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Luftwaffe

Page 22


 


Luftwaffe

Cuff Title

Cuff Title
Waffen-SS Kriegsberichter

 

Cuff Title
Kriegsberichter at work at the Front

Cuff Title
Taken by Luftwaffe Kriegsberichter

Cuff Title
Dornier Do 17 taken by Luftwaffe K-B reporter

Cuff Title
Ranking officer's cuff title

Cuff Title of a War Correspondent (Kriegsberichter) for the Luftwaffe (Item LUFT 22-1)

DESCRIPTION: Kriegsberichter were soldiers first; war correspondents second. Rather than take photographs they were expected to participate in assaults, offensive operations, and to fight next to their comrades as their positions were being overrun by the enemy. They gained respect very quickly as most Kriegsberichter demonstrated remarkable courage in the face of battle. It’s for sure that these brave correspondents were never too far away from the combat zone during the war. Their roles were to:
Entertain the troops
Produce propaganda against the enemy
Produce counterpropaganda against the enemy’s propaganda and supply misinformation to cover up military operations
Fight in combat as mentioned
In 1938, Adolf Hitler ordered a new and efficient special unit in the German army focused solely on propaganda. The first four propaganda Kompanien in the German Wehrmacht (army) were formed in September 1938, with the same sort of propaganda companies established in the Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine the following year. The Kriegsberichter corps of the Luftwaffe covered not only the war in the air, but also the combat exploits of the Hermann Göring ground combat forces and, in fact, the Fallschirmjäger (paratroops). Two of the most famous Luftwaffe correspondents were LW-PK Erich Wenzel and LW-PK Erwin Seeger, who provided fantastic coverage at the Battle of Arnhem. The record stands today of the heroic actions of these two war reporters and other such warriors with notebook and camera from all branches of Germany’s fighting forces.

The Cuff Title

This title is full length with no damage and is a very rare uniform accouterment considering that there were only two or three of these men assigned to divisions or flying squadrons. In many years of our experience this is the first one we have ever acquired.

PRICE: $950.00

 

Sword

Sword

 

Cuff Title

Cuff Title

Cuff Title

Cuff Title

Cuff Title

Cuff Title

Cuff Title

Cuff Title
Damage to left side of hanger

Cuff Title

Cuff Title

Cuff Title

Cuff Title

Cuff Title

Cuff Title
Slight ding in scabbard

Cuff Title

Cuff Title

Cuff Title

Cuff Title

Cuff Title

Cuff Title

Luftwaffe Sword from an Me 109 Officer with Fighter Squadron Identification (Item LUFT 22-2)

DESCRIPTION: Here is a wonderful Luftwaffe sword having belonged to an officer of the famed Me 109 Jadgstaffel S/GS1 command whose unit insignia was the Wet Crow and the bird is depicted holding his umbrella with the saying “Gott Strafe England” underneath. These Messerschmitt pilots were the first of the young heroes to carry the fight to the British Isles. Britain had bombed German ports first and this resulted in many civilian casualties and eventually the Blitzkrieg was on! And for a time God did strike England. Then later came the homicidal plan of drunken Winston Churchill to firebomb defenseless German civilian centers like Dresden. The young, dauntless pilots of the Luftwaffe piled up victory after victory, but were overwhelmed in equipment, and were finally deprived of oil needed for their aviation fuel. Their airfields were devastated and the rest is a history that we pray we never see again and it is hoped that “Winnie” and his Satanic partner “Bomber Harris” are tied together on the same spit in the fires of Hell!

