The Militaria Dealers

Deutscher Volkssturm Wehrmacht Armband

Light weight cotton construction official pattern armband with a multi-coloured, printed design featuring horizontal, red bordered, top and bottom edges and a black/white/black centre stripe.
The armband has white printed Latin script, "Deutscher Volkssturm Wehrmacht", (German People’s Militia Armed Forces), in two lines, to the front centre which is flanked by a white national eagle, with outstretched wings, clutching a wreathed, canted, swastika to either side.
Overall condition is very good with some fading to the black central band.
There is an ink stamp on the inside of the band which may be a later addition but in no way detracts from a nice and of course original piece.

Code: 53891

125.00 GBP

WW1 German Officer's Trench Binocular Case

A very rare German officer's Trench Binocular Case manufactured in field grey leather.
Not long after the start of trench warfare officers on both sides of the conflict found that they were getting the unwanted attention of enemy snipers. In order to avoid drawing this deadly attention some field officers disguised or obscured the items of their kit that plainly marked them out as prized officer targets. This is very well known for the British Army whose trench officers often had their Sam Browne equipment either covered in khaki cloth, or even manufactured in webbing. However, what is less well known that some German trench officers did this type of camouflaging too. On occasion one encounters items of WW1 German officer's kit covered in field grey cloth, with belts being the most frequently found of such items today. In a similar fashion to their British counterparts sporting webbing items, one also exceptionally finds WW1 German Officer's kit actually manufactured in field grey coloured leather, although it must be said that these sought after pieces rarely come onto the market now. This however, is just such a piece.
This Case is of the standard pattern but manufactured in field grey leather instead of brown. To further camouflage the Case, "grained" leather has also been deliberately used in order to prevent the sun reflecting on the flat surface. This is the first of these trench pieces that I have ever encountered. British officer's trench equipment very seldom appears and the German equivalent obviously even less so.
Aside from this Binocular Case, I know of a few field grey leather belts, and I have been told of a field grey leather Luger holster in an American collection, but that is the sum total of field grey leather officer's trench kit that I am aware of.
The Binocular Case is in very good condition overall with the only damage being the missing carrying handle to the lid, and some leather to the sprung closure strap having become detached or unstiched. The sprung closure strap is now rather delicate with a reinforced tear to the leather tab. Nevertheless it functions well, as do the military grade swiveling side bales for the shoulder strap.
A rare and desirable item of German officer's trench kit.

Code: 54435

110.00 GBP

WW1 German Ammunition Pouches

A very good pair of 1915 dated German Army brown leather Ammunition Pouches.
These Pouches were found together and each is still in the scarce early war tan finish. They match each other in both colour patina and wear, this indicating perhaps that they have indeed been worn as a pair.
Though one Pouch has brass fittings and the other steel, such a mixed issue situation was a very common in 1915, the year when the switchover from brass to steel occurred. Both Pouches have clear 1915 dates and WW1 German Army Corps service markings. One pouch in addition appears to have a another issue stamp for 1915 to the inside lid however this is faint and difficult to read . They are both in good service-worn condition with the stitching on each firm and the closing straps all present, strong, flexible, and undamaged.
The internal dividing straps are equally present and complete on each.
A wonderful pair of pouches for the WW1 German "in the field" display.

Code: 54295

200.00 GBP

A Collection of Silk Escape Maps and Miniature Medals to a Norwegian DFC Mosquito Pilot

A collection of very desirable silk escape maps carried by Major Hakon Wenger DFC, a Royal Norwegian Air Force officer, during his time as a Mosquito Pilot with 333 Squadron operating as part of the famous Banff Strike Wing.
Also included are a set of correct period made miniature medals representing those awarded to him (but later added to the collection) and two books on the Squadron and strike wing with numerous mentions of Wenger.
The maps cover the area of his operations and are amongst the most sought after. They comprise:
Early single sided 1:2,000,000 covering the coast from Brest to Heligoland and inland to 8 degrees East.
Early single sided 1:2,000,000 covering Germany and it’s borders
Early double side 1:3,000,000 covering Scandinavia and the Baltic (top half) with borders to 1939 -40 (sheet F) and Scandinavia and the Baltic (lower half) Sheet G
Later series scale 1:1,000,000 43c, Holland Belgium France and Germany and 43D France, Germany, Switzerland and Belgium.
Everything is in very good condition and the collection is completed by a number of copies from the operational records books which give a good insight into Wenger’s operational flying.
Wenger first appears as a new pilot on 333 Squadron in August 1943 where he becomes acquainted with the Mosquito FB, undertaking air-to-air firing practice, circuits, local familiarisation flights and air to ground gunnery. At this stage he was a Lieutenant rank in the RNAF.
He was soon in action and on the 9th. August 1943 operates to the Norwegian coast on a reconnaissance sortie, looking for shipping and targets identify. It was mainly intelligence gathering at this stage of the war and they were not briefed to attack targets of opportunity.
Later this role changed for the squadron and he intercepts a Ju88 sending it limping for home with smoke pouring from it. Again on the 15 August he encounters another Ju88 but this time it is seen to crash and with yet another damaged by Wenger on the 7 th December.
He is active on shipping sorties to Norway until Jan 44 when he is on a rest, testing aircraft and is then posted to Norwegian HQ for staff duties. He does not appear back with 333 Squadron until February 1945 when he is now a Captain.
By this time the squadron has changed roles and form part of the Banff strike wing. The Norwegian’s role was to act as pathfinders for the man strike force of rocket armed Mosquitoes escorted by Mustang fighters. They would fly ahead of the main force and lead them to inlets and Fjords, mark the shipping targets with rockets and supress the flak around the hills with machine gun fire.
On 16 Feb 45 he attacks a bridge with bombs and a tanker on
the 25th March in a fjord amongst heavy flak. Again on the 30 th March he is part of a force of 30-40 aircraft attacking anchored shipping in Norwegian Fjords.
On the 2nd April he leads a major force of Mosquitoes and P51 Mustang fighters against shipping whilst flying aircraft K333 and he personally attacks the flak batteries around the fjord areas while the main strike force went in to attack the ships. On the 5 April his luck ran out on a raid on merchant vessels near Denmark when his aircraft was hit by flak. He made for Sweden and crashed there. He was returned to England a few days later.
He is promoted Major in April of 1945 and takes command of the squadron before being awarded his DFC on the 12th May by Air Marshall Sholto Douglas at Banff. He then took his squadron back to Norway at wars end.
In all he undertook 25 operational sorties over the North Sea in difficult conditions with both air to air and air to ground combat.

