Outstanding DKiG Soldbuch & Wehrpass Grouping to Oberst Wentscher, 13. Panzer-Division

An exceptional and historically significant Soldbuch and Wehrpass grouping to Oberst Gerhard Wentscher, an early recipient of the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold, awarded on 1 December 1941 for his service as commander of (Panzer-)Artillerie-Regiment 13, 13. Panzer-Division.

Wentscher was a career officer with an extensive and well-documented military career spanning both World Wars. Promoted to Leutnant in 1915, he earned four awards during the First World War, including the Iron Cross 1st Class. He joined the Wehrmacht as a Hauptmann in 1934, became Kompaniechef in Artillerie-Regiment 13 in 1936, and following promotion to Major, served as Adjutant of the 13. Infanterie-Division from 1938.

In this role he participated in the Polish Campaign, earning the Spange zum EK II, and in the Western Campaign, where he was awarded the Spange zum EK I. After the conversion of the 13. Infanterie-Division into the 13. Panzer-Division, Wentscher served on the Eastern Front as Oberstleutnant and commander of Artillerie-Regiment 13. He was severely wounded in the leg on 13 October 1941, leading to his early award of the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on 1 December 1941. Declared unfit for further front-line service, he completed the war as an Oberst in the Oberkommando des Heeres.

Over approximately 18 years of service, Wentscher was entitled to an impressive twelve awards, including:

• Iron Cross II Class

• Iron Cross I Class

• Wound Badge in Black

• Honour Cross for Front Fighters

• Long Service Award IV Class

• Spange zum EK II

• Sudetenland Medal

• Spange zum EK I

• Officer’s Cross of the Romanian Crown

• Wound Badge in Silver

• General Assault Badge

• Deutsches Kreuz in Gold

The Soldbuch is a standout centerpiece, featuring an extraordinary large portrait photograph—quite possibly one of the finest Soldbuch photos extant. Wentscher is depicted holding a telephone, an action entirely against regulations for Soldbuch photographs, and is wearing his Deutsches Kreuz in Gold along with other decorations. The Soldbuch was opened in August 1939 and signed by Generalleutnant Moritz von Faber du Faur, divisional commander. It is complete and in very good condition.

The Wehrpass, opened in January 1941, also contains a military portrait photo showing Wentscher wearing his WWI EK I. It is complete, clean, and in excellent condition, meticulously listing his awards, units, campaigns, and promotions.

Additionally included in this outstanding grouping:

• Inländer-Jahresjagdschein (1940) with military portrait photograph

• Driving license, issued in Gross-Born, 1938

• A small private photograph

This is a unique, museum-quality grouping to a documented Panzer Oberst and early DKiG recipient. An unparalleled opportunity to acquire a true centerpiece for any advanced collection. The Soldbuch in particular offers exceptional visual and historical impact when displayed.

SOLD ON COMMISSION