Sturmabzeichen Award Doc: Pionier-Kompanie 714 (714. Infanterie-Division)
€75,00An authentic wartime award document issued to Gefreiter Karcher, who served with Pionierkompanie 714 of the 714. Infanterie-Division (later re-designated as the 114. Jäger-Division).
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Award: Allgemeines Sturmabzeichen (General Assault Badge)
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Reason: For active participation in 3 infantry assaults
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Signed by: Generalmajor Friedrich Stahl (Divisional Commander)
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Condition: Document was folded in the past; overall condition as seen
Historical Context
The 714. Infanterie-Division was formed in 1941 and deployed primarily in the Balkans, where it took part in anti-partisan operations. In 1943, it was reorganized and renamed the 114. Jäger-Division, continuing service in Italy.
The Allgemeines Sturmabzeichen was instituted in 1940 and awarded to soldiers who participated in three or more infantry assaults, counter-attacks, or close combat actions, often highlighting the courage and frontline involvement of support troops such as pioneers.
Collector’s Note
A desirable and well-documented award paper, featuring the scarce divisional connection to both the Balkans campaign and the later Italian front. The signature of Generalmajor Friedrich Stahl further enhances the historical and collector’s value.
Eduard Dietl – 3.Geb.Div., Gebirgs-Korps Norwegen & 20. Gebirgsarmee (Schwertern) (Wartime Signed)
€155,00Original Wartime Signature on a Postcard of Generaloberst Eduard Dietl (21 July 1890 † 23 June 1944) was one of the most renowned commanders of the German mountain troops (Gebirgstruppe) during the Second World War. Rising from Generalleutnant to Generaloberst, he led German forces in Norway and later commanded the 20. Gebirgsarmee in the far north. He was among the earliest recipients of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes and one of the very few to be awarded the Eichenlaub and Schwertern.
Awards and Decorations
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Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross – 9 May 1940, as Generalleutnant und Kommandeur of 3. Gebirgs-Division.
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Oak Leaves (Eichenlaub) – 19 July 1940, as Generalleutnant und Kommandierender General of Gebirgs-Korps Norwegen.
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Swords (Schwertern) – 1 July 1944, as Generaloberst und Oberbefehlshaber of 20. Gebirgsarmee.
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Additional awards: Iron Cross (1914) 1st and 2nd Class, Clasp to the Iron Cross (1939), and numerous foreign and campaign decorations.
Item Details
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Original wartime signature of Generaloberst Eduard Dietl.
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Signed on a wartime postcard.
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Condition: As seen – period ink signature, postcard stock consistent with the era.
Death
On 23 June 1944, the Ju 52 transport aircraft carrying Dietl crashed near Rettenegg, Styria, killing him along with General der Infanterie Thomas-Emil von Wickede, General der Gebirgstruppe Karl Eglseer, Generalleutnant Franz Rossi, and three others. There were no survivors.
Collector’s Note
Eduard Dietl remains one of the most iconic figures of the Gebirgstruppe and among the most decorated German commanders of WWII. His status as a Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern recipient, combined with his high command role and tragic death in 1944, makes his original wartime autograph a highly desirable and rare collectible.
Theodor Scherer – 281. Sicherungs-Division (Eichenlaub) (Wartime Signed)
€150,00Original Wartime Signature on a Postcard of Generalleutnant Theodor Scherer (17 July 1889 † 11 May 1951) was a German Army officer best known for his leadership during the Demyansk Pocket battles in 1942. As commander of the 281. Sicherungs-Division, Scherer’s determined defense against Soviet forces earned him both the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes and later the Eichenlaub to the Knight’s Cross.
Awards and Decorations
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Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross – 20 February 1942, as Generalmajor und Kommandeur of 281. Sicherungs-Division.
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Oak Leaves (Eichenlaub) – 5 August 1942, as Generalleutnant und Kommandeur of 281. Sicherungs-Division.
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Iron Cross (1914) 1st and 2nd Class.
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Clasp to the Iron Cross (1939) 1st and 2nd Class.
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Additional Wehrmacht and long service awards.
Item Details
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Original wartime signature of Generalleutnant Theodor Scherer.
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Signed on a wartime postcard.
Collector’s Note
Theodor Scherer is remembered as the “Hero of Demyansk” for his role in the encirclement battles on the Eastern Front. His autograph is scarce and highly collectible, particularly on wartime material, as he received both the Knight’s Cross and Oak Leaves within the same year of heavy combat.
Hugo Primozic – Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 667 (Eichenlaub) (Wartime Signature)
€100,00Original Wartime Signature on a Wartime Postcard of Hugo Primozic. Oberleutnant Hugo Primozic (16 February 1914 – 18 March 1996) was one of the most successful Sturmgeschütz (assault gun) commanders of the Second World War. Serving with Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 667, he achieved remarkable success against Soviet armor, earning both the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross and the Oak Leaves within a span of just a few months in late 1942 and early 1943. His extraordinary tally of destroyed enemy tanks made him one of the legendary figures of the German assault gun arm.
Awards and Decorations
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Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 19 September 1942, as Wachtmeister and Zugführer, 2./Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 667.
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Awarded for destroying 45 enemy tanks during fighting in the central sector of the Eastern Front. Of these, Primozic destroyed 24 in one day (15 September 1942), halting a major Soviet breakthrough.
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Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub) – 25 January 1943, as Oberwachtmeister and Zugführer, 2./Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 667.
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Awarded for raising his total of destroyed tanks to 60. On 11 December 1942 alone, he destroyed 7 Soviet tanks during a counterattack.
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Career Highlights
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Zugführer (platoon leader) in 2./Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 667, operating on the Eastern Front.
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September 1942: Destroyed 24 tanks in a single day, preventing a Soviet breakthrough – a feat that earned him the Ritterkreuz.
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December 1942: In another display of skill and tenacity, destroyed 7 tanks in one day, bringing his tally to 60 and earning him the Eichenlaub.
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Rose to the rank of Oberleutnant before the war’s end.
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Survived the conflict and lived until 1996.
Item Details
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Authentic wartime signature of Hugo Primozic.
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Signed on a wartime postcard.
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Condition: Good, clear and well-preserved.
Collector’s Note
Hugo Primozic stands among the most celebrated Sturmgeschütz aces of the German Army. His tank-destroying record – especially the extraordinary achievement of 24 tanks in a single day – has become legendary. His autograph, particularly on a wartime postcard, is a prized piece for collectors of Panzerjäger history, Ritterkreuz recipients, and Eastern Front memorabilia.
Horst Niemack – Aufklärungs-Abt. 5 & Panzer-Füsilier-Rgt. “Großdeutschland” (Schwertern) (Wartime Signed)
€145,00Original Wartime Signature on a Wartime Postcard of Generalmajor Horst Niemack (10 March 1909, Hannover † 7 April 1992, Groß Hehlen) was a highly decorated German Army officer and one of the most famous commanders of the Großdeutschland Division. Beginning his career as a Rittmeister in cavalry and reconnaissance units, he rose to command the Panzer-Füsilier-Regiment “Großdeutschland”. Niemack was one of the rare recipients of the Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern.
Awards and Decorations
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Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross – 14 July 1940, as Rittmeister und Kommandeur of Aufklärungs-Abteilung 5.
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Oak Leaves (Eichenlaub) – 10 August 1941, as Rittmeister und Kommandeur of Aufklärungs-Abteilung 5, 5. Infanterie-Division.
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Swords (Schwertern) – 4 June 1944, as Oberst und Kommandeur of Panzer-Füsilier-Regiment “Großdeutschland,” Panzer-Grenadier-Division “Großdeutschland”.
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Iron Cross (1939) 1st and 2nd Class, German Cross in Gold, and other Wehrmacht service and campaign decorations.
Item Details
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Original wartime signature of Generalmajor Horst Niemack.
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Signed on a wartime postcard.
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Condition: As seen – period ink autograph on postcard stock.
Collector’s Note
Horst Niemack was one of the most prominent commanders of the Großdeutschland Division, leading elite infantry and armored formations in some of the fiercest fighting on the Eastern Front. His status as a Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords recipient makes his autograph especially desirable for advanced collectors of Heer and Großdeutschland memorabilia.
Werner Pankow – Infanterie-Regiment 151 (Wartime Signed)
€95,00Original Wartime Signature on a Postcard of Werner Pankow. Hauptmann Dr. Werner Pankow (02.02.1897 † 06.09.1980) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on September 20, 1941 as Hauptmann d.R. und Führer of the II. Bataillon/ Infanterie-Regiment 151 of 61. Infanterie-Division. Good condition. Edges have been cut.
Provenance: This signature comes from one of the largest postwar signature collection I’ve ever commissioned. This collection was started by a Waffen-SS Veteran, Werner H., in the 1950’s until he passed away.
Ernst Gürke – Flak-Regiment 43 (Wartime Signed)
€85,00Original Wartime Signture on a Postcard of Major Ernst Gürke (23 May 1899, Posen † 7 May 1946) was a Luftwaffe officer who rose to command Flak-Regiment 43 during the Second World War. His leadership in heavy anti-aircraft operations earned him high distinction, including the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.