Code: 54893

510.00 GBP

RNVR Surgeon Lt DSC, Jacket, Trousers and Cap

The first of a number of items I will be offering to Surgeon Lt. Henry Robert Shepherd, R.N.V.R. Distinguished Service Cross.
His Officer’s reefer Jacket in very good condition and free from moth damage with Surgeon Lt.’s braid and medal ribbons including the DSC and Italy Star, the inside pocket with a Gieves label, his name and dated ?/5/45.
A pair of matching trousers with some moth damage to both inside legs at the knee.
His officer’s Cap in very good condition, free from moth or other damage and with the white detachable cover.
Lt. Shepherd graduated M.B. CLB from Liverpool University in 1942. Having completed hospital training he was posted to Atlantic Convoys in a Corvette in 1943 before going to B LCT (landing craft tanks) squadron in the Mediterranean. He took part in the landings in Greece, Italy and Southern France before joining HMS Nelson, eventually being demobbed in 1946.
I have yet to establish the background to his Naval Gallantry Medal, the DSC but judging by other items I will be listing, including a rare Surgeon’s Kit in a little known ‘37 pattern webbing pack, he will most probably have taken part in beach operations during the landings.
A nice uniform to an interesting Officer who is shown in the last image (photocopy included),worthy of further research.
Shirt and tie are not included.

Code: 54892

Reserved

Soldatenfreund Folder with Paperwork Taken From POW

A small collection of paperwork retained by a former New Zealand army officer who, following his release from POW camp in Germany remained to interrogate German prisoners, being fluent in the German. It is not clear if all the pieces came from one soldier or from several.
The collection comprises:
A pocket sized Soldatenfreund folder with hardback faux leather covers containing an unused lined note book with 1943/44 and 1944/45 calendars at the front, the last two pages with a map of Europe. There is a pocket with six Feldpost cards and another with small gummed paper strips to seal Feldpost letters with. In addition a sleeve in the cover is to hold a Soldbuch.
Whilst there are no entries in the notebook the owner has completed his details on the front page, Friedrich Aigner, Gruppenstab Ost with his feldpost number 01471, a number which at around the time of the calendars was allocated to an SS Police company on the Adriatic coast at Trieste.
A copy of Soldatenblatter fur freier und freizeit (soldier sheets for free and leisure) dated 1944
A card, Abzuholen bei der lazarett-Verwaltung (to be picked up from the hospital administration) Gutschein fur wein (Voucher for ½ Litre of wine) Dated Christmas 1944
A card which may have accompanied a soldier’s comfort pack mit muhen beschafft mit liebe gepackt von soldaten fur soldaten. herzliche weihnachtsgrusse. Die aussenstelle des 12.s juhrungsstables des wehrmacht sud (procured with much love packed by soldiers for soldiers. Merry Christmas. The branch of the 12th youth table of the Wehrmacht South)
Finally an unused Italian Post card, all of which points to one soldier perhaps wounded in Italy.
All in good to very good condition.

Code: 54891

85.00 GBP

Early Luftwaffe Sommerfliegerkombi. Battle of Britain Me109 Pilot and Knights Cross Winner