The Sword

This is the second time we have been fortunate enough to find a sword with the engraved unit marking. They are certainly rare and the one we had before was from the famed JG 52 and it had the Luftwaffe 1st model dagger with it. That squadron had the illustrious aces Eric Hartmann with 352 victories; Gerhard “Gerd” Barkhorn, 301; and Günther Rall, 275. We almost purchased another sword that was from this S/GS1, but it was a sword that had the “Wet Crow,” but no initials for the owner as this one does. Someone beat us to it, however, and we ended up buying this one only. Some of the Luftwaffe officers were wealthy in their own right and could well afford two swords. We have seen it before and who could blame them seeing that this was certainly the most beautiful sword of the Third Reich—these young eagles prized them highly. We are proud to offer this our latest find and a rather spectacular one it most certainly is! The sword is the later one with aluminum parts. I have always liked these better than the early nickel-silver model, but that’s personal preference because many collectors like these earlier models. I just think that the swastikas and other trimmings stand out more boldly in my estimation and the sword has a much brighter and neater look. The sword is in really nice condition throughout. The scabbard has a few dings. If you really look closely, the grip has evidence of minute wear from the handling of it. The original crescent hanger is in place, but broken away on one side (see our images). This appurtenance is in scuffed and obviously heavily used condition (usually they are missing altogether from these swords). The blade measures 28 ½ inches. The maker’s or distributer’s mark is seen as “F&A Helbig Steinbach KRM,” but as the bright blade reflects back at you the writing is not easily discernable. Above the trademark is a Waffenampt consisting of a stick bird with the Nr. 5 visible in his belly. The original blue-leather blade washer is in place and in good condition. The scabbard shell of this piece is straight throughout and is covered in Moroccan leather. The Sonnenrad-style swastika on both the pommel and crossguard are practically untouched and in bright, gold hue as are all metal parts. Hey! It's probably the best-condition one we have ever seen offered. Say no more! Now here is what sets it far apart from other such examples. The emblem of the S/GS1 with the comical crow in the rain with his umbrella is engraved on the scabbard top metal mount. Under this it says “Gott Strafe England” and this, of course, was the emblem of this elite Messerschmitt Me 109 fighter squadron (Jagdgeschwader). Above this on the one we purchased you can see also a set of initials that looks like “S H” intertwined. Unfortunately, we don’t know who the initials belong to. This does however identify the Battle of Britain squadron that the former owner belonged to. This is a unique, beautiful sword from the turbulent times and the Freiheitskampf for Europe! Horrido!

PRICE: SOLD

 

Cufflinks

 

Cufflinks

Cufflinks

Cufflinks

Cufflinks

Pair of Luftwaffe Cufflinks (Item LUFT 22-3)

DESCRIPTION: Here is a very nice pair of silver cufflinks. At this point, let me say that this pair will be the “Dream Set” for the collector who loves markings: these are marked to beat the band! I have never seen any German jewelry that was as profusely marked as these pieces. On one corner they have the clear, precise logo of the company that made them and opposite of this is the word “Berlin” clearly stamped, then “900,” and the word “SILBER” (silver) all deeply stamped. This is the best set of cufflinks I have ever seen for the German Wehrmacht. Small in size it measures only 1 ¾ inches across and 1 ½ inches high; petite but none the less impressive. The wonderful and highly detailed eagles bearing the swastika appear to be applied separately in a professional jewelry process. This is excellent work (the Best!!).

PRICE: $575.00

 

Honor Goblet

Honor Goblet

 

Honor Goblet

Honor Goblet

Honor Goblet

Honor Goblet

Honor Goblet

Honor Goblet

Honor Goblet

Honor Goblet

Honor Goblet

Honor Goblet

Honor Goblet

Honor Goblet

Honor Goblet
The sharp Wagner stampings

Honor Goblet
The proud recipients of goblets

Honor Goblet
Pokal being officially presented in the field

Honor Goblet
Stuka Ace Hans-Ulrich Rudel receives his Pokal.

Honor Goblet
Rudel drinks from his goblet as was customary upon receiving it.

Honor Goblet
A young airman receives his Ehrenpokal.

Honor Goblet
Heinkel He 111 bomber during the Battle of Britain

 

Magnificent Silver Luftwaffe Ehrenpokal (Honor Goblet)
(Item LUFT 22-4 )

