Original Belgian visor cap dating from the WWII-era and later postwar use by the Belgian State Security (Staatsveiligheid / Sûreté de l’État), belonging to Georges Verly (1920–1972). Not named inside but came as is.

A very interesting and uncommon piece with provenance to Verly, accompanied by photographs (copies) and identification paper. According to the accompanying information, Verly spent 4 years in concentration camps, was active with the State Security, endured 2 years of occupation in Germany following arrest by the Nazis, and later served in the Belgian Congo (1947–1957).

The cap remains in very nice condition overall, featuring the Belgian cockade, lion insignia, and original gold officer’s chin cord. Interior shows honest wear consistent with use. A rare and historically interesting named Belgian security-related headgear set with provenance.

Original late-war German Volkssturm armband, featuring the classic “Deutscher Volkssturm Wehrmacht” printed design with eagle insignia.

A textbook wartime example in red, black, and white construction, showing honest age and wear. The armband remains well-preserved overall with strong visible printing on both sides and retains very good display appeal. A nice untouched original example of increasingly sought-after late-war Volkssturm material.

Original wartime signature on a wartime photograph of Horst Carganico. Hauptmann Horst Carganico (27.10.1917, Breslau/Schlesien † 27.05.1944, over Chevry, Île-de-France) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 25 September 1941 as Oberleutnant and Staffelkapitän of 6./ Jagdgeschwader 5 “Eismeer”. Carganico was one of the Luftwaffe’s most successful fighter aces on the northern front, flying combat missions primarily with JG 5 “Eismeer” in the Arctic and northern sectors. He received the Knight’s Cross after achieving 27 aerial victories, and continued to add substantially to his score over the following years. By the time of his death, he had achieved 60 aerial victories in over 600 combat sorties, establishing himself as one of the notable Experten of the Luftwaffe fighter arm. His combat achievements, leadership, and skill in aerial combat earned him recognition as one of the prominent fighter pilots of JG 5. Carganico was killed in action on 27 May 1944 during aerial combat over France near Chevry, when his aircraft crashed following engagement with Allied fighters.

His known awards included the Flugzeugführerabzeichen, the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (6 March 1940), the Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse (12 July 1940), the Luftwaffe Ehrenpokal für besondere Leistungen im Luftkrieg (10 July 1941), the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (25 September 1941), and the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold (18 May 1942).

A highly desirable original autograph of Knight’s Cross holder Hauptmann Horst Carganico, signed in period on an attractive wartime portrait photograph. Comes with the enveloppe. Postcardsize.

Provenance: From the estate of former HJ member Reinhold Brennfleck (1928–2022) from Lauda, Baden, who wrote to numerous Ritterkreuzträger in 1943–1944 requesting signatures and signed photographs, forming an exceptional wartime autograph collection.

Original wartime signature on a wartime photograph of Georg Tyroller. Oberstleutnant Georg Tyroller (02.02.1897, Espenlohe/Donauwörth † missing in action 27.04.1945 near Cottbus) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 23 December 1942 as Kommandeur of le. Flak-Abteilung 84 and Führer of Kampfgruppe Tyroller (Flugplatz Kantemirovka-Süd). During the heavy fighting on the Eastern Front in December 1942, Tyroller gained distinction through the determined defense of the strategically vital Kantemirovka-Süd airfield, located along the middle sector of the Don. Leading Kampfgruppe Tyroller, a battle group of nearly 2,000 men drawn from approximately 65 different units, with his Flak-Abteilung forming the core, he successfully organized and commanded the defense of this critical strongpoint against repeated Soviet assaults. Despite harsh winter weather and overwhelming enemy pressure, Tyroller’s Kampfgruppe held the position for weeks, preventing Soviet forces from overrunning the airfield. His leadership, tactical ability, and steadfast defense under extreme conditions earned him the Knight’s Cross. Tyroller was reported missing in action on 27 April 1945 near Cottbus during the final days of the war.

A highly desirable original autograph of Knight’s Cross holder Oberstleutnant Georg Tyroller, signed in period on an attractive wartime portrait photograph. Size: 6,2×8,8cm. Comes with the enveloppe.