An excellent example of an early Luftwaffe one-piece step-in Sommerfliegerkombi flying issued to Knights Cross winner and Battle of Britain Me109 Pilot, Lagois ('Fred' Ehrenfried)
Made in a light brown and white flecked cotton fabric, known as “Salt and pepper” it has a turn-down collar with a leather strap fastening, diagonal zipper opening to the front, horizontal zipper fly at the crotch (indicative of the earlier type), zip openings at the arm and leg cuffs and a button-down flap over the right shoulder.
To the left torso is a long concealed vertical opening over which a pointed button flap is secured, covering a quick release ring-pull, linked to a length of cord on the inside which is held in place by brown lacing. Pulling this allows the suit to be taken off quickly in an emergency. The label of the suit’s manufacture Karl Heisler is in place alongside.
At each knee is a horizontal zip pocket across the front while at either side of the waist is a vertical zip opening allowing access to the interior. Stitched to the centre of the chest is a double vertical loop of brown leather, intended for the attachment of the oxygen mask hose clips. Inside there is a military issue name tag to Lagois.
The suit is in virtually unissued condition with just one small hole to the back of the right leg. All zips are original, operate perfectly and are without damage, however, five of the runners and pulls have been replaced and fitted to the original zips, original zinc runner having always been susceptible to facture.
Lagois 'Fred' Ehrenfried joined the Luftwaffe in November 1939 and flew as part of Lehrgeschwader 2 during the Battles of France and Britain, being shot down in the former. I.(Schl)./LG 2 did not take part in the early phases of the Battle of Britain, and was mooted to convert into a 'true' dive-bomber unit equipped with the Junkers Ju 87. However II Gruppe had proved the viability of the battlefield assault concept enough to be converted to the new Bf 109 E-4B fighter-bomber, with the capability to carry one SC-250 kg bomb or four SC-50 kg bombs. Training took place at Böblingen.
Based at Saint-Omer in France as part of Luftflotte 2, II.(Schl)./LG 2 started operations on 6 September 1940, losing two aircraft to flak over the Thames Estuary. With no direct Army offensive to support, the unit modified its type of operation, and through the winter and into the spring of 1941 kept up a series of sporadic nuisance raids against targets in England, suffering over a dozen aircraft losses.
From 1942 he was a member of I Gruppe, Schlachtgeschwader 1, flying ground attack operations on the Eastern Front, and was awarded the German Cross (Deutsches Kreuz) in gold later that year. Having amassed over 600 combat flights in March 1944, Oberfeldwebel Lagois, then of 5 Staffel, Schlachtgeschwader 2 'Immelmann', was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.
Lagois was killed the following month when his Fw 190 was hit by friendly kriegsmarine anti-aircraft fire near the Khersonyes airfield in Crimea, causing his aircraft to crash into the Black Sea. His body was never recovered.
The last two images show Oberfeldwebel Lagois and are not included in the sale

Code: 54890

1600.00 GBP

Hand Written and Signed Letter from Luftwaffe Ace, Helmut Lent. Knights Cross with Oakleaves, Swords and Diamonds.

An original and of course unique hand written and personally signed letter from the Luftwaffe night fighter ace and recipient of the Knights Cross with Oakleaves, Swords and Diamonds Helmut Lent, to Frau Kettling mother of his close friend shot down during the Battle of Britain and at that time held in a Canadian POW camp.
Measuring 336mm x 217mm the letter is written in ink on high quality paper with the printed heading “Der Kommandeur”. Dated 12. 1. 42 the heading reflects his position as Acting Kommandeur of 11./NJG 2, shortly after his promotion to Hauptman. At 23 he was the youngest Gruppen-Kommandeur in the Nachtjagd.
Literally translated the letter reads:

Dear Mrs Kettling
At Christmas time I had a joyous surprise through a greeting from Ullrich from Canada. I was so overjoyed that I had to reply to him straight away.
Apart from ______ ______, that it is not possible for me to send this letter on by field post, I don’t know how it all works, how the letter will get sent on.
May I kindly ask you to forward it on for me. For that, I am in a debt of thanks to you. Naturally, I will bear the cost of the forwarding most happily.
I have taken the liberty of enclosing the card with Ullrich’s friendly message. Perhaps this is of interest to you and distinguished Mrs Spouse.
It makes me especially happy that things are now going well for Ullrich despite the situation.
Naturally, I am not in a position to judge if this specification is not somehow forced. That, we hope not.
May I ask you to remember me to Mrs Spouse and my best wishes for your personal well being.
I am your devoted Helmut Lent.

Twice folded and with six punch holes the letter is in generally very good condition.Original signature of Lent are extremely rare and especially so when appearing on a personal and hand written letter.
Also included are five copy photographs of Lent and a copy of Peter Hinchliffe’s “The Lent Papers”.
Lent shot down 110 aircraft, 102 of them at night
Born into a devoutly religious family, he showed an early passion for glider flying; against his father's wishes, he joined the Luftwaffe in 1936. After completing his training, he was assigned to the 1. Squadron, or Staffel, of Zerstörergeschwader 76 (ZG 76), a wing flying the Messerschmitt Bf 110 twin-engine heavy fighter.
Lent claimed his first aerial victories at the outset of World War II in the invasion of Poland and over the North Sea. During the invasion of Norway he flew ground support missions before he was transferred to the newly established Nachtjagdgeschwader 1 (NJG 1), a night-fighter wing.
Lent claimed his first nocturnal victory on 12 May 1941 and on 30 August 1941 was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for 22 victories. His steady accumulation of aerial victories resulted in regular promotions and awards. On the night of 15 June 1944, Major Lent was the first night fighter pilot to claim 100 nocturnal aerial victories, a feat which earned him the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds on 31 July 1944.
On 5 October 1944, Lent flew a Junkers Ju 88 on a routine transit flight from Stade to Nordborchen, 5 kilometres south of Paderborn. On the landing approach one of the engines cut out and the aircraft collided with power lines. All four members of the crew were fatally wounded. Three men died shortly after the crash and Lent succumbed to his injuries two days later on 7 October 1944