DESCRIPTION: This Pokal was awarded to Major Hans Keppler, who was the commander of NR. 1 Kampfgeschwader (“Hindenburg”) in August and September of 1942. Keppler was a recipient of the Knight’s Cross on August 8, 1942, but was killed in action September 3, 1942. He received the German Cross I Gold on March 9, 1942 and this Ehrenpokal back on December 15, 1941, when he was a Hauptmann (captain). The Geschwader KG 1 was a crack bomber unit having served in the Polish Campaign in 1939 with its main targets being railways and troop concentrations. In 1940, KG 1 supported the German Fourth Army in Belgium and also supported the race to the English Channel attacking French targets that were threatening Army Group A. In the Battle of Britain the unit took part in “Adlertag” (“ Eagle Day”). It also served in North Africa and the Mediterranean and the Italian campaigns. The bomber aircraft used in most of the unit’s missions was the Heinkel He 111, the workhorse of the Luftwaffe. The Ehrenpokal was given for special achievement in the air war. It was given only to flying personnel (pilots and aircrew). German archives indicate that 58,000 were given ‘on paper,’ but only about 13,000-15,000 were actually personally awarded. The actual goblets were produced in two materials-fine silver (Feinsilber) as this one is, but also in Alpaca or nickel silver. The size is about 200 mm tall x 100 mm in diameter. The legend “Für Besondere Leistung Im Luftkrieg” is beautifully formed into the base. The most sought after of these rare pieces is of course the earlier examples in Feinsilber. The firm of Johann Wagner & Sohn of Berlin made these goblets. They clearly marked this piece “Joh. Wagner & Sohn” and underneath this you can see the figures of the half moon, the crown, “835” (silver content), and the imperial-looking eagle. The design of the goblet is magnificent with two eagles in airborne combat on one side while the reverse side has the 1939 Iron Cross. There is a slight pebbling effect to the background of the whole Pokal. Above the inscription bearing the recipient’s name and date of issue is a band of gorgeous oak leaves. At the time of the issue of this Pokal Hans Keppler was a Hauptmann (captain). Practically no award issued in the Third Reich quite comes up to the beauty of these silver chalices. This one is in mint condition throughout with no dents or abrasions anywhere on its body—a thing of beauty is a joy forever!!! Upon researching the web we found on a major prestigious military site a nice Pokal, but it was produced in Alpaca, not silver. It was also in very nice condition but unresearched as to the recipient and it was priced at $8,500.00. The Feinsilber ones that are seldom found are very much more sought after by serious collectors and usually considered three times as rare as the Alpaca so we feel that our price on this piece will be considered very reasonable indeed.

PRICE: SOLD

 

Luftwaffe Dagger

Luftwaffe Dagger

 

Luftwaffe Dagger

Luftwaffe Dagger

Luftwaffe Dagger

Luftwaffe Dagger

Luftwaffe Dagger

Luftwaffe Dagger

Luftwaffe Dagger
The chip where is doesn't show

Luftwaffe Dagger

Luftwaffe Dagger

 

Near-Mint Luftwaffe Dagger (Item LUFT 22-5)

DESCRIPTION: Here is one of the finest second-model Luftwaffe daggers that we have acquired in a long time. It is marked with the company logo of “SMF Solingen.” The logo shows a seated king who sports a sword in his hand; above this is a tiny eagle proof mark. The blade is in stone-mint condition—maybe the best we have ever seen; not one nick, not one scratch, just perfect! The pommel and the crossguard are bright and highly detailed. The grip is also exceptional and in the wonderful orange color. We know that the grips were white to begin their life, but nature often had a pleasing effect on the chemically volatile nature of celluloid. The grip remains in perfect condition except for a chip out of the celluloid under the ring (inside). This cannot be seen on the outside and can only be viewed if the dagger is taken apart. This often happens when such a Luftwaffe or army dagger is taken apart and reassembled and turning the pommel nut too tightly. It absolutely does not detract from this lovely dagger (Not at all!). The scabbard has all the original dark patina. The crossguard is the style that goes with this type of pommel that is extremely bold. They both are a match. The guard has the great eagle and the details of the swastika on the pommel jump right out at you! The eagle on the crossguard has breast and claws that are vaulted out high in relief, much more than normal crossguards that we often see. The blade, like so many other SMF pieces, is the nickel-plated type and mirror bright with needle-point tip. The ferrule is a steel example, with a slightly darker tone that contrasts nicely against the bright aluminum of the pommel and guard. The coloration or patina of the scabbard is the absolute airplane grey while the SMF-style bands are the bright aluminum-color, oak-leaf motif. One of the tiny retaining screws near the lip of the scabbard is missing, but nothing is affected by this. All in all, this is the best one practically ever!

PRICE: SOLD

 

Luftwaffe Bracelet

Luftwaffe Bracelet

 

Luftwaffe Bracelet

Luftwaffe Bracelet

Luftwaffe Bracelet

Luftwaffe Bracelet

Luftwaffe Bracelet

Luftwaffe Bracelet

Luftwaffe Bracelet

Luftwaffe Bracelet
Fighter ace Walter Nowotny

Luftwaffe Bracelet

 

Bracelet Constructed from a Luftwaffe Combat Clasp (Item LUFT 22-6)

DESCRIPTION: This is an authentic combat clasp for a crewmember’s taking part in transport and glider missions over enemy territory or if enemy aircraft are encountered. The silver award was for 60 flights or missions. It is a high-quality piece made with plated tombak. No maker mark. Now what is most interesting is that the recipient after the war had his award made into a bracelet by silver soldering a chain with fastener to the badge thus wearing it proudly. But in the new “Democratic” Germany it is forbidden to wear something like this so he had to abandon the thought and in 1999 we bought it from him at a flea market. It is for a rather small wrist and he in fact was a small man but with a very big ego from the stories he passed on to us. He was definitely one of the former heroes who fought the good fight. This is a unique item and a worthwhile collector’s item of the air wars.

