Outstanding and historically significant grouping of 63 original wartime photographs, 1 postcard, and 1 death card, all related to a Fallschirmjäger (German paratrooper) who fought during the legendary Battle of Crete (Kreta), 1941.
This rare set offers an authentic and personal glimpse into the life and service of a German paratrooper, including:
Striking images of Fallschirmjäger in full gear
Action shots over Greece and on the ground in Crete
A unique photo of a paratrooper holding a sniper rifle – a standout highlight! (See the photo with the PAK)
Candid moments of daily life, movement, and operations on the island
Also included is a death card for a soldier from Fallschirm-Sanitäts-Abteilung, D XI. Fliegerkorps, who was killed west of Heraklion – a powerful and somber connection to the brutal combat experienced on Crete. Whether this soldier was part of the same unit or a close comrade remains unclear, but the inclusion adds valuable historical depth.
A visually rich and emotionally resonant grouping—ideal for collectors of Fallschirmjäger, airborne operations, or Battle of Crete memorabilia. Groupings of this size and content are becoming increasingly scarce.
Authentic WWII-era photo collection featuring 72 original photographs along with a rare commemorative card titled "Zur Erinnerung an Kriegsweihnachten 1942 vor Leningrad" ("In Memory of War Christmas 1942 near Leningrad").
The photos most likely depict men of the 1. SS-Infanterie-Brigade, identified by the unit insignia visible on a vehicle wheel cap in one of the images. The 1. SS-Infanterie-Brigade was formed from concentration camp guards and early SS volunteers, and served primarily on the Eastern Front in rear-security and anti-partisan operations.
Highlights of the collection include:
Camouflage uniforms in use
Portraits of officers and enlisted men
Photographs of Vehicles
Candid and formal group shots
Many photos feature handwritten names on the reverse, offering excellent research potential for collectors and historians alike offering insight into a little-documented SS formation..
Original German Press Photo of SS-Gruppenführer (as seen in the photo) Josef "Sepp" Dietrich. 18x13 cm. Complete with paper tag and stamps. Condition as seen.
Original Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class), unmarked, but attributed to Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Hanauer Plakettenhersteller, Hanau. Three piece construction with magnetic iron core. Likely the date of earning has been engraved on the back by the soldier! Condition as seen.
Original Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class), unmarked, but attributed to Julius Maurer. Three piece construction with magnetic iron core. Condition as seen.
Original Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938 (1 October 1938 Medal also known as Sudetenland Medal) awarded to civilians and military personnel who took part in the annexation of the Sudetenland. Medal complete with ribbon. Near Mint! Condition as seen.
Original Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938 (1 October 1938 Medal also known as Sudetenland Medal) awarded to civilians and military personnel who took part in the annexation of the Sudetenland. Medal complete with ribbon. Near Mint! Condition as seen.
Original WH Heer Panzerjäger-Abteilung 38 Summer Tunic for a Hauptmann. I was able to identify the owner as Hauptmann Freiherr von Süsskind-Schwendi, the tailor tag with name is mostly washed out but with some different lightning and factchecking, the only possibility is him. The tunic is in nicely worn condition with all its original effects still attached. The tunic has room to hang one award (EK1 here since he earned it in 1940 when he was Hauptmann).
This has been acquired seperately from his Visor cap that we also have for sale. The items were sold in different auctions via an auction house. We'll give a discount for the one who wants to keep it together and buys the time!
Original rare DRK (Deutsches Rotes Kreuz) Probeschwester brooch from the Third Reich era. Made of silvered metal with enamel front, featuring the distinctive Red Cross emblem. Maker marked and individually numbered on the reverse, with the location "Karlsruhe" engraved. A rare and collectible piece, in worn condition with original pin intact. Note the condition (wears and tears) of the enamel, condition as seen.
Original Soldbuch and Erkennungsmarke (ID tag) belonging to Schütze Alfred Somberg, who was Killed in Action on April 2, 1945, during the final weeks of the war and is buried at Gelsenkirchen-Buer-Hauptfriedhof.
Alfred Somberg served in various rear-area and fortress defense units, typically composed of older or second-line troops, tasked with guarding prisoners, securing occupied areas, and later in the war, defending against advancing Allied forces:
Landesschützen-Ersatz-Bataillon 6
Landesschützen-Bataillon D
Festungs-Bataillon 1427
Ersatz-Bataillon (O) 286
The Soldbuch is complete with photo and well-preserved, showing clear service entries and stamps. The ID tag is fully legible and matches the info in the soldbuch. Condition as seen.