Provenance: From the estate of former HJ member Reinhold Brennfleck (1928–2022) from Lauda, Baden, who wrote to numerous Ritterkreuzträger in 1943–1944 requesting signatures and signed photographs, forming an exceptional wartime autograph collection.

Original wartime signature on a wartime photograph of Johannes Kiel. Hauptmann Johannes Kiel (14.04.1912, Kiel/Schleswig-Holstein † 29.01.1944, near Kirchheimbolanden/Pfalz) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 18 March 1942 as Oberleutnant der Reserve and Flugzeugführer of I./Zerstörergeschwader 26 “Horst Wessel.” Kiel was one of the Luftwaffe’s highly successful Zerstörer pilots, serving with distinction in twin-engine fighter operations. By the time he received the Knight’s Cross, he had achieved 20 aerial victories and compiled an impressive record of destruction against both air and ground targets, including 62 aircraft destroyed on the ground, 9 tanks, 20 artillery guns, 1 submarine, 3 motor torpedo boats, and 1 transport ship. His exceptional combat effectiveness in both air-to-air engagements and ground attack missions made him one of the notable pilots of ZG 26 “Horst Wessel.” He later rose to command III./Zerstörergeschwader 76 as Hauptmann and Gruppenkommandeur. Kiel was killed in action on 29 January 1944, when he was shot down near Kirchheimbolanden, bringing an end to the career of a highly decorated and accomplished Luftwaffe combat pilot.

His known awards included the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse, Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse, the Luftwaffe Ehrenpokal für besondere Leistungen im Luftkrieg (23 September 1941), the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold (4 February 1942), and the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.

A highly desirable original autograph of Knight’s Cross holder Hauptmann Johannes Kiel, signed in period on an attractive wartime portrait photograph.

Provenance: From the estate of former HJ member Reinhold Brennfleck (1928–2022) from Lauda, Baden, who wrote to numerous Ritterkreuzträger in 1943–1944 requesting signatures and signed photographs, forming an exceptional wartime autograph collection.

Original wartime signature on a wartime photograph of Hansgeorg Bätcher. Major Hansgeorg Bätcher (13.01.1914, Finsterwalde † 23.04.2002, Uelzen) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 21 December 1942 as Hauptmann und Staffelkapitän of 1./Kampfgeschwader 100. He later received the Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 24 March 1944 as Major und Kommandeur of I./Kampfgeschwader 4 “General Wever.” Bätcher served as a highly successful Luftwaffe bomber officer during the Second World War, flying numerous combat missions and rising to command major bomber formations. As both Staffelkapitän and later Gruppenkommandeur, he distinguished himself through leadership, operational skill, and sustained combat success in some of the Luftwaffe’s most demanding bombing operations. His military achievements earned him both the Knight’s Cross and the Oak Leaves, placing him among the notable decorated bomber commanders of the Luftwaffe.

A highly desirable original autograph of Knight’s Cross and Oak Leaves holder Major Hansgeorg Bätcher, signed in period on an attractive wartime portrait photograph. Comes with the original letter of the HJ boy and also enveloppe!

Provenance: From the estate of former HJ member Reinhold Brennfleck (1928–2022) from Lauda, Baden, who wrote to numerous Ritterkreuzträger in 1943–1944 requesting signatures and signed photographs, forming an exceptional wartime autograph collection.

Original wartime signature on a wartime photograph of Hans Heindorff. Oberleutnant Hans Heindorff (05.05.1915, Celle/Hannover † 07.10.2004, Nebel/Schleswig-Holstein) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 21 October 1942 as Flugzeugführer und Beobachter with a Fernaufklärungsgruppe of the Oberbefehlshaber der Luftwaffe (O.b.d.L.). Serving as a long-range reconnaissance aviator, Heindorff distinguished himself in one of the Luftwaffe’s most demanding operational roles, conducting hazardous deep reconnaissance missions over enemy territory and open sea. As both pilot and observer, he played a critical role in gathering strategic intelligence essential for German air and naval operations. His service in 3.(F)/Aufklärungsgruppe O.b.d.L. brought him recognition as one of the Luftwaffe’s most accomplished long-range reconnaissance officers. His sustained operational success, leadership, and outstanding achievements in aerial reconnaissance led to the award of the Knight’s Cross in October 1942.