Awards and Decorations
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Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross – 3 November 1942, as Major and Kommandeur of Flak-Regiment 43.
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Iron Cross (1939) 1st and 2nd Class.
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Other Luftwaffe service and campaign awards.
Item Details
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Original wartime signature of Major Ernst Gürke.
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Signed on a wartime postcard.
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Size: standard postcard format.
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Condition: As seen – clear period ink signature with handling consistent with age.
Collector’s Note
Scarce autograph of a Luftwaffe Knight’s Cross recipient and flak regiment commander. Wartime-signed postcards from decorated Flak officers are far less common than those of fighter aces or Panzer leaders, making this a distinctive addition for collectors of Luftwaffe and Ritterkreuz history.
Otto Schniewind – Seekriegsleitung & Oberbefehlshaber des Marinegruppenkommandos Nord (Wartime Signed)
€0,01Original Postwar Signature of Generaladmiral Otto Schniewind (14 December 1887, Saarlouis † 26 March 1964, Linz) was a senior officer of the German Kriegsmarine during the Second World War. He rose through the ranks to serve as Vizeadmiral und Chef des Stabes der Seekriegsleitung (Chief of Staff of Naval Warfare Command), later commanding major naval formations.
Schniewind played a pivotal role in planning and overseeing naval operations, particularly during the Norwegian Campaign of 1940. His service earned him high recognition, and he remained one of the Kriegsmarine’s most senior figures until the final stages of the war.
Awards and Decorations
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Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 21 April 1940, as Vizeadmiral and Chief of Staff of the Seekriegsleitung.
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Iron Cross (1914) 1st and 2nd Class.
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Clasp to the Iron Cross (1939) 1st and 2nd Class.
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Wehrmacht Long Service Awards.
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Other naval and foreign decorations.
Item Details
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Original wartime signature of Generaladmiral Otto Schniewind.
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Signed on a wartime postcard.
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Condition: As seen – crisp, period ink autograph on original card stock.
Collector’s Note
Autographs of Kriegsmarine Generaladmirale are highly desirable, particularly those tied to decorated figures such as Schniewind, whose career spanned both world wars and included a Knight’s Cross award for his key role in early naval operations. This original wartime-signed postcard is a scarce and valuable addition for collectors of Kriegsmarine history, Knight’s Cross recipients, and senior German naval commanders.
Original Double Death Card – U-boot “U-613” & Waffen-SS Brother
€75,00A very rare double death card commemorating two brothers who both lost their lives in WWII – one at sea as a U-boat sailor, the other as a Waffen-SS soldier.
Matrosengefreiter Karl Prechtl
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Service: Crew member of U-613, a Type VIIC submarine of the Kriegsmarine.
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Fate: On 23 July 1943, U-613 was sunk in the mid-Atlantic, south of the Azores, by depth charges from the American destroyer USS George E. Badger (DD-196). The attack occurred near Convoy UGS-12, with the destroyer operating as part of the escort group for the escort carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9).
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Loss: All 48 crew members were killed. Wreckage and bodies were observed on the surface after the attack.
His Brother Anton Prechtl
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Service: Member of the Waffen-SS.
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Fate: Killed in Action on 4 October 1944 near Bozen (Bolzano), South Tyrol, during the late-war fighting in northern Italy.
Item Details:
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Rare double Sterbebild, commemorating two brothers lost in different branches of service.
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Represents both the U-boat war in the Atlantic and the bitter ground fighting in Italy.
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Condition: As seen, with period wear appropriate for age.
Historical Context – U-613:
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Commissioned in 1941 as part of the Type VIIC class, U-613 conducted patrols in the Atlantic during the height of the Battle of the Atlantic.
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Her sinking in July 1943 reflects the increasing dominance of Allied anti-submarine tactics, with combined destroyer and escort carrier groups effectively sealing off the Atlantic.
Collector’s Note:
Double death cards are already scarce; examples combining a U-boat crewman and a Waffen-SS casualty are particularly striking. This piece highlights the fate of two brothers, one lost in the vast Atlantic with U-613, the other fallen in the mountains of northern Italy in 1944. A powerful family memorial with strong historical and emotional significance.
Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-Boot “U-578” (Unexplained Disappearance))
€55,00Original WWII death card (Sterbebild) for Matrosenobergefreiter Josef Seidl, who served aboard the German submarine U-578.
Service & Fate:
Josef Seidl was a crew member of U-578, a Type VIIC U-boat of the Kriegsmarine. On 6 August 1942, U-578 departed St. Nazaire for operations in the Bay of Biscay and was never heard from again. The submarine was officially declared lost with 49 dead (all hands).
Earlier accounts incorrectly credited her sinking to a Vickers Wellington H of RAF 311 (Czechoslovak) Squadron on 10 August 1942, but modern research has disproven this claim. The true cause of U-578’s disappearance remains unknown.
Item Details:
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Original wartime Sterbebild of Josef Seidl.
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Memorial for a sailor lost in one of the war’s unexplained U-boat disappearances.
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Condition: As seen, with expected age-related wear.
Historical Context – U-578:
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Type: Type VIIC submarine, backbone of the German U-boat fleet.
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Patrols: Took part in Atlantic convoy hunting operations during the height of the Battle of the Atlantic.
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Loss: Her disappearance highlights the dangers of minefields, technical failures, or unrecorded Allied attacks, which remain part of the mystery surrounding U-boat warfare.
Collector’s Note:
Death cards from mysteriously lost U-boats like U-578 are highly sought after. This example, dedicated to Josef Seidl, connects directly to one of the Kriegsmarine’s unsolved wartime losses. A poignant and historically significant addition to any collection of U-boat and naval memorabilia.
Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-Boot “U-254” (Sunk due Collission with U-221!)
€55,00Original WWII death card (Sterbebild) honoring Heinrich Jerzenbeck, a crew member of the German submarine U-254.
Service & Fate:
Jerzenbeck served aboard U-254, a Type VIIC U-boat of the Kriegsmarine. On 8 December 1942, while operating in the North Atlantic south-east of Cape Farewell, Greenland, U-254 collided with U-221 at position 58.45N, 33.02W. The submarine was lost with 41 men killed, while only 4 survived.
Item Details:
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Original WWII Sterbebild memorial card.
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Commemorates a fallen U-boat crewman from the Atlantic campaign.
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Condition: As seen, with age wear consistent with period authenticity.
Historical Context – U-254:
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Type: VIIC U-boat, the standard class of Germany’s U-Bootwaffe.
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Patrols: Prior to its loss, U-254 had operated against Allied shipping during the critical mid-war period.
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Fate: The loss highlights the extreme dangers of U-boat service—not only from enemy action but also from accidents at sea.
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Casualties: 41 dead, 4 survivors, making this one of the rare instances of U-boat losses caused by a collision with another German submarine.
Collector’s Note:
A poignant and scarce Kriegsmarine death card, tied to the tragic story of U-254. Items related to submarines lost through non-combat accidents are particularly notable, offering a unique perspective on the dangers faced by U-boat crews. A meaningful addition to any U-boat or Kriegsmarine collection.
Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-Boot “U-332” (Sunk by British Liberator)
€55,00Original WWII death card (Sterbebild) commemorating Josef Schneider, a crew member of the German submarine U-332.
Service & Fate:
Schneider served aboard U-332, a Type VIIC U-boat of the Kriegsmarine. On 29 April 1943, U-332 was sunk in the Bay of Biscay north of Cape Finisterre, Spain, at position 45.08N, 09.33W. The submarine was destroyed by depth charges from a British Liberator aircraft of No. 224 Squadron RAF (D). All 45 men on board were lost, with no survivors.
Item Details:
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Original WWII Sterbebild memorial card.
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Honors a fallen U-boat crewman from the Battle of the Atlantic.
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Condition: As seen, with period age wear.
Historical Context – U-332:
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Type: Type VIIC U-boat, the backbone of Germany’s submarine fleet.
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Patrols: Before her loss, U-332 completed several war patrols and successfully attacked Allied shipping.
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Loss: By spring 1943, Allied anti-submarine measures, including long-range patrol aircraft like the Liberator, were turning the tide of the Atlantic war. U-332’s destruction was part of this intensified campaign.
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Crew: 45 dead (all hands lost) highlights the extreme risks and fatal outcomes common among U-boat crews.
Collector’s Note:
This memorial card for Josef Schneider of U-332 represents not only the sacrifice of one man but also the fate of an entire U-boat crew during the turning point of the Battle of the Atlantic. A poignant and historically significant addition for any Kriegsmarine or U-boat collection.
Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-Boot “U-222” (Collided with “U-626”)
€55,00Original WWII death card (Sterbebild) commemorating Richard Donhauser, a crew member of the German submarine U-222.
Service & Fate:
Donhauser served aboard U-222, a Type VIIC U-boat of the Kriegsmarine. On 2 September 1942, during training operations in the Baltic Sea west of Pillau, U-222 collided with U-626 and sank at position 54.25N, 19.30E. Of the crew, 42 men perished and only 3 survived.