Original Feuerwehrehrezeichen II. Stufe (Fire Service Medal 2nd Class), maker marked in the ring with "60" for Firma Katz & Deyle, Pforzheim. Worn, nice patina. Condition as seen.
Original 6x Award Document set of Unteroffizier Schröder who served with the 2. Kompanie/ Fla-Bataillon 604 and 3. (Fla) Kompanie/ Panzerjäger-Abteilung 211 of the 211. Volksgrenadier-Division. Award documents include the:
Heeres-Flak-Abzeichen on May 31, 1943
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse on January 16, 1945 !
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse on July 5, 1942
Allgemeines-Sturmabzeichen on October 31, 1944
Winterschlacht um Osten on August 19, 1942
Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz on March 30, 1942
He would die on a POW Transport in Russia! Few extra enveloppes and papers included.
Original award document of Gefreiter Gast for the Fallschirmschützenabzeichen (Paratrooper Badge) for completing his jump training on February 14, 1941! Document has been folded in the past. Condition as seen.
Original Soldbuch of an Unteroffizier, who served with the 1. Kompanie/ Nachrichten-Abteilung 38 of the 2. Panzer-Division and took part in the Battle of Poland before transferring to the Panzer-Korps-Nachrichten-Abteilung 448. He was severely wounded by a bullet in January 1943 due Oberschenkeldurschuss links. He was decorated with the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse, Ostmedaille and Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz. Condition as een. Complete with TOP photo!
A rare and historically significant set comprising the death notification letter and a selection of original photographs of Fritz Klasing, a distinguished recipient of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves.
Accompanying the death letter (postwar) are several period photographs showcasing Klasing in uniform and civil, including several wearing his Knight’s Cross. These photographs are believed to be unpublished and offer collectors a rare glimpse into Klasing’s military service and personality.
A must-have for any serious collector of WWII militaria or Knight’s Cross documentation.
Original set of 2x letters and 20x photographs of Kriegsmarine U-Boot Maschinen-Obermaat Leonhard Müller, who served and was Killed in Action onboard of U-Boot "U-986" which was sunk on April 17, 1944 in the Atlantic, southeast of Ireland by the US Navy USS Swift and PC 619. All souls aboard were killed. Several top photographs (mostly Postcardsize and some smaller sized) and a letter handsigned by Kapitänleutnant Carl Emmermann!
Outstanding WW1 & WW2 Document Grouping to Major Friedrich Führer – Nachrichten-Abteilung 161, 61. Infanterie-Division / Heeresnachrichtenschule II / Führerreserve OKH
A remarkable and historically rich document grouping belonging to Major Friedrich Führer, a highly decorated German officer who served in both World Wars. As Commander of Nachrichten-Abteilung 161 of the 61. Infanterie-Division during World War II, Führer held a vital role in military communications on the Eastern Front. Following this command, he was assigned to the Heeresnachrichtenschule II (Army Signals School II), and later placed in the Führerreserve of the OKH.
This extensive grouping spans decades of service and includes:
Original Soldbuch with entries
Award document for the 1914 Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Award document for the Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (dated 1919)
Award documents for the Treudienst-Ehrenzeichen in Silber und Gold
Medaille zur Erinnerung an die Heimkehr des Memellandes
Spange zum Eisernen Kreuz 2. Klasse & 1. Klasse
Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (East Front Medal)
Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer
Typewritten Abschrift of a Divisions-Tagesbefehl (Daily Division Order) detailing the award and reasoning behind his 1914 Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Additional wartime and postwar documents, providing insight into his long military career
This grouping is a rare and complete historical ensemble that traces the distinguished service of a career officer from the trenches of WW1 to key communications roles in WW2. Major Führer’s decorations, particularly the early award of the EK I in WW1, underscore his longstanding commitment and valor.
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Friedrich Buck. SS-Oberscharführer Friedrich Buck (30.01.1922 † 25.09.2015) earned the Nahkampfspange in Goldon January 27, 1945 and the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on January 27, 1945 as SS-Oberscharführer in 5. Schwadron/ SS-Kavallerie-Regiment 15 of the 8. SS-Kavallerie-Division “Florian Geyer”. Condition as seen. Postcardsize. Comes with a letter!
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Heinrich Springer. SS-Sturmbannführer Heinrich Springer (03.11.1914 † 27.10.2007) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on January 12, 1942 as SS-Hauptsturmführer und Führer of the 3. Kompanie/ “Leibstandarte-SS Adolf Hitler”. Postcardsize. Comes with a letter!
Original Flemish propaganda booklet of the "Hitler-Jugend Vlaanderen", issue June 1944. All pages present and in overall good condition. Interesting booklet! Condition as seen.
