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.

Offering an original, outstanding and historically significant grouping from a decorated Panzer soldier, Unteroffizier Schobert who served with the 2. Kompanie/ Panzer-Regiment 25 of the 7. Panzer-Division ("The Ghost Division"), featuring three award certificates — two of which are hand-signed by none other than Erwin Rommel, also known as the legendary “Desert Fox” and the soldier's awards and dogtag. This rare set represents a true centerpiece for any advanced WWII militaria collection!

Grouping Includes:

• Award Certificate for the Panzerkampfabzeichen in Silber – Hand-signed by Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel, which is one of the most highly sought-after signatures, from one of Germany’s most iconic commanders. Earned during the Western Campaign in 1940.

• Award Certificate for the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class) – Also hand-signed by Erwin Rommel, adding even more immense historical and collector value. Earned also during the Western Campaign in 1940.

• Award Certificate for the Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber

• Erkennungsmarke (ID Tag) – giving personal identity to the recipient.

• Panzerkampfabzeichen in Silber

• Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Juncker made) – A premium variant from one of the most respected manufacturers.

• 2x Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (1st Model) – Early war version.

• Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber – Awarded for multiple wounds or one severe wound.

• DRL Sports Badge – Prewar athleticism and military preparedness represented in this finely made piece.

Highlights:

• Two rare Rommel signatures – Authentic, crisp, and with impeccable provenance.

• Complete and coherent grouping – All items traceable to one soldier, offering both historical depth and display impact.

• Premium award pieces – Juncker EK2, early wound badges, and matching paperwork.

This is more than a grouping—it's a time capsule of bravery, elite service, and personal history, anchored by the signature of one of WWII’s most iconic field marshals. A rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a museum-grade ensemble with immense investment and display potential.