Item Details:
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Original wartime Sterbebild memorial card.
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Honors a submariner lost in a rare training accident rather than combat.
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Condition: Good, with light age wear.
Historical Context – U-222:
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Type: Type VIIC U-boat, backbone of the German U-boat fleet.
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Role: Training and preparation for operational deployment.
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Loss: Unlike many U-boats sunk in the North Atlantic by Allied forces, U-222’s loss came through a collision during exercises, highlighting the inherent dangers of submarine service even far from enemy action.
Collector’s Note:
This death card for Richard Donhauser represents the sacrifices of U-boat crews not only in combat but also in training. With only 3 survivors out of 45 men, the loss of U-222 stands as a stark reminder of the constant risks faced by the Kriegsmarine’s submarine arm. A poignant and historically significant piece for collectors of U-boat and Kriegsmarine memorabilia.
Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember (Narvikschild!) – U-Boot “U-567” (Sunk by British Sloop HMS Deptford)
€55,00Original WWII death card (Sterbebild) for Otto Lehr, a crew member of the German submarine U-567.
Service & Fate:
Lehr served aboard U-567, a Type VIIC U-boat of the Kriegsmarine. On 21 December 1941, the submarine was sunk in the North Atlantic north-east of the Azores, at position 44.02N, 20.10W, after being attacked with depth charges from the British sloop HMS Deptford. The boat was lost with all 47 crew members.
Item Details:
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Original wartime Sterbebild memorial card.
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Commemorates a sailor lost at sea with his boat during the height of the Battle of the Atlantic.
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Condition: As seen, with light age wear consistent with period pieces.
Historical Context – U-567:
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Type: Type VIIC U-boat, the workhorse of the German submarine fleet.
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Role: Assigned to the 1st U-boat Flotilla, U-567 operated in the North Atlantic.
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Commander: At the time of her loss, U-567 was under Kapitänleutnant Engelbert Endrass, a Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves holder and one of Germany’s notable U-boat aces.
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Loss: The sinking marked the end of Endrass’s career and deprived the Kriegsmarine of one of its most promising young commanders.
Collector’s Note:
This death card is not only a memorial to Otto Lehr but also directly connected to Kapitänleutnant Endrass, one of the most famous U-boat commanders. With all 47 hands lost, U-567’s sinking reflects the extreme risks of submarine warfare. An evocative and historically significant piece for collectors of Kriegsmarine and U-boat memorabilia.
Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-Boot “U-520” (Sunk by Canadian Digby aircraft)
€55,00Original WWII death card (Sterbebild) for Josef Schillinger, a crew member of the German submarine U-520.
Service & Fate:
Schillinger served aboard U-520, a Type IXC U-boat of the Kriegsmarine. On 30 October 1942, the submarine was sunk in the North Atlantic east of Newfoundland, at position 47.47N, 49.50W, by depth charges from a Canadian Digby aircraft (No. 10 Squadron RCAF/Z). The entire crew of 53 men perished — all hands lost.
Item Details:
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Original wartime Sterbebild memorial card.
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Commemorates a sailor lost with his boat during the Battle of the Atlantic.
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Condition: As seen, with period patina and age wear.
Historical Context – U-520:
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Type: Type IXC U-boat, designed for long-range patrols in distant waters.
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Patrols: Operated in the Atlantic during 1942, a period of high U-boat activity against Allied shipping.
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Loss: The sinking by Canadian forces highlights the growing effectiveness of Allied anti-submarine warfare in the Northwest Atlantic by late 1942.
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Casualties: All 53 crew members lost, making this Sterbebild a poignant remembrance of the human cost of submarine warfare.
Collector’s Note:
Death cards from U-boat crew members are especially collectible when connected to boats that suffered the fate of total loss at sea. This Sterbebild for Josef Schillinger of U-520 preserves the personal memory of one of the 53 sailors who perished, making it a rare and historically significant piece for collectors of Kriegsmarine and Battle of the Atlantic memorabilia.
Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-Boot “U-226” (Sunk East of Newfoundland, UK)
€50,00Original WWII death card (Sterbebild) for Sepp Grundl, a crew member of the German submarine U-226.
Service & Fate:
Grundl served aboard U-226, a Type VIIC U-boat of the Kriegsmarine. On 6 November 1943, the submarine was sunk in the North Atlantic east of Newfoundland, at position 44.49N, 41.13W, by depth charges from the British sloops HMS Starling, HMS Woodcock, and HMS Kite. The entire crew of 51 men perished — all hands lost.
Item Details:
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Original wartime Sterbebild memorial card.
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Dedicated to a fallen U-boat sailor.
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Condition: As seen, with period patina and light age wear.
Historical Context – U-226:
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Type: Type VIIC U-boat, the most common German submarine class of WWII.
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Operations: Conducted Atlantic patrols during the height of the Battle of the Atlantic.
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Loss: Destroyed in November 1943 during heavy Allied anti-submarine operations by escort groups.
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Significance: U-226’s destruction underlines the increasing effectiveness of Allied convoy escorts and hunter-killer groups from 1943 onward.
Collector’s Note:
Death cards from U-boat crewmen are highly collectible, especially when tied to boats where all hands were lost. This example for Sepp Grundl of U-226 offers a personal and poignant remembrance of the immense risks faced by U-boat sailors during the later, deadly phase of the Battle of the Atlantic.
Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-Boot “U-375” (Sunk by British Destroyers)
€55,00Original WII death card (Sterbebild) for Rudolf Braun, a crew member of the German submarine U-74.
Service & Fate:
Rudolf Braun served aboard U-74, a Type VIIB U-boat of the Kriegsmarine. On 2 May 1942, the submarine was sunk in the Mediterranean east-southeast of Cartagena, Spain, at position 37.12N, 00.01E, by depth charges from the British destroyers HMS Wishart and HMS Wrestler. The entire crew of 47 men perished — no survivors.
Item Details:
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Original wartime Sterbebild memorial card.
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Commemorates the ultimate sacrifice of a U-boat crewman.
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Condition: As seen, with period patina and age-related wear.
Historical Context – U-74:
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Type: Type VIIB U-boat, an early but effective design.
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Operations: Served in the Atlantic and later the Mediterranean, supporting Axis naval operations.
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Loss: Destroyed in May 1942 during the intensified Allied anti-submarine campaign in the Mediterranean.
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Significance: U-74’s sinking highlighted the increasing dangers U-boats faced in contested waters, particularly from coordinated destroyer patrols.
Collector’s Note:
Death cards from U-boat crews represent both personal remembrance and a stark reminder of the heavy toll of the Battle of the Atlantic and Mediterranean. With all hands lost, this piece offers a direct and human connection to the men who served — and died — in the Kriegsmarine’s submarine arm.
Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-Boot “U-384” (Sunk by British Fortress!)
€55,00Original WWII death card (Sterbebild) for Karl Huf, a crew member of the German submarine U-384.
Service & Fate:
Karl Huf served aboard U-384, a Type VIIC U-boat of the Kriegsmarine. On 19 March 1943, at 1745 hrs, the submarine was sunk in the North Atlantic west of Ireland, at position 54.18N, 26.15W. The sinking was caused by depth charges dropped by a British Fortress aircraft (206 Sqn RAF/B). All 47 crew members were lost — no survivors.
Item Details:
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Original wartime Sterbebild commemorating Karl Huf.
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A poignant relic tied to the Battle of the Atlantic.
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Condition: As seen, with natural age-related wear.
Historical Context – U-384:
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Type: Type VIIC, the workhorse of the German U-Bootwaffe.
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Patrols: Conducted only two patrols.
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Loss: Destroyed during the height of the 1943 “air gap” battles, when Allied aircraft extended their coverage deep into the Atlantic.
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Legacy: The destruction of U-384 illustrates the increasing vulnerability of German U-boats during the critical turning point of the Battle of the Atlantic.
Collector’s Note:
This death card serves as both a personal memorial and a tangible link to the brutal campaign waged beneath the Atlantic waves. Pieces connected to U-boat crews lost with all hands are particularly valued, reflecting the tragic sacrifices of the U-Bootwaffe.
Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-Boot “U-194” (Sunk by US Catalina Aircraft)
€55,00Original WWII death card (Sterbebild) for Heinrich Lutz, a crew member of German submarine U-194.
Service & Fate:
Heinrich Lutz served aboard U-194, a Type IXC/40 long-range U-boat of the Kriegsmarine. On 24 June 1943, during its maiden patrol, U-194 was sunk in the North Atlantic south-west of Iceland at position 59.00N, 26.18W. The submarine was destroyed by a newly introduced Fido homing torpedo launched from a U.S. Navy Catalina aircraft (VP-84 USN/G). All 54 crew members perished — there were no survivors.
Item Details:
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Original wartime Sterbebild (death card) of Heinrich Lutz.
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A solemn memorial from one of the U-boat arm’s darkest periods.
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Condition: As seen, with expected age wear.