PRICE: $450.00 A truly neat item!

 

Luftwaffe Cap Set

Luftwaffe Cap Set

 

Luftwaffe Cap Set
Luftwaffe cap shown with this typical insignia

Luftwaffe Cap Set
Messerschmitt Me 262; first operational jet-powered fighter in flight

Luftwaffe Cap Set
Me 109 in aerial combat

Luftwaffe Cap Set
Messerschmitt Me 109s in flight

 

Luftwaffe Cap-Device Set (Item LUFT 22-7)

DESCRIPTION: Here is the cap device used on the regulation German WW II Air Force (Luftwaffe) cap. It’s a late-war set with the Luftwaffe flying eagle and the wreath with wings and the roundel with the national colors. All the fastening pins are intact. The former collector/owner has fastened these insignia to a piece of plastic and we have not removed them. We will leave that to you. You know that the lower insignia would be normally bent to accept the shape of the cap's center band, but they were not issued that way (issued flat). This is a nice set and getting scarcer all the time.

PRICE: $145.00

 

Paratrooper Ring

Paratrooper Ring

Paratrooper Ring

 

Paratrooper Ring

Paratrooper Ring

Paratrooper Ring

Paratrooper Ring
German Fallschirmjäger in France

Paratrooper Ring
Ready to jump

Paratrooper Ring
German paratroopers descend on Crete.

Paratrooper Ring

Paratrooper Ring

 

German Fallschirmjäger (Paratrooper) Ring (Item LUFT 22-8; WEHR 33-20)

DESCRIPTION: Fallschirmjäger is the German word for paratroopers. They played an important role during WWII, when, together with the Gebirgsjäger (Alpine or Mountain troops), were perceived as the elite infantry units of the German military. After WWII, they were reconstituted as parts of postwar armed forces of both West and East Germany, mainly as special troops. In WWII, German Fallschirmjäger were the world’s first paratroopers committed in large-scale airborne operations. They came to be known as the “Green Devils” by the Allied forces for their distinctive jackets, as well as for their uniquely distinct morale and proficient fighting ability. Along with the Waffen-SS they were the real elite of all the fighting forces of WWII. We have only one of these rare rings and it is in size 11 ½. One of these brave airborne warriors obviously wore it as it shows wear, but most of the details are quite discernable. The eagle’s head and upper wingtips are pretty much gone, though. But it is what it is!. This is an extremely rare WWII ring from the bravest of the brave, “the real band of brothers.” This is a real war relic, but also I see it as a sort of a tribute to those who fought for Europe’s freedom from what could have been a total Bolshevik takeover of sacred Europe.

PRICE: SOLD

 

 

Flyer's Banner

Flyer's Banner
Crest of the Fliegertruppe

 

Flyer's Banner

Flyer's Banner

Flyer's Banner

Flyer's Banner

Flyer's Banner

Flyer's Banner

Flyer's Banner

Flyer's Banner

Flyer's Banner

Flyer's Banner

 

Banner (Streamer) from the Royal Bavarian Flying Corps (Fliegertruppe) (Item LUFT 22-10: KCLOTH 2-9)

DESCRIPTION: This piece is constructed of silk with gilded letters and décor. In the long stretch of the streamer it says translated: “Donated by the Grandfather’s Association”. This donation was more than likely the organizational flag or standard of the Bavarian Flying Corps known as the Ortsgruppe” (Home Guard) of the Bayerische Fliegertruppe (Bavarian Flying Troops) based at the German city of Freising. The flag was presented May 29, 1924, by the Old Veterans’ Association. Freising is near Munich and the Fliegertruppe did its flying in and out of Munich’s airport. The piece is in good shape with the wear one would expect with a relic that is more than 90 years old. The coat of arms of the Fliegertruppe is seen at the end of the streamer and it incorporates a bear surmounted by the Bavarian colors of blue and white mixed stripes with oak leaves and acorns. The streamer is in good shape and is a truly rare and historically important piece of German aviation history.