Code: 53930

Reserved

Original Instructional Course Handbook for the Lancaster Aircraft

Instructional Course Handbook for the Lancaster Aircraft, AVRO Type '683' Mk. 1. II. III & X. Published by A.V. Roe & Co. Ltd, Manchester, July 1946.
As far as I establish this is identical in content to the late wartime publication of the same title, the contents contained within blue card covers measuring 225mm x 147 mm.
Approximately 50 pages of brief instructional text followed by 21 pull out diagrams and drawings on all subjects including flying controls, mainplane, fuselage, worth of oil dilution, hydraulics, engine controls, gun turret hydraulics, electrical installation, auto-pilot, wireless equipment, vacuum system, cabin heating, bomb gear, bomb sights, flying instruments, engine instruments, compass systems, oxygen systems, handling on the ground plus variation systems for individual types.
With a serial number of 9040, this copy is in very good complete condition and marked confidential

Code: 54889

Reserved

Original 1939 Hawker Hurricane 1 Pilot's Notes AP 1564A

An original and very rare copy of Air Publication 1564A Volume1, Pilot’s Notes Hurricane 1 Aeroplane, Merlin 11 or 11 Engine, with amendment 1 incorporated in July 1939.
This Publication is contained in a hard cover ring binder and goes into much greater depth than the better known blue softback notes issued to Pilots later in the war.
A profusion of diagrams, illustrations and black and white photographs accompany seven sections following initial pages on the leading particulars of the Aeroplane.
Sections cover, Controls and Equipment, Handling and Flying notes for Pilots, Instructions and Notes for ground personnel, Removal and Assembly Operations and Electrical Installation. Sections 6 & 7 on Design and Construction of Airframe and Engine Installation are not included and this may be accounted for by the note on the list of sections which says “additional sections will be issued as and when they are prepared”
Overall condition is very good with just two pages in section 4 detached but present and with water staining to the front cover label.
Whilst modern copies are available, original examples of this manual are extremely rare and provide a wonderful backdrop to a Battle of France or Battle of Britain display.

Code: 54887

Reserved

Collection of Paperwork, Photographs and rare Badge to an Assault Boat Pioneer

An exceptionally interesting collection of paperwork to Obergefreiter Reinhold Gabor, Army Pioneers, who served as an Assault Boat Pioneer with the Island of Rhodes Battle Group, Landing Craft Unit.
He remained there until the end of the war before becoming a POW and was awarded The Iron Cross First and Second Class and spent time in hospital after being wounded.
The collection Comprises:
1) Wehrpass, 20.6.41. Well completed and with his photograph on the inside cover. Generally very good condition but with the covers detached.
2) Soldbuch, 20.6.42. Heavily used condition with the covers detached and his photograph removed. Some loose pages and evidence of water staining.
3) Iron Cross 1st Class Award Certificate dated 19.3.45. Signed by the commander of the Eastern area of the Aegean Sea,Kommandant-Ost-Aegais, Generalmajor Otto Wagener (based on Rhodes). Stamp of PanzerGrenadier-Brigade Rhodos. Unit of Reinhold is given as Flottillenkommando/Panzer-Grenadier-Brigade Rhodos.
4) Rare oil cloth pioneer assault boat license, 14.8.42. Issued in Metz. With his photograph. Heavily used condition.
5) Rare sleeve emblem for pioneer assault boat coxswain.
6) A document stating one close combat day 9.9.43 south of Jannadi Rhodes. Signed by an Oberleutnant of Grenadier-Regiment Rhodos.
7) Part of his wound badge in black citation, poor condition.
8) Postcard sized photo of Reinhold in tropical uniform. At the back: Flottillenkommando Rodi Reinhold Gabor.
9) 13 photographs, several sizes. Some marked with air ministry at the back. POW photos, on board of ships etc.
10) Two POW statements that he has worked as a diver in mine clearance operations, 1946 with a German POW working coy in the Dodecanese area. Heavily used condition.
11) POW statement that he worked as a diver on board of the salvage ship Belrorie and the captain was very content with his performance, 1946.
12) POW statement that all items he has are his own possession, 7.5.48. POW camp Egypt.
13) POW certificate of discharge, 1948. Repaired with adhesive tape.
He was Boatswain on riverboats and served: May-Sep.42 with Pionier-Ersatz-Bataillon 8 in Metz France; Sep.42-Mar.43 with Pionier-Bataillon 22, the pioneer unit of the 22.Infanterie-Division based on the island Crete. From Mar.43 onwards he served with the pioneer unit and later assault boat unit of Sturm-Brigade Rhodos. 1943 Sturm-Brigade Rhodos (later named PanzergrenadierBrigade Rhodos) was formed and based on the Island by the Italian Army who controlled island and had a strength of between 6,000 and 8,000 men. Sep.44 the Germans took over control of the Greek island of Rhodes during a 3 day battle, “The battle of Rhodes” fighting the Italians on the island. Reinhold
Took part in a close combat on 9.9.43 south of Jannadi Rhodes. On 10.9.43 he was wounded in his shoulder and eye.
1.7.44 he was awarded the EK2 by Panzer-Division Rhodos and in 1945 he was awarded with the EK1. Rhodes was now a fortress surrounded by the allied forces and between March and May 45 he served with the 15.Landungs-Flottille Rhodos, a naval infantry landing craft flotilla.
On 8.5.1945 German troops on the Island of Rhodes surrender to British Forces. After capitulation he worked as a diver in a German POW working coy active under allied command in the Dodecanese area, Greek islands (including Rhodes) in the South Eastern Aegean Sea. He also worked as a diver on board of the salvage ship Belrorie active in the same area.
1948 he was in POW camp 380 PW camp MELF in Fanara/Bitter Lake Egypt and discharged at the end of that year.

