Customers facing issues ordering, contact me
via info@wolfganghistorica.com or wolfganghistorica@gmail.com
NEW HOUTEN MILITARIA FAIR VIDEO ONLINE: Watch it here!
Planning a big signature update.. Stay tuned.
On 18 August 1944, while serving as an SS-Obersturmbannführer and commander of the schwere SS-Panzer-Abteilung 102, attached to the 9. SS-Panzer-Division “Hohenstaufen” within the II. SS-Panzer-Korps, he was severely wounded near Trun in the Falaise Pocket. His injuries included bullet wounds to the head, lung, and pelvis. He was subsequently captured by British forces on 19 August 1944 and became a prisoner of war. He survived the war but tragically died in a car accident in Tyrol on 2 October 1978.
Grouping to Leutnant Heinz Gerstner – Pionier-Bataillon 38 & 221
A fine and complete award and document grouping to Leutnant Heinz Gerstner, spanning his service from the early campaigns of 1939 to 1943, with multiple signed documents by highly decorated officers.
Highlights include:
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (1939) – Award document dated 03.11.1939, signed by Generalleutnant Rudolf Veiel (Ritterkreuzträger). Early war signature from a highly respected commander.
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse (1939) – Award document dated 08.02.1943, signed by Generalmajor Eduard Aldrian (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold). This EK1 award stems from Kampfgruppe Aldrian, making it a particularly scarce and desirable document for collectors of Eastern Front and unit-specific award paperwork.
Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938 (Anschlussmedaille) – Award document.
Allgemeines Sturmabzeichen – Award document.
Medaille “Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42” (Ostmedaille) – Award document.
Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht 4. Klasse – Award document.
Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938 (Sudetenland-Medaille) with clasp “PRAGER BURG” – Award document.
The last two certificates above signed by Major Wilhelm Wassung.
Sports Awards:
Deutsches Reichssportabzeichen in Bronze – Achievement booklet with photograph in place.
SA-Sportabzeichen in Bronze – Achievement booklet with photograph in place.
Additional Material:
Various Wehrmacht ID cards and personal documents connected to Gerstner’s career.
This grouping offers a rare combination of early and mid-war decorations, sports awards, and personal paperwork, anchored by the scarce EK1 document from Kampfgruppe Aldrian — a must-have for serious collectors of Pionier units and Eastern Front award documentation.
Original Postwar (?) Stamp on a Wartime Photo of Hugo-Gottfried Kraas. SS-Brigadeführer Hugo-Gottfried Kraas (25.01.1911 † 20.02.1980) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on March 28, 1943 as SS-Sturmbannführer und Kommandeur of the I. Bataillon/ SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 2 “LSSAH” and the Eichenlaub on January 24, 1944 as SS-Obersturmbannführer und Kommandeur of the SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 2 “LSSAH” of the 1. SS-Panzer-Division “LSSAH”.
Provenance: This signature comes from one of the largest postwar (incl. wartime) 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.
Original Wartime Signature on a Postcard of Günther "Franzl" Lützow. Oberst Günther Lützow (04.09.1912 † 24.04.1945) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on September 28, 1940, the Eichenlaub on July 20, 1941 & the Schwertern on October 11, 1941 as Major und Kommodore of the Jagdgeschwader 3. Condition as seen.
In April 1945, he joined Galland's Jagdverband 44 (JV 44—44th Fighter Detachment). He was reported missing in action flying the Me 262 on 24 April 1945 while attempting to intercept a U.S. Army Air Forces B-26 Marauder raid near Donauwörth. His body was never recovered.
A rare and deeply personal father-son grouping, offering a unique glimpse into two generations of Wehrmacht service. This combined lot honors the military legacy of Hauptmann Friedrich Rausch, a WWI veteran and rear-echelon officer during WWII who died during the war in 1944, and his son, Unteroffizier Roger Rausch, a decorated Panzergrenadier killed in action in 1943 on the Eastern Front.
Served with Landesschützen-Ersatz-Bataillon 17, responsible for home-front security and reserve duties.
Highlights:
Award document for the 1939 War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords, dated 17.12.1940, including the original proposal for the decoration.
Award document for the Honor Cross of WWI, dated 05.12.1939, hand-signed.
Heer aluminum EM/NCO parade buckle with leather belt (shortened, replaced catch), showing clear age and character.
Original military ID tag (aluminum).
Heer single shoulder board for a Hauptmann in Infanterie-Regiment 132 (sewn-in type).
Heer officer’s aiguillette.
A selection of period documents adding context and depth.
A solid example of a decorated, long-serving officer who bridged both world wars.
Roger Rausch served with Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 304 and was killed in action on 22.10.1943 near Wosok, during fierce engagements on the Eastern Front. His grouping is a vivid testament to front-line service and sacrifice.