Historical Context – U-194:
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Type: Type IXC/40, a larger and longer-ranged variant of the Type IX U-boat.
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Commissioned: 1942 under Korvettenkapitän Hermann Hess.
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Patrols: Only one, beginning in June 1943.
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Significance: U-194 was among the first U-boats destroyed by the revolutionary Fido (Mk 24 “Mine”) acoustic homing torpedo, marking a turning point in Allied anti-submarine warfare.
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Legacy: Its loss exemplified the increasing danger faced by U-boat crews in 1943, the “black year” of the U-boat arm.
Collector’s Note:
This death card represents not just a single fallen sailor, but also a key moment in U-boat history — the devastating effectiveness of Allied technological advances against the once-feared “grey wolves” of the Atlantic. With U-194 lost on her very first patrol, such pieces are scarce and highly desirable for collectors of Kriegsmarine and U-Bootwaffe history.
Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-Boot “U-215” (Sunk East of Boston, US!)
€55,00Original WWII death card (Sterbebild) for Ferdinand Popijal, a crew member of German submarine U-215.
Service & Fate:
Ferdinand Popijal served aboard U-215, a Type VIID minelaying U-boat of the Kriegsmarine. On 3 July 1942, during its first patrol, U-215 was sunk in the North Atlantic east of Boston at position 41.48N, 66.38W. The submarine was destroyed by depth charges from the British anti-submarine trawler HMS Le Tiger, while attempting to lay mines off Halifax. All 48 crew members perished — no survivors.
Item Details:
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Original wartime Sterbebild (death card) for Ferdinand Popijal.
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A poignant memorial to a fallen sailor of U-215.
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Condition: As seen, with age-related wear.
Historical Context – U-215:
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Type: Type VIID minelaying U-boat, one of only six built.
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Commissioned: 1941 under Kapitänleutnant Fritz Hoevelmann.
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Patrols: Only one war patrol.
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Final Mission: Attempted to lay mines in Canadian waters; sunk before completing its operation.
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Legacy: Its wreck was located in 2004 off Nova Scotia, designated a war grave.
Collector’s Note:
Death cards from the rare Type VIID minelaying U-boats are scarce, as these submarines were few in number and most were lost with all hands. The card of Ferdinand Popijal thus offers not only a personal link to the fallen crew but also to a very rare class of U-boat, making it a highly desirable piece for collectors of Kriegsmarine and Battle of the Atlantic memorabilia.
Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-Boot “U-460” (Sunk by US Avenger & Wildcraft Aircraft)
€55,00Original WWII death card (Sterbebild) for Hans Hobelsberger, a crew member of German submarine U-460.
Service & Fate:
Hans Hobelsberger served aboard U-460, a Type XIV “Milchkuh” supply submarine of the Kriegsmarine. On 4 October 1943, while operating in the North Atlantic north of the Azores, the U-boat was attacked by aircraft from the American escort carrier USS Card (CVE-11). Depth charges dropped by Avenger and Wildcat aircraft of VC-9 Squadron sank the submarine at position 43.18N, 28.58W. Out of the crew, 62 men perished and only 2 survived.
Item Details:
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Original wartime Sterbebild (death card) commemorating Hans Hobelsberger.
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A solemn remembrance of his service aboard U-460.
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Condition: As seen, with period patina and wear.
Historical Context – U-460:
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Type: Type XIV supply submarine (“Milchkuh”).
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Commissioned: 1941 under Korvettenkapitän Friedrich Schäfer.
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Role: Served as a critical mid-Atlantic tanker and supply boat, refueling combat U-boats far from base.
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Loss: Destroyed in October 1943 during intensified Allied anti-submarine operations — part of the turning tide in the Battle of the Atlantic.
Collector’s Note:
Death cards related to supply U-boats (Milchkühe) are exceptionally rare, as these submarines were few in number and most were lost in 1943–44. The card of Hans Hobelsberger represents not only the human cost of submarine warfare but also the vital role of the “Milchkühe” in sustaining U-boat operations across the Atlantic. A scarce and highly desirable item for collectors of U-boat history and Battle of the Atlantic memorabilia.
Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-Boot “U-418” (Sunk by a British Catalina aircraft)
€55,00Original WWII death card (Sterbebild) for Johann “Hans” Stuck, a crew member of German submarine U-418.
Service & Fate:
Hans Stuck served aboard U-418, a Type VIIC U-boat of the Kriegsmarine. On 30 May 1943, while operating in the Bay of Biscay southwest of Brest, France, the boat was sunk by depth charges dropped from a British Catalina aircraft (210 Squadron RAF/G). The attack resulted in the loss of all 48 crew members — no survivors.
Item Details:
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Original wartime Sterbebild (death card) commemorating Hans Stuck.
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Honors his service and sacrifice aboard U-418.
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Condition: As seen; shows period age and wear.
Historical Context – U-418:
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Type: Type VIIC Atlantic-class submarine.
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Commissioned: January 1942 under Kapitänleutnant Heinz Buchholz.
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Operations: Conducted only one war patrol.
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Loss: Sunk on its maiden patrol in May 1943 during the critical Battle of the Atlantic air–sea campaign.
Collector’s Note:
Death cards tied to U-boat crews lost with all hands are highly collectible and historically important. This example for Johann “Hans” Stuck of U-418 is a poignant memorial to the perilous service of the U-bootwaffe, where casualty rates were among the highest of any branch in WWII. A scarce and evocative remembrance piece from the Battle of the Atlantic.
Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-Boot “U-189” (Sunk by British Liberator)
€55,00Original WWII death card (Sterbebild) for Xaver Ehrensperger, a crew member of German submarine U-189.
Service & Fate:
Xaver Ehrensperger served aboard U-189, a Type IXC/40 U-boat of the Kriegsmarine. On 23 April 1943, U-189 was sunk in the North Atlantic east of Cape Farewell, Greenland, at position 59.50N, 34.43W. The submarine was destroyed by depth charges dropped from a British Consolidated B-24 Liberator of No. 120 Squadron RAF (pilot: F/O D.E. Curtis).
The sinking resulted in the loss of all 54 crew members, including Ehrensperger — no survivors.
Item Details:
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Original wartime Sterbebild (death card) of Xaver Ehrensperger.
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Commemorates his sacrifice while serving on U-189.
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Condition: As seen; light handling wear consistent with age.
Historical Context – U-189:
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Type: Type IXC/40 ocean-going U-boat.
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Commissioned: 1942 under Kapitänleutnant Hellmut Kallmann.
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Operations: Operated in the North Atlantic against Allied convoys.
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Loss: Destroyed on her first patrol in April 1943, with the total loss of crew.
Collector’s Note:
Death cards linked to U-boat crews lost with all hands are highly sought after, as they represent both personal remembrance and the broader tragedy of the Battle of the Atlantic. This example for Xaver Ehrensperger of U-189 is a poignant reminder of the extreme dangers faced by German submariners, who suffered some of the highest casualty rates of any service in WWII.
Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-Boot “U-578” (MIA August 1942, No Explanation)
€55,00Original WWII death card (Sterbebild) for Martin Braun, a crew member of German submarine U-578.
Service & Fate:
Martin Braun served aboard U-578, a Type VIIC U-boat of the Kriegsmarine. On 6 August 1942, the submarine was reported missing in the Bay of Biscay. No explanation for her loss has ever been determined. The disappearance resulted in the loss of all 49 crew members, including Braun — no survivors.
Item Details:
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Original wartime Sterbebild (death card) of U-boat crew member Martin Braun.
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Commemorates his sacrifice while serving aboard U-578.
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Condition: As seen; shows age and wear consistent with period.
Historical Context – U-578:
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Type: Type VIIC Atlantic-class submarine.
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Commissioned: 1941 under Kapitänleutnant Ernst-August Rehwinkel.
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Operational History: Took part in Atlantic convoy battles, credited with sinking several Allied vessels.
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Loss: Disappeared without trace in August 1942 in the Bay of Biscay; circumstances remain unknown.
Collector’s Note:
Death cards linked to U-boats lost with all hands are highly sought after, as they reflect both personal remembrance and the perilous nature of the Battle of the Atlantic, where over 70% of U-boat crews never returned. This example for Martin Braun of U-578 offers a poignant and rare memorial connection to one of the Kriegsmarine’s many missing submarines.
Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-Boot “U-609” (Sunk by a Free French corvette)
€30,00Original WWII death card (Sterbebild) for Willibald Engelbrecht, a crew member of the German submarine U-609.
Service & Fate:
Engelbrecht served aboard U-609, a Type VIIC U-boat of the Kriegsmarine. On 6 February 1943, at 2204 hours, U-609 was sunk in the North Atlantic south-east of Cape Farwell, Greenland, at position 54.56N, 28.11W. The submarine was destroyed by depth charges from the Free French corvette Lobelia. All 47 crew members perished, with no survivors.
Item Details:
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Original WWII Sterbebild memorial card.
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Commemorates a submariner lost with his entire crew during the height of the Battle of the Atlantic.
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Condition: As seen, with natural signs of age.