Code: 54885

650.00 GBP

Uniforms & Insignia of the German Army 1933 - 1945 by Angolia. Complete 3 Volume Set

Complete 3 volume set of Uniforms and Traditions of the German Army 1933 -1935 by John R. Angolia and Adolf Schlicht in my view still the ultimate reference work and unsurpassed by later works.
Hardbound books in English text which cover all aspects of the German Army uniforms to include dress, service and special uniforms as well as rank structure, branch colours and insignia with colour plates. Chapters include information of individual equipment, daggers and swords as well as fire arms. Superb reference set, long out of print. Included in the set are the following volumes:
” Volume 1. 1st edition (1984) 448 pages, with black/white and colour photographs and illustrations. Very good condition
” Volume 2. 1st edition (1986) 416 pages, with black/white and colour photographs and illustrations. Very good condition
” Volume 3. 2nd edition (1992) 640 pages, with black/white and colour photographs and illustrations. All copies from the second printing have a defect in that pages 222 & 223 are blank and without text. Otherwise in very good condition.
Essential reading for any collector.

Code: 54884

230.00 GBP

Luftwaffe Officer's Tropical M41 Cap

An extremely rare Italian made M41 Tropical Field Cap for an officer in the Luftwaffe.
Constructed in a tan cotton twill the Cap has machine embroidered insignia, the eagle in particular being worthy of note as it flying to the right and not the left as normal. Discussion on the Wehrmacht Awards Forum revealed this to be the trademark insignia of this particular maker.
At each side are two zinc ventilation eyelets whilst the top seam carries the silver Russian braid trim of an officer. The aluminium wire of the braid has worn away revealing only the white cotton under thread.
The inside is unlined and although the printing has now been washed out a clear ghost of the details remain.
Overall condition is very good, any marks mostly appearing to be the result of perspiration.

Code: 54882

Reserved

M40 Tropical Field Cap (Feldmutze) Jager

An excellent example of a 1942 dated M40 Feldmutze in unissued condition.
Produced in olive / khaki ribbed cotton absolutely in keeping with those seen in use in North Africa but used generally in arid climates.
The insignia features a pale blue Heer eagle machine embroidered in the BeVo style and machine stitched in place with a zig zag stitching above a machine embroidered rosette on tan backing below the green Soutache of the Jager. All insignia, including the Soutache is of course originally applied, the Soutache being machine stitched in place and inserted through two small puncture holes at the bottom stitch line
The interior of the cap is fully lined in lightweight red cotton and clearly stamped F.W Weissbach, Glauchau, E42 and size 61. The large size perhaps explains why the cap was never issued.
At each side is a single ventilation eyelet, the exterior of which in painted in a tan enamel.

Code: 54881

Reserved

Standard / Flag Bearer's Sleeve Insignia elite Gebirgsjager.

An impressive Army ’Standard / Flag Bearer's sleeve insignia for a member of the elite Gebirgsjager mountain troops
Intended for wear on the right upper sleeve this example is in unissued condition and cut from a roll. Machine woven (BeVo) in three colours aluminum thread flat wire, grass green thread (branch colour), and black thread – all woven onto a thin dark green rayon backing cloth.
The insignia portrays two crossed Standards in miniature, with a cluster of oak leaves in aluminum thread woven at the bottom centre.
This very colourful and desirable patch would be worn one person in the unit that was designated to carry the regimental standard.
This item is accompanied by the original letter of authenticity from Bill Shea in America.

Code: 54880

690.00 GBP

German 1915 Dated S 84/98 Saw Back Bayonet

A scarce example of a German S 84/98 Saw Back Bayonet issued I understand to NCO’s and Officers and, despite the reputation it acquired, intended to double as a foliage cutting tool by pioneers.
Introduced in 1915, the year of manufacture of this piece, it features a flash guard and set the pattern of German bayonets, with the exception of the Saw Back blade, until the end of WW11.
The handle has wooden grips and metal fittings showing an appealing patina, the release button operating perfectly. The blade is full length and completely without damage or signs of sharpening. The Ricasso is marked to Erfurt along with the crown of Willhelm 11 and the date, 15.
The frog is earlier and a 1911 date is clearly visible on the reverse of the belt loop but the Jager Regiment number is not discernible. General condition of the frog is good, the leather now having taken on a suede appearance and with loss of stitching to the scabbard pocket which is held firmly in place by the rivets.
Finally the scabbard is free from damage but with loss to the black painted finish.