Decorations (all with original award documents):
Close Combat Clasp in Bronze, issued 31.10.1943, hand-signed by Oberst Gerhard Schmidhuber (RK with Oak Leaves).
Tank Assault Badge in Bronze, issued 24.09.1942, hand-signed by Oberst von Goerne.
1939 Iron Cross 2nd Class, issued 13.09.1943, hand-signed by Generalleutnant Vollrath Lübbe (RK winner).
Wound Badge in Black, issued 25.09.1942, hand-signed by a Major.
Also included:
Wehrpaß, issued 03.02.1939 with original photo. Lists all major decorations and campaigns from 10.05.1940 to 26.09.1942. Returned to his father on 04.01.1944.
Five original photographs, including one showing Roger’s grave.
His Wehrmacht-issue eyeglasses with case.
German Reich ID card, 2 additional period documents.
A Heer EM/NCO side cap eagle with cockade.
Signs of use and age throughout, making this a rich, field-worn ensemble.
This grouping tells a powerful story of two soldiers — one a WWI veteran who lived to see his son go to war, the other a front-line Panzergrenadier who paid the ultimate price. The combination of high-quality award documents, signed by high-ranking and highly decorated commanders, along with personal effects such as letters, photos, and military accessories, make this grouping not only historically valuable but emotionally compelling.
A unique opportunity to own a multi-generational Wehrmacht grouping, complete with excellent documentation, signatures, and a tragic yet honorable narrative.
A high-quality A4-sized promotional photograph personally signed by Herbert Grönemeyer, who played Leutnant Werner in Wolfgang Petersen’s acclaimed 1981 film Das Boot.
As the young war correspondent aboard U-96, Grönemeyer delivered a heartfelt and nuanced performance, guiding the audience through the claustrophobic tension and human drama of life aboard a WWII German U-Boat.
Today, Das Boot is celebrated as one of the greatest war films of all time, praised for its realism, emotional depth, and unforgettable ensemble cast. This signed piece offers a striking tribute to Grönemeyer’s role and is an ideal collectible for Das Boot fans, WWII enthusiasts, and admirers of German cinema.
An original A4-sized promotional photograph personally signed by Martin Semmelrogge, who famously portrayed 2nd Watch Officer in Wolfgang Petersen’s acclaimed 1981 submarine epic Das Boot.
Semmelrogge’s performance contributed to the film’s gripping portrayal of life aboard a German U-Boat during World War II. Das Boot remains one of the most highly regarded war films ever made, praised for its authenticity, atmosphere, and intense character-driven storytelling.
This signed photo is ideal for fans of classic cinema, war film collectors, or anyone seeking a piece of memorabilia from one of the most iconic submarine films in movie history.
A highly collectible A4-sized photograph from the iconic 1981 German submarine film Das Boot, personally signed by two of its leading stars – Jürgen Prochnow (Captain Henrich Lehmann-Willenbrock) and Herbert Grönemeyer (Lieutenant Werner).
Das Boot remains one of the most acclaimed war films ever made, praised for its intense realism and gripping portrayal of life aboard a WWII U-Boat. Authentic signatures from both actors on a single item are increasingly rare, making this a superb addition to any war cinema or autograph collection.
An impressive and historically significant document group belonging to Oberleutnant Egon von Ploetz, who in 1937 served with Reiter-Regiment 4 and is believed to have later attained the rank of Rittmeister (Hauptmann).
The highlight of the set is a large promotion document personally signed by Reichskriegsminister Thomas Ludwig Werner Freiherr von Fritsch. The group further includes:
Three official documents bearing the signature of von Fritsch
A large formal portrait (with printed signature)
A period press photograph
About von Fritsch:
Thomas Ludwig Werner Freiherr von Fritsch (4 August 1880 – 22 September 1939) was a German Generaloberst (full general) and Commander-in-Chief of the German Army from February 1934 to February 1938. His career came to a dramatic halt during the Blomberg–Fritsch Affair, when he was falsely accused of homosexuality and forced to resign—an event that played a key role in Adolf Hitler tightening control over the armed forces.
Shortly before the outbreak of WWII, von Fritsch was reinstated as Colonel-in-Chief of the 12th Artillery Regiment. He was killed in action in Poland on 22 September 1939, becoming only the second German general to die in the conflict.
This grouping represents not only a rare set of documents tied to an officer of the prestigious Reiter-Regiment 4, but also carries the historically important autograph of one of Germany’s most prominent pre-war military leaders.
Original photograph of SS-Obersturmführer Theodor Lange - see below for more information about him! Size 6x9cm. Condition as seen. WATERMARKED CLEARLY FOR SALE PURPOSES AND BUYER HAVING THE ONLY COMPLETE IMAGE. Sold for historical purposes!