Historical Context – U-609:
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Type: Type VIIC U-boat, the most numerous and iconic U-boat class.
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Loss: The destruction of U-609 is notable as part of the Allied anti-submarine campaign, where even Free French naval forces played a decisive role in closing the Atlantic shipping lanes to German raiders.
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Crew: 47 men lost, a stark reminder of the heavy toll faced by U-boat crews.
Collector’s Note:
This death card of Willibald Engelbrecht is a tangible piece of Kriegsmarine and U-boat history, tied directly to the dramatic naval struggle of the North Atlantic. Losses to Free French forces are comparatively rare, making this a particularly interesting addition for collectors of submarine and naval memorabilia.
Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-Boot “U-460” (Sunk by US Avenger & Wildcraft Aircraft)
€30,00Original WWII death card (Sterbebild) for Anton Bergbauer, a crew member of the German submarine U-460.
Service & Fate:
Bergbauer served aboard U-460, a Type XIV “Milchkuh” supply submarine of the Kriegsmarine. On 4 October 1943, the boat was sunk in the North Atlantic north of the Azores, at position 43.18N, 28.58W, by depth charges from Avenger and Wildcat aircraft (VC-9) of the American escort carrier USS Card. Of the crew, 62 men were killed and only 2 survived.
Item Details:
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Original wartime Sterbebild memorial card.
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Commemorates a sailor lost with his boat in one of the rare supply U-boat sinkings.
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Condition: As seen, with natural age wear and patina.
Historical Context – U-460:
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Type: Type XIV U-boat (nicknamed Milchkuh or “Milk Cow”), designed to resupply other U-boats at sea.
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Role: These boats carried fuel, torpedoes, food, and provisions, greatly extending the range of attack submarines during the Battle of the Atlantic.
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Loss: The sinking of U-460 was part of the concerted Allied effort to hunt down and destroy Milchkuh U-boats, severely weakening German U-boat endurance in the Atlantic.
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Casualties: The destruction of U-460 with 62 dead illustrates the high risks faced by even non-combatant support submarines.
Collector’s Note:
Sterbebilder from supply U-boats are especially scarce due to the limited number of these vessels built and their strategic importance. This death card for Anton Bergbauer offers a rare memorial to one of the sailors lost in the sinking of U-460, making it a significant and poignant addition for collectors of Kriegsmarine and Battle of the Atlantic relics.
WWII Order of the Golden Kite 7th Class
€145,00Original Order of the Golden Kite, 7th Class – In Case of Issue (1937–1945)
A fine and original example of the Order of the Golden Kite 7th Class, complete with its period presentation case featuring silvered Japanese lettering to the lid.
Award Background:
The Order of the Golden Kite (金鵄勲章, Kinshi Kunshō) was a Japanese military order established in 1890 by Emperor Meiji, awarded exclusively for bravery, leadership, or command in battle. It was conferred upon both officers and enlisted men who distinguished themselves in service to the Empire. The decoration ranked just below the Order of the Rising Sun but carried enormous prestige as a purely military award.
The 7th Class was the lowest grade, typically awarded to enlisted soldiers and non-commissioned officers for acts of valor in combat. Even so, it symbolized personal courage and devotion to duty in the field, often during the campaigns of the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–45) and the Pacific War.
Award Details:
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Type: Order of the Golden Kite, 7th Class
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Period: Shōwa Era, 1937–1945
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Material: Silvered and gilded construction with fine enamel work (stylized golden kite motif with crossed swords and rays).
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Case: Original issue case with silvered kanji inscription to the lid.
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Condition: As seen – light signs of handling and age, case intact.
Historical Context:
The Order of the Golden Kite was abolished in 1947 by the Allied occupation authorities, making surviving wartime-issued examples particularly sought after. Awards from the late 1930s to 1945 are strongly associated with the campaigns in China, Manchuria, and the Pacific theater.
Collector’s Note:
A desirable original and cased example of Japan’s prestigious wartime combat decoration, representing the valor of enlisted soldiers in the Imperial Japanese Army. The presence of the case with silvered characters enhances its value and display appeal.
WWII Imperial Japanese Army Visor Cap
€250,00A tailor-made officer’s visor cap crafted from high-quality khaki-colored wool, typical of the pre–WWII uniform style. This design, known as the Type 45 cap, carries the traditional features established in 1913, including the red wool piping and headband along with the low-peaked profile. These elements became standard for officer’s dress and remained in use through the end of the Second World War.
This particular example displays only slight wear and has been beautifully preserved, free from handling damage and without any moth damage. The visor does show age-related cracking, though stable with no risk of further deterioration. Inside, the cap retains its purple silk lining and ersatz leather sweatband, both fully intact.
Collector’s Note
This is a striking and well-preserved example of a Type 45 officer’s visor cap, representing the transitional pre-war and wartime styles. The quality tailoring, intact interior, and large display size make it not only a fine historical artifact but also a centerpiece for any advanced collection of WWII headgear. Among the most beautiful examples we have ever handled.
WWII Japanese Yosegaki Hinomaru “Good Luck Flag”
€0,01Original Yosegaki Hinomaru “Good Luck Flag” – Named to Mr. Tadao Hasimoto
An authentic Yosegaki Hinomaru flag which is filled with numerous signatures and good-luck messages written by family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers, radiating outward from the iconic red sun disc.
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Condition: Strong “been there” combat look, with visible staining, wear, and tears, attesting to genuine field use.
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Cultural significance: For a Japanese serviceman, such a flag carried immense symbolic and emotional weight, embodying the collective hopes, prayers, and exhortations of those left behind.
Center (inside the red sun)
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武運長久 (Buun Chōkyū) → “Eternal good fortune in battle.” (dominant central motto)
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Several vertical name signatures surround this phrase, though brushwork makes them hard to fully identify.
⬆️ Top section (above the red sun)
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Multiple vertical signatures of individuals.
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A few common good luck phrases:
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必勝 (Hisshō) → “Certain victory.”
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祈武運 (Inoru Buun) → “Prayers for good fortune in war.”
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➡️ Right section (to the right of the red sun)
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祈必勝 (Inoru Hisshō) → “Prayers for certain victory.”
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大日本帝国万歳 (Dai Nippon Teikoku Banzai) → “Long live the Empire of Japan.”
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Many personal names, often in two-character combinations (typical Japanese surnames):
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Some examples I can parse: 田中 (Tanaka), 佐藤 (Satō), 山本 (Yamamoto).
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Several brushstrokes are stylized, but these common surnames appear repeatedly on flags.
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⬇️ Bottom section (below the red sun)
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Another cluster of names.
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Repeated “必勝” (Certain victory) inscriptions.
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Possible name strings like 高橋 (Takahashi) and 松本 (Matsumoto) appear.
⬅️ Left section (to the left of the red sun)
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Vertical columns of signatures, most likely from work colleagues or villagers.
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A clear “必勝” again.
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Some likely surnames visible: 加藤 (Katō), 林 (Hayashi), 近藤 (Kondō).
✨ Summary of Main Content:
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Central motto: 武運長久 (“Eternal good fortune in battle”).
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Supporting slogans: 必勝 (“Certain victory”), 祈必勝 (“Prayers for victory”), 大日本帝国万歳 (“Long live the Empire of Japan”).
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Surrounding text: Mostly signatures of friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers — names like Tanaka, Satō, Yamamoto, Takahashi, Katō, etc.
Historical Context
The Hinomaru Yosegaki was a deeply personal and traditional gift given to departing Japanese soldiers during WWII. Every name and message inscribed was meant to lend spiritual strength, encourage bravery, and remind the soldier of his duty. It was believed that the combined power of these blessings would protect the owner in combat.
For men far from home, unfolding the flag meant reconnecting with loved ones. In many cases, servicemen left behind locks of hair or fingernail clippings with their families, symbolic tokens in case they did not return.
Collector’s Note
The powerful dedication to national service, is a highly evocative artifact of Imperial Japan’s wartime culture. With its heavy wear and visible age, it represents a genuine battlefield souvenir and a piece of history that once accompanied a soldier into service.
Propaganda Photograph – RKT Schnellboot Kommandant Kurt Fimmen
€0,01Original Propaganda Photograph – Knight’s Cross Schnellboot Commander Oberleutnant zur See Kurt Fimmen
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Subject: Oberleutnant zur See Kurt Fimmen (1911–2001), commander of Schnellboot S-26, holder of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross).
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Depicted as the Knight’s Cross–decorated commander of a Schnellboot formation, highlighted in propaganda under the caption „Schnellboote voran“.
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Unit: 1. Schnellbootsflottille
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Award: Knight’s Cross on 14 August 1940, for leadership and successes with Schnellboot S-26.