PRICE: $495.00

 

Badge

Badge

 

Badge

Badge

Badge

Badge

Badge

Badge
"Wir fahren gegen Engeland."

Badge
Note the "Observer's" badge on this airman

Badge
Terror of the skies, the Stuka

Badge
Luftwaffe observer at work

Truly Superior Luftwaffe Observer’s Badge (Item LUFT 22-11)

DESCRIPTION: This badge, although having no maker’s mark, is of the very highest quality (Junkers?). This is a nice heavy badge with exquisite detail to the feathers and the wreath. It’s die-struck tombac with practically 100 percent of the radium intact on the wreath and 95 percent of the burnished finish on the eagle. The wreath has half in oak leaves and half in palm leaves. The eagle is attached to the wreath with two small rivets and is complete with the original barrel hinge, needle pin and “C” catch. This is just as fine an example as you would ever likely find. We have scarcely seen a better one.

PRICE: $775.00

 

Badge

Badge

 

Spanish Cross

Spanish Cross

Spanish Cross

Spanish Cross

Spanish Cross

Spanish Cross

Spanish Cross
Stuka of the Condor Legion

Spanish Cross
Homecoming to Germany of her heroic sons

Spanish Cross
Glockenspiel parade of the legion

Spanish Cross
Standard of the Legion Condor

Spanish Cross
Men of the Legion

Spanish Cross
Men of the Legion

Spanish Cross
Marshal Göring distributes the Spanish Cross to the men of Legion Condor

Spanish Cross

Spanish Cross

Spanish Cross
Legion marches before the Führer in 1939

Spanish Cross in Silver with Swords (Legion Condor) (Item LUFT 22-12; FAS 1-3)

DESCRIPTION: Here is a rare medal called the Spanish Cross of Honor. The silver grade of these medals, when adorned with swords, such as this one, were reserved for those who had actual combat experience participating in decisive battles; only 8,304 were awarded. The participants were the brave volunteer heroes of the Condor Legion who served in the Spanish Civil War (July 1936 to March 1939). These men fought on the side of General Franco against the Communists; they all were volunteers and because of their semiofficial status no awards were instituted prior to or during the war. Therefore, there were no methods to recognize bravery and accomplishment until 1939. The purpose of the Spanish Cross therefore was two-fold: It was not only a campaign medal, but also an award recognizing the superlative achievement and heroism of these Teutonic warriors. The Condor Legion was comprised of 25,000 troops who pioneered the famous concept of “Blitzkrieg” in the warfare in Spain. In addition to the Spanish Republican Army, the Condor Legion and its allies would come up against vicious, hard-corps Communist forces sent from Red Russia as well as the international legions: French, Canadian, and the motley, scruffy volunteers from the U.S. known as the Abraham Lincoln Brigade that comprised of mostly red thugs from the east side of New York. These scum balls began to arrive and supply the republican side almost immediately after the war began. The Condor Legion ranks were mostly composed of Luftwaffe personnel, who would further develop and test air-war tactics and equipment later used with much success throughout World War 2. They would participate in critical battles, such as the Aragon Offensive, the Battle of Ebro, and the final assault on Catalonia. Overall, the war in Spain lasted three years. There were many hard-fought battles and 600,000 total lives were lost from all causes. With German and Italian help, General Franco and the nationalist forces prevailed. Upon the return of the Condor Legion to the Reich, awards were presented in ceremonies with much flair. On June 6, 1939, all recipients paraded through the streets of Berlin in front of Hitler and a rapturous public. The badge we offer is marked “CEJ” on the back. This, of course, stands for C.E. Juncker, the “Tiffany” of German badge production. Consequently, Juncker badges look more like high-quality jewelry than pieces of military insignia. The finish on this one is deep, distinguishable silver probably over brass or otherwise always there is the possibility that this is one of the few by Juncker in “800” silver, but not marked “800”? It’s truly difficult to find a C.E. Juncker Spanish Cross with all its finish intact. All high-quality, original Juncker badges are exceptionally fine and delicate and this one is no exception to that rule right down to the silver embellishment on the center swastika. There are also swords and eagles fitted between the arms of the cross; these are Luftwaffe flying eagles carrying swastikas. Here is a tribute to all the aviators who made up about 70 percent of the Legion. Certainly this was one of the most beautiful of all the combat awards of the Third Reich and it’s all the better being an authentic beautiful production by C.E. Juncker.

