Archive (Sold)

Book “Archivalia 1940-1945” – Vlamingen aan het Oostfront, Vlamingen op het thuisfront. Very good book!

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Otto Günsche. SS-Sturmbannführer Otto Günsche (24.09.1917 † 02.10.2003) earned the Verwundetenabzeichen “20. Juli 1944” in Schwarz and was a member of the Leibstandarte-SS Adolf Hitler before he became Adolf Hitler’s personal adjutant. Condition as seen. Postcardsize.

With the end of Nazi Germany imminent, Günsche was tasked by Hitler on 30 April 1945 with ensuring the cremation of his body after his death. That afternoon, he stood guard outside the room in the Führerbunker where Hitler and Eva Braun committed suicide. After waiting a short time, Hitler’s valet, Heinz Linge, opened the study door with Martin Bormann at his side. The two men entered the study with Günsche right behind them. Günsche then left the study and announced that Hitler was dead to a group in the briefing room, which included Joseph Goebbels, General Hans Krebs, and General Wilhelm Burgdorf. Günsche had the table and chairs in the study moved out of the way and blankets were laid out on the floor. Hitler and Braun’s lifeless bodies were then wrapped in blankets. In accordance with Hitler’s prior written and verbal instructions, his and Braun’s bodies were carried up the stairs and through the bunker’s emergency exit to the garden behind the Reich Chancellery to be burned. Having ensured that the corpses were burnt using petrol supplied by Hitler’s chauffeur Erich Kempka, Günsche later left the Führerbunker after midnight on 1 May. On 2 May 1945, Günsche was taken prisoner by Soviet Red Army troops that were encircling the city and flown to Moscow for sharp interrogation by the NKVD.

Original Flemish Collaboration Studioportrait of a member of the Vlaamse Fabriekswacht – Vlaamse Wachtbrigade. Size: 9x12cm. TOP Portrait!

Original photograph of two Flemish brothers, one serving with the Waffen-SS with the “Langemarck”, other here in uniform of the Flemish Algemene-SS. Size: 6x9cm.

Original “Leiderdienst” booklet from the Dietse Blauwvoetvendels, for the Knapen. Issue: 1944/7-8a. Condition as seen.

Original Scarce Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Rudolf Lehmann. SS-Obersturmbannführer Rudolf Lehmann (30.01.1914 Heidelberg † 17.09.1983 Ettlingen) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on February 23, 1944 as SS-Obersturmbannführer und Ia of the 1. SS-Panzer-Division “Leibstandarte-SS Adolf Hitler”. There’s sources mentioning him earning the Eichenlaub on May 6, 1945 but no evidence found. Postcardsize.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Henri Fenet. SS-Hauptsturmführer Henri Fenet (11.07.1919 † 14.09.2002) earned the Ritterkreuz on April 29, 1945 as SS-Hauptsturmführer und Führer of the Sturm-Bataillon der 33. SS-Freiwillige-Grenadier-Division “Charlemagne”. Henri Fenet was the sole French Waffen-SS Volunteer to be decorated with the Knight’s Cross. 

Knight’s Cross awarded for the outstanding leadership of his French volunteers during the final fighting for Berlin. Decoration presented by SS-Brigadeführer Mohnke in the Reichs Kanzlerei between 20th and 30th April 1945. Awarding has been established through research by the Ordensgemeinschaft der Ritterkreuzträger. Of the awarding is no evidence in the Bundesarchiv. (Source: Traces of War)

Original Benachrichtigung of SS-Rottenführer Hohner, from the SS-Flak-Ausbildungs und Ersatz-Regiment, München. Condition as seen.

Original Feldpost cover of the SS-Fürsorgeführer Main to the Mayor of Coburg. Empty. Nothing on the back. Condition as seen.

Original German Press Photo of Kapitän zur See Hellmuth von Rückteschell (Kommandant Hilfskreuzers HSK 3 „Widder“, Kommandant, HSK 9 „Michel“, Kriegsmarine! Earned the Oakleaves!). Size: 13x18cm. Condition as seen.

Original group of issues of Vrouw en Volk (1943), a scarce publication of the VNVV, the women’s branch of the Flemish VNV. Condition as illustrated. All issues are complete, though they exhibit typical wear; one cover has paper adhered to it (see second image).

Included in this lot: 1943 nos. 5, 6, 9, 11, and 12.

Original French Commemorative War Medal 1914–1918 (Médaille commémorative de la guerre 1914–1918). The Commemorative War Medal 1914–1918 is an official French decoration established by law on 23 June 1920, awarded to military personnel and qualifying civilians who served during the First World War.

It recognizes participation in the conflict between 2 August 1914 and 11 November 1918, regardless of length of mobilization.