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Caption Reference: No. 5614/6
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Date/Reporter: Blitz-Attl., 12 September 1940 / Kriegsberichter Ortling
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Agency Stamp: Franz A. Schostal (Vienna) verso
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Size: approx. 18 × 13 cm
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Condition: As seen (handling traces and age wear, agency stamp on reverse)
Historical Note:
Kurt Fimmen, born 4 May 1911 in Wittenberge, Brandenburg, was a distinguished Schnellboot commander during WWII. He received the Knight’s Cross in August 1940 for his aggressive and successful leadership of S 26 in the English Channel. Postwar, he was held as a POW from May to August 1945, later living in Nordhorn, Lower Saxony, where he died in 2001. Propaganda photographs like this underlined the daring image of Schnellboot crews and their commanders, who were often celebrated as naval heroes.
Propaganda Photograph – Turkish Officers Visit the Eastern Front (Löhr, Hendrick & Mölders!)
€0,01Original Propaganda Photograph – Turkish Officers Visit the Eastern Front
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Subject: Visit of a Turkish officer delegation to the Eastern Front.
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Generaloberst Löhr in conversation with General Ali Fuat Erden, head of the Turkish officers’ mission.
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Meeting takes place at a field airfield on the Eastern Front.
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Also pictured: Generalmajor Hendrick and, in the background, Oberst Werner Mölders (noted Luftwaffe ace and later General der Jagdflieger).
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Caption Reference: No. 2267
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Date/Reporter: Schneider, 10 November 1941 (PK-Aufn. Kriegsber.)
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Source: Wien-Bild agency stamps on reverse
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Size: approx. 18 × 13 cm
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Condition: As seen (light handling, age traces, with agency and censor markings verso)
Historical Note:
This image documents a diplomatic-military visit of Turkish officers during Germany’s campaign in the East, November 1941. Such visits were used for propaganda purposes to highlight Axis ties and international military cooperation. The presence of high-ranking Luftwaffe figures, including Mölders, adds significant historical importance to the photograph.
Propaganda Photograph – Adolf Hitler with Senior Officers, March 1943
€0,01Original Propaganda Photo of Adolf Hitler in conference with senior Wehrmacht officers, gathered over a large campaign map.
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Identified figures (from left, above the map):
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Generalfeldmarschall Erich von Manstein
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Generaloberst Richard Ruoff
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Adolf Hitler
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Generaloberst Kurt Zeitzler (Chief of the General Staff of the Army)
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Generalfeldmarschall Ewald von Kleist
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Date: March 1943
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Type: Original German propaganda press photo
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Size: approx. 18 × 13 cm
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Condition: As seen (minor handling marks consistent with age)
Historical Context:
This photograph was taken during a pivotal period following the defeat at Stalingrad (February 1943) and the subsequent German attempts to stabilize the Eastern Front. The presence of both Manstein and Kleist — key commanders in Army Group South — underscores the strategic importance of this meeting. Zeitzler, as Chief of the General Staff, was one of Hitler’s closest military advisors during this stage of the war.
Propaganda Photograph – Oberst Junck & Ritterkreuzträger Oberstleutnant Walter Grabmann
€0,01Original Propaganda Photograph – Oberst Junck & Ritterkreuzträger Oberstleutnant Walter Grabmann
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Subject:
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Oberst Werner Junck – Luftwaffe officer, later Generalmajor, noted for commanding Fliegerführer Irak in 1941.
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Oberstleutnant Walter Grabmann – Knight’s Cross recipient, Kommodore of Zerstörergeschwader 76 (ZG 76), a heavy fighter wing operating Messerschmitt Bf 110s.
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Type: Original German propaganda press photograph
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Date: [Period image, early WWII, likely 1940–41]
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Size: 18×13 cm.
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Condition: As seen
Historical Note:
Walter Grabmann (1905–1992) was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross) on 21 July 1940 as Kommodore of ZG 76 for his leadership during the early aerial campaigns. He had previously served with the Condor Legion in Spain and rose to higher Luftwaffe staff roles later in the war. His appearance alongside Oberst Junck — another prominent Luftwaffe officer — reflects the prominence of German propaganda imagery in highlighting decorated commanders and their units during the height of Luftwaffe operations.
Propaganda Photograph – Generalfeldmarschall Kesselring Visits a Fighter Wing in the East
€0,01Original Propaganda Photograph – Generalfeldmarschall Kesselring Visits a Fighter Wing in the East
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Subject: Generalfeldmarschall Albert Kesselring visiting a Jagdgeschwader (fighter wing) on the Eastern Front.
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Content: Part of a photo series (5 images). This particular image (No. 4) shows Kesselring using a large overview map to explain the strategic situation, giving an overview of developments and the operational details of the Geschwader’s area of operations.
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Photographer/Reporter: Sdf. Spieth
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Archive Reference: Nr. 1316/32a
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Unit: Lw. K.B. Komp. (mot.) 3
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Date/Period: Second World War, Eastern Front
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Size: approx. 18 × 13 cm
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Condition: As seen (minor handling and age traces)
Historical Note:
General Albert Kesselring (1885–1960) was one of the Wehrmacht’s most prominent field marshals, active both in the East and later as commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean theater. Propaganda photographs such as this were intended to highlight senior leadership involvement at the front and emphasize the Luftwaffe’s strategic role.
Death Card: Waffen-SS Soldier Eastern Front – October 1944
€45,00Original Death Card (“Sterbebild”) of a SS-Rottenführer Josef Holzinger, who was Killed in Action on the Eastern Front. Decorated with the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse, Ostmedaille and other awards. Condition as seen.
Death Card: Waffen-SS Soldier Eastern Front – July 1944
€45,00Original Death Card (“Sterbebild”) of a SS-Panzer-Obergrenadier Eduard Egger, who was Killed in Action on the Eastern Front. Condition as seen.
WH 12 Years Loyal Service Award Doc – Infanterie-Rgt. 37 (Signed by von Hartmann – KIA Stalingrad!)
€150,00An original award document for the Wehrmacht Dienstauszeichnung 3. Klasse (Long Service Award, 3rd Class) for 12 years of loyal service, presented to Unterfeldwebel Wilhelm Niekerken of Stab I./ Infanterie-Regiment 37.
The document bears the authentic signature of Alexander von Hartmann, later a highly decorated general and commander of the 71. Infanterie-Division.
Alexander von Hartmann – Notable Signatory
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Born: 11 December 1890
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Killed: 26 January 1943, Stalingrad
Von Hartmann rose through the ranks of the German Army from World War I service to command of the 71. Infanterie-Division during the bitter Battle of Stalingrad. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross on 8 October 1942 as a Generalleutnant in recognition of his leadership on the Eastern Front.
Facing encirclement at Stalingrad, von Hartmann rejected the idea of captivity, declaring:
“I intend to go to my infantry in the front line… I will seek death among their ranks. Captivity for a general is dishonourable.”
He was killed shortly after, shot in the head while firing his rifle alongside his infantry on 26 January 1943. Posthumously, he was promoted to General of the Infantry.
Collector’s Note
Award documents signed by Alexander von Hartmann are scarce and historically significant, as his dramatic end at Stalingrad and high decoration make him one of the more renowned Wehrmacht generals of WWII.
This example, issued for a long-service award to a non-commissioned officer, provides a fascinating contrast: a routine peacetime recognition, yet tied by signature to a commander remembered for his front-line sacrifice in one of history’s most brutal battles.
VWA Schwarz Award Doc – Panzer-Aufklärungs-Lehr-Abt. (1940 – Signed by Hans Cramer!)
€85,00Original Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Wound Badge in Black) award document, issued to Leutnant Heinz von Rohdn, who was wounded in action on 8 June 1940 during the Western Campaign. At the time, he was serving with the 4. Kompanie / Panzer-Aufklärungs-Lehr-Abteilung, one of the Wehrmacht’s elite armored reconnaissance training formations.
The document is personally signed by Oberstleutnant Hans Cramer, later a highly decorated Panzer commander and recipient of both the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross and the German Cross in Gold.
Hans Cramer – Notable Signatory
Hans Cramer (1896–1968) rose to prominence as one of Germany’s skilled armored leaders during WWII.
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Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross – 27 June 1941, as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur of Panzer-Regiment 8, 15. Panzer-Division.
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German Cross in Gold – 5 March 1942, as Oberst and commander of Panzer-Regiment 8.
Ritterkreuz Award Action (27 June 1941):
“Oberstleutnant Cramer, commander of Panzer-Regiment 8, led his Regiment in a march from Tripoli to its operations area (a distance of over 1600 km) without any friendly fallouts, and the result was that it was immediately available for operations in an excellent state. After a risky night march he captured Sidi Azeiz and Capuzzo in the morning hours of 16.05.1941. On that same day he led his Regiment in an attack against heavy English tanks, and at the end of that month he significantly contributed to the capture of the Halfaya Pass. By doing this latter act he decisively contributed to the favourable development of the situation for all elements of Kampfgruppe von Herff and for the relief of the strain of our forces at Tobruk.”
(Recommendation submitted 17 June 1941; preliminary document issued 2 July 1941 to Afrikakorps.)
Cramer later rose to the rank of General der Panzertruppen and served as commander of Afrikakorps in 1942–43, before being captured in Tunisia and briefly held as a POW in England.