PRICE: $1,975.00

 

 

Cufflink Set

Cufflink Set

Cufflink Set

 

Cufflink Set

Cufflink Set
Back of case

Cufflink Set
Old rust

Cufflink Set

Cufflink Set

Cufflink Set

Cufflink Set

Cufflink Set

Cufflink Set

Cufflink Set

Cufflink Set

Cufflink Set

Cufflink Set

Cufflink Set

Cufflink Set

Fantastic! Cigarette Case, Cufflinks, and Ring from the Condor Legion Fighter Group 88 (Item LUFT 22-13; FAS 1-4)

DESCRIPTION: Here is possibly the rarest grouping we have ever seen of articles from the famed Legion Condor. See the article above about the badge for more about this legion of heroes! The gold workmanship on these items is traditional Toledo damascene jewelry. Toledo for centuries was also known as the City of Swords. These weapons were made of the legendary Toledo steel. The damascene work is the art of inlaying different metals into one another; typically, gold or silver into a darkly oxidized steel background to produce intricate patterns similar to Niello crafting. The patterns varied and focused on either Renaissance motif with birds—usually doves—and flowers or arabesque and geometric designs. Also, many of the designs would reflect the individual artist’s unique, personal interpretations thus creating a rare and highly collectable piece of jewelry. The items we offer here would definitely fit into that category—they are unique. The set belonged to a pilot who served in Jagdgruppe 88. This was a Condor Legion fighter group that served in the Spanish Civil War and consisted of a headquarters (Stab) and four squadrons (Staffeln) The last commanding officer of J/88 was Hauptmann Walter Grabmann, who served from September 1938 through March 1939. In April 1938, Oberleutnant Werner Mölders arrived and took over the 3. Staffel from Adolf Galland and displayed considerable qualities as both pilot and tactician. He was beloved by his squadron: they called him “Papa Mölders.” During the course of the fierce battle against the communists, the men of the Legion managed from time to time to avail themselves to the purchase of some of these Toledo treasures. These, of course, were often painstakingly wrought by the jewelers of this famous city. Obviously, some of this jewelry was specially crafted to reflect the service of these stalwart warriors of the air! Now and then nationalist officers of Franco’s army would honor their Luftwaffe allies with such gifts typical of the Spanish homeland. The three items offered here are all from one ex-Condor Legion pilot and are truly treasures of history. One of the pieces would have to be considered truly rare, but to have them all from one man is, as the title says, Fantastic!

The Pieces

Ring

The ring displays a condor in flight whose particular design was exclusive to the Legion Condor. It’s constructed in the genuine applied gold with “L.C.” on one side of the eagle’s swastika and “88” on the other. All of this is pressed into a steel-based metal ring. The sides are done in intricate renaissance pattern employing birds and flowers that go all around the ring’s shank. The ring is a size 11 and is in its original ring case–beautiful!

Cufflinks

The cufflinks are truly spectacular and in mint condition. They are nicely petite measuring about 2¾ inch high. They are fastened to the holding clasp by a chain. Again, we have the condor holding a swastika surrounded by a geometric pattern. The bird is in pressed gold with “L” and “C” initialed on either side of the Hakenkreuz. Remarkable!—even the shirt-cuff clasp is highly decorated in gold motif.

Cigarette Case

Here is the most remarkable item in the group. It’s a magnificent cigarette case. The workmanship is wonderful with, again, a renaissance motif all over the front except for a mid-space design that employs the artist’s depiction of the National Socialist eagle and swastika instead of the Legion Condor design. This eagle and all the floral design is in genuine pressed gold. Above the eagle are the dates “1936-1938,” and below are “L. C.” and “88.” The cigarette case measures 3 x 3¼ inches. Unfortunately, there is some evidence of old rust at the top-left edge that has come through after almost 80 years or more. There is some of this rust in the right-bottom corner and some slight rusting here and there in the patterns. The back of the case is in steel. The rust is curtailed and not going to continue and although there, it can’t really detract from the marvelous beauty of this historically important piece of history. The Condor Legion, regardless of its far-left liberal detractors, will go into future history as the earliest brave effort to crush the great evil of international communism. “Long may their glory remain–Horrido und Adelante!!!

