’s pilot, Hans Bauer),
$150-200
so this item certainly warrants a bit of research.
539. NAZI FUNERAL CANDLE HOLDERS Lot of approx. 100 thin red
celluloid candle holders with cardboard bottoms, each about 3 1/2” tall. The
front surface has a painted white round field with black mobile swastika.
These cups were designed to hold a candle at the bottom illuminating the
cup and design for the duration of the funeral of an NSDAP member. The
candle holders are stacked within each other, wrapped in the original tissue
and set into the original cardboard box. A fine dealer lot, or for the forwardthinking collector.
$300-400
540.
OAK
WALL
SCONCE
FROM
OBERSALZBERG Solid
oak wall sconce from
Obersalzberg depicting
a right-facing eagle
clutching
a
ringed
swastika, 8 1/2” wide
overall, 7 1/2” tall, a
somewhat
rusticallycarved
piece
which
still appears to bear its
original finish. The top
shelf, measuring 6” x
5 1/4”, bears a bit of
darkening at the rear,
probably water staining.
The reverse of the
sconce shows an inlaid
iron hanging device, well
oxidized and matching the adjoining unstained oak which is likewise damp
stained. The reverse has also been branded: “VERWALTUNG OBERSALZBERG
1937” indicating that this piece was at one time in the administration
building of the complex of buildings at Hitler’s retreat at Obersalzberg. This
mark has also been affected by water staining, but the entire affected area
of the rear of the sconce has been very lightly sanded, probably to remove
any lifting of the grain caused by exposure to dampness. An entirely honest
item, fine for display.
$1,750-2,000
POHL
541.
OSWALD
“YULFEST
1943”
PORCELAIN GIFT PLATE
OSWALD POHL (1892 1951) Head of the Economic
Office of the SS and ultimate
overseer of the concentration
camp system. It was Pohl
who turned his victims’
dental gold, eyeglasses, hair,
etc. into cash for the SS, using
the infamous “Max Heiliger”
Swiss accounts. Captured and
executed in 1951. Rare and
ironic Christmas gift given by
murderer Pohl to his friends
at Christmas, 1943, a white
porcelain plate, 10” diameter, bearing a large artist’s depiction of crocuses
atop snow-covered ground in full bloom, with a green band surrounding
the edge of the plate. The verso of the plate has bears green printing which
includes “Yulfest 1943”, along with a facsimile of Pohl’s signature and his
title and rank. Fine condition.
$700-800
542. POSTHUMOUS IRON CROSS, 2ND CLASS, WITH AWARD DOCUMENT
Posthumous Iron Cross, 2nd Class with the original award document and
a retained copy of the letter sent by the KIA recipient’s senior officer to his
parents. The award document, 1p. 8vo., Nov. 13, 1941 awards the Iron
Cross to Gefreiten Josef Ebner of 3./Kradsch. Batl. 2 . It is signed at the
bottom by RUDOLF VEIEL (1883-1956) German general of Panzertruppe
and Knights Cross recipient who fought in France, Greece, Poland, and the
U.S.S.R. Ebner’s Iron Cross, 2nd Class with ribbon is present, bearing a
slight scuff to the black finish on reverse and usual tarnish but otherwise in
very good condition. Finally, there is a copy of the letter to Ebner’s parents
sent by Oberleutnant Franz List, “In the Field”, July 21, 1941: “...there was
a major battle on July 13-17, 1941 in the area of Szabat-Liga [Poland]...
he was hit by grenade shrapnel and died quickly...they could not recover
the body...he is with the other officers and men whose bodies could not be
$250-350
recovered...we are sorry for your loss...”.
60
543. PROPELLER PRESENTATION CLOCK WITH PILOT’S WINGS Wonderful
wood aircraft propeller carved into a presentation mantle or desk clock, ca.
1945, 36” wide, 10” tall, including the separately-fitted base. The prop, which
bears 16 bolt holes, has been carved into the shape of two bird’s wings, and
an aircraft clock has been fitted at center, behind a circular plate with circular
brushed aluminum design. A silver set of command pilot wings has been set
just beneath the clock. The clock’s glass is crazed and stained, and the clock
does not appear functional. Very good.
$300-400
544. REICHSKRIEGERBUND POLE TOP Reichskriegerbund veteran’s
organization pole top, 10” tall brass with emblem of the organization,
swastika and iron cross all accentuated with hand-applied paints. Mounted on
a presentation marble base. Very good.
$350-450
545. RUDOLF HESS’ DEMITASSE SPOON Delicate demitasse spoon once
owned and used by Nazi Party secretary Rudolf Hess at formal functions. The
5 1/4”, demitasse spoon bears an attractive floral design on its handle, with
“800” sterling and other proof marks on reverse. Typical tarnishing, else very
good. Accompanied by a copy of a notarized letter of provenance from Phyllis
Orisi, the niece of Sgt. Richard Cowling. She recounts how her uncle recovered
120 pieces of Hess’ silverware and mentions that only four pieces in each
complete place setting bore Hess’ initials. Cowling sent the settings home
through the military postal system to Orisi’s mother who kept them until Orisi
inherited the collection in 2005. With a photo of Cowling.
$200-300
546. S.A. SPORTS ARMBAND S.A. sports armband, 4 1/4” wide, white satin
round white field with embroidered round wreath of oak leaves and a upwardpointing Roman sword at center, laid over a mobile swastika. Remnants of
paper RZM tag affixed to reverse. Very good.
$100-150
547. SS CARVED CANE Pair of carved wooden canes, each about three feet
long, one pine, one oak. The oak cane was carved by a member of the SS and
bears SS runes at top, two “Totenkopfs” (one made of thread), a swastika, a
bird, and a small house (his home?). At the top of the cane, the solder nailed a
one markka Finnish coin. This is explained further by the fact that the soldier
carved “KARELIEN” on the cane, the area of heavy fighting between first the
Finns and Russians, and in 1944 between the Germans and Russians. The
bottom of the cane is dated “19.11.42”. An excellent - and rare - example.
Sold with a similarly-carved cane, this one bearing only a swastika and the
soldier’s name “KLOYER” and date “4 43”. Two pieces
$400-500
548. SS DAS REICH DIVISION FLATWARE Excellent lot of six pieces of
stainless steel flatware used by the SS Das Reich Division and so engraved. The
pieces, 8”-10” long, include three dinner forks, a steak knife, a tablespoon,
and a demitasse spoon. All bear identical engraving which includes SS runes:
“SS - Reich” and identical hallmarks. Excellent condition showing minimal
wear.
$250-350
549. SS DAS REICH DIVISION FLATWARE Excellent lot of six pieces of
stainless stell flatware used by the SS Das Reich Division and so engarved.
The pieces, 8”-10” long, include two dinner forks, a serated table knife, two
tablespoons, and a demitasse spoon. All bear identical engraving which
includes SS runes: “SS - Reich” and identical hallmarks. Excellent condition
showing minimal wear.
$250-350
550. SS DEMITASSE SPOONS Set of six presentation sterling silver demitasse
spoons bearing SS runes, each 5” long and bearing a fluted design. The SS
runes appear in a circle on a stippled background at the end of the handle.
Hallmarks “MEMA”, “L”, and “830” purity stamp appear on reverse. In an
unmarked faux leather case. Tarnished, else fine.
$600-700
551. SS PANZER-GRANATE 61 WOOD CASE Marked green-painted wood
case which once contained 14 61mm. rifle-fired grenades used by the SS
against tanks and infantry late in the war. The 21” x 17 1/2” x 4 1/2” case
bears white paint on the lid: “14 SS Gewehr-Panzer-Grenate 61 SS-G-Pz-Gr61”
and when opened exposes the 14 fitted slots to accommodate the grenades.
Maker’s paper label remains pasted to the underside of the lid and indicates
fabrication in September, 1944. Black felt cushion padding also still present.
Very good.
$300-400
552. SS-MARKED “PONY FUR BACKPACK SS-issued “pony fur” backpack,
fur intack with black canvas closing flap and black trim, fabric-covered wood
framed within, all straps (except those for mess kit) are present. Black leather
trim on reverse of top of pack is embossed: “RZM L3/2/43” followed by SS
runes. Typical wear from use, very good.
$300-400
553. SS-TOTENKOPF DIVISION FLATWARE Lot of five dinner forks once
used by members of the SS-Totenkopf Division, each 7 1/4” long, stainless
steel with four tines. The implements are cold-stamped: “SS - Totenkopf” on
the underside, along with hallmarks. Very good.
$200-300
554. THE SS RECOGNIZES THE GERMAN KENNEL CLUB Rare and unusual
award, an 11 1/4” tall oval oak plaque with a pewter image of the head of a
German shepherd. A small plate beneath bears SS runes and the inscription in
German: “For merit in the ‘German Kennel Club’ Berlin 10.5.1939”. Of course,
the SS often made use of shepherds in the most evil circumstances.$300-400
555. THREE BRIAR ROOT PIPES Lot of three war-era briar wood pipes, wellmade with French manufacturing note imprinted on each. A matching set
showing Hitler, Stalin, and Churchill (whose cigar has been lost). With original
pipe stand. Unusual, to say the least.
$250-350
556. WAR MERIT CROSS, 2ND CLASS AND EASTERN FRONT MEDAL,
WITH AWARD DOCUMENTS Lot of two award documents issued to the
same officer, Albert Musch, along with the corresponding medals. Included
is an 1941/42 Eastern Front medal awarded on Aug. 8, 1942, signed by an
adjutant, along with a War Merit Cross, 2nd Class, with Swords, awarded in
Norway on Sep. 1, 1942 by Luftwaffe Gen. WILLI HARMJANZ (1893-1983)
who signs at bottom. Four pieces, very good.
$150-200
557. WEHRMACHT CANTEEN German Wehrmacht cloth-covered canteen,
9” long, aluminum body with scew top, the neck marked “SMM 38”. Also
present is the original bakelite drinking cup, leather carrying straps and snap
belt clip. Fine. retaining
$100-150
558. WEHRMACHT FIELD DESK SET Mint condition Wehrmacht field desk
set, includes a 19” x 13 1/2” folding blotter with compartment within for
document storage, clay black painted ink well with white national emblem
on bottom, and a simple steel quill pen with wood shaft bearing the note:
“Property of the Wehrmacht”.Fine.
$100-150
559. WEHRMACHT GAS MASK AND CARRYING CONTAINER Wehrmacht
gas mask in original 11” x 5” ribbed metal carrying container with carrying
straps. The mask is completely intact with rubberized green canvas mask
relatively undamaged, and filter unused. Marking show this item was made in
1938. Not common.
$150-200
560. WEHRMACHT GAS MASK CANISTER Wehrmacht gas mask container,
a 11” x 5” ribbed metal carrying canister with a spring-loaded securing strap.
Fine.
$75-100
561. WEHRMACHT MEDIC’S CANTEEN As-new 1939-40 manufacture
Wehrmacht canteen with metal black-painted drinking cup, wool three-snap
covering entirely intact with no mothing. The canteen bears an extra long
strap indicating its apparent use by a medic - he would carry two canteens,
and the one with the longer strap would be handed to the wounded. Typically,
a medic’s canteen bore a belt hook on the reverse; this example does not but
DRK canteen cups were unpainted and typically had city names indicated on
the straps - this example doers not have those qualities.
$100-150
562. WEHRMACHT PROTESTANT CHAPLAIN’S CROSS Sterling silver
Wehrmacht Protestant chaplain’s cross, 3” x 1 7/8” with 43” chain comprised
of alternately set round links, the cross hallmarked: “C.E. JUNCKER BERLIN
SW” with “900” purity stamp on reverse. Fine condition, and actually quite
rare.
$700-900
563. WINTERHILFSWERK COLLECTION CANISTER Winterhilfswerk
(“Winter Relief”) was an annual drive by the National Socialist People’s Welfare
Organization to help finance charitable work. Its slogan was “None shall starve
nor freeze”. The drive was originally set up in 1931, though Hitler would later
claim sole credit. It ran from 1933-1945 during the months of October through
March. Although donations were “voluntary”, one civil servant was actually tried
for failing to give. Original early WHW collection can with handle, 6 1/2” tall with
“Gau Niederdonau” embossed at bottom. A remnant of the lead seal used to
keep collectors honest lies within. Original red paint is largely intact. The lid
bears opening for change and paper money, and there is a locking latch and a
$200-300
device to prevent coins from being shaken out of the can.
564. WOUND BADGE IN SILVER, WITH AWARD DOCUMENT Fine pair
of items, includes the award document for a Wound Badge in Silver, 1p.
8vo., Kattowitz, Poland, Sep. 7, 1944 naming Kirt Greinert and setting
forth the three dates he was wounded in combat. Accompanied by a solidbacked Wound Badge in Silver, pin hasp partly broken, back stamped “32”.
Document bears folds, wrinkles and file holes, else very good. $150-200
61
World War II: Uniforms & Hardware
One of the rarest uniforms obtainable!
565. MAX AMANN’S REICHSLEITER’S UNIFORM MAX AMANN (1891 – 1957) Nazi Party official, joined the NSDAP in October 1921 as its third
official member, and served as the party’s business manager. After 1922, he also led the Nazis’ publishing house, Eher Verlag. Soon after
the creation of the Nazi state, Amann was named president of the Reich Media Chamber and Reich Press Leader. In this role, he established
Nazi control over the industry, closing down or seizing newspapers that did not fully support Hitler’s regime. He would then buy the papers
at private auctions for pennies. Amann made a fortune, but at war’s end he was jailed, stripped of his wealth, and eventually died in poverty.
An historically important uniform, Max Amann’s Reichsleiter official (post-1939) uniform worn as Reichsleiter for the Press. This finely-crafted
brown wool uniform bears collar tabs of red felt with gold bullion trim, embroidered with wreaths on either side of a national eagle clutching
an encircled swastika. The upper part of the lapel is likewise trimmed in gold wire-covered gold cloth piping. A 5” wide red wool armband is
sewn to the left sleeve - it bears the ribbed white cloth circle and black folded cloth swastika components seen on regulation NSDAP armbands.
There are two breast pockets with slightly diagonal pockets, each bearing scalloped flaps and gold eagle and swastika buttons made by
Assmann & Sohne. The upper-right pocket bears an Iron Cross ribbon sewn to the flap. The two lower well pockets have straight flaps and the
same buttons as above. The front of the jacket is secured with four of the same buttons, all matching. Sleeves end in 5” wide cuffs, and the left
sleeve has been sewn closed, as Amann had lost his left arm in a hunting accident with Franz Ritter von Epp in 1931. The jacket is vented in
the rear. Within, the jacket is fully lined in a green-brown fabric with two chest pockets. The left pocket bears a brown printed RZM tag stitched
within, noting the owner as bearing NSDAP Party No. 3 - Max Amann’s party number. The matching black wool trousers bear bands of gold
bullion piping on the outside seams, with a button fly and suspender buttons. A tightening strap is fitted at rear. The pants also bear a black
printed RZM tag with the same party affiliation noted. This important uniform is in superb condition, with no damage evident anywhere short
of a popped stitch in one cuff - very fine condition, of museum quality.
$25,000-35,000
62
566. MAX AMANN’S REICHSLEITER VISOR
CAP MAX AMANN (1891 - 1957) Nazi Party
official, joined the NSDAP in October 1921 as its
third official member, and served as the party’s
business manager. After 1922, he also led the
Nazis’ publishing house, Eher Verlag. Soon after
the creation of the Nazi state, Amann was named
president of the Reich Media Chamber and
Reich Press Leader. In this role, he established
Nazi control over the industry, closing down or
seizing newspapers that did not fully support
Hitler’s regime. He would then buy the papers
at private auctions for pennies. Amann made a
fortune, but at war’s end he was jailed, stripped
of his wealth, and eventually died in poverty. A
fine historic relic, Max Amann’s Reichsleiter visor
cap, in superb condition. The visor bears a light
brown wool body with slightly darker brown side
bands, the side bands and the side of the visor
trimmed with bands of gold bullion piping. A
left-facing gold national eagle and swastika hat
insignia is affixed at the upper front seam, with a
cockade with swastika beneath. Twin chin cords
are affixed at the sides with gold pebbled button.
The brown vulkan fibre visor is excellent, with
brown cross-hatching, as expected, beneath. A
well-fitted brown leather sweatband is present,
and the hat is lined in white linen with a shieldshaped sweat guard covering only a gold national
eagle and swastika emblem. An identification
label was inserted into a slot in the celluloid, with
typed name: “R. L. Max Amann” encircled by a
gold oval. The cap is in superior condition, and
an example in any condition from a leader of this
prominence is nearly impossible to locate.
$10,000-15,000
567. NO LOT
568. NO LOT
569. DRESS UNIFORM OF KRIEGSMARINE
VICE ADMIRAL OTTO BACKENKOHLER OTTO
BACKENKOHLER (1892 - 1967) Kriegsmarine
vice admiral, served as captain of the Koln and
was Chief of Staff of the Fleet Command at ten
start of the war. A year later he was stationed
at the Naval Station Baltic Sea, and was soon
promoted to head the Naval Weapons Office
and later Kriegsmarine Armaments. Brother
in law of Gunther Lutjens, captain of the
Bismarck. Backenkohler’s rare Kriegsmarine
fleet admiral’s uniform, heavy black wool, four
gold metallic thread stripes at the end of each
sleeve, double-breasted with two rows of five
original naval buttons, and gold bullion eagle
and wreath insignia sewn to right chest. Fullylined, with maker’s cloth tag sewn to interior
of left chest pocket: AVERBECK & BROSKAMP
BERLIN W.”, with Backenkohler’s name typed
neatly thereon. With matching wool pants, four
button fly, adjustable waist, two side pockets
and one button rear pockets. No damage
apparent anywhere: in very fine condition.
$5,000-6,000
63
Patton’s deputy commander and
planner of the invasion of Sicily
570. GEN. GEOFFREY KEYES’ LIEUTENANT GENERAL’S UNIFORM GEOFFREY KEYES (1888-1967) Highly
decorated Lieutenant General who commanded the II Corps during World War II. During the war, Keyes was
Chief of Staff, 2nd Armored Division, commanded the 9th Armored Division, Dep. Commander, 7th Army
[Sicily], Commander 7th and 3rd Armies (assuming Patton’s old command), and headed occupation forces
in Austria. Keyes was George Patton’s invaluable chief of staff, leading Patton’s I Corps in Morocco, and
accepting the surrender of Palermo. He later served with distinction under Mark Clark at Anzio, Cassino and
before Rome. Keyes’ two piece three-star general’s uniform, undoubtedly worn by him during the war, light
brown wool jacket, partly lined, II Corps patch on left shoulder, a pair of three silver stars attached to each
shoulder epaulet. Keyes’ brass “U.S.” lapel insignia are also present, though only the snaps for his ribbon bar
remain. The jacket bears a brown cloth tag sewn thereto: “Regulation Army Officer’s Uniform”. The matching
trousers bear a similar tag, and “Keyes” is written in blue ink on one pocket. A few moth nips to the jacket, else
very good. Obtained from Keyes’ estate. Keyes received his third star in April, 1945 and left the command of II
Corps at the end of 1945.
$1,000-1,500
571. GEN. GEOFFREY KEYES’ WORLD WAR
II OVERSEAS CAP Gen. GEOFFREY KEYES
(1888-1967) was a highly decorated Lieutenant
General who commanded the II Corps during
World War II. During the war, Keyes was Chief
of Staff, 2nd Armored Division, commanded
the 9th Armored Division, Dep. Commander,
7th Army [Sicily], Commander 7th and 3rd
Armies (assuming Patton’s old command), and
headed occupation forces in Austria. Keyes was
George Patton’s invaluable chief of staff, leading
Patton’s I Corps in Morocco, and accepting
the surrender of Palermo. He later served with distinction under Mark Clark at Anzio, Cassino and before
Rome. A fine war-date relic, Keyes’ three-star major generals’ overseas cap, appropriate gold piping,
with three white stars embroidered on the left side. Maker’s tag within reads: “M. Banks Post Tailor Fort
Knox, Ky.” Obtained directly from the sale of Keyes’ estate where it was found in his foot locker. Very good
.
$500-700
572. GEN. GEOFFREY KEYES’ REGULATION WOOL
OVERCOAT GEOFFREY KEYES Keyes’ fine brown wool
overcoat, double-breasted with three buttons, two black
bands at the end of each sleeve. A II Corps patch is affixed to
the right shoulder, and a occupation forces patch is sewn to
the left shoulder. Fine. From Keyes’ estate, sold with a 4” x 5”
photo showing Keyes wearing the coat as he greets troops at
Christmas.
$400-600
573. GEN. GEOFFREY KEYES’ UNIFORM INSIGNIA, RIBBONS,
AND PATCH GROUPING Large grouping of various insignia, ribbons, buttons,
patches, etc. once belonging to Gen. Keyes, includes his Distinguished Service
Medal chest ribbon with two Oak Leaves and pin in original case; Legion of
Merit chest pin; hat badge, seven shoulder patches including 3rd Armored (all
used), twelve ribbons, some with bullion stars; three pin-on stars; four bullion
uniform stars; name tag; eleven buttons; an unidentified cased Italian medal;
and the general’s West Point “little black book”. Also present is a list of awards
$750-1,000
given to Keyes. From Keyes’ estate. Overall very good.