Shipping to the UK only to persons over 18 years old

Code: 54879

Reserved

Original German press Release Photograph. Coastal Railway Gun Cap Gris Nez

An Original and very impressive German Press Release Photograph by Hoffman of a Coastal Marine Battery Gun at Cap Gris-Nez firing.
Dated 3.10.44 I believe this to be the huge railway gun a Batterie Todt and example of which is displayed at the museum there to this day.
Cap Gris-Nez is a cape on the Côte d'Opale in the Pas-de-Calais département in northern France. It is between Wissant and Audresselles, in the commune of Audinghen. The cliffs of the cape are the closest point of France to England – 34 km from their English counterparts at Dover, the target of this huge gun.
The photograph measures 180mm x 130mm and is in very good condition, Hoffmann of course being Hitler’s personal photographer.

Code: 54875

SOLD

British 1914 Duralumin War Knife

A very nice example of the 1914 Duralumin War Knife by Thomas Turner, Sheffield.
The body is 105mm in length with two cutting blades, one 75mm in length another short blade and a spike.
Overall condition is really very good. The closure springs are strong (as I discovered to my cost!), the cutting blades have not been sharpened or shortened and are without damage. The lanyard loop remains in place
As the name suggests the main body appears to be of Duralumin, aluminium mixed with other metals such as copper and zinc and still used today in the aviation industry.
Although no doubt extensively carried by WW1 servicemen the Duralumin Knife was not an issue piece but available for private purchase.

You must be over 18 to buy this item. Shipping to the UK only unless by previous agreement.

Code: 54870

145.00 GBP

A Photograph Album, Decorations & Award Certificates to a German Special Forces Soldiers who Served with the Gebirgsjager, Brandenbugers & Sonderverband Bergmanns

An extremely rare collection of artefacts belonging to Fahnenjunker-Oberfeldwebel Anton Lecker who saw extensive service with 5(HQ) Company, 98 Gebirgsjager Regiment, I Mountain Division 5 Company, V Battalion, Brandenberg Lehr Regiment z.b. V 8002 Company and I (Georgian) Battalion 2 “Bergmann”
The collection comprises 5 award certificates, a General Officer Commanding’s Commendation, 5 decorations, 4 items of militaria and 14 documents. In addition there is a superbly annotated Photograph Album of 90 some photographs (including a very good one of Lecker wearing all his combat decorations taken in May 1944), 21 postcards and a map card of the route of 1 Mt Div in France 1940.
The rarity of the group is based on the fact that Lecker had not only been awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (sadly the Award Certificate is missing) as a Section Commander in the famous “Brandenberg” Commando unit but also the Iron Cross 1st Class as Platoon Commander in the Caucasian I (Georgian) Battalion Bergman. Bravery with the latter unit led to him being awarded the rare Bravery Decorations for the Easter People (Ostvolker) 1st and 2nd Class in Silver. It is extremely difficult to obtain such a combination of awards to a German soldier who was a former member of most unusual specialised combat units, the Caucasian Sonderverband Bergmann in particular being little known.
Luckily a detailed record of Toni Lecker’s service came with the group as did also an extract from his last combat unit (2/1 (Georgian) Battalion Bergmann) war personnel roster. These documents give information about his personal details (date/place of birth, hometown, education & family etc), decoration, promotion, units and where he saw action with his last combat unit between May 1944 and March 1945 before being transferred to the Replacement Army (136 Gebirgsjager Replacement Battalion in Wolfsberg/Austria)
Anton Lecker, known as Toni, was born on 18 May 1921 in Freilassing/Upper Bavaria, the son of a Railway Official (stated as deceased in March 1945) his stepmother was called Anna. He was single and a Roman Catholic. He attended Elementary School and Technical College and passed the examination to become a journeyman. His civil occupation was Electrician.
He was called up for military service on 11 December 1939 and was trained as a radio operator in I Gerbirgsjager Signals Replacement Company before being posted on 17.2.1940 to Mt Div’s 54 Fd Replacement Bn and to 5(HQ) 98 Gebirgsjager Regt. On 30.5.1940. He saw active service with the latter unit in France 1940, the Balkans 1941 and South Russia 1941 where he sustained a shrapnel wound to his right foot near Perislavl. After recovering from his wound he was once again posted to 1 Gebirgsjager Signals Replacement Company.
He was then posted to 5/V Brandenberg Lehr Regt z.b.V 800 on 14.7.1942 where he saw action in the Caucasus. He was transferred on 7.2.1943 to the “Sonderverband Bergmann” and then 1 Battalion Bergman 26.5.1943. He saw action with the “Bergmann” units in South Russia (Crimea1943) and finally in the Balkans 1944/1945 (anti-partisan combat in South Greece, Macedonia, Serbia and Croatia).
Toni Lecker survived the war, was discharged from military service on 19 August 1945 and settled in Gosel, Kreis Wolfsberg (Carinthia, Southern Austria).
Decorations included are:
Iron Cross 1st Class (some loss to the painted finish)
Iron Cross Second Class with ribbon and packet of issue.
Infantry Assault badge in Silver by Souval
Wound Badge in Black
Bravery Decoration for the Eastern People 2nd Class in Silver
Bravery Decoration for the Eastern People 1st Class in Silver
Militaria:
A Medal Ribbon Bar
A Button Hole Ribbon Bar
Edelweiss Traditions Cap Badge
An extremely rare Aluminium Kindjal Traditions Cap Badge (small facsimile dagger) with serial number 1170 on it’s reverse. Sadly the handle is broken off as has the retaining pin. The Kindjal was a special distinction for wear by members of the two Bergmann Battalions only.
Photo Album:
A fascinating and very scarce album with 90 photos, 21 postcards, a map card of the route of 1Mt Div I France 1940, an article by General Hubert Lanz about “Operation Felix” (the planned capturing of Gibraltar).
Lecker can be seen throughout the photographic record and has annotated the album. You can thus follow his route in the Mountain troops from being a recruit in December 1939 (training in Oberammergau) until the Russian campaign in 1941.
He lived in Freilassing/Upper Bavaria (just across the border from Salzburg in Austria) The record starts with 2 photos – one as a recruit in December 1939 and the other as a combat experienced Oberfeldwebel wearing all his decorations in May 1944.
He fought in the 1940 France campaign – a very good record of photos of the progress of the Regiment/Division. You then see the unit preparing for “Operation Sealion” (the invasion of England). The record then switches to preparation for “Operation Felix” (operation to capture Gibraltar). When that operation was cancelled, the unit was involved during April 1941 in the Balkan Campaign.
Lecker’s record finishes with a brief write up about his involvement in the initial phase of the Campaign in the East – naming places.
He was wounded on his right foot by shrapnel on 29.9.41 and evacuated via Romania to Graz. On his recovery he was posted to the Replacement Army before being returned to active duty in the East.
A quite incredible collection to a German Special Forces soldier who saw action throughout the war.