PRICE: $4,800.00 for the set

 

Badge

Badge

 

Badge

Badge

Badge

Badge

Badge

Badge

Badge

Badge

Badge

Badge

Badge

Badge

Badge
Messerschmitt Me 109; the workhorse of the Luftwaffe

Badge
Messerschmitt Me 262; had a few more been produced the war probably would have had a happier ending

Badge
Focke-Wulf Fw 190; one of the first German fighters to see combat in WWII

Badge
Ju 87 (Stuka); an extremely effective dive bomber

Luftwaffe Advanced Pilot’s Certificate and Pilot’s Badge (Item LUFT 22-14)

DESCRIPTION: Here is the German Air Force advanced pilot’s certificate Luftwaffen-Flugzeugführerschein that was issued to airman Rudolph Ryba on July 23, 1941. A Luftwaffe qualification badge was always issued when the license was obtained. Ryba received one at the time he graduated, but it was lost later in combat and he received a replacement in 1944, according to the family member who sold these items to our German picker. His license was issued at a flying school in the district of Stettin. He signed the document and his picture is attached. Affixed inside the front cover is a preliminary document certifying that Ryba is to be awarded his pilot’s badge dated July 30, of that same year (1941).The second page of the document states that he was assigned to Jagdfliegerschule 2-Zerbst on Nov. 15, 1941. This indicates that he was training to be a fighter pilot . . . and, later, he certainly was. The license has several stamps with eagle and swastika. Ryba’s Fliegerabzeichen (pilot’s badge) was reissued in 1944, and is a late-war issue. It was struck by the firm of Assmann and has the “A” mark on its back. The detail is still exquisite, although late. This is a rare grouping and historically important and is certainly reasonably priced.

PRICE: $989.00

 

Badge

Badge

 

Badge

Badge
Pilot and air gunner about to take off

Badge
Hans-Ulrich Rudel, Stuka ace, with his air gunner

Badge
Note the air gunner behind the pilot in the Ju 87 (Stuka).

Badge
Bf 110 readied for takeoff. Note the air gunner with his shooting irons.

Badge
Note the air gunner in rear section of cockpit of the Bf 110.

Badge
Positions for the pilot and air gunner in the Bf 110

Badge

Luftwaffe Air Gunner’s Badge (Item LUFT 22-15)

DESCRIPTION: This is the late-war issue. Most of the silver wash has come off; no maker’s mark, but decidedly rare in any condition. It’s absolutely original!

PRICE: $450.00

 

Badge

Badge

 

Badge

Badge

Badge

Badge

Luftwaffe Reconnaissance Clasp (Item LUFT 22-16)

DESCRIPTION: This one has a rare maker’s mark. Most of the silver wash has come off. This clasp is scarce! in any condition.

PRICE: $425.00

 

Badge
Front

Badge
Back

 

Badge
Luftwaffe radio operator at work

Badge
Ring for a Luftwaffe radio operator

Badge
Luftwaffe radio operator. Note the badge.

Badge

Badge
Luftwaffe radio operator

Luftwaffe Radio Operator's Badge (Item LUFT 22-17)

DESCRIPTION: This is a cloth radio operator’s badge with lightning bolts. It’s in good condition and absolutely original . . . and real ones are rare!

PRICE: $49.00

 

Luftwaffe
Original booklet has a much better picture than this scanned image. Comprises 28 pages.

Luftwaffe

 

Luftwaffe
Ceremony prayers at the gravesite

Luftwaffe
Comic card sent to Flieger Walter Raihofer to congratulate him for his graduation from flight school

Luftwaffe
Message side of the congratulations card

Luftwaffe
Packet with items inside

Death Card and Death Booklet for a Young German Luftwaffe Pilot (Item LUFT 22-18)

DESCRIPTION: This is a death card and issued death booklet with photos and information for pilot Walter Raihofer, who was a Luftwaffe Fahnenjunker (noncom flight officer cadet). He was 19 years old when he was killed in action in November of 1943. This also comes with a postcard cartoon that says he passed flight training. This was sent to his family stamped and sealed. The booklet has his picture on the front and has several pages with a history of this young airman with religious content. All three pieces have the expected punched holes that would enable them to be inserted in a file folder. We should all honor those German children who fought the good fight against evil personified (evil won). The three pieces come in an original white envelope.

PRICE: $65.00

 

Badge
Front

Badge
Back

 

Badge
Luftwaffe radio operator at work

Badge
Ring for a Luftwaffe radio operator

Badge
Luftwaffe radio operator. Note the badge.