Unit History – Panzer-Aufklärungs-Lehr-Abteilung
The Panzer-Aufklärungs-Lehr-Abteilung was the German Army’s specialized armored reconnaissance demonstration and training unit, stationed at Krampnitz before the war. Formed from hand-picked instructors and students of the Panzertruppenschule, it represented the cutting edge of reconnaissance tactics.
During the 1940 Western Campaign, the Lehr-Abteilung was thrown into frontline service, testing new equipment and doctrines under combat conditions. Operating fast armored cars, motorcycles, and light tanks, they were tasked with deep penetration reconnaissance, probing enemy defenses, and securing bridges and key terrain. Their aggressive actions often brought them into sharp combat with Allied rearguards, where officers like Leutnant Heinz von Rohdn were exposed to heavy fire.
By combining a training role with active combat deployment, the unit produced many future reconnaissance leaders for Panzer divisions throughout the war.
Collector’s Note
This award document is not only a direct record of Heinz von Rohdn’s wounding in the French campaign of 1940, but also carries the rare wartime signature of Hans Cramer during his time as an Oberstleutnant. Cramer’s later career in North Africa and his Ritterkreuz and Deutsches Kreuz awards make this an especially desirable signed document.
The connection to the Panzer-Aufklärungs-Lehr-Abteilung, an elite and experimental armored recon unit, further enhances its historical significance, linking one soldier’s wound to the frontline testing ground of Germany’s armored warfare doctrine.
KVK2X Award Doc – 20. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (Signed by Augsberger!)
€0,01An authentic wartime award document issued to SS-Unterscharführer Wilhelm Barenscheer, who served with Waffen-Grenadier-Regiment 46 of the 20. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (1. Estnische). The document is dated 30 January 1945 and bears the bold signature of SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS Franz Augsberger, commander of the division.
Franz Augsberger – Division Commander
Franz Xaver Josef Maria Augsberger (10 October 1905 – 19 March 1945) was an Austrian-born SS officer who rose rapidly through the ranks of the Waffen-SS. Beginning his career in the early 1930s with the SA and NSDAP, he transferred to the SS in 1932 and underwent officer training at the SS-Führerschule Braunschweig.
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Early career as platoon leader and instructor with SS-Standarte “Der Führer.”
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Command appointments in the 6. SS-Gebirgs-Division “Nord,” earning the German Cross in Gold (30 May 1942).
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In 1943, appointed commander of the 3. Estonian SS Volunteer Brigade, which in 1944 expanded into the 20. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (Estnische Nr. 1).
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On 8 March 1945, awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, personally presented by Generalfeldmarschall Ferdinand Schörner.
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Killed in action on 19 March 1945 during a bombing raid at Neustadt in Upper Silesia, only days after receiving the Knight’s Cross.
Significance
The 20. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (Estnische Nr. 1) was primarily formed of Estonian volunteers and conscripts. Under Augsberger’s command, the division fought in brutal rearguard and defensive actions on the Eastern Front, often against overwhelming Soviet forces. Documents signed by Augsberger are scarce due to his short tenure as a divisional commander and his death before the end of the war.
Collector’s Note
This document is a desirable piece of Waffen-SS history, connecting directly to the short-lived but historically significant Estonian SS division and its commander, Franz Augsberger. The combination of its late-war date (January 1945), division context, and signature of a Knight’s Cross holder killed in action just weeks later makes this a particularly compelling artifact for collectors of Waffen-SS or foreign volunteer divisions.
German WW1 Militärpass – Infanterie-Regiment von Voigts-Rhetz Nr. 79 (Bilzen, Achel, Pripjet)
€35,00Original Imperial German Militärpass – Landwehrmann Wilhelm Mai
(Infanterie-Regiment von Voigts-Rhetz [3. Hannoversches] Nr. 79 – later 2. Kompanie / Landsturm-Infanterie-Bataillon II, Hannover X.8)
An authentic First World War Militärpass to Landwehrmann Wilhelm Mai (b. 1 October 1871). His service spanned both active duty in the line infantry and later Landsturm formations, taking him to the Western and Eastern Fronts during some of the earliest and most grueling campaigns of the war.
Service Units:
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Infanterie-Regiment von Voigts-Rhetz (3. Hannoversches) Nr. 79 – a regiment with traditions dating back to the Kingdom of Hanover, incorporated into the Prussian Army in 1866.
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2. Kompanie / Landsturm-Infanterie-Bataillon II (Hannover X.8) – part of the territorial reserve forces mobilized for front-line service during WWI.
Combat Service:
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Überfall bei Bilzen (25 September 1914): Early Western Front action during the opening months of the war, linked to the fighting around the Belgian-Dutch border.
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Battle near Achel (17 October 1914): Further operations in Belgium during the mobile phase of the campaign.
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Pripjet Marshes (25 July – 9 August 1916): Prolonged trench and positional fighting in the inhospitable swamp terrain of the Eastern Front, where German and Austro-Hungarian units struggled against Russian forces under extremely harsh conditions.
Unit History – Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 79
Raised in Hanover, the regiment traced its lineage to the mid-19th century and fought with distinction in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71. In WWI, IR 79 and its associated Landsturm formations were deployed in both Western and Eastern campaigns, often in difficult secondary operations that nonetheless played a vital role in securing rear areas and holding contested ground.
Collector’s Note
This original Militärpass documents the wartime career of Wilhelm Mai, a Landwehr soldier born in 1871 who saw action in Belgium during the 1914 campaigns and later endured the hardships of positional warfare in the Pripjet Marshes. His service reflects the contribution of older reservists and Landsturm troops, often overlooked compared to front-line regiments but vital to the German war effort.
A scarce example of a named and documented Landsturm soldier with confirmed combat service in both Belgium (1914) and on the Eastern Front (1916).
Luchtvaartregiment 2 (Niet-Varend Personeel) Kwartiermuts
€150,00Original Belgian Army Overseas Cap “Kwartiermuts” – 2e Luchtvaartregiment (Niet-Varend Personeel) (c. 1930s)
A very nice and original interwar Belgian Army overseas cap, known as a “Kwartiermuts”, privately tailored for a soldier of the 2e Luchtvaartregiment (non-flying personnel).
Private Purchase Example: A tailor-made cap, purchased at a local shop rather than issued, as was common for Belgian soldiers in the 1930s.
Unit Identification: The piping and insignia mark this example as belonging to the 2e Luchtvaartregiment, specifically for niet-varend personeel (ground staff/technical personnel). The letters “ET” on the badge are often interpreted as École Technique, though generally accepted today as denoting non-flying personnel within the regiment.
Complete Condition: Rare in this form, the cap still retains its original tassel, a feature often missing on surviving examples.
Condition: Well-preserved, with light age wear but no major damage.
Historical Context
The Belgian Luchtvaartregiment was created in the interwar years as the air arm of the Belgian Army. Within this structure, the 2e Luchtvaartregiment formed one of its core units, with the non-flying personnel (mechanics, armorers, technical specialists) providing essential support for operations.
During the 1940 campaign in Belgium, ground staff of the Luchtvaartregiment were crucial in maintaining and servicing aircraft under severe combat pressure. Despite the rapid German advance, these units ensured the operational readiness of Belgian aircraft until the final days of fighting.
Collector’s Note
A scarce Belgian interwar Kwartiermuts from the 2e Luchtvaartregiment (Niet-Varend Personeel). Complete with its tassel and correct insignia featuring the “ET” cypher, this cap is a desirable piece for collectors of Belgian militaria, particularly those focused on the aviation troops and the 1940 campaign.
German WW1 Set – Inf.-Rgt. 94 “Großherzog von Sachsen” (Verdun, Somme, Flandern!)
€115,00Original First World War Soldbuch, Militärpass and award document grouping belonging to Vizefeldwebel Battermann (b. 6 February 1898, Oberkirchen). Battermann served with the 7. Kompanie, Infanterie-Regiment 94 “Großherzog von Sachsen”, a regiment with a long tradition in the Imperial Army.
Entered Service: 25 September 1914, joining as a teenager during the early campaigns of WWI.
Promotion for Bravery: Elevated in 1916 “für Tapferkeit vor dem Feinde” (for bravery before the enemy).
Wounded in Action: His combat service culminated with injuries in 1918.
Award Document: Includes his original Urkunde for the Wound Badge in Black (VWA in Schwarz), dated 30 May 1918.
Unit History – Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 94
The Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 94 “Großherzog von Sachsen” was raised in 1809 and during the First World War was part of the XI. Armeekorps. The regiment fought almost exclusively on the Western Front, where it saw some of the fiercest combat of the war:
1914 – Initial Campaigns in Belgium and France: Fighting around Namur, then the early trench systems along the Aisne.
1915 – Champagne & Artois: Engaged in the bitter positional warfare.
1916 – Verdun and the Somme: The regiment was heavily engaged in two of the war’s bloodiest battles, sustaining severe casualties.
1917 – Aisne & Flanders: Defensive fighting during French offensives and later British operations in Flanders.