574. GEN. GEOFFREY KEYES CEREMONIAL TASSEL GEOFFREY KEYES A ceremonial tassel found among Keyes’ possession in his foot locker purchased
at his estate auction, an ornately-braided red, white and blue tassel which may have been a uniform accessory, the tassels 7” long, 60” long overall, made
$100-150
of a blended fiber. Very good.
64
Uniform and archives include items signed
by Brezhnev, Grechko, Kirilenko, and many
marshals
575. UNIFORM AND ARCHIVES
OF
SOVIET
MARSHALL
KONSTANTIN
PETROVICH
KAZAKOV
KONSTANTIN
PETROVICH KAZAKOV (19021989) Marshal of the Soviet
Union (Artillery). Kazakov was
a worker before he joined the
Soviet Army in 1921. He began
as a commander of a howitzer
artillery regiment; in June 1941
he became chief of operations
of the artillery department
of the Southwestern Front,
and in April 1942 he moved
to the staff of the chief of
the artillery of the Red Army.
From April 1944 to May 1945
he commanded the artillery
of the Second Shock Army,
participating in the liberation
of the Baltic area and in battles
in East Prussia. Awarded three
Orders of Lenin, the Order of
the October Revolution, four
Orders of the Red Banner, two
Orders of Suvorov Second
Class, Orders of Kutuzov First and Second Class. Fine grouping of material
including his post-war dress tunic and pants, the tunic adorned with bullion
shoulder boards and collar tabs with red piping, the pants likewise bearing
three red vertical stripes, both articles in very good condition. Also present
is a small archive of 24 May Day and other greeting cards sent to Kazakov
bearing patriotic and friendly messages signed by top-level politicians
and fellow generals. These include: LEONID BREZHNEV (possible stamp),
GENERAL SECRETARY ANDREI KIRILENKO, MINISTER OF DEFENSE
ANDREI GRECHKO (2), MINISTER OF DEFENSE VIKTOR GRISHIN (3),
MINISTER OF DEFENSE DMITRI USTINOV (3), MARSHAL YEVGENY
SAVITSKY, MARSHAL SERGEI SOKOLOV (2), MARSHAL NIKOLAI
OGARKOV, LT. GEN. STEPAN KALININ, MARSHAL VIKTOR KULIKOV,
CHIEF OF STAFF MIKHAIL MOISEYEV, GEN. SERGEI SCHTEMENKO,
GEN. VALENTIN VARENNEKOV (3), and others. Also present is a small
presentation photograph album from a four-year military academy, Kiev,
1966, apparently attended by, and picturing his son or a relative with the
same surname. A fine grouping of a uniform and rare Soviet World War II
military autographs.
$800-1,200
577. “BOCK’S CAR” CO-PILOT CHARLES ALBURY ARMY COVERALLS
CHARLES ALBURY (1920 - 2009) was an American military aviator who
participated in both atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He
co-piloted Bockscar during the mission which dropped the second
atomic bomb on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945 and piloted the instrument
observation plane, The Great Artiste over Hiroshima three days earlier. A
neat relic, the last military garment ever worn by Albury, a Vietnam War
Vehicle Crewman’s Combat Coverall bearing a shoulder patch from the
First Cavalry and U.S. Army insignia over left breast pocket. Albury wore
the garment at his last public appearance signing prints and autographs at
military convention. With letter of provenance signed by the recipient of the
garment, who originally loaned the suit to Albury to wear, and attested to
by Albury’s widow, Mrs. Roberta Albury. Very good.
$200-300
578. AFRIKA KORPS CORDUROY PANTS Rare pair of Afrika Korps pants,
khaki green corduroy, 24” inseam, double reinforced on the inside of the
thighs, with lace closures at the leg ends. The five pockets include two
diagonally slash pockets at sides, a watch pocket at front, and single right
rear buttoned back pocket. A green cotton belt within the waistband is
secured with a two-pin fastener at front. Two suspender loops are present
at the rear of the waist. Two of the original buttons in the fly remain. Within,
the waistband is marked “67 69” with a very long inventory or control
number at bottom. Excellent condition.
$600-700
579. GERMAN MILTARY AVIATOR’S LEATHER FLIGHT JACKET,
AVIATOR’S CAP, AND MAP CASE Pre-war German military aviator’s brown
leather flight jacket, cap, and map case. The waist-length double-breasted
jacket made by Striva bears large lapels with button closures, three buttons
in front, slash “hand warmer” pockets and regular pockets on both sides,
and no vent in the rear. Within, the jacket is fully pile-lined and has elastic
cuffs to keep out chill winds. The full-head aviator’s cap has a chin strap
and ear openings which could be closed with leather flaps that snap shut. It
bears a 1933 maker’s stamp within. The 7 1/2” x 10” pebble-textured map
case is “Luftwaffe green”, with a separate flapped enclosure within, a strap
closing the entire case, and two canvas hangers. A great vintage ensemble
ideal for display.
$300-400
580. LUFTWAFFE FLAK UNIT
ENLISTED MAN’S TUNIC Rare
gray-blue wool tunic issued to
a enlisted man in the Luftwaffe
attached to a anti-aircraft flak
unit, five button front closure
with four pockets, all secured
with silver pebbled buttons,
single vent in the rear, cuffed
sleeves. Red collar tabs with
Luftwaffe insignia as well as
red piping about the collar
and epaulets indicating the
flak unit association. The
second button hole bears
an Iron Cross ribbon sewn
thereto. Within, the tunic is
fully lined in gray cotton and
bears the maker’s stamp of
Oskar Tovote in Westfalia. A
tear on the inside of the collar
bears field repair, slight bit of
thinning in a small area on back due to mothing, else excellent condition.
$900-1,200
576. UNIFORMS AND CORRESPONDENCE OF SOVIET WORLD WAR
II PILOT AND MAJOR GENERAL STEPAN GAVRILOVICH AGARKOV
STEPAN GAVRILOVICH AGARKOV Soviet major general, fighter pilot
from 1933 serving during the war in the 304th and 504 Fighter Air Regt.,
remained a pilot unti 1964, later assigned to the Naval Ice Fleet in the
1950s. Awarded three Orders of the Red Banner, Order o fthe Patriotic War,
1st Class, two Orders of the Red Star. A very large post-war uniform grouping, includes a “subdued” major general’s field uniform with pants, full buttonup closed collar type; Brown officer gymnestroika with field green general’s buttons, slip-on blue piped shoulder boards; Gray uniform with pants and
visor hat, gold embroidered wings on tunic; visor hat with gold embroidered wings and leaves and acorns on hat band, around the two-piece badge;
Brown topcoat with blue general’s collar tabs; Gray topcoat with blue general’s collar tabs; Black leather ushanka with lamb’s fur and early two piece M-55
hat device; lambs wool ushanka with early two-piece hat badge. Also present are: four identification books, party and military; various passes, some for
May Day festivities; a 1927-1977 military aviation commemorative card and pin; award documents, a veteran’s award certificate book and medal; and
$750-1,000
additional documents and ephemera. Overall very good condition.
65
581. LUFTWAFFE N.C.O.
FLIEGERBLUSE AND PANTS
FOR FLYER/PARATROOPER
Desirable Luftwaffe NCO
wool flight blouse and pants
issued to a Luftwaffe pilot,
crew member or paratrooper.
The blouse, certainly less
common than the dress tunic,
is much less formal. It bears
a five button front closure,
the buttons hidden by the
lapel. Two diagonal lower
pockets are secured with black
buttons. The reverse of the
blouse lacks a vent. Yellow
collar tabs and piping on the
button-on epaulets indicate
the owner was attached to
flight operations as a pilot,
crewman, or paratrooper.
Lengthy production number,
size information, etc. is ink
stamped to the rayon partial
lining. Also present are
matching wool pants, four
button-closed pockets with
two waist-adjustment straps at rear, as well as suspender tabs. The waist is
partially lined, and one pocket has remnants of ink production marks. The
partially-slit pant leg ends still bear the stirrups and ties. Overall a scarce
uniform in superb condition.
$1,400-1,600
582. N.S.F.K. ENLISTED MAN’S
TUNIC Scarce Nationalsozialistisches
Fliegerkorps enlisted man’s tunic with
cuffed sleeves, blue-gray wool with
yellow piping with single soft-back
epaulet sewn to right shoulder (as
expected). Five button front with four
pockets, all secured with matching
silver pebbled buttons. Cloth N.S.F.K.
emblem carefully sewn above right
upper pocket. Full gray cotton liner
stamped “NS Fliegerkorps...Group
13”, possibly dated 1941. In mint
condition.
$800-1,000
584. S.A. BELT BUCKLE AND SA SPORTS ARMBAND WITH RZM TAG S.A.
belt buckle with later rotated swastika at center, prongs intact, sold with an
S.A. sports armband with RZM tag, the patch bearing several small holes.
Two pieces.
$100-150
585. WEHRMACHT SPORTS SHIRT Wehrmacht cotton athletic shirt, bears
semi-circular 9 1/4” cloth applique sewn thereto with black eagle and
swastika national emblem. Shirt itself barely good due multiple rust stains.
Estimated accordingly.
$100-150
586.
HUNGARIAN
TANKER’S
LEATHER JACKET, PANTS AND
BOOTS Hungarian tanker’s leather
outfit, includes: Brown leather
jacket, double-breasted with a
quadruple-stitched
reinforcing
panel beneath each set of buttons,
sewn-on epaulets, two hip pockets
with scalloped flaps set diagonally,
with a third pocket at left breast,
sleeve ends secured with double
ring and tab closure. The jacket
closes using five buttons with a
crown design, each painted brown.
Fully lined in white cotton, with
an interior pocket and Hungarian
production stamps, one of which
reads: “KR 943 OK MCS”. Matching
leather pants are present, four
button fly with hook and eye catch
at top, slash pockets at sides,
suspenders and waist tightened
with steel double adjusting rings.
Also lined in cotton, with two
production stamps and dated 1943.
The 17” high leather boots bear flat
cut leather laces and four layers of
leather soles with metal taps at heel
and toe. All items appear unissued,
though of expected medium to
mediocre quality when compared to
German or American output. Hungary produced two of its own tanks, the
Turan I and II, which were hopelessly outclassed by the Russians’ T-34.
They were, however, provided with German armor
$1,000-1,200
587. SS BEVO SKULLS Fine pair of
unissued cloth BeVo SS Totenkopf skulls,
3 1/4” long overall, 1 1/2” wide, in mint
condition. Scarce.
$700-900
583. PROTECTIVE POLICE
WACHTMEISTER’S
UNIFORM Rare uniform
worn by a wachtmeister
in the Ordnungspolizei in
Linz, Austria, birthplace of
Adolf Hitler. The black wool
uniform bears six smoothfinish buttons at front, with
four scallop-top buttons
with
identical
buttons
also in front. Sewn-in shoulder boards indicate the rank and silver bands
indicate over four years service. Collar tabs are fancily sewn to lapel and
absolutely original to the garment. A copper-colored bullion lanyard is also
attached at front. The left shoulder bears green police insignia and the Linz
city name at bottom. Within, the tunic is partially lined, mainly at shoulders.
$700-900
Overall in fine condition.
588. 104TH INFANTRY “IKE” JACKET
AND TROUSERS “Ike” jacket and trousers
belonging to a member of the 104th
“Timberwolf” Division, whose patch is
sewn to the jacket’s right shoulder. An
unidentified patch is on the left shoulder,
sewn later. Fine condition. The division
saw almost 200 days of fighting in
northern Europe as it fought through
France, the Netherlands, and Germany,
fighting back several fierce German
counterattacks as it advanced through
the theater throughout late 1944 and
$75-100
1945.
589. S.A. / POLICE BOOTS Pair of brown leather S.A. or municipal police
lined boots, stacked leather heels with U-shaped steel tap at heel and tap at
$75-100
toe, size 42. Moderate wear.
66
590. WEHRMACHT BACKPACK Cloth and horsehide backpack, 12” x 15” x 5” deep, green canvas with multiple
pockets and leather straps, all apparently still present and functional, genuine wear from use and a few fold
repairs, the horsehide covering flap also showing wear from use. Overall very good.
$150-200
591. WEHRMACHT OFFICER’S BELT Brown leather Wehrmacht officer’s belt, 2 1/4” wide, pebble finish to the
buckle, the leather stamped: “P. EHRHARDT POESSNECK 1942”. Typical wear from use else very good. $100-150
592. WEHRMACHT OFFICER’S BREECHES Wehrmacht issue officer’s wool breeches, 25” inseam, with matching
dyed leather reinforcement on the inside of each thigh. The five pockets include two diagonal slash pockets at
sides, a watch pocket at front, and single right rear buttoned back pocket. A small adjusting belt is fixed at rear,
and all buttons are present. The inside of the waist is lined in coarse white cotton and ink stamped with maker’s
name “Karl Fleicher[?]”, as well as the pants’ size. But for just minimal discoloration of the leather, which dressing
would likely address, in very good to fine condition.
$250-350
593. WEHRMACHT OFFICER’S FIELD BOOTS Pair of Wehrmacht officer’s field boots, 16” tall, sole 11 1/2” long,
very heavily hobnailed with steel tap at toe and U-shaped heel plate. Obviously worn and used for quite a bit...
$100-150
594. WORLD WAR II BRITISH AIR RAID WARDEN’S HELMET Scarce World War II helmet, a British air raid
warden’s helmet, painted white with cloth chin strap, bearing stenciled letters within: “BLFD, A.R.P.”. Lacks liner,
paint chipped; still good.
$75-100
595. EARLY LUFTWAFFE SWORD WITH DAMASCUS BLADE An extraordinary
early Luftwaffe sword, a real rarity in nearly untouched condition with a fine
28” Damascus steel blade. The aluminum fittings display flaws that any selfrespecting expert would not even bother to mention: miniscule pitting and a
very light surface scratch to one side of the pommel only, with a small ding
evident on one edge. The crossguard feathering is unblemished, and even
the top of the crossguard is untouched, and except for the pitting mentioned
above, all four swastikas are near perfect. The grip bears four tiny scuffs which
just graze the blue leather, and it is secured by a single strand of “bullion”
type twisted silver wire. The grip is separated from the crossguard by a
silver ring, now slightly tarnished. The Damascus blade is flawless - we can
find absolutely no defect in it and it terminates in a needle-sharp point. It is
maker-marked by master Damascus-smith Paul Hillmann, under whom it is
understood both Carl Wester and Paul Muller trained. It is also stamped ECHT
DAMAST. The blue leather bumper remains present. The scabbard is in as
fine a condition: the pebbled blue leather covering shows but a single 1mm.
square nick, otherwise it is straight, clean, and unblemished. The aluminum
fittings are also in fine condition, showing perhaps only one or two very light
surface scratches or nicks. The attached blue leather hanger shows wear to
edges consistent with use. A spectacular sword, in probably the best condition
obtainable.
$8,000-10,000
596. LUFTWAFFE DAGGER WITH DAMASCUS BLADE A fine collector’s piece, a custom
Luftwaffe 2nd Model dagger with Damascus steel blade, scabbard, and hanger. This rare
example has a partly hand-finished pommel with excellent definition to the swastikas and
oak leaves, with darkening still very much in place. The crossguard eagle has excellent detail
to his head, breast feathering, talons, wing feathering and swastika, and the upper surfaces of
the quillon arms have engraved oak leaves and acorns. The ferrule, largely hidden by a fullyintact and properly-tied portapee, is the common steel type with oak leaves. The grip has
aged to an amber color, slightly lighter on the reverse. The blade, marked “ECHT DAMAST”
on the tang, is outstanding - true multi-layered Damascus with appealing circular whorls
and it remains unblemished with the tip very sharp indeed. The leather washer remains in
place. The scabbard is perfectly straight with no dents, and its pebbled pattern is crisp and
unflawed with equally fine bands. Deluxe hangers are present and in very good condition,
with appropriate “D.R.G.M.” markings pull-up clips. Certainly one of the finest examples of a
$3,500-4,500
Luftwaffe dagger you could hope to find - if you could.
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597. LUFTWAFFE SWORD Early Luftwaffe
sword in superb condition, its aluminum
fittings showing the lightest surface wear
only: the pommel and crossguard swastikas
are excellent, with no lifting or oxidation
to either the swastikas or plating, and the
feathering on the crossguards is likewise
virtually faultless. The blue leather grip is
excellent, showing just some surface wear,
and the double-twisted wire-wrap is secure
and tight. The E. & F. Horster-marked 27”
blade is mint - it shows no running marks
nor scratches worth mentioning, and lacks
only the original leather buffer pad. The blue
leather-covered scabbard has scattered nicks
and indents, and there is an intermittent
tear along one edge which appears o have
been professionally mended, but the fittings
are in very good condition. The attached
hanger shows wear consistent with use, but it
remains in very good condition. All in all, a far
better sword than one usually encounters!
$1,000-1,500
598.
POSTAL
PROTECTION LEADER’S
DAGGER
Rare
Postal
Protection Leader’s dagger,
an early variety, having
heavy nickel plated mounts
and other surfaces. The
circular pommel retains
its original shape with
no dings and with sharp
edges. The crossguard has
excellent, hand cut lines on
both sides of the quillons
which meet at center and
are topped with an eagle’s
head. A separate medallion
device is mounted in the
center front and back
which bears a completely
intact black enamel mobile
swastika. The ebony wood
grip bears only a few
negligible surface scratches
not even penetrating the finish, and a nickel postal eagle is mounted to
the obverse which shows sharp detail. The blade is mint, showing virtually
no running marks and still bearing a sharp tip. The ricasso is etched with
the maker’s name and location, “PAUL WEYERSEBERG/SOLINGEN”. A silver
and red sword knot, also in mint condition, has been tied just beneath the
pommel. The scabbard is straight throughout, with the original black paint
showing just a few negligible tiny chips, surprising with the chain remaining
present. The scabbard mounts are the early solid nickel type, with excellent
surfaces. Circular eyelets and carrier rings are fitted, and attached to the
$3,000-4,000
carrying rings is a fine chain with snap clip.
599. KRIEGSMARINE DAGGER WITH
HANGERS Excellent orange-gripped
2nd model naval dagger with scabbard
and hangers. The brass pommel and
crossguard are in excellent condition
with virtually no wear, even to high
spots.The eagle pommel still has good
sharp detail to his eye, breast feathering
and wing feathering as well as to the
talons and swastika within a wreath. The
crossguard likewise retains excellent
detail. The grip of this example is a fine
dark orange color, and the wire wrap is
tight and areas about it are entirely clean.
The nylon portapee has lightened a bit
and shows just a bit of fraying, the knot
is in the naval double reef tie and the
cord itself is very good. The ornamental
dagger blade is excellent: bright, nearly
unblemished, with no running marks. It
is stamped by maker ALCOSO near the
hilt. The hammered scabbard is straight
throughout, with hammer marks still
nice and crisp and deep, and suspension rings are hammered as well. The
bands bear overlapping oak leaves with acorns. Also present are the two
dagger hangers with lion’s head buckles, near flawless.
$1,200-1,500
600. 2ND MODEL LUFTWAFFE DAGGER Nice example of a 2nd Model
Luftwaffe dagger and scabbard. The pommel bears good
detail with oak leaves and swastika still very sharp and
distinct. The feathers on the wings and breast of the eagle
at front are undamaged, and pebbling on the reverse is
likewise excellent. Likewise, the bordered oak leaves and
acorns at the top of the quillons, though a bit dirty, are
sharp and undamaged. The wire on the grip remains very
taut, but the grip itself has aged unevenly, displaying a
burnt orange on one side and a lighter shade on the other,
likely due to being displayed in sunlight. There is a small
chip to the top of the reverse of the grip. A silver sword
knot has been tied at the bottom of the grip. The blade,
hallmarked by WKC, is bright and clean, bearing a few
surface scuffs near the tip mentioned only for accuracy.
The pebbled scabbard has the standard oak leaf designs
on the hanger bands, the finish of the scabbard has
darkened and there is some rust and a minor dent near
the end. Overall a good dagger.
$600-800
601. CARL EICKHORN SLOTTED
POLICE PARADE BAYONET Exceptional
slotted police parade bayonet by Eickhorn,
having an impressive, ulta-clean 13”
blade. The pommel is fit with a working slot button, and the
plating throughout is outstanding. The pommel features an
eagle looking to the left having excellent detail to his beak
and feathering. The crossguard has overlapping oak leaves
on the obverse and only the quillon end has these features
on the reverse. The rest of the reverse crossguard is plain
with “S Ko.I.” for Municipal Police Property, Administrative
District Koln, duty location I. The bayonet is fitted with fine
genuine stag grips, likely replacements as there are three
drill holes remaining indicating that the grips once served
another purpose. There is a fine open style police eagle
inserted on the obverse grip with full detail. The 13-inch
blade is beautiful, virtually unblemished, with Carl Eickhorn
maker’s mark. It has the highest quality nickel plating
and remains in mint condition. This blade has wide fuller
construction and is not a cut down. This blade was made
this original length and therefore proves that this bayonet
was made from scratch during the Nazi period not and
upgraded reworked Weimar period. The scabbard is black
leather, sewn on the reverse. It is fitted with nickel-plated
fittings. There is a also fine larger size brown leather frog
present, marked “254 40” on reverse. This slotted version was issued to
special officers who formulated the honor companies which were designated
$750-1,000
for parades and official review.
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602. HERDER MATCHING K98 BAYONET AND SCABBARD Fine and rare
15 1/4” bayonet (blade 10”), made in 1937 by F. Herder A Sn of Solingen.