Design & Characteristics

• Material: Bronze

• Diameter: approx. 33 mm

• Designer: Pierre-Alexandre Morlon (selected from 73 proposals)

Obverse:

• Profile of Minerva, symbolizing France

• Wearing a 1915-style helmet

• Crowned with laurel leaves and holding a sword

• Surrounded by oak and bay leaves at the suspension

Reverse:

• Inscription:
  “GRANDE GUERRE 1914–1918”

• Encircled by:
  “RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE”

Condition: As seen in the images.

A classic and widely collected First World War medal, representing the full spectrum of service in wartime France, from front-line soldiers to civilian contributors.

Exceptional and rarely encountered original grouping belonging to a soldier of the Panzer-Lehr-Regiment (later associated with Panzerjäger-Abteilung 16, as indicated by the shoulder boards visible in one of the portraits).

This lot includes:

• 7 original period photographs (including uniform portraits)

• 2 original Feldpost letters

• 1 aluminum (Alu) remembrance/memorial card

Such complete personal groupings from Panzer-Lehr personnel are scarce on the market, making this a highly desirable set for advanced collectors of German WWII militaria.

Condition: All items are in original, untouched condition as shown in the photos.

Offered on consignment.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Heinz Macher. SS-Sturmbannführer Heinz Macher (31.12.1919 † 21.12.2001) earned the Ritterkreuz on April 3, 1943 as SS-Untersturmführer und Kompanieführer of the 16. Kompanie/ SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 3 “Deutschland” and the Eichenlaub on August 19, 1944 as SS-Obersturmführer und Kompaniechef of the 16. Kompanie/ SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 3 “Deutschland” of the 2. SS-Panzer-Division “Das Reich”. Macher also earned the Nahkampfspange in Gold on October 18, 1944. Postcardsize. Condition as seen.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Paul Senghas. SS-Hauptsturmführer Paul Senghas (31.01.1916 † 06.11.1996) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on December 11, 1944 as SS-Obersturmführer und Führer of the I. Abteilung/ SS-Panzer-Regiment 5 of the 5. SS-Panzer-Division “Wiking”. Condition as seen. Postcardsize.

“On the 18.08.1944 the enemy advanced towards the Warsaw-Radzymin-Wyszkow road with massive forces and strong air support. At the time the 5. SS-Panzer-Division ‘Wiking’ was located along the general line Roszcep-Trojany-Debynki. At the time SS-Obersturmführer Senghas stood as the leader of the Stabskompanie along with the supply units of the I./SS-Panzer-Regiment 5 in Zazdroso (1.5 km east of Niegow).

At 11:00 he received a message which reported the Russians as having broken through in battalion strength to a point 1 km east of the railway embankment. A wide gap existed towards the left neighbour, and there was the danger that the Russians would block the main road and thrust into the left flank of the Division. Recognizing this danger, Senghas made the decision to engage the enemy with the handful of men in the supply units at hand (despite their lack of heavy infantry weapons) and bring the Russians to a halt.

Going into position at the railway embankment, he let the Russians approach to within very close range and then smashed their attack. Reinforcements could not be brought up, and so Senghas defended with his handful of men for the remainder of that day and also the two following days, fighting off strong enemy attacks with only rifles, sub-machine guns and close combat weapons. During this time 2 Panzer IVs, which had been in the repair shop and were only conditionally operational, were brought into the fight. 2 Sherman tanks and 1 T-34 were destroyed immediately after they appeared. The Russians took heavy losses in men and ceased their attacks.

By his own initiative and personal devotion to duty, Senghas thus brought the 3 days of close combat to a conclusion. An enemy breakthrough was prevented and the danger to the left flank of the Division removed. Senghas is one of the oldest Eastern front combat veterans, who has mastered many critical situations through swift decisiveness and bold action while ruthlessly demanding the utmost of himself.”

Original Order of Leopold II (Rank of Officer). The Order of Leopold II (French: Ordre de Léopold II) is a Belgian civil order of chivalry, originally established in 1900 by King Leopold II in the Congo Free State, then his personal possession. The order’s motto, “L’Union fait la force” / “Eendracht maakt macht” (“Unity makes strength”), reflects the Belgian national ideal.

Initially awarded for services rendered to Congo and to the sovereign, the order was incorporated into the Belgian honors system after Congo became a Belgian colony in 1908. Following Congo’s independence, the Order of Leopold II remained part of the Belgian national system of honors. Today, it is one of Belgium’s three national orders, alongside the Order of the Crown and the Order of Leopold.

The Order of Leopold II is awarded to civilians and military personnel for distinguished service to the King and as a mark of his personal esteem.

Version Offered: Officer (Officier)

The Officer rank represents a higher class within the Order.

The insignia is worn on the left breast, suspended from a ribbon featuring a rosette, distinguishing it from the Knight class.

Distinctive Characteristics of the Officer Class:

• Cross of the Order in a superior class grade

• Suspended from the standard blue ribbon with central black stripe

• Ribbon fitted with a rosette, indicating Officer rank

• Worn as a breast decoration

A refined and historically significant decoration, ideal for collectors of Belgian orders and colonial-era honors.