1918 – German Spring Offensives and Allied Counterattacks: The regiment took part in Operation Michael (March 1918) and subsequent defensive actions, where many veterans like Battermann were wounded.
Battermann’s wounding and award in May 1918 likely coincided with the aftermath of the Spring Offensive battles in Picardy, where IR 94 faced heavy losses.
Collector’s Note
This grouping is particularly desirable as it combines a complete Soldbuch and Militärpass with the original award document for the Wound Badge, directly tying a named soldier’s service and sacrifice to a frontline regiment with a storied history.
With Battermann’s early enlistment, promotion for bravery, combat wounding, and award, this set provides a tangible connection to the harrowing service of the Imperial German infantry on the Western Front.
Cloth Insignia of the SS – John R. Angolia (Signed & Numbered 12/500!)
€250,00Cloth Insignia of the SS by John R. Angolia (R. James Bender Publishing, 1983) is a detailed 480-page hardcover reference on the uniforms and cloth insignia of the SS. It covers collar tabs, cuff titles, sleeve shields, rank and specialty insignia, with hundreds of black-and-white photos and descriptions showing wartime variations.
This particular copy is Signed & Numbered 12/500, making it especially scarce and highly desirable for collectors.
Long considered one of the most authoritative works on the subject, it remains an essential tool for collectors and historians to authenticate and study SS insignia. Out of print and sought after, well-preserved copies are highly collectible.
1ste Genie Bataljon Kwartiermuts
€150,00Original 1930s period Belgian Army overseas cap, known as a “Kwartiermuts”, privately tailored for a soldier of the 1st Genie Bataljon (Engineers).
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Private Purchase Example: A tailor-made cap, purchased at a local shop rather than issued, as was common for Belgian soldiers in the interwar years.
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Unit Identification: The piping and cyphers indicate service with the 1st Genie Bataljon, one of the Belgian Army’s specialist engineer formations.
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Complete Condition: Scarce in this form, the cap still retains its original tassel, a feature often lost over time.
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Condition: Well-preserved, with light age wear but no major damage.
Historical Context
May 1940 Campaign
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Night of 9–10 May: Lieutenant Weverbergh’s detachments prepared demolition charges on bridges of the Bilzen–Winterslag railway and over the Hasselt–Genk road and rail line. At 02:30, alarms sounded. Demolition teams were dispatched to bridges over the Demer and Herk, tasked with preparing and holding them until ordered destroyed. By dawn, all charges were in place. Enemy aircraft dropped dummy parachutists, causing confusion.
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10 May (morning–afternoon): After blowing the assigned bridges, Lt. Weverbergh rejoined the battalion. At noon, orders came to prepare for movement. That evening, 1Gn left Sint-Lambrechts-Herk for Ransberg, while demolition parties remained. Losing radio contact and without orders from the infantry, these teams eventually destroyed the bridges on their own initiative before rejoining the battalion—without losses.
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11–13 May: From Ransberg, patrols checked the effectiveness of demolitions (e.g. the bridge at Halen). The battalion later moved to Londerzeel.
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Mid-May: 1Gn was tasked with placing demolition charges along the Willebroek Canal, including at Kapelle-op-den-Bos and Buda. When the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) took over the defense south of Vilvoorde, the battalion handed over charges and moved to Puurs-Kalfort, later preparing further demolitions at Ruisbroek-Windham.
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15–17 May: After short stays in Puurs, the battalion crossed the Temse bridge with the 1Div and reached Sint-Niklaas, then moved on to the Ghent bridgehead, halting at Drongen. Here, 1Gn took over prepared demolitions on bridges across the Grote Coupure in western Ghent, built a raft on the Ghent–Terneuzen Canal at Meulestede, and was ordered to reorganize “as far as possible” into a cyclist battalion. Tensions arose with local authorities and police over blocking the harbor docks with barges.
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Late May: The division shifted to the River Lys (Leie) line. 1Gn was trucked to Rollegem-Kapelle. One company built a raft across the Lys to ferry gendarmerie elements. Under artillery fire, the battalion withdrew to Oekene, later to Langemark, where it worked on anti-tank obstacles using railway wagons on the Roeselare–Ypres line, then moved to Hooglede.
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Final days: As Belgian lines weakened west of Roeselare, 1Gn infantry companies were used as reinforcements:
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1st Company deployed east of Poelkapelle,
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2nd Company east of Westrozebeke.
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On 28 May 1940, while holding these positions, the battalion received word of Belgium’s capitulation. That same day, the men returned to their quarters at Hooglede.
Collector’s Note
A scarce interwar Belgian Army Kwartiermuts from the 1st Genie Bataljon, complete with its tassel and correct unit cyphers. These engineer-marked caps are much harder to encounter than infantry-marked examples, making this a particularly desirable piece for collectors of Belgian militaria from the interwar and 1940 campaign period.
33ste Linieregiment Kwartiermuts
€150,00Original Belgian Army Overseas Cap “Kwartiermuts” – 33rd Line Regiment (c. 1930s)
A very nice and original 1930s period Belgian Army overseas cap, known as a “Kwartiermuts”, privately tailored for a soldier of the 33rd Line Regiment.
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Private Purchase Example: Unlike standard issue, this is a tailor-made cap, bought at a local uniform shop – a common practice among soldiers of the interwar Belgian Army.
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Unit Identification: The piping and regimental cyphers clearly denote service with the 33rd Linieregiment.
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Complete Condition: Particularly desirable as this cap retains its original tassel, a feature which is often missing on surviving examples.
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Condition: Light wear consistent with age, but overall beautifully preserved, with strong color and shape.
Historical Context
The 33rd Line Regiment (33Li)—whose branch piping and numerals this cap bears—played a notable role in Belgium’s defense during the German invasion of May 1940. Raised in October 1939 at Aalst as a duplicate of the 3rd Line Regiment, it formed part of the 13th Infantry Division, a second-reserve formation. Its ranks were largely older conscripts (classes 1928–1931) and, unlike active units, they often had outdated equipment such as the Belgian Mauser 1889 rifle and French Chauchat light machine guns.
On 10 May 1940, the day the invasion began, the regiment held positions in the Fortified Position of Antwerp (VPA) around Brasschaat, manning trenches behind the new anti-tank ditch linking the old forts. The III Battalion occupied the front line, guarding key approaches like the Bredabaan, with artillery support and additional machine-gun posts at the Schans van Drijhoek.
33Li was tasked with securing demolition points on the northern access roads and fought alongside French elements of the 7th Army moving through Brasschaat toward the Netherlands. In the days that followed, the regiment endured heavy air and artillery attacks; from 16 May German pressure mounted around the Brasschaat camp.
Despite determined resistance, the regiment—together with the division—was ordered to withdraw behind the River Scheldt and then to the Ghent–Terneuzen Canal, where it was merged into a combined formation (33/34Li). After severe bombardments and artillery fire, the line unraveled and the troops fell back westward.
On 28 May 1940, the 33Li, along with the rest of the Belgian Army, laid down arms at the general capitulation.
Collector’s Note
A fine and scarce interwar Belgian Army headdress, complete with tassel and unit insignia. These caps are much harder to find in complete condition compared to wartime German sidecaps, making this an excellent addition to any interwar or 1940 campaign collection.
KIA Soldbuch Grenadier-Regiment 103 – Düren (Buried in Lommel!)
€450,00Original wartime Soldbuch issued to Friedrich Gewald, who later attained the rank of Obergefreiter.
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Initial Service: Standortbataillon Breslau.
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Later Service: Transferred to Grenadier-Regiment 103, part of the 47. Volksgrenadier-Division.
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Operational History: This division was heavily engaged in the desperate defensive fighting along the Western Front in late 1944, including the battle for the Düren bridgehead against advancing U.S. forces.
Fate of the Soldier
Friedrich Gewald is recorded as fallen in action on 14 December 1944 during these engagements. He now rests at the German military cemetery in Lommel, a lasting reminder of the heavy losses sustained in the final months of the war.
Historical Context
The 47. Volksgrenadier-Division, reconstituted in the autumn of 1944, was composed of battle-hardened veterans mixed with new conscripts and Luftwaffe personnel. Thrown into action against overwhelming Allied forces in the Rhineland, it bore the brunt of intense fighting as the Wehrmacht attempted to delay the U.S. advance across the Roer River.
Collector’s Note
This Soldbuch offers a poignant glimpse into the service of an ordinary German infantryman during the final phase of WWII. With a clear service record culminating in the bitter Düren battles, the document is not only a personal artifact but also a piece of frontline history tied to one of the last-ditch defensive struggles of the Reich.
Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) Photolot
€0,01Original lot of 45 period photographs from the Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK), taken during service in North Africa. The lot contains a variety of field scenes including Krad, vehicles, Pak, Stuka, and more.
A substantial and well-rounded group for collectors of WWII photography and North African campaign history. Condition as seen.
SA/NSDAP Party Sleeve Armband
€0,01Original SA/NSDAP party sleeve armband in overall good – near mint condition. Three-piece construction. No tag. Condition as seen.