Born: 28 September 1918, Essen, Germany
Died: 5 November 1944, drowned in the Meuse (Maas) River
Nationality: Reich German (Reichsdeutscher)
Civilian Profession: Clerk (Angestellter)
Theodor Lange was born in the industrial city of Essen in 1918. From 1 September 1934 to 10 October 1937, he was a member of the Hitlerjugend (HJ), the indoctrination and paramilitary youth wing of the Nazi Party. Following his HJ service, Lange joined the Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD) on 10 October 1937, completing compulsory labor service.
In November 1938, Lange entered the Allgemeine‑SS, receiving membership number 400 103. Initially serving as an SS‑Bewerber (candidate), he was assigned to the 1. Kompanie / SS‑Standarte “Germania”, part of the SS‑Verfügungstruppe (SS‑VT), the forerunner of the Waffen‑SS.
When the war began, Lange continued to develop as an SS officer, later serving with the 5. SS‑Panzer‑Division “Wiking”. By August 1941, Lange had been commissioned as an SS‑Untersturmführer (second lieutenant) in the 5. Kompanie / Infanterie‑Regiment “Nordland”, a regiment within the Waffen‑SS. “Nordland” saw heavy combat on the Eastern Front, and its officers gained both frontline and anti‑partisan experience.
From December 1942 to September 1944, Lange commanded the 8. Ukrainische Kompanie (U‑Kompanie) of the SS‑Wachsturmbann Auschwitz. This unit, sometimes referred to under Kommando Zeppelin, consisted of Ukrainian auxiliaries — many of them Soviet POWs recruited by the Germans.
The Ukrainian company wore modified Soviet uniforms and spoke primarily Russian. Their duties included:
Guarding the camp perimeter
Escorting prisoner work details (Häftlingsbegleitung)
Assisting with security during prisoner transports
Participating in anti‑partisan patrols in the surrounding countryside
In addition to his company command, Lange served in early 1944 as Adjutant to the commandant of Auschwitz — a highly trusted administrative post responsible for handling official correspondence, issuing orders, and coordinating between camp departments.
By July 1944, Lange had been reassigned to the 10. SS‑Panzer‑Division “Frundsberg”, a frontline Waffen‑SS armored unit. This division fought in Normandy and later retreated through France and the Low Countries.
On 5 November 1944, Theodor Lange drowned in the Meuse (Maas) River during operations in the Netherlands or Belgium. His death was not in battle but likely an accident during the chaotic withdrawal of German forces.
31 March 1943 – Promoted to SS‑Untersturmführer
30 January 1944 – Promoted to SS‑Obersturmführer, confirmed in Auschwitz Standortbefehl (Garrison Order) No. 5/44 issued 1 February 1944
A poignant and historically important grouping to Oberfeldwebel Heinemann, a veteran NCO of the 2. Kompanie / Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 19, 19. Panzer-Division, who was mortally wounded in combat during the ferocious fighting of the Warsaw Uprising.
Heinemann was severely wounded on 29 September 1944 in Warsaw during the unit’s brutal house-to-house fighting to crush the Polish resistance. Despite medical treatment, he succumbed to his wounds on 7 October 1944. The 19. Panzer-Division had been redeployed into the city specifically to combat the uprising, and its Panzer-Aufklärer fought deep into the heart of Warsaw.
Decorations:
Wehrmacht Dienstauszeichnung up to the II. Klasse
Ostmedaille
Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse
Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Grouping includes:
All original award documents
Wehrpass documenting his service
Period photographs
Letters from his doctor and comrades to the family reporting on his wounding and death
Additional related papers
Why this grouping stands out:
Groupings to soldiers killed during the Warsaw Uprising are extremely scarce. This set not only connects directly to the historically significant and politically charged events of late 1944 but also represents a decorated veteran NCO of an elite Panzer-Aufklärungs unit engaged in some of the most intense urban combat of WWII.
A rare opportunity to acquire a well-documented, wartime grouping tied to the crushing of the Warsaw Uprising, complete with exceptional provenance and personal history.
A historically significant original grouping belonging to Obermaschinist Heinz Groneck, a veteran of both the famed heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen and the German U-Boat service.
Award document for the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class)
Original wartime copy of Mein Kampf
Death card of Heinz Groneck
Period photograph group featuring Groneck and comrades
Heinz Groneck began his naval career aboard the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen, one of the most famous German warships of WWII. Commissioned in 1940, Prinz Eugen took part in Operation Rheinübung alongside Bismarck in May 1941 and later served in both the Atlantic and Baltic theatres, surviving numerous engagements and heavy damage.
Following his surface fleet service, Groneck volunteered for the U-Bootwaffe and was posted to U-970, a Type VIIC submarine. These boats were the workhorses of the Kriegsmarine submarine arm, tasked with disrupting Allied shipping lanes.