Original interesting and rare award document grouping for Adolf Fischbach, who served with the Kampfgeschwader 27 “Boelcke” and earned the Knight's Cross of the Iron Crosses! The set includes a total of nine award certificates, a Knight’s Cross telegram, a letter detailing his actions, and a Pokal (honor goblet) recipient list.
The documents cover awards such as all three bomber clasps (including one with hanger), the Eastern Front Medal (Ostmedaille), Iron Cross 2nd Class, Iron Cross 1st Class, Pilot Badge, and the Honor Goblet certificate.
Please note: The presentation documents for the Knight’s Cross (Verleihungsurkunde) and the German Cross in Gold are not included.
All items remain in good condition overall. The A5-sized documents have standard filing holes on the sides, and the Pilot Badge and Goblet documents show light signs of age.
Fischbach flew 446 combat sorties and was awarded the Honor Goblet for successfully destroying a train consisting of 40–50 wagons. A rare and desirable grouping with the majority of key documents present.
Original award document grouping of Unteroffizier Hugo Kesper who served with the Artillerie-Regiment 253 of the 253. Infanterie-Division.
The group includes the:
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse award certificate, signed by the Divisionskommandeur Generalleutnant Becker (RK+EL)
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse award certificate, signed by the Divisionsführer (i.V.) Oberst Hermann Niehoff (RK+EL).
Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz award certificate, signed by the Abteilungskommandeur Hauptmann Kleg.
Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 award certificate, signed by the Batteriechef Oberleutnant Kurtz.
Original Award document of Obergefreiter Schepers, who served with the 2. Kompanie/ Grenadier-Regiment 337 subordinated to the 3. Gebirgs-Division, for the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class) for his heroic service on January 16, 1945, which was signed by Generalleutnant Paul Klatt (RK+EL). Condition as seen.
Original photograph showing an event with a Deutschland Erwache standarte in front with SA men, BDM girls in the back and more... Size 12,7x17,7cm. Condition as seen.
Original Wehrpass of a SS-Sturmmann who served with the SS-Nachrichten-Ausbildungs und Ersatz-Bataillon 5, the SS-Panzer-Nachrichten-Kompanie 54 before serving with the Stabsbatterie III./ SS-Artillerie-Regiment 54 of the SS-Freiwilligen-Panzergrenadier-Brigade/Division "Nederland". He was promoted on December 1, 1944 during the fighting in Kurland. The signature on the promotion is SS-Untersturmführer Kratochwill (who came over from the Luftwaffe in August 1944). Complete with photo. Condition as seen. Rare wehrpass from a rare unit!
Original German Press Photograph showing Spanish Volunteers who served with the Blaue Division in the Wehr,acht. Size 13x18cm. Complete with paper tag. Condition as seen.
Original German Press Photograph showing a Waffen-SS soldier in a Charkow with MG42 on his shoulder. Size 13x18cm. Paper tag in Spanish. Condition as seen.
Original German Press Photograph showing a Wehrmacht (Heer) soldier in a foxhole with MG42 and Stug to the left of him. Size 13x18cm. Condition as seen.
Original German Press Photograph showing a Wehrmacht (Heer) Artillerie (Artillery) Forward Observer in a Foxhole. Size 13x18cm. Complete with paper tag and stamps! Condition as seen.
Origianl Russian Press Photo depicting the surrender of Major-General Alfons Hitter and Lieutenant-General Friedrich Gollwitzer to Marshal of the Soviet Union Aleksandr Vasilevsky and Field Marshal Ivan Chernyakhovsky after the battle of Vitebsk during Operation Bagration. Approx. A4 size with damages to the sides as can be seen. Condition as seen.
Original German Press Photograph showing Ritterkreuzträger Oberleutnant zur See Hans-Hartwig Trojer (22.01.1916-27.09.1943) who earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernes Kreuzes on March 24, 1943 as Kommandant of U-221. Size 13x18cm. Complete with paper tag and various stamps! Condition as seen.
Original SS-Feldpost (enveloppe and letters) send by a SS-Staffelmann serving with 12. Kompanie/ SS-Regiment "Westland". Enveloppe broken in two parts, contains A4 size letters. Condition as seen.
Original SS-Feldpost cover with stamp of Sicherheitspolizei-Kriminaldirektion Lublin - Kriminalkommissariat Biala - Podlaska. Cover only, no letter. Condition as seen.
Original Entry Card / Postcard for the Reichsparteitag 1935 Parteikongress. I assume this is a sort of entry card and bears a Blindprägestempel. Has been punched in the past. Condition as seen.