Code: 54869

3050.00 GBP

Luftwaffe Tropical "Hermann Meyer" Cap

Originally sold by Helmut Weitze in Germany this Hermann Meyer Cap is in excellent unissued condition with no damage or stains.
Constructed in a Khaki cotton with large peak or visor and a detachable neck flap. The insignia is a BeVo style machine embroidered Luftwaffe cap eagle, and tropical machine embroidered Luftwaffe wreath and tri-colour cockade. Both insignia are machine stitched to the cap. At each side are a pair of magnetic ventilation eyelets.
The leather chin strap that is fastened to both sides of the cap by a button which also holds the neck strap, the strap itself constructed of multiple thin strips of leather, with two metal buckles for length adjustment. One side of the strap is finished with a criss-cross textured black veneer, while the other is unfinished. Here the unfinished side is worn out and research shows this was not uncommon.
Inside, the Cap is lined in a red cotton-rayon blended fabric, marked with reference number and 1943 size 58.

Code: 54867

Reserved

Zischägge or Lobster Tail Helmet Dating from about 1650.

A quite exceptional example of an English / German Zischägge or Lobster Tail English Civil War Helmet dating from about 1650.
The Helmet has a single piece skull with six fluted ribs, four lame articulated tail with turned edge and domed rivets.
Each cheek piece has a leather hinge and seven holes. The fixed peak has a turned edge and is shaped to a point, the upper surface with the armourer’s stamp and 7. There is an opening in the centre where the peak joins the helmet to allow the protective nasal bar to be moved up and down, its position in travel fixed by a screw with a heart shaped terminal. Turning the screw no longer locks the bar but it remains in the chosen position without it. The nasal bar terminates with an ace shaped feature stamped 4 and 4.
The articulated tail, or Lobster tail, is formed of four “lames” and secured by domed rivets.
Inside, the leather strips to the lames, cheek pieces and headband appear to be those originally fitted to the helmet.
The Helmet has been polished over the centuries but must be regarded as being in very good condition.
Known as a Zischägge in Germany or lobster-tailed pot in England, was the principle headpiece for light cavalry. With its sliding nasal bar, brim, earflaps, and neck guard, the design offered protection from sword cuts with optimal peripheral vision.

Code: 54865

2600.00 GBP

A collection of 8 Lagergeld (Camp Money) notes

A collection of 8 Lagergeld (Camp Money) notes in three different denominations comprising:
3, 10 Reichspfennig notes in unused condition, 2 with consecutive numbers
2, 10 Reichspfennig notes in good used condition
1, 1 Reichsmark note in poor condition in two halves and period repaired with parcel tape.
1, 2 Reichsmark note in good used condition
1, 5 Reichsmark note in good, well used condition.
The Geneva Convention ruled that officer PoW's did not have to work, but other ranks were required to if asked. Those who did work were paid not with official German currency but in prison Lagergeld. Prisoners were paid at a rate, determined by their level of skill and agreement between government or private employer and Army Corps Commands. The lowest paid were farm workers, from 16 to 35 Pfennigs a day. Small industries paid 30 to 50 Pfennigs a day, while those in heavy industry received from 75 Pfennigs to 1 Mark a day. For the highly skilled and professional PoW the rate was between 2 and 3 marks a day
Many PoW's in Germany were pleased to escape the boredom of life behind barbed wire in the parent camp and welcomed the change of scenery and the money they earned at the working camps. The money often supplemented their food rations until food parcels arrived. Although some prisoners complained about working in heavy industry, where cruelty was sometimes inflicted on them, those working on the land and on farms often ate at the same table as their employer and slept in his house and became part of the family. They were often better fed than many city dwelling Germans.
Working prisoners did not receive their pay in official currency, as it was feared that if they could accumulate large sums of money through working, they could bribe guards to help them escape and then pay their way through Germany - to freedom. Instead, prisoners were paid in Lagergeld (camp money). This was paper money (often specially printed for individual camps) which could only be used to purchase goods at the camp store or credited to a prison bank account. Large industrial companies in Germany hired British and Allied PoWs from the regional Army Corps Commands to work in steel factories, quarries and coalmines. Smaller employers hired them as stevedores, garbage collectors, foresters and in small groups as farm hands. Prisoners usually lived near the place of their employment.