The blade is marked with the maker’s trademark, as was customary from
1937-1940. This is an earlier example, the bayonet having wood grips
with serial no. 5744d, which matches the serial no. on the throat of the
accompanying scabbard. Leather frog is also present. The bayonet bears a
slightly red finish to the blade, cause unknown. Sold with an unidentified
second slotted bayonet, triangular blade 17 1/2” long, and wood grips. The
blade appears to bear a French maker’s name and serial number at top,
quite worn. With scabbard and frog.
$200-300
603. AMERICAN INTER-WAR HELMET American military helmet, strap
and liner typical of that used shortly before World War II and on Wake
Island during its defense, green “sand” type finish, brown leather liner with
padding at top fully intact, chin strap also intact though bearing a tear.
Overall very good.
$100-150
604. KRIEGSMARINE FOUL WEATHER HAT Large, floppy Kriegsmarine foul
weather hat, unissued, rubberized khaki cotton with rubber reinforced seams
and cloth ribbons ties. Extra long in the rear so that water will not run down the
wearer’s back, identical to those supplied U-boat crewmen. Stamped within
by maker Willy Sprenpfeil, Hamburg, 1940. Very fine.
$150-200
605. LUFTWAFFE SUMMER FLYING HELMET Luftwaffe Netzkopfhaube
summer flight helmet with throat microphone. The helmet bears an
adjustable cotton mesh top with leather sweatband at front. The exterior
of the headphones has a brown leather protective cover, while within the
headphones are surrounded by wool for comfort. From the rear of the helmet
extends an electrical connection for telephony, and two throat microphones
attached to leather straps are also attached there as well. The helmet shows
soiling from obvious use but appears completely intact.
$500-600
606. M1940 LUFTWAFEE SINGLE DECAL HELMET M1940 Luftwaffe
helmet, slate gray with a slightly sandy finish (repainted, likely in the field),
a single almost 100% decal affixed to right side. Leather liner stamped size
56 is present, lacking chin strap. Shell is stamped with the numbers 7868
and SE64. Very good.
$600-700
610. GERMAN BEADED FLAK BATTERY HELMET M1940 German
beaded steel helmet with original canvas liner and clear plastic
chinstraps, an unusual variation of what was usually issued to
police but lacking any insignia or decals. This is a civil lining but
was probably issued to a member of a flak battery late in the war as
materiel began to become scarce. Owner IDed “Eisenlohr” under the
front brim. Some chipping to paint, still very good.
$300-400
611. LUFTWAFFE M1940 HELMET Luftwaffe Model 1940 single
decal helmet, second pattern Luftwaffe eagle decal affixed to left
side, dark gray/black paint, rolled edges and stamped air vents.
Shell stamped “ET64” behind left ear. Only remnants of the chin
strap remain, leather liner is heavily worn, much pitting to paint and
decal only about 50% present. Estimated accordingly. $350-450
612. GERMAN FIRE POLICE HELMET German Fire Police helmet,
chromed metal rim on top, steel construction with rolled metal
edges and two sets of perforations on each side for ventilation.
Leather liner within, with the seldom encountered hanging leather
neck flap to protect from burning embers. Chin strap present. Some
moderate scuffing to the paint, and both decals have crazed - still
entirely presentable.
$400-500
613. LUFTSCHUTZE HELMET Black painted steel Luftyschutze air
raid helmet, bears original light brown leather liner and chinstrap,
large front decal scuffed but 85% intact. Size 56. Decal at inside rear
reads: “Sale approved pursuant to Air Protection Law Sec. 8”.
$200-300
614. GERMAN FIRE PROTECTION POLICE HELMET Brown painted
steel helmet, size 55 with original leather liner, cork pads and
chin strap, issued to Fire Protection Police at the Berlin Telephone
Company (Telefunken). Company logo is painted on the left side of
the helmet which bears numerous chips to the finish. $150-200
615. GERMAN FIRE PROTECTION POLICE HELMET Uncommon
black semi-gloss painted vulcan fiber helmet, size 57 with original
leather liner, top pads and chin strap, issued to Fire Protection
Police at the Berlin Telephone Company (Telefunken). Company
logo is branded at front in silver paint, a 1 1/2” crack is present on
left, otherwise a very good example.
$150-200
607. N.S.K.K. HELMET Original NSKK motorcycle driver crash helmet type
2, bears large NSKK eagle, banner and swastika affixed to front. Two vent
holes on either side, with leather chin strap (one side partially torn) and
separate rear neck flap. Leather liner and pad at top intact with lace, RZM
label sewn to reverse of liner. A few light scuffs to “bumpers” on helmet,
$800-1,200
else very good.
608. SHAKO COVER German shako cover with reinforced visors front and
rear (front cracked), with red number “26” sewn to front. Marked by a Bremen
maker within. One number bears two moth nips, else very good. $200-300
609. REISSUED M1918 GERMAN HELMET Reissued Model 1918 German
helmet, likely field repainted, factory refurbished and reissued to a German
infantry unit sometime between 1940 and 1943. The helmet bears a single
decal on the left side, consistent with 1940-43 national regulations. The
paint on the shell has minute specks of white paint, with a large, broad
scrape affecting the left side and decal as well. The liner and zinc band
are original and marked “57”, while the helmet is stamped “62” within.
Chinstrap with buckle present and is embossed “EUGEN HUBER MUNCHEN
$400-500
1938”. Overall quite good.
616. ALGEMEINE-SS ENLISTED MAN’S VISOR CAP Very early Algemeine
SS enlisted man’s visor, a wool “saddleback” version with white piping, black
vulkan fiber visor with beige underside, and black leather chinstrap with
round black buttons. The cap bears first pattern eagle and skull insignia not
removed by us and apparently original to the cap. The 1 5/8” brown leather
sweatband is completely intact and is ink-stamped: “Nr. Da. Nr. 1405”. The
celluloid shield sewn to the dark brown liner bears gold printed SS runes
with the hat’s size, 57 3/4”. A white cloth RZM tag is sewn between the liner
and sweatband reading in part: “DIENSTMUTZE fur SS Hersteller 122...”.
But for a few tiny scattered moth nips, this rare, early visor is in excellent
condition.
$1,200-1,500
69
621. HERMANN GORING
DIVISION
PANZER
OFFICER’S OVERSEAS CAP
Very rare Hermann Goring
Division panzer officer’s
overseas cap, black wool
with cloth white machineembroidered
Luftwaffe
eagle insignia and cockade
carefully sewn to front,
silver
bullion
braiding
nearly seamlessly joined.
Gray cloth liner, unmarked.
Fine.
$800-900
622.
LUFTWAFFE
OVERSEAS CAP Luftwaffe
overseas cap. blue wool
with
cloth
Luftwaffe
insignia sewn above a cloth
cockade. Gray rayon liner
within maker marked: “”K.
Gerschkat & Co.”, 1942.
Size 55. Very good to fine.
$200-300
617. EARLY N.S.K.K. OFFICER’S KEPI Early N.S.K.K. officer’s kepi, brown
wool body with black trim and two bands of twisted metal piping, two
grommets set into each side, the flaps trimmed with silver metal ribbon
meeting at the front of the kepi beneath a round pin with the organization’s
emblem. Above is secured an N.S.K.K. eagle and swastika hat insignia. The
cap bears a light brown leather sweatband and slightly darker liner with
a shield-shaped sweat guard, stamped with size 58. Overall in very good
condition with no appreciable faults.
$1,000-1,200
618. EARLY POLITICAL LEADER’S VISOR CAP Early political leader’s
visor cap, orstgruppe level, medium brown wool body with orstgruppelevel blue piping, transition visor with expected cross-hatching beneath,
double braided terminating at pebbled button, with proper cockade and
eagle/swastika insignia. Within, the hat is lined in a lighter brown fabric with
diamond -shaped sweat shield, leather semi-perforated sweatband is fine.
A few moth nips to the top of the hat, a single tiny one at front, else very
good.
$600-800
619. EARLY S.A. KEPI Very early S.A. kepi, brown twill with cloth covered
reinforced visor, two (oxidized) vent holes on each side, side panels meeting
at front and joined with a 7/8” circular chromed button. A 1 1/4” brass
national eagle and black swastika hat insignia is also affixed at front. Brown
leather chin strap is affixed with two small pebbled brass buttons on either
side. The cap bears a cracked but fully intact brown leather sweatband and
olive cotton liner which bears a few areas of loss. Cap body has an abrasion
on right side panel and a small hole in top, a few light stains but still very
good.
$600-700
620. EARLY S.A. POLITICAL LEADER’S KEPI A fine example of an early
S.A. political leader’s kepi, S.A. brown cloth throughout with silver twist
cord piping at top, and two painted grommets on either side. The front of
the visor bears a pebbled eagle and swastika button and early hat badge
above. A finely-wrought silver metal double chin cord terminates at either
end with two smooth finish silver finish buttons. A medium brown sweat
band is sewn within, and is marked with a museum or collection stamp on
the reverse: “Archiv-Exemplar N. St.1959”. The kepi is lined in a beige fabric
and bears a diamond-shaped sweat guard stamped in gold with the logo
of makers Clemens-Wagner. Size 57. A slight bit of wear where the top of
the kepi meets the sides, else in very good to fine condition.
$1,200-1,500
623. LUFTWAFFE TECHNICAL OFFICER’S VISOR CAP Luftwaffe Technical
Officer’s visor cap, blue/gray wool with a black, ribbed mohair center
band and red piping. The cap features silver bullion wings and wreath
surrounding the central stamped metal cockade. A Luftwaffe technical eagle
and cogwheel cap insignia is affixed above. The chin cords are made of
silver/aluminum wire, and are held in place via two pebble finish aluminum
side buttons, sewn to the sides of the cap. The visor is made of thin, black
fiber with edge trim, with a green cross-hatched underside. The cap bears
silver lining and a silver leather sweat band. The rounded-top diamondshaped sweat guard is stamped in silver by noted maker: Meisterklasse with
his logo, with owner’s name: “Udo Roth” on a paper slip inserted within.
Visor has some spotting, otherwise in very good to fine condition.
$1,200-1,500
624. MAJOR GEN. IRA T. WYCHE’S SUMMER VISOR CAP IRA THOMAS
WYCHE (1887 - 1981) American major general, commanded the 79th
Division and later headed the 8th Corps in Germany. The 79th spearheaded
the assault on Fort De Roule and helped to clear the Cherbourg area. It then
began a 2,300 mile trek across western Europe, fighting the 1st, 9th and 10th
S.S. Panzer Divisions, the 21st Panzer Division, and the 3rd and 5th Parachute
Divisions. Wyche’s summer dress visor cap, two miniscule pin holes and
stains on top panel, otherwise in superb condition with the leather chin strap
and visor virtually untouched, leather sweat band very good with sweat shield
and maker’s logo “Bancroft Uniform” likewise excellent. A period typed slip
of paper has been closely fitted behind the celluloid, reads: “MAJ. GEN. I.T.
WYCHE 03112”. Overall fine. From Wyche’s estate.
$400-600
70
625. MAJOR GEN. IRA T. WYCHE’S WINTER VISOR CAP IRA THOMAS
WYCHE (1887 - 1981) American major general, commanded the 79th
Division and later headed the 8th Corps in Germany. The 79th spearheaded
the assault on Fort De Roule and helped to clear the Cherbourg area. It
then began a 2,300 mile trek across western Europe, fighting the 1st, 9th
and 10th S.S. Panzer Divisions, the 21st Panzer Division, and the 3rd and
5th Parachute Divisions. Wyche’s wool winter dress visor cap, excellent
condition with no mothing, also bearing suspended leather chin strap. All
external leather components very good to fine. Within, the sweatband is
gone, but lining remains very good but for a clean split in the plastic-like
waterproofing. Typed identification label beneath sewn celluloid reads:
“MAJ. GEN. I. T. WYCHE 03112”. From Wyche’s estate.
$400-600
628. POLITICAL LEADER’S OVERSEAS CAP N.S.D.A.P. political leader’s
overseas cap, light brown wool with triangular brown and silver bullion
patch bearing national eagle and swastika on left side, pebbled silver button
bearing eagle and static swastika affixed to front. Within, the cap is lined
in darker rayon and has a partial leather sweatband at the front with large
cloth RZM tag sewn to top. Excellent condition.
$400-500
629. REICHSPOST OFFICER’S M43 HAT Rare Reichspost officer’s M43 hat,
navy blue wool with yellow braiding at top, traingular patch sewn to front
bearing gold Bevo national eagle with swastika and tri-color cockade. Ear
flaps flaps are secured at the front of the cap with a pair of brass pebbled
buttons. Within, the cap has a brown leather sweatband ink-stamped on
the reverse: “DRP 1943”, is lined in corduroy black cloth and is ink stamped
with size 57.In superb condition.
$600-800
630. S. A. MARINE
VISOR HAT Scarce S.A.
marine visor hat, navy
blue wool body with
matching piping, black
patent leather visor and
black leather chinstrap
affixed with two brass
buttons bearing anchor
motifs.
Matching
blue wool patch with
gold embroidery and small steel national eagle permanently affixed to
front of cap with a metal rivet and black cloth over liner within. Brown
leather sweatband, unmarked, entirely intact. Unlined. Also present is the
uncommon white cap cover which bears only a single very small brown
spot. Overall very good
$700-800
626. N.S.F.K. GENERAL’S KEPI Rare, early N.S.F.K. general’s kepi in excellent
condition, gray-blue wool body with sides trimmed in 3/4” three-ribbed
silver bullion ribbon which encircles the hat and drops to the flawless visor,
silver bullion piping also above the ribbon and encircling the hat at the top
of the sides. A silver finish pebbled button appears at front, as does a thin
black chinstrap fixed with two flat black buttons at the sides. Above the trim
an aluminum eagle and swastika insignia is affixed. Within, the kepi is lined
in light blue rayon with a gray (unmarked) leather sweatband. A diamondshaped sweat protector covers maker’s logo and name: “Aug. Muller” of
Munich. Fine condition.
$1,400-1,600
627. PANZER N.C.O.’S VISOR CAP Desirable panzer N.C.O.’s visor cap,
field green wool body with dark green sides and pink piping. Metal oak
leaf wreath insignia encircles a separate cockade, and a metal national
eagle with swastika cap pin is affixed above. The black leather chinstrap,
slightly crazed, terminates at either end with two black circular retaining
buttons. The black painted visor, only very slightly dinged, bears the typical
checkerboard pattern beneath. Within, the hat has a perforated brown
sweatband which has faded slightly, and the gray lining is a bit soiled. The
diamond-shaped sweat shield covers the maker’s name: “K. Faltermeier” of
Landshut. No mothing or stains evident, overall a very good example!
$800-1,000
631.
S.A.
“SUDETENLAND” KEPI
Desirable example of
the SA kepi for Gruppe
Sudeten,
medium
brown wool body with
steel blue wool side
band, with interwoven
brown and silver bullion
piping. The kepi retains
the M1936 silvered
eagle and swastika,
silver pebbled button
and dark brown ‘splitcenter’ chinstrap. Gray
rayon lining with medium brown leather sweatband which conceals a linen
RZM S.A. tag sewn in. Diamond shaped celluloid sweat shield is imprinted:
“Deutsche Arbeit”. Paper label indicates size 57. Excellent condition.
$1,000-1,200
S.A.
GRUPPE
632.
NORDMARK KEPI Early S.A.Gruppe Nordmark (or Sachsen)
kepi, brown wool with emerald
green side trim indicating the
wearer’s affiliation, with white
and black cloth twist piping
at the crown. A center-split
chinstrap is attached at either
end with the typical brown
buttons. A smooth finish round
button joins the flaps at the
front, and it is topped with an
early eagle cap insignia. Within,
the kepi bears a light green
lining and leather sweat band,
a linen RZM S.A. tag sewn in and a stamp: “EIGENTUM BAVARIA-FILMKUNST”,
a film production company owned by the Ministry of Propaganda after
1942. The liner is stamped with size 57 3/4”, and the underside of the visor
shows perspiration stains consistent with heavy use. Some light mold to the
chin strap easily removed, else in very good condition.
$800-1,200
71
633. S.A. HIGH
LEADER’S
KEPI
A high quality
S.A. high leader’s
kepi, wool with
a crimson side
color band. Two
grommets
per
side are present,
as are two bands
of silver twist
piping at top and
at top of side flaps.
Below is sewn a
silver ribbon with
metallic
weave
indicative of rank. Center-split chin strap is affixed with two brown side
buttons. Within, the kepi had a dark brown leather sweat band and brown
lining marked with size “56”. A small diamond-shaped celluloid sweat
shield is sewn in with silver maker’s name: “LEPARO” stamped thereon. In
very good condition, with a single moth hole at top, a smaller one at rear,
with a “chip” to the fabric on the visor.
$1,200-1,500
634.
S.A.
OFFICER’S
KEPI
WITH EDELWEISS
INSIGNIA
S.A.
officer’s kepi, S.A.brown wool body
with dark green
side panels, two
black
grommets
on each side, the
hat trimmed with
twisted
metal
piping at top and
red
and
white
braided cord at the
tops of the flaps,
which also bear the
officer’s silver metallic ornamental ribbon. At the front of the kepi is located
a round, smooth finish button above which is placed an early style eagle
and swastika hat insignia. A two-piece chin strap is affixed with brown
buttons at either side. A silver and gold metal edelweiss emblem stitched to
a green felt backing has been tacked to the lefty side of the kepi. A brown
leather hatband is fitted within the kepi, which is lined in white cotton. It
also bears a shied-shaped sweat guard covering the maker’s imprint: “A. &
F. Vanek” in Vienna. Very light soiling at top of kepi and two miniscule moth
nips, else very good.
$1,000-1,200
635. S.A. STAFF
OFFICER’S KEPI
S.A. staff officer’s
kepi, brown twill
body with red
felt side panels,
silver
bullion
braided
piping
at top and at top
of flaps, and two
ventilation holes
on each side. The
sides also bear
silver
officer’s
ribbon
sewn
thereto,
which
meets at the front beneath a silver pebbled button. Above the button
a later metal eagle insignia has been pinned to the hat. A brown ersatz
leather chin strap is affixed with brown button attachments at the
sides. Lined in a brown waterproofed fabric with unperforated leather
sweatband, the fabric stamped in gold by maker “Meisterklasse” at
Marienburg. Ink stamped size 57. In near mint condition.
$1,000-1,500
636. TRANSPORTBRIGADE “SPEER” VISOR CAP Scarce Transportbrigade
“Speer” visor cap, medium brown wool body with black piping, metallic
thread cloth eagle insignia machine sewn above the stamped metal oak leaf
wreath and separate cockade. A black leather chin strap is affixed at either
end with black smooth finish buttons. The vulkan fiber visor is properly
cross-hatched on the reverse, and is in excellent shape. The visor’s sweat
band is a tan pebbled leather, and an unmarked diamond-shaped sweat
guard is sewn to the matching light brown liner. The lining shows obvious
signs of heavy perspiration. A black ink inventory stamp also appears on
the liner: “1944 Accepted by BW N.S.K.K. Krakau-Ost”. Very nice condition.
$1,000-1,500
637. U-BOAT OFFICER’S VISOR CAP Most desirable unidentified U-boat
captain’s visor cap, heavily weathered as one would expect, the body
showing a great about of mildew staining, bullion trim heavily oxidized,
chin strap and underside of the leather visor cracked with some loss to the
leather. The chin strap has been affixed to the cap with two replacement
buttons at either side. A red painted “sawfish” emblem with period
attachment is pinned to the black side panel on right. Within, the brown
leather sweatband is well used but intact, the liner heavily mildewed except
under the thin celluloid sweat guard, now torn. Superb aged imitations of
these caps are made, though this example does not bear many of the telltales common to those modern reproductions.
$2,500-3,500
638. WAFFEN-SS ENLISTED MAN’S OVERSEAS CAP Waffen-SS enlisted
man’s overseas cap, gray wool with dark beige liner, stamped with size
59 and a control number within, lacking insignia although clear traces of
stitching and thread from the original insignia remain. Very good.
$400-500
639. WEHRMACHT N.C.O.’S OVERSEAS CAP Wehrmacht N.C.O.’s overseas
cap, two vent holes, gray-green cotton liner. Near fine. green wool with
green cloth national eagle and swastika emblem sewn to front above a cloth
$300-400
cockade.
72
640.
WEHRMACHT
OFFICER’S M43 CAP
Wehrmacht
officer’s
M43 field cap, green
wool with silver bullion
piping about the top,
two silver pebbled
buttons
securing
ear flaps at front. A
green Bevo patch with
national eagle, swastika
and cockade has also
been machine-sewn to
the front. The cap bears
a partial sweatband set to the front of the cap with an indistinguishable
maker’s embossed stamp, lined in a (soiled) beige rayon. Nominal wear to
front of visor and piping in rear from use, else very good.
$700-800
641. CUSTOMS OFFICIAL’S MOUNTAIN BERGMUTZE Scarce wool
mountain cap (“Bergmutze”) issued to a German customs agent, green
wool body with BeVo insignia, single button front closure with beige button
which has aged to an amber color, and dark green piping. The leather
sweatband is about fifty percent gone, the balance torn, the atypical field
gray quilted lining is intact and in very good condition. The right ear flap
bears considerable mothing, the left just a bit, otherwise this cap is in
very good condition. From the collection of an early aviator who trained
American pilots and later founded an airport in Waterbury, Ct. $300-400
642. JAPANESE FIELD CAP Japanese late-war green cotton field cap, a tall
cap with small brim, three-pice construction with a short, stitched brim, metal
grommets for ventilation and tightening cord at rear, and white cotton lining.