Original Order of Leopold II (Rank of Knight). The Order of Leopold II (French: Ordre de Léopold II) is a Belgian civil order of chivalry, originally established in 1900 by King Leopold II in the Congo Free State, then his personal possession. The order’s motto, “L’Union fait la force” / “Eendracht maakt macht” (“Unity makes strength”), reflects the Belgian national ideal.

Initially awarded for services rendered to Congo and to the sovereign, the order was incorporated into the Belgian honors system after Congo became a Belgian colony in 1908. Following Congo’s independence, the Order of Leopold II remained part of the Belgian national system of honors. Today, it is one of Belgium’s three national orders, alongside the Order of the Crown and the Order of Leopold.

The Order of Leopold II is awarded to civilians and military personnel for distinguished service to the King and as a mark of his personal esteem.

Version Offered: Knight (Ridder)

The Knight wears the insignia on a 37 mm wide ribbon on the left breast.

Distinctive characteristics of the Knight class:

• Cross in silvered metal (not gilded)

• Crown suspension in silver

• Blue ribbon with a central black stripe

• Worn as a breast decoration

A refined and historically significant decoration, ideal for collectors of Belgian orders and colonial-era honors.

Original Belgian War Cross 1914–1918 (Oorlogskruis). The Belgian War Cross 1914–1918 (Oorlogskruis) is one of Belgium’s most prestigious First World War decorations. It was instituted by Royal Decree on 25 October 1915, inspired by the French Croix de Guerre established earlier that same year.

Awarded exclusively to individual members of the Belgian Army, Navy, and Air Force — and in exceptional cases to foreign Allied servicemen — the War Cross recognized acts of bravery in the face of the enemy.

Beyond gallantry, the decoration was also granted for:

• Three years of front-line service (five front stripes)

• Volunteers over 40 or under 16 years of age with at least 18 months of service

• Escaped prisoners of war who rejoined their unit within three months

• Soldiers unable to resume combat due to wounds sustained in action

The War Cross could be awarded posthumously. In such cases, the ribbon bears a black enamel bar. Non-commissioned officers and enlisted men who died from wounds received in combat were additionally appointed Knights of the Order of Leopold II with palm and also received the War Cross.

Citation Devices (Ribbon Distinctions)

Recipients mentioned in official dispatches could wear the following devices on the ribbon:

• Bronze Lion – Mention in Regimental Orders

• Silver Lion – Mention in Brigade Orders

• Gold Lion – Mention in Divisional Orders

• Bronze Palm – Mention in Army Orders

• Five bronze palms replaced by one silver palm

• Five silver palms replaced by one gold palm

These devices significantly enhance both the historical and collector value of the decoration.

Original “De Arbeidsman” – VAVV Montly Issue – Oktober 1941. Complete. Condition as seen.

Original “De Dr. Reimond Tollenaere Marsch te Brussel – 12 Juli 1942” Folder. Complete with all pictures but the sides in worn, partial loose condition.

Original Liederbuch (Songbook) of the Reichsarbeidsdienst “Singend wollen wir marschieren”. Complete but in used condition. Condition as seen.

Original Studioportrait of Waffen-SS Flemish Volunteer “Juul” Geurts, who was the first Flemish Waffen-SS Volunteer to earn the Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse. Size: 7×11,2cm. Condition as seen.

Original Photograph of Flemish Volunteers of the SS-Freiwilligen-Legion “Flandern”. Size: 6x9cm. Condition as seen.

Original Flemish collaboration press photo of the Hitlerjugend-Vlaanderen. Condition as seen. Size: 13x18cm.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Josef Wiechoczek. Leutnant Josef Wiechoczek (18.11.1915 in Oberschlesien † 05.01.1999 in Bad Säckingen) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen kreuzes on December 9, 1944 as Leutnant und Führer in the 5. Kompanie/ Jäger-Regiment 28 of the 8. Jäger-Division. Size: 9,1x13cm. Condition as seen.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Friedrich Weber. Generalleutnant Friedrich Weber (31.03.1892 in Chateau-Salins, Lorraine † 02.09.1972 in Deggendorf) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on June 8, 1940 as Oberstleutnant und Kommandeur of Infanterie-Regiment 481 of the 256. Infanterie-Division. Postcardsize.

He fought in Africa and in the Eastern Front. He was the commander of the fortress division defending Warsaw in January 1945.

Original Postwar Signature on Postwar Photo of Walter Böhm. Oberfeldwebel Walter Böhm (16.12.1918 † 23.09.2011) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on March 17, 1945 as Oberfeldwebel und Panzerspähtruppführer in the 1. Kompanie/ Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 8 of the 8. Panzer-Division. Postcardsize. Condition as seen. Comes with a signed letter.