Code: 54465

165.00 GBP

Falklands War - General Belgrano Sailor's Hat

An extremely rare and unissued example of an Argentine Sailor’s Hat with original ribbon to the ARA General Belgrano, sunk by the Royal Navy during the Falklands war.
The Cap is in excellent condition and a poignant reminder of the conflict.
ARA General Belgrano was an Argentine Navy light cruiser in service from 1951 until 1982. She was sunk on 2 May 1982 by the Royal Navy submarine Conqueror with the loss of 323 lives. Losses from General Belgrano totalled just over half of Argentine military deaths in the war.
Although controversial the captain of the Belgrano, Héctor Bonzo, has testified that the attack was legitimate, as did the Argentine government in 1994.
She is the only ship to have been sunk during military operations by a nuclear-powered submarine.

Code: 54860

1800.00 GBP

British Officer's WW1 Compass

A very good working example of the British Verner’s Pattern Mk V111 Prismatic Marching Compass complete with its correct leather case and neck strap. A name written in ink on the case is possibly Maxwell, Royal Dublin Fusiliers.
Dated 1917 on Compass itself, this is an issue piece the reverse of the Compass bearing the manufacture’s name Baker & Son London along with the War Department arrow and date.
All functions appear to operate well including the locking buttons whilst the dry compass card rotates freely to give what still appears to be an accurate reading. There is no evidence of damage.
The case is in very good condition, clearly marked with the WD. All stitching and the closure strap are also in very condition as is the neck strap. A further loop strap appears to have been removed from the case
A nice complete example.

Code: 54854

120.00 GBP

Deutscher Volkssturm Wehrmacht Armband

WW1 German Officer's Trench Binocular Case

WW1 German Ammunition Pouches

A Collection of Silk Escape Maps and Miniature Medals to a Norwegian DFC Mosquito Pilot

RNVR Surgeon Lt DSC, Jacket, Trousers and Cap

Soldatenfreund Folder with Paperwork Taken From POW

Early Luftwaffe Sommerfliegerkombi. Battle of Britain Me109 Pilot and Knights Cross Winner

First Pattern Luftschutz Crowd Control Leader Armband

Verkehrs-Aufsicht Armband for Traffic Control Personel

Hand Written and Signed Letter from Luftwaffe Ace, Helmut Lent. Knights Cross with Oakleaves, Swords and Diamonds.

Original Instructional Course Handbook for the Lancaster Aircraft

April 1940 Pilot's Operational Notes on the Merlin Engine

Original 1939 Hawker Hurricane 1 Pilot's Notes AP 1564A

Jäger Troops Cap Insignia

Bronze Grade SA Sports Badge in Cloth

Luftwaffe Generalluftzeugmeister (Civilian Technicians) Breast Eagle

Collection of Paperwork, Photographs and rare Badge to an Assault Boat Pioneer

Uniforms & Insignia of the German Army 1933 - 1945 by Angolia. Complete 3 Volume Set

1945 Notebook and Pocket Calendar

Italian Flag With House of Savoy Shield

Luftwaffe Officer's Tropical M41 Cap

Panzer Assault Badge in Silver

Silver Infantry Assault badge by Meybauer

Hermann Göring Division Cuff Title

M40 Tropical Field Cap (Feldmutze) Jager

Standard / Flag Bearer's Sleeve Insignia elite Gebirgsjager.

German 1915 Dated S 84/98 Saw Back Bayonet

Ground Excavated English Civil War Siege Helmet

Court Mounted Long Service Group

Original German Press Release Photograph. Italy 1945

Original German press Release Photograph. Coastal Railway Gun Cap Gris Nez

Original German Press release Photograph. Knights Cross with Oakleaves Winner Konig

Original German Press Release Photograph

1918 Pattern RAF Airman's Cap Badge

British 1914 Duralumin War Knife

A Photograph Album, Decorations & Award Certificates to a German Special Forces Soldiers who Served with the Gebirgsjager, Brandenbugers & Sonderverband Bergmanns

RAF Other Ranks Service Dress Trousers

Kriegsmarine Auxiliary Cruiser Badge in Tombak by Juncker

Luftwaffe Tropical "Hermann Meyer" Cap

Zischägge or Lobster Tail Helmet Dating from about 1650.

Civil War Cabasset Helmet C 1640

A collection of 8 Lagergeld (Camp Money) notes

Victorian Essex Regiment Officer's Torin Cap

WW11 Italian Gustatore Assault Parachutist Officer’s Sleeve Brevet

Falklands War - General Belgrano Sailor's Hat

DRK Armband - Area Women's League

Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger Qualification Badge in Cloth

1943 Pattern Heer Fallschirmjager Cloth Badge

NSDAP / SA Reserve Arm Band

British Officer's WW1 Compass