Maker’s label affixed within. Apparenty unissued and fine.
$250-350
643. JAPANESE MILITARY WICKER TROPICAL HAT Japanese military
wicker tropical hat, a high-standing cap with small brim, leather sweatband,
and of a finely woven three-piece mesh construction. One ink stamp within.
A few small holes and areas of weakness, still quite good.
$100-150
644. CHINESE ORDER OF THE CLOUD AND BANNER GIVEN TO
RUSSIAN PILOT Scarce partly-printed award document, the Chinese Order
of the Cloud and Banner awarded to Soviet Squadron Leader Butzaydalin,
probably in thanks for services at the end of World War II and in Korea, 20
1/2” x 17”, with envelope. Fine condition. This order is a military award of
the Republic of China, instituted on June 15, 1935 and awarded in nine
grades for contributions to national security.
$100-150
646.
ENORMOUS
N.S.D.A.P.
HANGING BANNER The largest
hanging banner we’ve ever seen,
only 56” wide but about 55 feet
long, cotton construction, one sided,
with a separate white circular field
with mobile swastika stitched to the
red body. A few faults: a tiny hole
appears in one of the black arms of
the swastika, and a few stains appear
beneath the swastika, a clean 3” tear
appears about 10’ from the bottom,
and a few scattered other small
holes and tears (some mended) and
general soiling, otherwise in quite
remarkable condition. $750-1,000
647. GERMAN MERCHANT ENSIGN
SWASTIKA FLAG German national
swastika flag with offset disk . The
flag is 110” x 158”, made of cotton
with reinforced corners at the canvas
covered hoist and overstitched corners
at fly, the white 68” disk is of separate
construction on both sides with a
mobile swastika printed in black ink.
The hoist has a metal ring and a cord
loop on the ends. The flag is marked “Z.R.N.” in black ink on the ground near
the hoist and the dimensions are printed twice on the hoist “400 x 300”. Disk
and swastika are offset about 35” from the hoist and 52” from the fly. Scattered
mothing and a small one inch tear at the top outside the disk area, very good
$200-300
example.
648. KRIEGSMARINE NAVAL PENNANT Kriegsmarine naval signal pennant
resembling the Japanese national flag, 57” x 70” (approx.), cotton construction
with a deep red circle printed on both sides. The tail of the pennant is oversewn to prevent tattering, and the hoist is covered in heavier nylon with a clip
attached directly to one end and a longer braided cotton line and matching clip
at the other. The hoist is marked with the flag dimensions and “St V”, and the
maker’s label is sewn to the reverse: “Wurttembergische Cattunmanufactur
Heidenheim a. Brz.”. Heavily mothed in places, otherwise very clean and still
presentable. This pennant does not match any signal pennant we know of, so a
bit of research may be required. From the collection of an aviator who instructed
pilots during World War II and later founded the Waterbury-Plymouth airport
(N-41).
$200-300
645. 82ND AIRPORNE, 505TH P.I.R. CAPTURED NAZI FLAG A rare wartime souvenir, a Nazi flag captured by a member of the 505th Parachute Infantry
regiment of the 82nd Airborne, a soldier who had been with the regiment in every African and European engagement from Tunisia to Germany. The relic
is an N.S.D.A.P. flag, 104” x 78”, cotton/rayon construction with a separate circular white field with black mobile swastika printed thereon, one end of the
flag looped and machine-stitched so as to provide a loop for insertion of a pole for suspending the flag as a banner. The flag bears multiple ink notes,
comments, and signatures. Most telling is a list of places where the 505 P.I.R. had served: “Africa Sicily Italy Ireland England France Holland”. At bottom
the flag’s owner notes: “This is a souvenir from Robert Steiner To Show What is Left”. Four Dutch women have signed beside his name, one labeled as his
“sweet heart”. 23 of Steiner’s fellow paratroopers have also signed the flag, many of them non-coms and officers. Of them, Bernard W. Peterson would by
KIA and Benjamin Thompson would die of wounds before war’s end. At right is attached an embroidered image of a frowning Dutchl holding a fan, and
she is “suspended” beneath an embroidered parachute with green stitching reading”505th 82ND AB”. At left are attached 47 Dutch-made embroidered
patches depicting the flags of mostly Allied or Allied-aligned countries, with Italy, the U.S., France and the U.S. at top. Three corners of the reverse of the
flag bear lines typed by Steiner, one a note to his sister sending the flag and promising to tell her about it upon his return, one bearing some raunchy
poetry, and the third showing all of the countries he had visited and more poetry: “Belgium is like Paris/They take you to their room/They play with your
dummy/Till your flowers come to bloom”. One stain in white field, else very good. It was the 505th that parachuted into Ste. Mere Eglise, jumped during
Operation Market Garden and took heavy losses throughout the war, hence Steiner’s comment about “What is Left”.
$1,200-1,800
73
649. ARTILLERY COMPANY GUIDON World War II artillery company
swallow-tail guidon, 42” x 25”, comprised of seperate pieces of white and
red cloth with two virtually unused leather hanging tabs tuicked into the
fly. Lettering and colors indicate this guidon was used by Co. B of the 5th
Regiment, though no further information is available.
$100-150
650. ITALIAN FASCIST HANGING BANNER Elaborate Italian fascist
hanging banner, 22” x 16”, black linen with gold bullion lettering: “GRUPPO
A. BOSCOLO BRAGADIN PADOVA”, gold fringe at bottom, with ornate fasces
at center. Heavily worn with loss at top to suspension loop and part of the
banner, addition loss to fasces and cloth above, just good.
$300-400
651. JAPANESE NATIONAL FLAG Japanese national (“meatball”) flag,
approx. 5’ x 6’, multi-sectional with much of the flag hand-sewn, reinforced
corners and rope hoist, stained along one edge which consignor claims is
$150-200
“dried blood”.
652. JAPANESE NATIONAL FLAG Japanese national (“meatball”) flag,
approx. 5’ x 7’, two-piece cotton with canvas hoist, loops still present. A
$150-200
few small moth holes, else very good.
653. N.S.D.A.P. FLAG N.S.D.A.P. flag, likely for interior use, 96” x 50” cotton
with separate white field with black printed swastika, cotton cord sewn into
the fly and terminating in round eyelets. Various stains, a few tears esp.
along the fly - just good.
$200-300
VETERANS
654.
NAZI
ASSOCIATION FLAG Nazi Veterans
Association
(“Kyffhäuserbund”)
wool flag, 45” x 45”, printed image
appearing on both sides, a hanging
flag with the fly merely folded over
and sewn, the opposite end a bit
frayed. Scattered holes yet still
presentable.
$400-500
655. OVERSIZE HITLER YOUTH FLAG Large two-sided Hitler Youth flag,
130” x 76” cotton constructed of red, white, and swastika in separate parts,
cord sewn within the fly bears two chromed snaps at either end. A few clean
tears largely at edges with much smaller tears along fly, faded and with a
$400-500
few stains, still quite good.
656. REICHSKRIEGS FLAG German battle flag, 92” x 50”, fine cotton
printed on both sides with cord (loops cut) woven into fly, patch sewn to
fly with maker’s name: “Bonner Fahnenfabrik”. A few trivial stains, else very
$400-500
good.
657. LARGE N.S.DA.P. BANNER N.S.D.A.P. hanging banner, cotton, the
body being approx. 51” x 144”, cotton two-piece construction with
seperate white fields with printed black mobile swastikas sewn to both
sides of the red body. The banner is looped at top to allow a suspension
from a horizontal pole, while the bottom bears three sewn-on snap clips
to prevent the banner from being blown about. In fine condition with no
$400-600
appreciable damage evident.
658. LARGE N.S.D.A.P. HANGING BANNER Large N.S.D.A.P. hanging twosided banner, 46” x 108”, cotton construction, a separate white field with
printed black mobile swastika sewn to the red body. The top of the banner
has been folded over and sewn to create a loop through which a pole would
have been passed to suspend the piece. Ties are also sewn at either end to
prevent the banner from sliding while strung along the pole. Some fading
and soiling from obvious use, but still very good overall. From the collection
of an aviator who instructed pilots during World War II and later founded the
Waterbury-Plymouth airport (N-41).
$400-500
659. LARGE NSDAP BANNER Lengthy NSDAP indoor banner, 59” wide, 14’
long, red dyed cotton with a separately sewn white circular field near center
upon which is printed a black mobile swastika. The banner bears a loop
running its width at the top to permit its suspension by a pole. Frayed slightly
at bottom, small separation at top loop, and typical aging, else very good.
From the collection of an aviator who instructed pilots during World War II and
later founded the Waterbury-Plymouth airport (N-41).
$400-600
660. N.S.D.A.P. FLAG Small N.S.D.A.P. cotton flag, 19” x 15”, double-sided
with a separate white circular field with printed mobile swastika sewn on.
The left side of the flag has been looped about a 38” wood dowel which
bears a gilt turned wood end. Possibly home-made, fine.
$75-100
661. N.S.D.A.P. HANGING BANNER WITH A “TAIL” N.S.D.A.P. hanging
banner, cotton, the body being 57” x 60” with an extraordinary 65” long
tapering “tail”! The two piece construction banner bears separate white
fields with printed black swastikas sewn to both sides of the red body. At
bottom, the very long “tail” tapers from 10 1/2” wide to a point which has
no method of fixing at its termination. There are six wide cloth suspension
loops sewn to the top of the banner, which save a stain at center (easily
cleaned) is in excellent condition.
$400-500
662. NSDAP/SA BANNER
FLAG Large NSDAP/
SA flag, 110” x 44 3/4”,
quality cotton threepiece construction with
hemp hangers at top and
bottom of the fly, folded
black cloth comprising
the swastika which has
been sewn to the circular
white background which
in turn has been stitched
to the red field. A few
age faults include some
discoloration to the white
field, a small tear in the
body, and a few tears to
the top edge, still quite
good.
$150-200
663.
COLLAPSIBLE
JAPANESE
NATIONAL
FLAG A one-of-a-kind item, a 12” x 8” rayon Japanese national flag, tied
to a collapsible black and white plastic-like staff with gold wood globe at
top which, when opened, extends to 14 1/2”. Its practical use is unknown,
although a portable flag and staff one could carry everywhere would be
sure proof of one’s devotion to emperor and country! In a later, unrelated
$75-100
painted Japanese box.
664. JAPANESE NAVY DISPLAY FLAG Imperial Japanese Navy display flag,
34” x 48”, cotton two piece construction with the design appearing on both
sides, a display flag with no hanging hardware, loops, etc. This is a lowergrade flag, likely used as a window-hanger or sold to sympathetic civilians.
$150-200
Very good.
74
Diary, Radio Gunner Badge, awards,
and much more
666. IRON CROSS, FIRST CLASS Iron Cross, First class, pin back, Deschler
& Sohn, Muenchen. Maker marked on verso on the pin with an
uncommon “1”. Very nice patina with some very slight oxidation.
Along with an unrelated case for a War Merit Cross with swords,
marked 621 K.B. on verso of the insert.
$150-200
From the 1942 “non-Olympics”
667. 1942 INTERNATIONALSKI CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDALLIONS
Lot of six pewter souvenir medals from the Federation Internationale
de Ski championships held in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
in 1942. Obviously, this was no true world championship as half of
the world was at war, but the Germans pressed on, inviting skiers
from Germany and the countries they had conquered. Overall very
good.
$100-150
668. ALLIED SHOULDER PATCHES Lot of four cloth shoulder
patches, all period, includes Tank Destroyer Forces, Seventh Army,
Troop Carrier, and R.A.F. Technical photographer. Very good.
$75-100
669. ARMY INSIGNIA Lot of 50+ pieces of Army insignia, black,
includes those for a chaplain, marksman, Signal Corps, airmen,
missiles, various officers, etc.
$75-100
665. MISSING IN ACTION LUFTWAFFE PILOT GROUPING An
extraordinary, large grouping of fresh material from the military career
Luftwaffe radio officer and gunner Alfred Wagner, who until at least
January, 1942 was attached to heavy and medium bomber group K.G.
26, primarily on the Eastern Front. Included in this excellent grouping
is: two signed “Fliegerschutzen” award certificates, Jan. 8, 1942, the
preliminary and official certificates, along with Wagner’s Radio Gunner
Badge, marked by maker “W. DEUMER” on reverse, retaining 80-90%
of its original silver wash and in very good condition, with goldstamped presentation case; award certificate signed for Combat Clasp
in Silver, “In the field”, July 3, 1942 with the medal which is marred
only by a broken pin; award certificate signed for Combat Clasp in
Bronze, “In the field”, Jan. 17, 1942 with the medal in original marked
presentation case (fine); award certificate signed for the Eastern Front
Medal, Sep. 1, 1943, with medal and ribbon in original paper sleeve;
award certificate signed for the Iron Cross, 2nd Class, “In the field”,
Jan. 2, 1942, as well as the certificate awarding the Iron Cross, First
Class, July 14, 1942; Luftwaffe Krim Shield, 2 1/2” x 3” overall, gray felt
backing, excellent; Wagner’s diary covering the period from Nov. 27,
1941 (his first combat flight) to Feb. 5, 1942, 46pp. 8vo., all entries
in ink and very legible, including daily entries of take-off and landings
hours, targets and damage done, bomb sizes, flight conditions, with
mention of repeated bombings of Moscow, Sebastopol, villages, trains
and roads, increasing flak resistance and damage from ground fire,
barrage balloons, his firing on enemy ground targets, losses of other
aircraft, attacking a Russian column, dropping a 1,000 kg. bomb on a
village church, and mentions that he has dropped 40,000 kilos each
of HE and incendiaries, etc.; Wagner’s flight book, Dec. 10, 1940 with
the last entry made on July 23, 1942 (approx. the time he went M.I.A.),
and shows over 16,000 hours of flight time. His combat entries begin
on Nov. 27, 1941 flying in an He 111 in bombing attacks on Moscow,
Sebastopol, flak units, field positions, etc. which are all listed in the
comments column; about 30 small photos, many showing his He 111
bomber, one with him in flight gear within, images of mud-bogged
and wrecked bombers, training, camp life, etc., his field manual Der
Dienst-Unterricht in der Luftwaffe, signed; bound Reichsarbeitsdienst
song book, 1939, signed; small photo album with about fifty images
from his service in the Reichsdienst and early military training,
Deutsch Reichspost savings booklet; appointment to KG 100; and
several letters and documents relating to his racial heritage. The last
items included is a Aug. 9, 1942 official copy of a letter from one
of Wagner’s senior officer’s to Wagner’s parents, 1p. 4to. [n.p.]. The
officer, also a friend of Wagner’s, advises that the young radio officer
was missing in action, likely over enemy territory. He suggests that
Wagner may be a prisoner of the British, and hopes that they will
hear more news shortly. A Sep. 23, 1942 German Red Cross form
letter states that Wagner’s name appears on no P.O.W. lists. A superb
archive!
$3,000-4,000
670. GERMAN MEDALS Lot of two German medals, includes a
West Wall medal with ribbon, fine, along with a 1939 War Merit
medal with ribbon, slightly oxidized.
$75-100
671. N.S.D.A.P. ARMBAND NSDAP cotton armband, 4 1/8” wide
with the mobile swastika machine embroiderd to the circular white
field, which in turn has been sewn to the armband. Paper RZM tag
remains within. Slightly soiled.
$100-150
672. N.S.D.A.P. PINS Lot of two N.S.D.A.P. lapel pins, includes
one from Austria, black outer ring, white field and red swastika
with motto: “HEIM INS REICH”, the reverse stamped K. & Q.”, along
with a second pin, red and white with a black swastika, motto
“DEUTSCHELAND ERWACHE 1933”, reverse marked: “RZM M1/129”.
Both good to very good.
$100-150
673. NEDERLAND DIVISION LOYALTY BADGE Uncommon brass
badge honoring the “Nederland Division”, Dutch soldiers recruited
to fight under the SS, 47mm. wide, bearing the division seal, a
German helmet and a sword at center with the word “TROUW”
(“True”) at top. Obverse oxidized, much more so on reverse,
attachment gone.
$100-150
674. POLICE SS BULLION BREST INSIGNIA Silver bullion SS brest
insignia removed from the uniform of a member of the SS who was
also in the polizei, silver bullion thread on backed heavy green
wool. Very good.
$200-300
675. NSDAP TEN YEAR LONG SERVICE AWARD WITH RIBBON
NSDAP Long Service Award (NSDAP-Dienstauszeichnung) was a
political award in the form of a badge of the National Socialist
German Workers’ Party. The obverse has a national eagle emblem
surrounded by a wreath within a four-pointed cross (Ordenskreuz)
with rays. On its reverse side, the award is emblazoned with the
inscription, in German: “Treue für Führer und Volk” (“Loyalty
to Leader and People”). The ten year service award was the 3rd
class award. It is a bronze medal which measures 43mm and is
suspended from a 30mm brown ribbon which has double white
stripes on each side. The reverse side inscription was done in
raised lettering. Fine example of this award.
$100-150
676. SS BUTTONS FROM A SMOKING JACKET Six buttons 0.71”
(18 mm) in diameter, with the SS insignia surrounded by oak
leaves, shiny silver finish, probably nickel, for an evening dress
uniform or vest. Manufactured by the Austrian firm of Gebruder
Schneider, Wien (BSW). “BSW” letters stamped on reverse and the
famous “BSW” clover leaf makers mark. Non-RZM, post-1938.
Included is an unidentified gold finish medal with black and red
$400-500
band, 15mm width and height.
75
686. REMINGTON RAND GOVERNMENT ISSUE MODEL 1911 .45 PISTOL
Remington Rand Co. 1943-45 production Model 1911 .45 cal.semiautomatic pistol, serial no. 1297069. Marked “United States Property” on right
side of slide, parkerized finish acceptable but a bit worn about the ejection
opening and holster wear to the slide. Grips are in very good condition and
show no chips or other damage. Gun has not been disassembled by us,
nor fired, but the slide is extremely difficult to move, and hammer operates
haphazardly. We would recommend complete examination by a qualified
gunsmith. Lacks firing pin. Consigned by the American veteran who carried
it. It is the buyer’s responsibility for determining that a used gun is safe
to shoot. Transfer only where permitted by law, and through a registered
Federal Firearms License holder.
$500-750
677. CUT-AWAY ARTILLERY FUSES Fine lot of five artillery fuses
which have been cut-away in places to expose the works within.
There are a variety of fuses here, all said by a relative of G.I. to have
been “liberated” from a German factory, and each is mounted on a
circular section of green marble. Although our knowledge of fuses
is quite limited, this appears to be a mix of time fuses, percussion
fuses, and one that resembles a shotgun shell which may have been
used in an incendiary device. Despite several hours of research, we
were unable to identify their origin. Overall very good.
$1,000-1,500
678. CELLULOID SWASTIKA CANDLE HOLDERS Lot of 12 red
celluloid candle holders with cardboard bottoms, each about 3 1/2”
tall. The front surface has a painted white round field with black
mobile swastika. These cups were designed to hold a candle at
the bottom illuminating the cup and design for the duration of the
funeral of an NSDAP member.
$75-100
679. GERMAN GAS MASK FILTER German gas mask filter, unused,
dark green with brass screw top, embossed February, 1941
production date. As new, in original carboard shipping box.
$50-75
680. GERMAN MISCELLANY Lot of 11 items, includes War Merit
Cross 2nd Class, with Swords, 25 Year Service Medal, police belt
buckle (unissued), dog tag, Todt pin, various tinnies, etc. Condition
varies.
$100-150
681. GERMAN MORTAR SIGHT German 8 cm. mortar sight, marked
“RA. 35”, sand colored, apparently still in working order. Lack
carrying case.
$200-300
682. JAPANESE ORDER OF THE RISING SUN Award certificate
for the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun, 8th Class, 1p. 17” x 23
1/2”, issued to Saichi Adachi on Apr.29, 1940. Some wrinkles and
creases, else very good. The Order of the Rising Sun was established
in 1875 by Emperor Meiji and was the first national decoration
awarded by the Japanese Government. The order is awarded to
those who have made distinguished achievements in the following
fields; international relations, promotion of Japanese culture,
advancements in their field, development in welfare or preservation
of the environment.
$100-150
683. KRIEGSMARINE Y-STRAPS Rare set of Y-straps issued to
the Kriegsmarine and so marked on reverse, battleship grey hooks
stamped by maker “D&G”, black leather finish remains 99% intact.
Very good to fine.
$300-400
684. POLITICAL LEADER’S Y-STRAPS NSDAP political leader’s
Y-straps (may also be S.A. issue), complete with keepers. The
three pebble-finish buckles arte marked: “DRGM M5/289”. In mint
condition.
$100-150
685. WEHRMACHT COMBAT Y-HARNESS Wehrmacht leather
combat harness with much original genuine wear from use,
embosseed with production number, complete with all additional
buckles, straps, and hangers. As genuine as it gets.