His known awards included the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse, Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse, the Luftwaffe Ehrenpokal für besondere Leistungen im Luftkrieg (8 December 1941), the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold (4 May 1942), and the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.

A highly desirable original autograph of Knight’s Cross holder Oberleutnant Hans Heindorff, signed in period on an attractive wartime portrait photograph. Size: 12,3×9,4cm. Comes with the enveloppe.

Provenance: From the estate of former HJ member Reinhold Brennfleck (1928–2022) from Lauda, Baden, who wrote to numerous Ritterkreuzträger in 1943–1944 requesting signatures and signed photographs, forming an exceptional wartime autograph collection.

Original wartime signature on a wartime photograph of Kurt Fricke. Admiral Kurt Fricke (08.11.1889, Berlin/Prussia † 02.05.1945, Berlin/Prussia) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 1 October 1942 as Admiral and Chef des Stabes der Seekriegsleitung at the Oberkommando der Marine (OKM). A career naval officer, Fricke joined the Imperial German Navy prior to the First World War and remained in service through the Reichsmarine and later Kriegsmarine. During the Second World War, he held several important staff and command appointments, culminating in his role as Chief of Staff of the Naval War Command (Seekriegsleitung), where he played a significant role in strategic naval planning and operational command during the height of Germany’s maritime war. He received the Knight’s Cross in recognition of his leadership and command achievements within the Oberkommando der Marine. Fricke remained in Berlin during the final days of the Third Reich and died there on 2 May 1945, during the collapse of Nazi Germany.

His known awards included the Finnish Order of the Cross of Liberty, 1st Class with Star and Swords (Vapaudenristin 1. luokka rintatähtineen mit Schwertern), awarded on 25 March 1942, as well as the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.

A highly desirable original autograph of Knight’s Cross holder Admiral Kurt Fricke, signed in period on an attractive wartime portrait photograph. Comes with the enveloppe!

Provenance: From the estate of former HJ member Reinhold Brennfleck (1928–2022) from Lauda, Baden, who wrote to numerous Ritterkreuzträger in 1943–1944 requesting signatures and signed photographs, forming an exceptional wartime autograph collection.

Original of a Studioportrait of Generalmajor Stalag XI A Altengrabow, signed on the reverse with typed text. I cannot identify him, could be von Werher? Postcardsize.

Original wartime signature on a wartime photograph of Wolfgang Kaden. Kapitänleutnant der Reserve Wolfgang Kaden (05.12.1899, Leipzig † 09.07.1942, near Hammerfest) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 18 December 1940 as Kommandant of UJ 116, 11. Unterseebootsjagdflottille. Since the outbreak of the war, Kaden served as commander of a submarine chaser and distinguished himself during the Norwegian Campaign in escort, security, and anti-submarine operations. He gained particular recognition through his success in U-boat hunting, being credited with the destruction of at least three enemy submarines, including the British submarine HMS H49 on 18 October 1940 off Texel and the Soviet submarine K-23, commanded by Magomet Gadzhiyev, on 12 May 1942 off Nordkyn. For his exceptional leadership, boldness, and effectiveness in anti-submarine warfare, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross. Kaden was killed in action on 9 July 1942 when his submarine chaser U-Jäger 1110 struck a naval mine and sank near Hammerfest. He was posthumously promoted to Korvettenkapitän der Reserve.

His known awards included the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (15 December 1939), Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse, Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch-, U-Boots-, Jagd- und Sicherungsverbände, and the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.

A highly desirable original autograph of Knight’s Cross holder Kapitänleutnant der Reserve Wolfgang Kaden, signed in period on an attractive wartime portrait photograph.

Provenance: From the estate of former HJ member Reinhold Brennfleck (1928–2022) from Lauda, Baden, who wrote to numerous Ritterkreuzträger in 1943–1944 requesting signatures and signed photographs, forming an exceptional wartime autograph collection.