On 8 June 1944, just two days after the Allied landings in Normandy, U-970 was operating near the French coast when she was attacked by British forces. The submarine was sunk with heavy loss of life — including Heinz Groneck. His service and sacrifice are commemorated in the accompanying death card.
Direct connection to two iconic branches of the Kriegsmarine – surface fleet and U-Boat service
Contains personal, named items including award document and death card
Links to two historically significant warships: Prinz Eugen and U-970
Represents the transition from Germany’s capital ships to the desperate submarine war of the final years
Condition: All items are original and in good condition for their age, as shown in the photos.
A poignant and rare collection — ideal for serious collectors of U-Boat history, Kriegsmarine memorabilia, or WWII naval history.
Original Wartime Signature on a Postcard of Otto von Bülow. Korvettenkäpitan zur See Otto von Bülow (16.10.1911 † 05.01.2006) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on October 20, 1942 as Kapitänleutnant und Kommandant of U-404 and the Eichenlaub on April 26, 1943 as Kapitänleutnant und Kommandant of U-404. Good condition. Edges have been cut.
Creditted with sinking 15 ships (Read more on Otto von Bülow (Wikipedia))
A rare and complete SA-Wehrmannschaft uniform set, featuring a tunic with the rank of SA-Truppführer. The uniform is fitted with Marine branch shoulderboards and collar tabs for Motor units, both originally period-stitched to the tunic along with the SA armband.
The tunic retains a size stamp and shows traces of a washed-out maker’s label on the inside. The set also includes an SA-Wehrmannschaft greatcoat and matching trousers. The trousers show signs of service use, with replaced buttons and some ink stains, adding to the authentic field-worn character of the ensemble.
This grouping offers an appealing blend of rank, branch, and unit specialization, making it a fine representative example of the SA-Wehrmannschaft. Original stitching to insignia and armband further enhance its desirability to collectors.
Condition as seen. This item is being sold on behalf of a consignor.
A seldom-offered, complete SA-Wehrmannschaft set—ideal for display in a WWII political organization collection or as part of a broader German uniform display.
Shipping might not be final to some countries due weight.
Exceptional & Rare Panzer Grouping – Normandy & Ardennes – Obergefreiter Gärtner, 2. Panzer-Division
A truly outstanding and rare Panzer grouping to Obergefreiter Gärtner, who served with the 8. Kompanie / Panzer-Regiment 3, later the 6. Kompanie / Panzer-Regiment 3, and finally in the closing stages of the war with the Werkstattkompanie. Most significantly, Gärtner fought in Normandy with the infamous 2. Panzer-Division, earning several battle days in July 1944 — a distinction rarely documented so clearly.
In August 1944, during the ferocious fighting in Normandy, he was wounded and subsequently decorated with the Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse) for his actions. His earlier awards included the Wound Badge in Black (Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz) and the Panzer Assault Badge in Silver (Panzerkampfabzeichen in Silber), both earned before Normandy.
This grouping comes complete with an array of historically significant items:
Soldbuch with matching Erkennungsmarke (dog tag)
Wehrpass
Original award documents for the VWA Schwarz and Panzerkampfabzeichen
Several documents relating to training and his wounding
Original recommendation file for the awarding of the Panzerkampfabzeichen in Silber
Additional paper listing more battle days, including at Hottot, Normandy — matching details in his Soldbuch
Why this grouping stands out:
Groupings to Panzer personnel who fought in Normandy are exceptionally scarce, and this set offers direct, verifiable combat connection to both Normandy and Ardennes operations. The inclusion of the Soldbuch, Wehrpass, matching Erkennungsmarke, award citations, and unique battle day documentation makes this an exceptional historical offering for the advanced collector.
A rare opportunity to acquire a complete, Normandy-provenanced Panzer grouping from one of the most famous German armored divisions of WWII.
An outstanding and rare example of a Luftwaffe NCO visor cap for Nachrichten (Signals) personnel, featuring the distinctive gold-brown piping specific to the branch. What sets this cap apart is its occupation-period construction—manufactured in Belgium, most likely Flanders, based on the unmistakable Flemish tailoring style and the classic locally produced Luftwaffe eagle insignia.
This cap is a large size (58½) and shows beautiful, honest wear with a nicely aged patina, reflecting real field or service use without excessive damage. The visor, sweatband, and lining all display period-appropriate materials and construction methods consistent with wartime Flemish-made headgear.
A rarely encountered piece combining Luftwaffe field branch identification with the added historical value of local Flemish manufacture under German occupation—making it a must-have for collectors of foreign-made or occupation-period uniforms.
Condition as shown. A visually striking and historically intriguing cap.
This item is being sold on behalf of a consignor.