$250-350
687. MAUSER MODEL 1914 7.65MM PISTOL, EARLY PRODUCTION
Early Mauser Model 1934 7.65mm.semi-automatic pistol, serial no. 6116,
no bluing, action and auto-closing of slade when magazine is inserted
remains smooth and quick. Very small amount of corrosion to barrel, grips
are good to very good with no cracks or chips. Not disassembled thus not
inspected internally for military markings, not fired, lacks firing pin. With one
clip and brown leather holster, unmarked but regulation style. Consigned
by the veteran who “liberated” the pistol. It is the buyer’s responsibility for
determining that a used gun is safe to shoot. Transfer only where permitted
by law, and through a registered Federal Firearms License holder.$250-350
688. GERMAN ISSUE F.N. 1935 9MM. PISTOL AND HOLSTER Fabrique
Nationale Model 1935 semi-automatic pistol chambered for 9mm.
parabellum just good condition, with German holster and original clip.
Serial number on the frame, slide, and barrel is 185386, production date
likely 1940-41. The bluing in all prese4nt but much surface corrosion will
require cleaning and re-bluing to bring this handgun up to snuff. All of the
machine marks are visible on the surface and “Waffenampt” stamps are
present. Not cleaned nor fired by us and should be examined, though slide
and trigger mechanism are fully functional and due for a good cleaning
and lubrication. The wood grips are soiled but show minimal wear, with
checkering virtually undamaged. Supplied with original clip and black
regulation holster, unmarked. Lacks firing pin. Consigned by the veteran
who “liberated” the pistol. It is the buyer’s responsibility for determining
that a used gun is safe to shoot. Transfer only where permitted by law, and
through a registered Federal Firearms License holder.
$500-600
689. GERMAN ISSUE F.N. 1922 7.65MM PISTOL Fabrique Nationale Model
1922 semi-automatic pistol chambered for 7.65mm. (“Pistole 626(b)”),
manufactured under a Browning patent in Belgium after its capture ny
Germany and largely supplied to Luftwaffe personnel as a standard sidearm.
Matching serial numbers 57923b, with German military markings clearly
visible. Just good condition showing holster wear at the muzzle and some
scattered corrosion. Action of trigger and slide remains very acceptable.
The wood grips are soiled but show minimal wear, with checkering quite
acceptable and no cracks or chips. Noy broken down nor fired by us.
Supplied with original clip and brown regulation holster, unmarked. Lacks
firing pin. Consigned by the veteran who “liberated” the pistol. Sold with
a three-compartment German ammunition pouch, stamped with maker’s
name and date 1938 on verso. It is the buyer’s responsibility for determining
that a used gun is safe to shoot. Transfer only where permitted by law, and
through a registered Federal Firearms License holder.
$250-350
690. GERMAN DIALYTAN 4X BMJ SNIPER SCOPE German sniper scope,
a “Dialytan 4X bmj” scope, optics excellent with bottom and side posts in
field of view. The scope is serial number 85338, undated, but a GI souvenir.
Bluing fairly good but good amount of light corrosion. Fitted with an
uncommon removable offset side mount which bears only the serial no.
93359. These scopes were typically fitted to a K98 Mauser, but with turret
mounts.
$700-900
76
The Great War
694. ADOLF VON TROTHA (1868 - 1940) German admiral, appointed Chief of
Staff of the Fleet and oversaw the Battle of Jutland. As Chief of the Naval Cabinet,
he planned an attack on the British fleet in the English Channel while the imperial
government was kept uninformed. The “Rise of the Admirals” failed with a revolt of
the navy crews in the Kiel rebellion. Fine content T.L.S. on his official vice admiral’s
letterhead, 1p. 4to., Berlin, Mar. 2, 1938 to Adolf Hitler. Von Trotha states that
he has been moved by the award of the Party Badge in Gold for his services in
World War I. He mentions his honorary leadership of the Marine Hitler Youth and
is pleased to have been gifted a Mercedes Benz in the name of Rudolf Hess. He
concludes that at this time in his life, his life and work is devoted to the German
people. File holes, else very good.
$200-300
695. HENRY HOPE CREALOCK (1831 - 1891) British soldier, artist, and author.
Lot of five items, includes three signed sketches (one with initials), each about 6”
x 6” pencil, two depicting dogs, the third a Scot with tam in profile (self-portrait?).
With a (faded) period photo of “Argilla Road” and a well-drawn image of a castle.
$200-300
696. GERMAN FIELD MARSHALS, GENERALS AND MILITARY LEADERS Lot
of eleven signatures, letters and signed images of pre-World War I German
field marshals, generals, and other military leaders. Includes AUGUST VON
MACKENSEN signature and rank, 1930; FRIEDRICH BERTRAM SIXT VON ARMIN,
inscription and signature, 1933; RUDIGER VON DER GOLTZ, pair of A.D.S.s,
1935, one listing his promotions; FRIEDRICH VON BERNHARDI, A.L.S., 1915,
military content; WALTHER VON LUETTWITZ, A.L.S., 1933; BETTMAN HOLLWEG,
signature as Reichschancellor; ALBRECHT THEODOR COUNT VON ROON, A.L.S.
4pp. 8vo., Crobnitz, 1876 (split); LEOPOLD VON BERCHTOLD, 3” x 4” signed
photo, mounted; and FELIX COUNT LUCKNER, two signed photos. Very good.
$300-400
697. “THE WAR FOR CULTURE” World War I anti-Allies racist postcard, 3 1/2” x
5 1/2” b/w showing an African soldier from a French colony with the caption: “God
punish England! In the French theater of war, a captured cannibal - the war for
‘culture’”. Very good.
$75-100
691. ARCHIVE OF GERMAN WORLD WAR I PILOT LT. HERMANN
STEIN A great grouping of material from German pilot Flight Lt.
Hermann Stein. Included is his photograph album bearing about
30 images including one showing him at the controls of a biplane
in 1915, six images of various German military aircraft on the
ground, nine photos of wrecked aircraft, one with the smiling
ground crew standing before it, a seaplane, and four aerial
images including two chateaus and Heidelberg. Also present: his
“Militarpass des Fliegers” issued April 29, 1916 and showing he
joined the fliegerkorps on Dec. 14, 1916, his award certificate for
a Wound Badge in Black, Aug. 9, 1918; and a Feb. 2, 1935 award
certificate for the “Ehrenkreuz fuer Frontkaempfer”, and a terrific
fold-out book showing dozens of German, French and British
aircraft each in three views with markings, used to train pilots in
aircraft identification. Very good.
$1,000-1,200
692. JOHN J. PERSHING AND FERDINAND FOCH Exceptional
S.P., 8” x 11 1/2” (sight), a fine full-length image of French
Marshal FERDINAND FOCH (1851-1929) standing beside his
American counterpart, JOHN J. PERSHING (1860-1948), each
signing in the white margin beneath their respective images.
Signatures just slightly faded, else fine condition, with blind
embossed Philadelphia photographers imprint.
$250-350
693. FERDINAND FOCH (1851 - 1929) French Marshall of World
War I who twice checked the german advance on Calais and was
active at the Marne and the Somme. Superb I.S.P., 6 1/2” x 8
1/2” b/w, a fine chest, up pose of the marshall in uniform, boldly
inscribed, signed and dated May 20, 1922. Fine, in a cardboard
mat.
$200-300
698. QUARTERMASTER SERGEANT’S DIARY AND EFFECTS Grouping of the diary
and personal military effects of Sgt. First Class Tobias Oberholtzer of Quartermaster
Corps, includes his diary with daily entries covering his stay in France from Jan. 1,
1919 to his return voyage home and discharge on Sep. 25, 1919, very routine
entries mentioning camp news, seeing Pershing, visits to Bordeaux and Paris,
murder of an MP, “trimming” his friends in poker games, etc.; large IDed cased
metal shaving mirror; folding wallet, cylindrical powder tube; two metal combs;
French luxury tax exemption coupon book; promotion to sergeant, and French
hotel postcards.
$100-150
699. SNIPER’S FIELD MANUAL Lot of three items once belonging to Clarence
Nagel, Co. e, 145th Infantry. Included is Nagel’s “Engineer Field Manual Parts
I-VII”, (Washington: Government Printing Office), 1917. 526pp. small 8vo. Nagel
has annotated the book, signing the cover and front flyleaf, and twice more again
within, adding the names of camps in the U.S. and France, as well as a sketch
of a machine gun range card showing distances to various objects. He adds the
names of five French towns and regions through which he passed. Nagel may
have been a sniper, as the only notes within concern compass use, map reading,
and particularly sniping: “A sniper’s motto: The only good Germans are the dead
ones. We make all the Germans good”. Also present is a pocket New Testament
and a French-English dictionary which lacks a few pages. Cover of manual worn
and quite soiled from use. When the Meuse-Argonne Offensive started the 145th
moved into the front line. It distinguished itself in the capture of Montfaucon. The
regiment was later employed at Ypres.
$150-200
700. WORLD WAR I CORRESPONDENCE OF PVT. THOMAS M. CUNNINGHAM...
AND HIS FELLOW SUITORS Large grouping, approx. 150 letters and covers, sent
by Pvt. Thomas M. Cunningham to his girlfriend, Miss Nellie Abbott in Virginia,
most multi-page, the vast majority sent from McClellan Barracks, 1914-1918,
with 37 letters sent from France, 1919. Fairly routine content, unread by us but
apparently camp news, etc. to “Nell” who at the same time is two-timing her soldier
boy and receiving letters from medical student “Clyde”, about an equal number of
those letters present. One letter from Virginia belle Nell, unsent, is present, showing
pretty well how she has these boys wrapped around her finger. As mentioned,
almost entirely unread and if not good military content, probably a heck of a good
pot-boiler. Overall fine.
$100-150
77
701. AUSTRIAN BERNDORF NO. 2 HELMET Rare Austrian “Berndorf” helmet,
the only Austrian-designed steel helmet produced by Austro-Hungary during
World War II. Manufactured by Arthur Krupp A. G. Berndorf, total production
was under 150,000. This example bears the typical “crimped” sides and top
vent seen, lacking “Frankenstein bolts” seen in the original the first model.
It has obviously been reworked, possibly in the 1920s, as the shell has
apparently been repainted and the liner was removed and replaced. Chin strap
is not original to the helmet, being a later replacement. A good affordable
example, fine for display.
$1,500-2,000
702. AMERICAN ARMY HATCHET COVER Surprisingly scarce American
army hatchet cover with strap fixing and wire loop bely hanger, maker marked
on reverse. Very good.
$75-100
703. AMERICAN ARMY SHIRTS Lot of two American Army shirts, includes
one olive green collarless shirt, four light brown buttons with no pockets,
unissued and still bearing paper label of the Jeffersonville Depot, the second
shirt an officer’s, collared, with dark brown buttons with two chest pockets,
U.S. and Lieutenant’s insignia on collar, a few spots and some soiling.
$100-150
704. AMERICAN PENNANTS Lot of three pennants, includes a 6” x 9” “Over
There” hanging pennant indicating a son in the service, and two triangualar
celebratory pennants, one welcoming the 27th Infantry which fought at the
Somme and suffered enormous casualties. Also included is a “RECRUITING”
wool armband. Four pieces, good.
$100-150
705. AMERICAN SOLDIER’S COLD WEATHER GEAR Fine lot of five items used by American soldiers in cold weather, includes a pair of scarce extreme
cold mittens, heavy wool lined in goat fur with trigger fingers also accessible on both; a pair of unlined olive green wool gloves, and a large brown dyed
sheepskin muffler with two-button fixture at the throat, worn with a greatcoat in extreme cold weather. Overall very good.
$150-200
A museum quality uniform
706. GERMAN ARTILLERY OFFICER’S DRESS UNIFORM World War I German artillery officer’s three-piece
dress uniform consisting of frock coat, pants, and brocade belt and buckle, all in outstanding condition.
The museum-grade frock coat is constructed of high-quality nay wool with red trim at the collar and red
piping on the sleeves and lapels indicating the owner was attached to an artillery unit. The gold bullion
shoulder boards are sewn-in, and each bears two pips indicating a non-commissioned officer’s rank. The
regiment number “19” is also pinned to each epaulet. The seven brass front buttons and four buttons at
the rear vent are all present. The matching pants are of equally high quality, with red piping, leather tabs
at end of pant legs, and lining completely intact; all virtually untouched. Finally, the silver bullion and
blue brocade belt is very good, with circular buckle bearing an image of a crown. Overall, a near flawless
uniform.
$750-1,000
707. OHIO “BUCKEYE” DIVISION UNIFORM Ohio National Guard “Buckeye” Division tunic, with
(unmatched) pants and shirt, all in very good to fine condition. The olive wool tunic bears a single overseas
stripe and discharge stripe with division patch on left shoulder. It lacks but a single button at the neck,
and has only one tiny moth nip in one pocket, but is otherwise near flawless. A pair of medium brown
wool pants is also present, likewise flawless but for the loss of two buttons in the fly. Finally, a medium
wool four-button work shirt is present, and again flawless but for a 3/4” field repair in the upper-right
pocket. The Buckeyes fought with distinction in the Meuse-Argonne offensive and the St. Mihiel salient.
This crack unit suffered almost 5,400 casualties while in France. An Ohio Guard unit also formed part of
the 42nd “Rainbow” Division.
$250-350
708. SOLDIER’S GROOMING KIT Soldier’s personal grooming kit belonging to Frank F. Stover of the
103rd Supply Train, 28th “Keystone” Division of the Penn. National Guard which saw a great deal of action
in France. The multi-pocketed, waterproof “KENLIT kit contains a comb, cased steel mirror, spare buttons,
a patriotic button, sleeve from Stover’s pay book, and two straight razors. Case is well-worn and soil
ed.
$100-150
709. WORLD WAR I AMERICAN UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT ACCOUTREMENTS Good lot of items
used by the average American doughboy during World War I. Included in this large lot is: regulation gas
mask with carry bag, face mask torn and just fair; carry bag, 13 1/2” x 10”, marked “McKinnon Dash Co.
1918”; web belt with two-pocket pouch marked: “L.C.C. & CO. 1918”; five-pouch canvas ammo belts (2),
linked; shaving mirror with case; canteen cover; canvas-covered leather gaiters; white lace-on gaiters;
collapsible canvas water bucket; canvas belt pouch with hanger, various sizes (5); drawstring ditty bad
with pocket; 1919 5” x 9 1/2” belt pouch; scissors with sheath; various laces and straps. Finally, there
is a single, well-worn soldier’s boot, hobnailed, having seen much hard use, with a wool legging within.
Overall good to very good.
$150-200
710. WORLD WAR II GAS MASK AND MISCELLANY Group of World War II equipement, includes “Army Lightweight Service Mask”, a gas mask,
canister and carry bag; red floating signal light with tether, shaving mirror, and olive green “Zippo” lighter knock-off.
$100-150
78
711. WORLD WAR I GERMAN PLANE PAINTED IRON
CROSS Rare and most desirable insignia recovered from
a German military aircraft of World War I, a 37” x 31” piece
of fine canvas bearing a large black Maltese Cross with
white border with partial aircraft/squadron identification
to the left: “91/16”. The surface appears to have has a very
light coating of varnish applied which does not materially
detract. There are a few nominal marginal tears, notably
a 1” tear at bottom, and this relic has been stapled to a
cardboard backing at its extreme margins, otherwise
in surprisingly good condition. Most such relics were
recovered from aircraft that had been shot down or
crashed. Worthy of a bit of research.
$4,000-5,000
715. (MARINE CORPS MONUMENT) FELIX DE WELDON (1907 - 2003)
Austrian-born American sculptor. His most famous piece is the Marine
Corps War Memorial outside the walls of the Arlington National Cemetery.
The monument is dedicated to Marine Corps members killed in the
defense of the U.S. Excellent association I.S.P., 14” x 17” color, a photo of
de Weldon’s work with a contingent of Marines in uniform standing before
it, inscribed by the Commandant of the MArine Corps PAUL X. KELLEY:
”...on the 30th anniversary of the dedication of the Monument, with great
appreciation and warm friendship...” Marginal creases at bottom only
$200-300
slightly affecting the photo itself, else very good.
716. 28TH DIVISION HELMET World War I soldier’s helmet bearing red
“keystone” indicative of the 28th Infantry Division painted on left side,
green khaki “sand” paint with rubberized leather and leather liner, lacking
chin strap. Production mark stamped at underside of rear of helmet: “ZC
$100-150
56”.
712. AMERICAN SOLDIER’S “TRENCH ART” GAS MASK BAG A superb
example of a soldier’s trench art, a gas mask ornately decorated by its owner,
Cpl. Harold L. Jones of Co. C, 72nd Engineers. Jones was an exceptional artist.
The front of the bag bears a drawing of what presumably was the headquarters
of the 72nd, and Jones carefully penned his name beneath. On the reverse,
Jones drew in brown ink a large, fanciful image of American soldiers assaulting
a German machine gun position in a shattered French town, with one German
surrendering and a second dead in the foreground. He writes at top: “WORLD
WAR 1914-1918” and adds an American eagle symbol beneath. Jones gas
mask is also present, in very good condition with the face mask and hose
completely intact, and instructions also present. Great! The 72nd Engineers
served as a railway construction battalion, organized in France in the last
$500-700
month of the war before the Armistice.
713. M1916 CAMOUFLAGED GERMAN HELMET Model 1916 German
helmet liner (only) with original camouflage paint in green, brown and
beaige with black borders, paint brush strokes remaining easily visible.The
top of the helmet is well-worn and has lost much of the paint, the sides and
brim remain quite good.
$200-300
717. AMERICAN SOLDIER’S COMPASS American soldier’s pocket
“Marching Compass”, a Mark VII Model E made by Sperry Gyroscope Co.
in Brooklyn, with leather case with belt attachment. The compass remains
functional, although the face bears splits in two places.
$100-150
718. AMERICAN SOLDIER’S GAS MASK American soldier’s gas mask and
carrying bag, the gas mask and hose itself excellent with no tears, green
canister paint chipped, in khaki carrying case with strap. Overall near fine.
$100-150
719. ARMY TWO-MAN TENT U.S. Army two-man olive drab tent, two
pieces secured with black buttons, stenciled with maker’s name: “H. P. LAU
CO. LINCOLN, NEB 1942”, with three folding tent poles and six wooden
stakes. One small tear at edge, else very good condition.
$100-150
714. M1917 L. F. & C. TRENCH KNIFE Scarce Model 1917 Landers, Frary &
Clark U.S. Model 1917 trench knife with triangular blade with much of the
original bluing still present, 14” long, the lightly oxidized D-grip bearing
seven four-sided protrusions and marked with maker, “1917” and “U.S.”.
is the standard version with the 6 knob guard. It is paired with the original
leather scabbard with iron tip and belt fitting, the leather also maker and
date stamped. Leather just above metal scabbard tip is torn but tip remains
well attached.
$600-700
79
720. GERMAN 88MM SHELL CASING RECOVERED FROM SEA Fine relic
from the bottom of the ocean, a 31 1/2” long, 4 1/2” diameter brass shell
casing from an 88mm. cannon, commonly fitted as a deck gun to U-boats
during World War I and World War II. The brass casing, corroded in places,
still bears barnacles and other encrustations within. It is uniform in length
throughout. Corrosion makes identification difficult: markings are obscured
or eroded, and the screw-in primer cannot be identified. Nevertheless, a
great wall-hanger worthy of a bit of research.
$200-300
721. PRACTICE GRENADE WITH BAYONET World War I practice iron
fragmentation grenade, a de-militarized example measuring 3 1/2” long,
completely hollow. Marked with a “4” and and also with an “F” within a
diamond on the body. Sold with a No. 4 Mk. II Enfield spike bayonet with
scabbard. Very good.
$150-200
722. SOLDIER’S MESS KIT Lot of five items, includes a folding frying pan
with cover, small tin kettle with cover, and knife, fork and spoon all stamped
“U.S.”, the knife made at Rock Island.
$100-150
723. T-HANDLE ENTRENCHING SHOVEL WITH COVER T-handle
entrenching shovel stamped “U.S.”, along with green canvas case with belt
loop and closing strap, stenciled “U.S.” and war-dated by maker: “N.B. CO.
3-18”. Very good.
$100-150
724. TRENCH DAGGER Trench dagger, 14” long overall with 9” triangular
blade, seven “knuckle” indents on the D-guard, unfinished wood handle.
No maker’s mark. Very good.
$300-400
725. VICKERS BOXED .30 CAL. BULLET HOLDERS Scarce box of ten bullet
holders for use in belting machines loading ammunition to be used by the
ubiquitous Vickers .30 machine gun. Very good.
$100-150
726. SOLDIER’S SOUVENIR PILLOW CASE Small souvenir fringed pillow
case owned by an American World War I veteran of the 79th Division, khaki
green, 19” x 18”, bearing the division’s emblem, soldier’s name, company,
and two service stripes. The 79th Infantry Division saw extensive combat in
the Meuse-Argonne area where it earned the name of “Cross of Lorraine”
for their defense of France.
$100-150
“This steamer is fitted with…submarine
signaling apparatus…”
731. R.M.S. LUSITANIA TRANS-ATLANTIC PROGRAM R.M.S.
Lusitania Cunard Line passenger list and information brochure,
approx 40pp. 8vo., bearing on the cover an artist’s painting of the
great vessel steaming past small sailing vessels and steamships.
Within, the booklet mentions the voyage at hand, Liverpool to New
York, sailing Feb. 18, 1911. Two pages include general information
(nothing on lifeboats or drills), with other information including a
list of first class passengers, and two maps shown the vessel’s
routes. Ironically, the first page bears a small note at bottom:
“This steamer is fitted with…submarine signaling apparatus…”.
Of course, within a few short years, the Lusitania would be sunk
by…a submarine.
$100-150
732. RELIC OF “THE LOST BATTALION” A rare “dug” relic of
the famous “Lost Battalion” of World War I, a metal “FIRST AID
PACKET” tin with cover, about 5” x 3”, excavated from the location
the battalion occupied while under siege, near Binarville, France.
With notarized COA of the original collector, and four sheets of
stationery from the survivors’ group “Lost Battalion Survivors”.
The Lost Battalion is the name given to nine companies of the
77th Division, roughly 554 men, surrounded by German forces
for six during World War I after an American attack in the Argonne
Forest in October 1918. Roughly 197 were killed in action and
approximately 150 missing or taken prisoner before 194 remaining
men were rescued. The men of the division were forced to fight off
several attacks, food was short, they were victims of friendly fire,
and water was available only by crawling under fire to a nearby
stream.
$100-150
727. WOUND BADGE IN GOLD World War I German Wound Badge in
Gold,shows helmet, crossed swords and wreath border, paint very much
intact. Pinback catch is stamped: “IRGM”. Very good. $100-150
728. WWI GERMAN TRENCH ART BRACELET Sweetheart bracelet made
from the copper sabot off an artillery shell (brass driving band from an
artillery shell). 2 1/2” in diameter and approx. 1/2” wide. Outer surface
shows the grooving made by the passage of the shell through the cannon
barrel. The band has an applied black enameled iron cross flanked by oak
leaves. Inscription inside the bracelet reads “In memory of the Great War
1914/15” Bracelet hinges open for wear. The latch is intricate and still works
well, chain probably removed by the former owner. This was a popular late
war and post war souvenir item in Germany, showing only a trace of wear.
Just in time for the centennial of the “Great War”.
$150-200
729. GERMAN TORPEDO BOAT PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM Excellent
commercially prepared photo album with gilt title: “Torpedoboot V 6”
composed by photographer B. Druppel in Wilhelmshaven, brown cloth
covered boards with a photo of a vessel at sea on the cover. Within are 56
postcard-sized professional photographs which include images of groups
of these vessels at sea and some laying down smoke, captain and officers,
loading torpedoes, cleaning decks, men on the mess deck (one holding
up a photo of a lady), engineers and crew in the engine room, sanctioned
leisure activities, and even a photo of the vessel’s mascot. Fine.$400-500
730. GERMAN WORLD WAR I PHOTO ALBUM Photo album compiled by
a German soldier serving in an around Antwerp, Brussels and Cambrai,
includes almost 70 photos depicting German war graves and a funeral
underway, horse-drawn artillery, officers, etc. with photos from Cambrai
including two of a wrecked apartment, one with an unexploded bomb
visible, a destroyed bridge and cathedral with the roof blown off, two
$150-200
soldiers bathing in a tub in the street, etc. Very good.
80
733. RELIC OF “THE LOST BATTALION” Rare “dug” relic of the famous
“Lost Battalion” of World War I, the metal upper lid of an American Army
“FIRST AID PACKET”, excavated from the location the battalion occupied
while under siege, near Binarville, France. With notarized COA of the original
collector, and four sheets of stationery from the survivors’ group “Lost
Battalion Survivors”. The Lost Battalion is the name given to nine companies
of the 77th Division, roughly 554 men, surrounded by German forces for
six during World War I after an American attack in the Argonne Forest in
October 1918. Roughly 197 were killed in action and approximately 150
missing or taken prisoner before 194 remaining men were rescued. The
men of the division were forced to fight off several attacks, food was short,
they were victims of friendly fire, and water was available only by crawling
under fire to a nearby stream.
$75-100
734. RELIC OF “THE LOST BATTALION” Rare “dug” relics of the famous
“Lost Battalion” of World War I, a substantial 14” x 4” section of iron artillery
shrapnel with threading evident at one end, excavated from the location the
battalion occupied while under siege, near Binarville, France. With notarized
COA of the original collector, and three sheets of stationery from the
survivors’ group “Lost Battalion Survivors”. The Lost Battalion is the name
given to nine companies of the 77th Division, roughly 554 men, surrounded
by German forces for six during World War I after an American attack in
the Argonne Forest in October 1918. Roughly 197 were killed in action
and approximately 150 missing or taken prisoner before 194 remaining
men were rescued. The men of the division were forced to fight off several
attacks, food was short, they were victims of friendly fire, and water was
available only by crawling under fire to a nearby stream.
$100-150
735. ROCK ISLAND MARKSMAN’S BUTTONS Pair of cased chromed steel
buttons, each about 1” square and bearing a target design, made by the
Rock Island Arsenal in 1903 in original presentation box. As new.
$100-150
736. U-BOAT CREWMAN’S P.O.W. ARTWORK Lot of two items made by a
German sailor and most likely a U-boat crewman, while he was held prisoner
in Nova Scotia. Included is a 14” long model of a U-boat, quite well crafted
of two types of wood with fittings made of nails, and bone, along with a
hand-painted bone plaque affixed at center. The hull has been painted
with the identification “U-9”. Also present, created by the same artist, is a
6 1/2 tall turned wood lighthouse, also with wire fittings and bone plaque
signed “H. Metzdorf 1917”. Both plaques state that the pieces were amde as
souvenirs in the prisoner of war camp at Amherst, Nova Scotia. Very good
condition. The U-9 was famous for sinking three aged British cruisers in
less than an hour.
$200-300
737. WORLD WAR I BATTLEFIELD STEREOVIEWS Excellent lot of about 75
Keystone stereoviews which for the most part show battle scenes and their
aftermath from the conflagration of World War I. Images include artillery
fire, men in trenches in action and otherwise, shell-battered villages, tanks
maneuvering, no-man’s land littered with dead, bodies of soldiers and draft
horses, along with a few other images of the “Great White Fleet”, generals,
bayonet training, men at sea, etc. Overall fine. Found in the same grouping,
possibly a veterans, is a piece of trench art, a 7 3/4” saw-toothed blade
made from a shell casing, soldered to the top of an inert shell with a circular
emblem bearing a crown affixed to the casing. The blade is inscribed:
“KULTUR BOCHE” (“Kraut Culture”).
$200-300
738. WORLD WAR I PROPOGANDA POSTER American World War I
propaganda poster depicting a pair of bloody German Eagle boots with
spurs. Caption reads: “Keep these off the U.S.A. Buy Liberty Bonds”. Art by
John Norton. Printed by The Strobridge Litho. Co., Cincinnati & New York.
$200-300
40” x 30”. Minor creases and usual folds, else very good.
739. WORLD WAR I RED CROSS POSTER American World War I propaganda
poster depicting a Red Cross nurse reaching out to the viewer with soldiers
marching in formation behind her, not captioned. Arist Harrison Fisher.
24” x 27 1/2”. Small tear on right edge, usual folds and creases, else very
$150-250
good.
740. WORD WAR I FRENCH PROPAGANDA POSTER Fine French war
bond propaganda poster, 31 1/2” x 44 3/4”, showing an enthused French
poilu exhorting his comrades to join him as he charges forward exclaiming
“On les aura!” (“We’ll take them!”) and promoting the: “2E Emprunt De La
Defense Nationale Souscrivez”, which roughly translates to: “2nd Loan of
National Defense, Subscribe”. Printed by Devambez, Paris, 1916. Folds, else
$150-200
very good.
741.
WORLD
WAR
I
FRENCH SERBIAN RETREAT
PROPAGANDA POSTER Fine
French propaganda poster,
32” x 47 1/2”, depicts French
soldiers guarding Serbian
civilians as they walk across a
snowy field with the caption:
“25 JUIN 1916 JOURNEE
SERBE”. Artist TheophileAlexandre Steinlen, printed
by Lapin Imp Paris, Edition “La
Guerre” 110 Avenue Victor
Hugo, 1916. Moderate folds,
with two chips on left edge at
fold lines, rough right edge,
otherwise very good. The
desperate retreat of the Serbs
from their homeland in the
face of Axis attacks proved
a powerful propaganda tool
in the recruitment of soldiers
from France, Britain and
Greece.
$200-300
742. GERMAN PROPAGANDA POSTER QUOTES KAISER WILHELM
A sobering printed broadside, 11 1/2” x 19”, [n.p., n.d.], in French, a
propaganda poster likely issued in France or Belgium meant to instill fear in
the soldiers defending their homelands. The poster partly quotes a speech
given by Wilhelm II to recruits in Potsdam on Nov. 23, 1891. In part: “...
RECRUITS!...You may be called upon at any moment to shoot at members
of your own family, or to cut down father, mother, brothers or sisters.
My orders in this respect are to be executed without alacrity, and without
murmur...You must do your duty without listening to the voice of your
hearts!...”. Large chip at left margin, a few marginal tears and weak folds.
$75-100
743. GERMANS DEMAND REPARATIONS Field-printed broadside on
bright orange paper, 1p. 12” x 17”, Henamenil, Sept. 3, 1914, signed in type
by German Gen. von Fassbender. The broadside, in French, is directed to
the “Inhabitants of Luneville” and is headed “NOTICE to the POPULATION”.
It cites a recent attack on Aug. 25 upon trains carrying German troops and
columns of soldiers by the local population, as well as an attack upon a
Red Cross hospital holding wounded German soldiers. Von Fassbender
demands that the civilians pay 650,000 francs by Sept. 6, barring which
homes will be searched for valuables. He warns that those attempting to
hide valuables or flee the city will be shot. Some fold tears at top, wrinkles,
else very good.
$100-150
744. WORLD WAR I PROPAGANDA POSTER Well-known American
propaganda poster from World War I, 20” x 30”, shows a glamorous Joan of
Arc with sword held high, the text reading: “Joan of Arc Saved France SAVE
YOUR COUNTRY Buy WAR SAVINGS STAMPS”. Artist Haskell Coffin. Fine.
$150-200
745. WORLD WAR I PROPAGANDA POSTER Scarce American propaganda
poster from World War I, 30” x 40”, shows a happy doughboy with his
doughnut and pointing with his thumb to a uniformed lady with a tray
of doughnuts behind him. He exclaims: “Oh, Boy! that’s the Girl!! THE
SALVATION ARMY LASSIE Keep Her on the Job...”. Very good. Artist G. M.
$150-200
Richards.
746. WORLD WAR I RED CROSS American Red Cross poster from World
War I, 30 1/2” x 40”, shows and angelic Red Cross nurse pointing to another
nurse who is ministering to an injured man, entreating a civilian to join her
$150-200
cause with text reading: “We need you”. Fine.
747. NAVY INSIGNIA Large grouping of about 40 pieces of cloth Navy
insignia, various dates and for various ratings, apparently all salesmen’s
samples. There are some rarer items in the group, which should be
$150-200
examined. Overall very good.
748. NAVAL JERSEY 1925 U.S. Navy denim work jersey, long-sleeved with
open neck, still bears factory label from “U.S. NAVAL CLOTHING FACTORY,
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK” with date of manufacture. Mouse chew at lowerleft side seam, dust soiled, else very good.
$100-150
81
General Militaria
749. BROADSIDE ANNOUNCES KUTUSOV APPROACHING MOSCOW, FRENCH
RETREAT, AND THE BURNING OF THE CITY Rare broadside declaring the French retreat
from Moscow, 16” x 21 3/4” on rag paper, headed “Department du Cantal XXVIme ET
XXVIIme. BULLETINS DE LA GRANDE ARMEE Borowsk, le 23 Octobre 1812”, printed in
Aurillac by B.-M. Pellisson. The printing is the texts of the 26th and 27th bulletins issued
from Napoleon’s Grand Army, released only four days after Napoleon had left the city.
The text describes Kutuzov’s movements following Borodino, his current disposition,
and that of other forces. A surprise attack by 4,000 mounted Cossacks is described, and
Poniatkowski is described as having repelled an attack by a Russian division. Moscow
is described as being essentially destroyed, with a starving population and being of no
importance politically, justifying Napoleon’s abandoning the city. Indeed, of 8,000 wood
homes in Moscow, only 500 are mentioned as remaining standing. The second dispatch,
from Vereia on October 27, describes another engagement which included 6,000
Cossacks. Both dispatches mention “delightful” weather and a rich countryside...Small
hole where folds meet at center, a small clean tear at lower-right and light offsetting, else
very good.
$1,500-2,000
750. BROADSIDE DESCRIBES BURNING MOSCOW AND NAPOLEON AT THE KREMLIN
Rare broadside describing the torching of Moscow and Napoleon at the Kremlin, 14 1/4”
x 18 1/2” on rag paper, headed “Department du Cantal XXIIeme BULLETIN DE LA GRANDE
ARMEE Moscou, le 27 Septembre 1812”, printed in Aurillac by B.-M. Pellisson. The printing is
the text of the 22nd bulletin issued from Napoleon’s Grand Army, released three days after
Napoleon left the deserted and ravaged city of Moscow for the disastrous French retreat west.
The text opens with notice that the fires in Moscow had ended, and that the Russians had
retreated to Kalouga and Toula. Napoleon is described as being in the Kremlin, and some
of the treasures therein are described. The burning of Moscow is blamed on the Russians as
an attempt to slow the French advance, specifically on “agents of Rastopchin, that is to say,
5,000 bandits...”. The arson methods are described, and it is hoped that the rest of Europe
would become cognizant of the Russians’ deeds. Light offsetting, folds, else very good to fine.
Fyodor Vasilyevich Rostopchin served
as governor of Moscow during the
French invasion.
$1,500-2,000
“Moscow no longer has any political importance, since the
city has been burned and ruined for one hundred years...”
751. BROADSIDE DECLARES THE FRENCH RETREAT FROM MOSCOW Rare broadside declaring
the French retreat from Moscow, 14 1/2” x 18 1/2” on pale green rag paper, headed “Department
du Cantal XXVeme BULLETIN DE LA GRANDE ARMEE a Noilskoe, le 20 Octobre 1812”, printed in
Aurillac by B.-M. Pellisson. The printing is the text of the 25th bulletin issued from Napoleon’s
Grand Army, released on day after Napoleon left the deserted and ravaged city of Moscow for the
disastrous French retreat west. The text opens with notice that wounded had been evacuated in
days previous, and that the Emperor had left on the 19th. It also sets forth optimistic speculation
that the Kremlin might be fortified or mined, or that it and surrounding structures would be
torched: “Moscow no longer has any political importance, since the city has been burned and
ruined for one hundred years...”. The broadside also describes an attack by Cossacks on a French
camp. Light toning at folds, else very good.
$750-1,000
82
752. CAPTURED FRENCH SWORD LATER PRESENTED TO
A RUSSIAN OFFICER BY NICHOLAS II A terrific Russian
battlefield relic converted to a presentation sword, a ca.
1800 French cavalry officer’s sword with 32 1/2” blade, 37
3/4” overall later given to a Russian officer by Nicholas II.
The curved blade bears two hallmarks and gilt engravings
on either side. One side bears fasces supporting a “Liberty”
cap, with “REPUBLIQUE FRANCOISE” engraved beneath, and
“VIVAT” above. The reverse bears crossed flags and “Liberty”
caps, with “VAINCRE OU MOURIR POUR LA LOI” engraved
above. The top of the blade is engraved with the previous
owner’s name: “KLINGENTHAL”. The blade has been fitted into
a Russian-made brass ribbed grip bearing the cipher of Tsar
Nicholas II and laurel leaves against a stippled background.
The top of the grip is engraved in Cyrillic, presumably with a
presentation. At the bottom of the grip a red enamel Maltese
cross with crown emblem has been fitted to the grip. Also present
is the original sturdy leather scabbard fitted with brass throat and
drag decorated with leaves and berries, a hanger band likewise
decorated at center. One hanger eyelet is missing, the belt loop
showing much wear from use.
An outstanding presentation
and worth a bit of research.
$2,500-3,500
“Soldiers! Napoleon guides us; we fight for
the independence of our beautiful country:
we will be invincible...”
754. “ORDER OF THE DAY” RALLIES THE FRENCH BEFORE WATERLOO
Napoleon’s return to France on march 1, 1815 following exile on Elba
raised alarm among the Coalition powers, especially as France’s armies
were quickly mobilized on Napoleon’s orders for offensive action. By
the end of May, 200,000 French soldiers had been put in arms, and
the European powers were massing forces to prevent Napoleon’s
armies from invading. Offered here is a rare broadside headed:
“ORDRE DU JOUR”, 15” x 19” on rag paper, Paris, June 1, 1815, (two
weeks before the successful border crossing into Belgium and attack
on Charleroi), printed by the Imprimerie Imperiale and signed in type
by Jean-de-Dieu Soult as the Duc de Dalmatie. The broadside plays
to the patriotism of the French, mentioning that the Bourbons had
abandoned the throne, that “a new career of glory has opened itself
before the Army...” under the “genius of Napoleon”, and concludes:
“Soldiers! Napoleon guides us; we fight for the independence of our
beautiful country: we will be invincible...”. Fine condition. The French
army would be crushed 18 days later at Waterloo.
$700-900
753. GERMAN SWORD CARRIED AT
THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO A nicely
marked sword of the 2nd Kurmark
Landwehr Infantry Division, a Prussian
Army division which was part of the 10th
Infantry Brigade under von Kemphen at
Waterloo. The sword bears a 25 1/4”
slightly curved steel blade (31” overall),
the blade bearing Frederick Wilhelm
III’s cipher and regimental markings
embossed on the hand guard. The
grooved blade bears typical oxidation
but remains quite bright, the brass
grip just a bit of spotting, otherwise a
very nice sword with the scarce leather
scabbard with brass “nipple” drag and
belt hook.
$1,200-1,500
755. BADGE OF THE PERSONAL GUARD OF “MADAME BESSON”
Intriguing French brass buckle, 3” x 2 1/2” with two loops on reverse,
engraved in French: “LA LOI AU VRAY GARDE PARTICULIER de Mme.
BESSON” (“THE LAW THE TRUE SPECIAL POLICE of Mrs. BESSON”) One
chip at lower left, else very good. We speculate that the “Besson”
referred to may be Perrine Besson, a Catholic layperson and one of the
“Martyrs of Anjou”, 99 martyrs murdered by French Revolutionaries
in 1794 for refusing to renounce their faith. Fierce repression was
conducted in the whole region against the Royalists. In Angers, 290
prisoners were shot and 1, 020 died of illness in jail. Besson would be
beatified by John Paul II.
$300-400
756. “NAPOLEON AND HIS EPOQUE” Excellent oversized poster
“Napoleon et Son Epoque” (“Napoleon and His Epoque”), 25 1/4” x 37
1/2” (sight), bearing printed French text describing the entire life and
military history of France’s most notorious ruler, from his early life
to his exile and death on St. Helena, also including the names of his
marshals, notable contemporaries, examples of his famous signature,
an image of a statue of the emperor, and much more. Printed in
1832, ten years after his death. Edited by Nortrier, Paris, typography
by Firmin Didot Freres, Paris. 5th edition. Very light water stain at
bottom, a slightly darker stain in lower margin, else fine and set in a
period frame.
$200-300
83
In the wake of Waterloo, negotiations with
Napoleon are rejected
757. AUGUSTUS OF
PRUSSIA (1779-1843)
Prussian
general,
youngest
son
of
Augustus
Ferdinand
of Prussia, brother of
Frederick the Great;
distinguished himself
at the Battles of Leipzig
and Waterloo. Fine
content
manuscript
L.S. penned shortly
after Waterloo, signed
“Auguste Prince de
Prusse” 2pp. legal folio,
June 27, [docketed in
pencil 1815], to an
unnamed Napoleonic
general,
possibly
Louis-Gabriel Suchet,
who negotiated peace
after the bloody battle
and
avoided
the
occupation of Lyon.
Writing on the back of
the Prussians’ decisive
victory at Waterloo
and en route to Paris,
Augustus hastens to
reject any negotiations with the defeated Emperor. In part: “...Proposals that
were made by General [Charles Antoine] Morand have not been accepted by
Marshal Blücher, because he is not going to enter into negotiations neither
with Bonaparte nor his accomplices. So you cannot have any doubt about
the proposals made by General Morand, I give you the original letter and
ask you to return it to me. I received the official news this morning that a
deputation from the chamber of peace and representing the nation was
announced to the Prince of Blucher asking him to accept an armistice under
conditions they wish they may prescribe. The Marshal, who was already
well close to La Fere, and which is the position...abandoned, marched
toward Paris without stopping. I am not able therefore to accept the
armistice which you offer me, and I persist in [demanding] the conditions I
have made in my letter. This is because I believe that you are a soldier full of
honor, and who I flatter myself prefers the interest of our country to that of
a Brigand, of whom you were an accomplice, if you stay in the party which
the nation has abandoned. I ask you, Mr. General, to send me tomorrow
morning a positive response, and to think it still depends on you to ensure
a strong garrison and...save the town of Maubeuge from a certain ruin...”.
He adds in a postscript: “...I gave orders to my outposts to not pull in any
parliamentarians you would send me and, to avoid any misunderstanding,
I ask you to not to be preceded by a drum...”. Augustus headed the 2d
corps of the Prussian Army after Waterloo and was responsible for the
siege the fort at Maubeuge -- which, after a bitter resistance of nearly three
weeks under the command of General Latour -- would fall on July 12. Old
tape repair at bottom, otherwise very good condition, worthy of further
research.
$750-1,000
758. GEBHARD LEBERECHT VON BLUCHER (1742 - 1819) Prussian field
marshal who led his army against Napoleon at Leipzig in 1813 and with the
Duke of Wellington at Waterloo in 1815 . Rare signature “Blucher” cut from
$200-300
a document. Mounted. Fine.
759. LOUIS JOSEPH, DUKE OF VENDOME (1654 - 1712) French military
commander during the War of the Grand Alliance and War of the Spanish
Succession, Marshal of France. Scarce partly-printed D.S., 1p. 4to., “Camp
de St. Benedetto”, [Italy], May 1, 1703. While in command of the FrancoSpanish army in Italy, Louis Joseph grants a pass to a corporal from a
regiment from Normandy, apparently wounded and whom it is indicated
on the verso later died. Very good. During three campaigns in that country
the marshal proved himself a worthy adversary to Prince Eugène of Savoy,
$400-600
whom he at last defeated in 1705 at Cassano.
760. PERIOD PRINT OF NAPOLEON CROSSING THE ALPS Colored
period print, “Crossing Saint Bernard Mountain”, 21 3/4” x 18”,
showing Napoleon’s army on its difficult crossing of the Alps in the
Spring of 1800.The in the plate by artist François Georgin, printed
by Imagerie PELLERIN-EPINAL. This image was inspired by the vast
canvas by Charles Thévenin (1764-1838). Caption in French at bottom
reads in part: “On May 17, 1800, Bonaparte, General in Chief of the
French Army, arrives at the foot of the Alps, the first advance was led
by General Lannes, and soon afterwards the entire army began to
move...Never had Bonaparte demonstrated the depth of his skill and
genius as he did at the foot of Mont St. Bernard.” Very light toning only
visible at top margin, else fine, set in a period frame.
$200-300
761. WATERLOO BATTLEFIELD RELICS Large grouping of about 35
“dug” relics from the scene of the battle of Waterloo where armies of
the Seventh Coalition defeated forces under Napoleon on June 18,
1815. Included is a fine French artillery buckle, a sections of a gorget
and shako plate, a coin, various gun parts, buttons, musket balls,
buckles, a piece of shrapnel, etc. In a display box and accompanied by
a printed COA from the French Society of Napoleonic Wars.$250-350
762. FRENCH FLINT CANNON LOCK French flint cannon lock, a
device fitted to a cannon barrel which made obsolete the use of the
slow match or fuse to ignite powder with the cannon’s barrel. The
hammer would be drawn back and when a halyard attached to a ring
behind the hammer was pulled sharply, the hammer would snap shut,
with the flint creating a spark which ignited within the pan and then
within the barrel of the artillery piece. This bronze cannon lock, fully
operational, measures 6” long and bears an anchor as a maker’s mark.
Very good.
$300-400
763. (CETEWAYO) (1826 - 1884) King of the Zulu Kingdom from 1872
to 1879 and their leader during the Anglo-Zulu War. He famously
led the Zulu to victory against the British in the Battle of Isandlwana.
Rare carte de visit photograph of the bold Zulu leader seated and in
western garb yet still sporting a leopard skin cap. Just a tad light, else
very good. No backstamp. $300-400
764.
CANADIANBRITISH 1866 FENIAN
RAID CAMPAIGN MEDAL
Rare circular silver medal
awarded to those British
and
Commonwealth
soldier who participated in
actions to repulse IrishAmerican invaders of
Canada
seeking
to
hold
that
country
“hostage” in return for the
independence of Ireland.
The medal is on a swivel
ribbon bar with “FENIAN
RAID 1866” clasp; the
face with the veiled head
and shoulders portrait of
Queen Victoria facing left,
circumscribed “VICTORIA
REGINA ET IMPERATRIX”
and signed “T.B.” (for
the sculptor Sir Thomas
Brock). The reverse with
the then Canadian flag
within a wreath of maple
leaves, inscribed ‘CANADA’ above. Officially attributed on the edge
in impressed small capitals to “Pte. A. G. Mc Nerney. Perth Rife Co’y.”.
Quite tarnished but with no damage evident, lacking ribbon. The
medal was instituted by the Canadian government to be awarded to
the Canadian and British forces that had confronted the Fenian and
Red River raids of 1866 and 1870 by Irish Republicans based in the
U.S., many of them former Union soldiers in the Civil War. The medal
with the “Fenian Raid 1866” clasp was awarded to only 17 officers and
$400-600
159 other ranks.
84
765. FENIANS, THEIR RAID ON CANADA, AND IRISH SOLDIERS AS 769. LETTER DETAILING MEXICO FIGHTING IN 1860s A.L.
REPORTED IN THE NEWS Wide-ranging collection of newspapers [unsigned], 2 pp., 8vo., [n.p., n.d. but 1866], in Spanish to Jesus de
concerning prominent Irish officers during the Civil War, the la Garza. This letter, written during Maximilian’s reign as the doomed
Fenian raids on Canada, Fenian politics, and some early Irish- emperor of Mexico from 1864-1867, gives a sense of the constant
American publications. Includes individual newspaper illustrations fighting between his monarchist backers and the Mexican republicans
of generals Thomas F. Meagher and Michael Corcoran, five copies who refused to accept him as emperor. In part: “...According to Jose
of Irish Miscellany printed in Boston, 1858, a 12pp. general interest Bruno...in early September, Parras fortified to resist those from
magazine sold to the Irish in that city; two New York newspapers Laguna and from Matamoros, they fought there and those from
reporting on praise given to Gen. Corcoran, as well as his funeral; Matamoros and Parras retreated, leaving 8 dead and 17 prisoners,
eight copies of The Union, a Brooklyn newspaper, May 25 - June 12, 16 were executed, one left alive because he was a boy...800 French
1866 reporting on the Fenians and the Fenian Raids into Canada; from Parras have arrived, there are 400 in Parras, 200 in Laguna”.
four 1865-66 copies of Harper’s Weekly also offering reports and Maximilian was executed by a Mexican republican firing squad in
news on the Fenian movement; and an 1867 Harper’s attacking 1867. Mariano Escobedo, hero of the defeat of Maximilian and who
“intolerant Rome”. Also included are 25 copies of “Frank Leslie’s would later command the heroic Division of the North, led many of his
Illustrated Newspaper”, 19 of which are war-date, most from 1861, operations against the French army out of Laredo, Camargo and other
various news and plenty of engravings. Overall very good.
points in the Rio Grande Valley. Small tear fold at bottom right, else
$250-350 very good.
$150-200
“The ungrateful colonists of Texas were in a
position to scoff at the laws of the Mexican
nation…”
766. FEDERAL PERIOD AMERICAN SWORD
Attractive Federal Period military sword
possibly having seen action in the War of
1812, 35 1/2” long, the slightly-curved
blade partially blued and further adorned
with gold leaf decoration including crossed
lances, leaves, cannon, and American
shield, etc. The top of the blade bears a
maker’s stamp which appears to read: “J.
S. & Co. “The grip appears to be ivory, and
it bears a ridge which is carved in a repeating
leaf design. It is fitted with a simple D-guard
with a slot cut out. The blade bears multiple
sharp nicks, consistent with use in combat.
$1,500-2,000
770. MEXICAN OFFICER FORESEES WAR WITH TEXAS Fine content
A.L.S. “J.M. Guerra”, 4pp. 4to., stamped “COMANDANCIA PRAL DE
TAMAULIPAS” at top, Matamoros, Nov. 9, 1839, in Spanish discussing
Mexico’s impending war with the Texas colonists. In part: “...The
ungrateful colonists of Texas were in a position to scoff at the laws
of the Mexican nation...they returned to their aggressions, running
the most scandalous contraband along the entire shore of Texas...The
colonies of Texas for some time have been considered as a general
headquarters for enemies of the nation...they aspire to shamelessly
grab a part of our most precious territory...Call your troops that
they prepare for this foreign war, to reproduce brilliantly the proof
that they are invincible...”. Guerra, a direct descendant of Rio Grande
settlers who formed the city of Matamoros, provides an interesting
commentary on the Mexican belief that the Republic of Texas would
soon be owned by the United States via a revolution, due in part to
France’s recognition of Texas in September of 1839. When the U.S.
annexed a willing Republic of Texas in 1844, Mexico under Santa Ana
declared war. Moderate showthrough, small separations at folds, else
very good.
$200-300
767. (MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE) A series of five A.L.S.s
written by SERGEANT CLEMENTE DE LA GARZA, all
1p.-2pp., 8vo., Behar and Ciudad Altexas, Oct. 29, 1829Jan. 1, 1832, in Spanish. De la Garza writes concerning
personal and military topics, including better conditions
for troops and proposed changes to military insignia. De
la Garza came from a well-established family in Mexico,
and his descendants were major figures in Mexico’s later
battles for Texas and against the Apache and French. He
writes during a time when Mexico experienced constant
squabbles between the “liberales” and the “conservadores”
and weathered a final attempt by Spain in 1829 to subjugate
the land and its inhabitants. Toned with slight showthrough, light water staining evident in a few examples,
overall very good.
$200-300
768. FIELD-PRINTED MEXICAN WAR ORDERS
Rare field-printed general order, 2pp. 8vo., headed
“HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY”, Mexico, Oct. 26, 1847,
the text of General Orders No. 324, a listing of “Officers,
Sick or Wounded, [who] will proceed to their respective
homes...”, listing 45 officers and signed in type by
Gen. Winfield Scott, and in ink at conclusion by A.A.A.G. H. L.
SCOTT. Bottom half toned and crudely repaired with tape, nevertheless
a rare war-date order. Among those relieved are future Civil War
generals Robert Anderson, William W. Loring, and Philip Kearny.
$150-200
771. GEORGE A. CUSTER SIGNED ENVELOPE GEORGE A. CUSTER
(1839 - 1876) Union major general of cavalry who fought in nearly
every battle of the Army of the Potomac, including Gettysburg, and
later met his tragic end at the hands of Cheyenne and Sioux warriors
at the battle of Little Big Horn. Envelope addressed to his wife upon
which he has signed his name: “Mrs. General Custer Care Miss Rebecca
Richmond Grand Rapids Mich”, canceled in New York on “Oct. 2” on
a green three cent Washington stamp, sent from the “Fifth Avenue
Hotel”. Sold with a cover addressed by his wife ELIZABETH CUSTER,
addressed to her cousin Rebecca and canceled in Monroe, Michigan
on “Jun 17”. One light spot affects Custer’s signature, else very good.
$800-1,200
85
Boston Custer writes to his famous brother,
Gen. George Custer
774. EDWARD S. GODFREY (1843 - 1932) American military officer, first
lieutenant of Co. K in the 7th Cavalry, under Frederick Benteen and was
instrumental in securing Reno Hill. Partly-printed D.S. signed twice as
captain in the 7th Cavalry, 1p. 4to., Fort Rice, Dakota Terr., Apr. 1, 1878, a
requisition. Co-signed by ELWELL S. OTIS as lieutenant colonel of the 7th
Cavalry. Folds, else very good.
$200-300
775. BENJAMIN H. HODGSON
(1848 - 1876) American military
officer, a second lieutenant who
served as Battalion Adjutant
under Reno in the Dakota Column
from Co. B, 7th Cavalry, killed in
action at the Little Big Horn. Bold
signature “B. H. Hodgson” with
rank “2nd Lieut. 7th Cavalry”
cut from a document. Cleanly
mounted to a reprint of a photo of
Hodgson in uniform. Fine.
$1,200-1,500
772. BOSTON CUSTER (1848 - 1876) Younger brother of George and
Thomas Custer and brother-in-law of First Lt. James Calhoun. Boston
served as a guide to George and was killed along with his two brothers
at the Little Big Horn. Exceedingly rare A.L.S “Bos”, 3pp. 8vo., Monroe, Mi.,
Dec. 23, 1866 to his brother, George A. Custer who was then serving at Fort
Riley, Kansas. In small part: “…My dear brother, I thought I would write you
a few lines to see if Tom [Custer] is any better. Mag received a letter from
Libby the other day but Tom was no better…I wish you were all here to
spend the hollow days with us. Mother thinks it strang by your not writing
since you left…We are all well as usual, she has not been very well for to
or three days…I asked you for some money I will have to ask you again. I
do not like to but can not help it now & don’t want any one to see this letter
but you. I want to get a pair of new boots, the ones that I am wearing now
is about gone & I asked pop if he could get me a new pair and he said that
he could not…he did not have the money and if you will give me $4.30…
[I] will be a thousand times obliged…Please excuse all misspelled words…”
Fine, with a portion of the holograph envelope addressed by him to:”Genl.
G. A. Custer Ft. Riley Kansas”. Two pieces. Boston and George enjoyed a
particularly close relationship, so much so that Boston would join George in
the field...and die with him at at the Little Big Horn in 1876.$4,000-5,000
773. JAMES CALHOUN
(1845 - 1876) American
military officer, brotherin-law to George A.
Custer and First Lieut. of
Co. L, 7th Cavalry, killed
in action on the Little Big
Horn. Interesting content
manuscript L.S., 1p. 4to.,
Fargo, Aug. 20, 1875, an
attested retained “true
copy” of a letter sent to Gen.
GEORGE A. CUSTER at Fort
Lincoln by one Thomas W.
Causly. In part: “...Flannagan
Brothers of Minneapolis
will furnish first class
monument for two hundred
(200) dollars delivered
on board cars. I have got
several plans...I think you
can get eight or ten percent
knocked off...”. Light toning, else very good.
$1,500-2,000
776. JAMES E. PORTER (1847 1876) American military officer
who joined the 7th Cavalry
immediately after graduating
West Point, a first lieutenant of Co.
I in the Dakota Column killed in
action at the Little Big Horn. Bold
signature “J. E. Porter” with rank
“1st Lieut. 7th Cavalry” cut from a document. Cleanly mounted to a reprint
of a photo of Porter. Closely-cut at top, else very good.
$1,200-1,500
777. GEORGE W. YATES (1843 - 1876) American military officer, a captain
in the 7th Cavalry commanding Co. F of the Dakota Column and killed at
the Little Big Horn. Rare signature “Geo. W. Yates” with rank in another hand
“Captain 7th Cavalry”, cut from a document. A bit closely-cut at top, else
fine condition.
$600-800
778. JAMES CALHOUN (1845 - 1876) American military officer, brotherin-law to George A. Custer and First Lieut. of Co. L, 7th Cavalry, killed in
action on the Little Big Horn. A fine association and quite rare D.S. “James
Calhoun” with rank in another hand, as First Lieutenant of the 7th Cavalry
and Post Adjutant, 1p. oblong 8vo., Fort Lincoln, Dakota Territory, Aug.
24, 1875 (less than a year before his death at Little Big Horn), to Lt. Chance
at Bismarck. Calhoun signs a true copy of a letter sent by Bvt. Major Gen.
George A. Custer to Chance: “...The order relieving you by Lt. Humbert
is revoked. Show this to Lt. Humbert will rejoin his company. (Signed) G.
A. Custer Brevet Major General Command’g Post”. Trimmed at bottom,
else fine condition, with related photos (copies). Apparently, Chance got a
second chance - we found no record of his dying at the Little Big Horn.
$1,500-2,000
86
779. CUSTER LITTLE BIG HORN RELIC DISPLAY Battle of the Little Big Horn
relic display, includes an ummounted 2” x 3 1/4” albumen photograph of
Custer mounted to paper along with a purported silk “remnant” of 7th Cavalry
colors indicating it was “Picked up on the field”. A newspaper clipping also
attached refers to a “Mr. Schirmacher, one of the heroes of the Yellowstone
campaign under Custer,”. Another part of the display bears three spent .4570 brass shell casings said to be relics from “the Custer battlefield at the
Little Big Horn” all mounted together. With a photocopied notarized “Letter
of Authenticity” dated Nov. 15, 2000 by militaria dealer Gary Hendershott.
The albumen, trimmed, is from the March 1876 series by photographer
D.F. Barry showing Custer in 7th Cavalry full dress uniform. The three .4570s are correct cartridges for the Model 1873 Springfield trapdoor carbine,
but no further provenance is present. The approx. 3” x 4 1/4” section of silk
material is mounted with handwritten caption: “Remnant of the only one of
the colors of the 7th US cavalry saved from the Battle of the Little Big Horn,
June 25, 1876 (picked up on the field)”. The letter of authenticity states that
the fragment was at one time owned by the Goodspeed Book Shop at which
time it was framed, and that it was originally owned by Pvt. Schirmacher.
Silk was not commonly used in the construction of battlefield flags, and
no further provenance for the relics in this assemblage existS. Wes Cowan
Auctions offered this item several years ago as a curiosity only, claiming
that the silk could not have come from a Custer battlefield flag, therefore
this item is sold as-is, and its credibility rests on the faith of the buyer.
$1,500-2,000
A first-hand diary account of the invasion of Cuba
and the Battle of San Juan Hill
780. SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR DIARY OF ADOLFO CARLOS MUNOZ
- AIDE TO GEN. JACOB FORD KENT AND VETERAN OF SAN JUAN HILL
Incredible content war-date diary of Adolfo Carlos Munoz, an American
educated son of a wealthy Cuban sugar plantation owner who left his
career as a Philadelphia architect to serve as a voluntary aide to Gen. Jacob
Ford Kent. Kent’s division would land at Baiquiri and lead the main attack
on San Juan Hill, taking heavy losses there (including Munoz), and later
besiege Santiago. Munoz’s diary, about 200pp. small 8vo., 90pp. of daily
ink entries, begins on June 5, 1898 when he reports to Kent at Tampa
Heights, and concludes on Aug. 18 at Camp Wykoff on Long Island. The
front of the diary also lists the 1st Infantry Division officers and others
aboard the SS Santiago bound for Cuba. His very clearly-written diary
reads, in small part: “...orders to break camp and be aboard transport
before daybreak...steamer was pulled out from docks. Band playing and
cheers...escorted by gunboats Helena, Annapolis...Hills of Cuban mainland
sighted...waited for about 6 hours for rest of fleet...from Sampson’s fleet...
fleet was before Baiquiri. Several houses were burning, the town having
been abandoned...sailed to a point about 8 mi. from Morro Castle...shots
were fired from Punta Gorda battery. Both shots well directed...About 8 AM
some firing took place between forts & warships...Gen. Kent ordered me to
land with Gen. Noyes...engagement between Spanish & American forces.
About 4,000 Spaniards...17 Americans killed, among the Capt. Capron.
65 wounded...Spanish abandoned their strong positions...we proceeded to
Siboney...reconnoiter towards the N.E. having heard that a Spanish column
is coming...watched the landing of Cubans of Calixto Garcia’s force...
Cubans were sent ahead to scout...a dangerous country to reconnoiter...
crossing iron bridge at Siboney...block houses are protected by rifle pits &
barbed wire...great number of exploded cartridges...Gen. Garcia & escort
passed our camp...I met Gen. Castillo who was going to conference with the
American generals...[July 1] Artillery stationed at El Pozo began firing...had
to withdraw as the Spanish artillery having found our range...balloon had
been carried to the front and hoisted...many were killed and wounded on this
road 3/4 mile before reaching the front...showers of Mauser bullets keeping
up a lively hissing...snapping boughs and branches over and all around us...
killed and wounded were being taken back in great numbers. Others fell all
around me. This was about 9 A.M....the 71st started for the front taking the
left hand. Soon after they rushed back in a panic...many shouting to all to
retreat...Gen. Kent rightly indignant told their Col...to keep them out of the
road...Col. Pearson wanted two more regiments to reinforce his position...
roads comes to the San Juan river, which we forded...infested with Spanish
sharpshooters hiding in the trees...Col. Wykoff was killed...Spaniards even
fired on ambulances and on wounded...found myself alone, taking short
cuts...running from tree to tree...I soon reached a high point from which I
could see the hill of fort San Juan covered with our troops and an American
flag...our men in skirmish line were going up a hill, held by the Spaniards,
who at this time were at the crest behind a barbed wire fence. Our troops
were pushing up steadily...I rallied all the men I found on the road sending
them to the front...The storming of the forty San Juan by the Infty had been
a brilliant feat, which cost some regiments 30% of their men...I reported to
Gen. Kent the taking of fort San Juan...battery of Hotchkiss guns...trained
on the Spanish trenches...” Here Munoz adds a sketch of the various hilltops
seized in the assault, and describes the reinforcing and entrenching efforts
undertaken. He continues: “...had to use my machete to drag myself up the
steep and stony hill...[July 2] enemy made an attempt to recapture...the hill
was already too well fortified...every time one of us exposed ourselves to
view the firing, the enemy [firing] would become hotter...shrapnel was also
used...I was hit by one of the shrapnel...which passed through the brim of my
hat, entered my head near the ear...”. Munoz was then given some whiskey
by a fellow officer and evacuated by a 71st NY ambulance to a hospital. The
following days’ entries describe poor conditions in overcrowded hospitals,
and the expectation that Santiago would soon be heavily bombarded once
non-combatants were evacuated. On July 10 he describes heavy naval and
artillery firing in response to the Spaniards’ failure to surrender. On July 16,
terms of surrender were accepted by Madrid and hostilities cease. Munoz
is soon involved in dealing with nearly 9,000 prisoners, and witnesses the
conclusion of the formal surrender ceremony which involved the defeated
Spaniards marching into captivity before the American forces in formation.
Munoz goes into Santiago proper to visit the Governor’s Palace, where he
sees all of the victorious generals and views the raising of the American
flag, officially signaling the capture of the city. Much more content , far
more than we can quote including mention of post-war battles in outlying
provinces, conditions in field hospitals, further travels into and around
Santiago, breaking camp and return to New York, and so on. The rear of
the diary has all sorts of notes, including casualties at Santiago, plans for
camps, terms of peace, a list of Munoz’s equipment, lists of officers, and
so on. Incredible detail from an aide to one of the fightingest generals of
the war. Also included in this lot: typed and printed copies of a dispatch
written by Munoz from Havana, Oct. 18, 1897 citing starvation, multiple
letters and documents to and from Munoz concerning his pre-war efforts
to raise funds for the starving Cuban population; a translation of a Feb. 15,
1898 letter further describing the crisis; an A.L.S. from Munoz, 2pp. 8vo.,
on the road to Santiago”, July 29, 1898 (two days before San Juan Hill) to
a friend: “I am in for it and must see it through...We have been two nights
at this bivouac and may move on tomorrow to another...then the outskirts
of Santiago...we had six Cubans as scouts...”; a second fine content A.L.S.,
16pp. 8vo., “1st Division Field Hospital, 3 miles from Santiago de Cuba”,
July 8, 1898, Munoz describes the heavy firefight he encountered, terrific
Spanish firing, the panic of the 71st New York, etc.; copies of July, 1898
letters of recommendation from Gen. Kent suggesting that Munoz be given
a military commission; and a veterans organization letter to Munoz (now a
captain), 1899. Fine.
$2,500-3,500
781. “GREAT WHITE FLEET” SOUVENIR KERCHIEF Interesting souvenir
handkerchief, 20” x 20”, a white background bearing eight transfer print
photographs battleships and other vessels which helped comprise the
“Great White Fleet”, with an oval portrait of a commander at center, possibly
Adm. Robley D. Evans. Very light water stain at bottom, else very good,
framed.
$200-300
87
782. BLACK SPANISH-AMERICAN SOLDIER PHOTO A fine photograph
showing a young soldier from the 9th Ohio Vols., the only all-black unit
from Ohio, and also the only black unit serving in the Spanish-American
War. The photograph is 3 7/8” x 5 1/4” and was likely detached from a
cabinet style mount. It shows the soldier in full-length standing by his flag,
with rifle and canteen at the ready. Light fading and a bit of wear to edges,
otherwise very good condition.
$75-100
790. EARLY GREEK NAVY Photo album showing various images of the
Greek navy and sailors ca. 1920, includes images of cadets both posed and
in training, Corinth Canal, military vessels (locations identified in Greek),
officers, and so on. Other images include those taken by the sailor in Padua,
Venice, Aboukir, and possibly Crete. Overall very good.
$150-200
791. SOUTH KOREAN FLAG RELIC FROM MARINE CORPS SOLDIER
KIA KOREAN WAR A rare, tragic relic recovered from the body of Robert
Dale Reem (1928 - 1950) Marine Corps Second Lieutenant killed in action
November 6, 1950 in North Korea. Reem was a platoon leader with Company
H, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. On Nov 6, 1950, he led
his platoon in an attack on a heavily fortified position near Chinhung-ni,
North Korea, unaware that the enemy were entrenched in well-concealed
positions. Reem led his men slowly up a ridge, facing a hail of machine
784. SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR ACCESSORIES Lot of four items includes gun fire, rifle fire and grenades. The enemy fire was too strong, and they
14” canvas holster with brown leather reinforcement at end, snap closure, were repulsed. Undaunted, they moved forward again, and again. Pinned
1898 date of manufacture stamped within; a 3” wide black canvas down, Reem was nevertheless preparing his tired men for a fourth attack
ammunition belt filled with 30-06 blanks, maker Mills & Orndorff, the belt when a grenade landed in the gully where he and his men were standing.
bearing National Guard stencil on reverse and fitted with a U.S.-marked Immediately, perhaps by instinct, Reem flung himself on the grenade,
Krag bayonet and scabbard; a whistle on lanyard; and a King brown leather his body absorbing the entire blast, saving his men’s lives. Because of his
garrison belt with worn two-pouch ammo pouch marked “5H 0052”. sacrifice, Reem was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously as well as
Overall very good.
$150-200 the Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation with one Bronze star, the Korean
Service Medal with two Bronze Stars and the American Area Campaign Medal.
785. SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR NAVAL HEROS Good lot of four Among Reems’ personal effects, returned to his family by Marine Corps,
signatures of naval heroes from the Spanish-American War, including was this 34 1/2” x 24” South Korean battle flag conspicuously stained with
GEORGE DEWEY, CHARLES D. SIGSBEE, and WINFIELD SCOTT SCHLEY. blood. A family descendent who sold Lieutenant Reems archive stated: “the
Very good.
$75-100 flag was carried by the MOH winner in Korea and most likely, they were his
bloodstains on the flag”. Also included in this lot is the one item that every
786. SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR STEREOVIEWS Good group of 20 mixed parent or wife of a soldier fears most: the dreaded yellow telegram. In this
stereoviews from the Spanish-American War, images taken in both Cuba case, the government has addressed it to his wife, Mrs. Robert Dale Reem:
and the Philippines. Subjects includes the ruins of the Spanish fort El Caney, “Deeply regret to inform you that your husband second lieutenant Robert
firing from the line, dead Spaniards at Malabon, sunken vessels, a hospital, Dale Reem USMC was killed in action 6 November 1950 in the Korean area
trainees, views from aboard ship, capture of Havana, and three images in the performance of his duty and service of his country. No information
concerning Richmond P. Hobson, captured when trying to scuttle the available at present regarding disposition of remains..temporary burial
Merrimac. Good to very good.
$100-150
in locality where death occurred probable”. Additional
material in this lot consists of dedication pamphlets in
787. SILK SOLDIER’S CHINA SOUVENIR Carefully embroidered American
honor of Reem awarding of the Medal of Honor and for
soldier’s souvenir of a visit to, or service in China, 16” x 17” section of black
a plaque cast in his honor by the township of Elizabeth,
cotton with silk embroidery consisting of and American shield, eagle, and “E
Pennsylvania. Several newspaper articles and obituaries
Pluribus Unum” motto, flanked by an American flag and a green flag bearing
pertaining to the lieutenant’s death are in remarkable
a harp and shamrocks, probably an Irish regiment. The center of the display
condition, despite being sixty years old! This is a great
bears a cut-out which accommodates a carte de visite photograph of the
opportunity for the advanced military collector to acquire
owner, a ca. 1910 soldier in uniform with ordnance department insignia,
a significant memento derived from the “Forgotten War”.
possibly in China during the Boxer Rebellion. The silk embroidery bears a
From the personal collection of World War II and Civil War
few pulled threads, the photo has aged a bit and is loose, else very good.
historian Michael Miner. Miner’s thirty-year collection
$200-300
was built through an extensive system of contacts he
developed with artifact hunters and diggers in Europe
788. ENGRAVING OF THE SPANISH ARMADA Fine Dutch engraving:
and the Far East, and he maintained careful records of the
“Vertooninge van de ontsachlyke Spaansche krygs vloot, in den jaare 1588”
items he amassed.
$200-300
(“The mighty display of the Spanish armada in the year1588”), by Jean de
Clerc, 1720, 13 1/2” x 10 1/4”, showing the Spanish fleet at the time of the
80-years Dutch-Spanish War.
$200-300
792. BARBED WIRE FROM THE KOREAN D.M.Z. Relic of
the Korean War, a 7” remnant of twisted, rusted barbed
wire recovered from the Korean D.M.Z. where it laid from
about 1949 until its recovery in 2003. The wire is in a
presentation shadowbox given to an American veteran
of the conflict in 2008 by the mayor of the province in
which it was recovered as a token of remembrance with
789. ENGLISH 18TH CENTURY COURT SWORD Ornate, beautifully crafted
the hope that someday all of the remaining wire might be
English court sword, 31 1/2” three-sided steel blade is absolutely spotless
removed. Issued by the Korean government’s Partners for
and comes to a needle point. The hilt, possibly silver or silver plated,
$75-100
Peace and Prosperity.
bears multiple separately-crafted multi-faceted reflective ornamental
rivets attached to the hand guards, grip and pommel to give the sword a
bejeweled appearance. Also present is the black leather scabbard, the metal
793. CHINESE SOLDIER’S KOREAN WAR “CERTIFICATE
trim at top bearing a similar circular ornament, the drag bearing a ribbed
OF SACRIFICE” Unusual D.S., 1p. 5 1/4” x 10”, a
design. The scabbard has a few repaired surface chips and is reinforced at
“Certificate of Sacrifice” issued by the Republic of China,
$1,500-2,000
the top of the drag. A very appealing item.
presumably to the deceased soldier’s family. It indicates
that Sun Qui Nina, an artillery observer attached to the
27th Army, was killed in combat on Apr. 30, 1951. Fine.
$75-100
783. FIELD-MADE PHILIPPINE FLAG WITH SOUVENIR BUTTON Fieldmade Philippine flag, 8” x 5”, a crudely-stitched Philippine flag possibly
captured by an American soldier serving there during the Spanish-American
War. Attached to the flag is a 1” diameter post-war button bearing an image
of a soldier and indicating that the button had been cast with bronze from a
captured Spanish cannon. Also attached is a small 1899 ribbon from Camp
Mackenzie, August, Ga., a training camp.
$100-150
88
Thousands of images of the Vietnam
War, taken by a North Vietnamese
propaganda photographer
794. VIETNAMESE COMBAT PHOTOGRAPHER’S ARCHIVE An
absolutely incredible and likely unique assemblage of nearly 2,000
photographs taken by whom we assume to be a North Vietnamese
propaganda and combat photographer showing nearly every
aspect of the war as the North Vietnamese viewed it. Every angle
of the war has been captured, from communist rallies, training,
and typical propaganda scenes of idyllic villages to shattered
American tanks, Viet Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers and
civilians fighting at
the front, prisoners,
and civilian and
military dead. The
images are small,
averaging
about
2” x 2 1/2”, all
b/w, but they are
quite clear and
in generally very
good condition. Contained within five crudely bound notebooks with copious captions in Vietnamese
(untranslated), the images include such subjects as various prisoners, blazing American armor, wrecked
aircraft and a captured pilot, jungle patrols and combat, ambush sites, anti-aircraft fire, river patrols, fire
bases, French detainees, a gutted village with bodies, street fighting, dead South Vietnamese and American
soldiers, artillery and small arms training, field hospitals and arms factories, indoctrination meetings and
rallies, bemedaled war heroes, and much more. One could be certain that none of these photos have ever
been published in the West, if anywhere. They provide to layman and expert alike an in-depth view of
the painful war from our enemy’s point of view. Absolutely worthy of translation and further research - a
museum piece.
$4,000-6,000
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
and American ambassador to the U.K.
795. ADMIRAL WILLIAM J. CROWE’S ADMIRAL’S DINNER DRESS UNIFORM WILLIAM J. CROWE, JR. (1925 2007) Navy admiral who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Presidents Ronald Reagan and
George H. W. Bush, and as the ambassador to the United Kingdom under President Bill Clinton. An important
military uniform, Admiral William J. Crowe’s admiral’s dinner dress uniform. The short black wool jacket
bears two rows of three buttons, and each sleeve has four stripes of gold metallic thread appearing beneath
a gold bullion star. The jacket is fully lined and bears the tailor’s label, as well as another label reading:
“Individually tailored for Adm. William J. Crowe”. The matching trousers are present, uncuffed, with the same
tailor’s label. From Crowe’s estate. Fine condition.
$750-1,000
89
796. ADM. WILLIAM J. CROWE GREEN FATIGUES WILLIAM J. CROWE, JR.
(1925 - 2007) Navy admiral who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, and as the
ambassador to the United Kingdom under President Bill Clinton. A great
military relic, Crowe’s personal U.S. Army green military field jacket, 16 1/2
x 34. The jacket, likely used when Crowe was in the field visiting troops,
battle scenes, etc. bears the acronym for his title “C J C S” embroidered in
black thread above the left pocket, with his name appearing above the right
pocket. Four black stars denoting his rank have been embroidered on each
collar. From Crowe’s estate. Fine.
$750-1,000
804. MILITARY HODGE-PODGE Lot of miscellaneous military autographs,
includes 25 signed photos of ca. 1970 Marine, Navy and Army top brass,
most photos 8” x 10”, includes CHUCK YEAGER, N. SONENSTEIN, GLENN
THOMPSON, J. C. MAXWELL, HERMAN NICKERSON, LEWIS FIELDS, WALTER
KERWIN, MORTON SLIDER, G. M. DAVIS, AL GRAY, MARK WHALEN, E. A.
RUCHNER, W. K. JUDGE, LAWRENCE SNODDY, DONALD S. JONES, and
others, six signed letters, three “short-snorters” signed by unknowns, a
signature of Midway survivor GEORGE GAY, and for good measure, an I.S.P.
of Lawrence of Arabia in the guise of PETER O’TOOLE who was a Royal Navy
veteran.
$75-100
797. “WE WERE SOLDIERS ONCE...” - THE BATTLE FOR IA DRANG A fine
grouping of signed items associated with the book We Were Soldiers Once...
and Young”, by Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore, includes the book (New York:
Random House), 1992, first edition, 412pp. 8vo, with dust jacket, signed
on the title page by HAROLD G. MOORE who adds: “Ia Drang ‘65”, also
signed by co-author JOSEPH GALLOWAY. Included are 37 signatures and
small signed photographs from members of Moore’s 1st Batt. 7th Cavalry
present at Ia Drang. Ia Drang was the first major battle between regulars of
the U.S. Army and regulars of the People’s Army of Vietnam. The two-part
battle took place between Nov. 14-18, 1965 and became a blueprint for the
manner in which both sides would prosecute the war. Fine.
$500-700
805. NATO LEADERS ON SCOUTING Lot of two letters from the senior
commanders of NATO praising the Boy Scouts, includes: ANDREW J.
GOODPASTER (1915 - 2005) fine content T.L.S. as Superintendent at West
Point, 1p. 4to., June 21, 1977: “…I have had the opportunity as an Army
commander to support scouting, and I strongly endorse its principles and
objective…I applaud and congratulate each of the scouts…”, with ALEXANDER
M. HAIG (1924-2010) on SHAPE letterhead mentioning he was briefly a Scout
and that the organization teaches moral leadership, self-development, and
honor. Fine.
$100-150
798. MONTAGNARD CROSSBOW, ARROWS, PUNGEE PIT COVER AND
PUNGEE STICKS* A fine grouping of relics used as instructional aids for
American soldiers during the Vietnam War, includes: a solid wood crossbow
made by Montagnards of northern Laos, 27” long, 33” wide with bamboo
decoration, unstrung; hollow bamboo quiver with nine arrows with bamboo
leaf fletching; a bamboo arrow with feather fletching, along with a 22” x
15” pungee pit cover constructed of thin bamboo reed lashed together with
thin twine, with three examples of the dreaded “pungee sticks”, sharpened
pieces of bamboo placed at the bottom of the pungee pit meant to impale
the feet or legs of those unfortunates stumbling into the booby trap.
The pungee items bear a recent note indicating that they were recovered
in the Ashau Lowlands, north of Da Nang in 1968 by 7th Army infantry.
The Montagnards were, of course, allied with the Americans in the Central
Highlands - 40,000 fought alongside our Special Forces.Requires thirdparty shipping. Please see Terms and Conditions of Sale. $200-300
799. CREIGHTON ABRAMS (1914 - 1974) Army general and Army Chief of
Staff who commanded military operations in the Vietnam War from 196872 which saw U.S. troop strength fall from a peak of 543,000 to 49,000.
T.L.S. on his general’s letterhead, 1p. 4to., [n.p.], Nov. 11, 1967 sending an
“I Field Force shoulder patch” to an admirer. Trimmed at bottom, else very
good.
$75-100
800. DESERT STORM CAMP FLAG Operation Desert Storm camp flag,
approx. 72” x 55”, nylon, purple background with a white clenched fist
holding a lightning bolt, surrounded by seven yellow stars and “DESERT
STORM” appearing above. The flag is constructed of sewn-on pieces and
is two-sided. Its frayed corner shows obvious signs that it has flown for an
extended period of time.
$75-100
801. ARAB DAGGER Arab or Turkish dagger, 15 1/2” long, wood grip with
base metal trim and pommel and matching scabbard, both bearing brass
inlay work. The sharp steel blade is marked with a five-pointed star. Very
good, possibly a tourist piece.
$75-100
802. BRITISH OR EUROPEAN NAVAL BOARDING AXE Hefty, ominous
European or British naval boarding axe, 19” long overall with wood handle,
10 1/8” long axe head with three-sided pike with iron reinforcing band
several inches beneath the axe head. The axe shows signs of obvious use,
overall very good. These axes were used from about 1750 to 1850. They
were an extremely effective weapon in hand to hand combat. They were
also used to clear decks of lines and broken timbers as well as to remove
$250-350
‘hot shot’ which caused devastating fires onboard ships.
806. RELIC OF THE USS NAUTILUS Fine relic of the USS Nautilus (SSN571),
the world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine and the first vessel
to complete a submerged transit to the North Pole. A 4 1/4” x 1 1/2” x 3/4”
section of the vessel’s wood deck plank torn loose by seas during her first dive,
made on January 20, 1955. A period silver descriptive plate is affixed to the
wood section describing the relic, and a gold hull section of the sub is attached
at top. Very good.
$200-300
807. THE FRENCH MONUMENT AT WEST POINT* Bronze statue, 17 1/4”
tall, commemorating the French cadets of L’Ecole Polytechnique in Paris who
rushed to the defense of Paris against the foreign armies in 1814. The original
statue remains in the courtyard of this most prestigious school. In 1919
students of the French Military Academy donated a replica of the stature to
West Point. The monument currently stands in the cadet Central Area away
from general public access. First year cadets are required to know the four
“mistakes on the French Monument”: curved saber but straight scabbard; flag
blowing one direction, coat tails the other; his coat is unbuttoned, and cannon
balls are too large for bore of the cannon. This is a good quality casting,
though the cadet’s sword was broken near the hilt and repaired at one point.
Mounted on a green marble base. Requires third-party shipping. Please
see Terms and Conditions of Sale.
$600-800
808. SOVIET MARSHALL’S UNIFORM Exquisite, rare Soviet marshal’s parade
uniform, 1969-91, likely manufactured just at the time of the break-up of the
Soviet Union. The visor cap displays the pinnacle in Soviet ornamentation, with
many elements used since Victory Day parades of 1945: wave green crown, red
band and piping, and superbly detailed gold-wire embroidery of stylized oak
and laurel leaves. The gold cockade bears an enamel red star and hammer and
sickle emblem within. The interior has a black silk lining, leather sweatband and
a leather maker’s label stamped with the manufacturer and cap size. The cap
manufacturer (which translates as “43rd Central Experimental Manufacturing
Combine”) was the most common manufacturer of general and admiral caps
in these later years. No fabrication date is evident, but the quality is far better
than any later post-war collector’s uniform. The same would apply to the wool
tunic. It bears excellent embroidery of the same quality, with stylized gold wire
oak leaves, trim, and red piping upon the lapels and at sleeve ends. The sewn
on shoulder boards are works of art: gold wire stars with red borders, wheat
sheaves, a blue globe and gold hammer and sickle have been expertly applied
to a 2 1/2” gold bullion board with red piping, the board itself 7 1/2” long.
The tunic is double-breasted, with three gold buttons each with the seal of the
Soviet Union, and there are two lined pockets with flaps at the sides. The tunic
is lined in a green satin. Also present are the matching trousers, each side
bearing two broad red stripes surrounding a length of red pockets. There are
two side pockets, a watch pocket, and a pocket in the rear. To complete the
uniform, there is a regulation cotton white button-down shirt with two chest
pockets bearing white buttons (small rust stain beneath one pocket), and a
narrow black knotted polyester tie. The uniform, save the one minor defect
above, is in as-new condition and is an excellent example for display.
$500-750
803. CHINESE POLE CANNON WITH ARROW Chinese nine-barrel pole
cannon, ca. 1500-1600 AD, 10” long, 3 1/4” wide, carried on a pole and
directed toward the enemy. All nine barrels would be ignited and fired
simultaneously from a single touch hole. The barrels on this example are
very small, leading us to believe that it may have fired very small shot or 809. GUIDED MISSILE EXIT CONE Imagine having a piece of your own guided
even arrows. An example of such an arrow is included. Typical oxidation. missile? Here is a guided missile exit cone, the projection through which the
$200-300 missile’s spent propellant gasses would exit as the missile was in flight. Made
of thick Bakelite, the cone stands 14” tall and has steel reinforcement at the
base with screw threads for attachment to the missile body. Fine condition,
$75-100
ready to fly.
90
END OF PART I
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
World War II - Autographs World War II - Archives & Documents World War II - The Holocaust World War II - Posters & Photography World War II - Relics World War II - Uniforms & Hardware
The Great War General Militaria Lots 1 - 298
Lots 299 - 345
Lots 346 - 406
Lots 407 - 484
Lots 485 - 564
Lots 565 - 693
Lots 694 - 748
Lots 749 - 809

Alexander Historical Auctions Alexander Historical Auctions

Transcription

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