Badge

Badge
Luftwaffe radio operator

Luftwaffe Radio Operator's Badge (Item LUFT 22-17)

DESCRIPTION: This is a cloth radio operator’s badge with lightning bolts. It’s in good condition and absolutely original . . . and real ones are rare!

PRICE: $49.00

 

Dagger

Dagger

 

Dagger

Dagger

Dagger

Dagger

Dagger

Dagger

Dagger

Dagger

Dagger

Luftwaffe Officer‘s Dagger with Hanger Straps (Item LUFT 22-19)

DESCRIPTION: These daggers complete with the hangers are difficult to find these days. The maker is Tiger Solingen and this is a brand that is very sought after in the collecting field. The blade is about average with a little age spotting. The grip is perfect and is the very desirable orange color. The scabbard has the original dark patina. The blade is the nickel-plated-steel version (airplane grey). The eagle and swastika stand out there in great-looking high relief. Here is a classic example of this historically important weapon and you need to hold it to your ear and hear the choral of “Wir Fahren Gegen England.” Horrido!

PRICE: SOLD

 

Mess Hall Porcelain

Mess Hall Porcelain
Tiny chip on edge

 

Mess Hall Porcelain
One more tiny chip at 9:00

Mess Hall Porcelain
Markings under the glaze

Mess Hall Porcelain
The second set

Mess Hall Porcelain
Close-up of coffeepot markings

Mess Hall Porcelain

Mess Hall Porcelain

Mess Hall Porcelain

Mess Hall Porcelain
German airmen enjoying their meal

Porcelain Group from a Luftwaffe Mess Hall(9) (Item LUFT 22-20; MESSHALLPORC 1-9

DESCRIPTION: Here is a magnificent coffeepot with two cups and two saucers. These pieces of porcelain tableware were made for mess halls of the Wehrmacht—army, navy, air force—by various porcelain manufacturers in the Third Reich. Some of the greatest old, established firms such as Rosenthal, Meissen, and KPM produced some of this exquisite china. Some smaller firms also produced these things because of the huge demand for them once the war began. We recently bought one of the greatest assemblages of this tableware probably ever seen in one collection. This group that we present here is nicely put together and consists of a great coffeepot with two cups and two saucers in very fine condition except for three or four very minor nicks (and I do emphasize “minor”). This mess hall stuff is tough; really tough. The makers of this group are all different as you can see in the pictures images. The large pieces like the coffeepot are extremely scarce. All the pieces are marked with the company names of manufacturers and each piece bears the Luftwaffe flying eagle and swastika with the letters “Fl.U.V.,” which stand for Flieger Unterkunfte Verwaltung ("Flight Barracks Administration" or Flying troops inventory management. This appears on all items of tableware, flatware, and dishes that were issued to Luftwaffe aircrew units for use in their dining facilities. This was the distributing command responsible for all procurement of materials used at Luftwaffe installations and included mess hall equipment, as well.) Note that the names of the manufacturers are all different as are the years on each piece. The coffeepot is from 1941 and the manufacturer was H&G in Selb, Bavaria. The two cups are by the same firm of Kolmar, but one is dated 1941 and the other 1942. The saucers are respectively by two different firms; one is Bohemia and the other is C.M.H. in Hohenberg, Germany. All such items were made in the 1940s under strict, exacting conditions. The big coffeepot measures about one foot high and from handle to spout it measures about 11 inches; at its widest point it’s about 9 inches. For sure it holds lots of hot “java.” This is an incredible grouping that’s completely 100-percent original and positively great looking!

PRICE: SOLD

 

Mess Hall Porcelain

Mess Hall Porcelain

 

Mess Hall Porcelain

Mess Hall Porcelain

Mess Hall Porcelain

Mess Hall Porcelain

Mess Hall Porcelain

Mess Hall Porcelain

Mess Hall Porcelain

Mess Hall Porcelain
Erich "Bubi" Hartmann, ace of aces

Mess Hall Porcelain

Mess Hall Porcelain

Mess Hall Porcelain

Mess Hall Porcelain

Mess Hall Porcelain

Covered Tureen for the Luftwaffe Mess Hall(15) (Item LUFT 22-21; MESSHALLPORC 1-15)

DESCRIPTION:Here is a large tureen in porcelain that was issued for the mess hall of the Deutsche Luftwaffe (German Air Force). This is a covered tureen unlike the one shown above on this page, which is coverless. The other never had a cover nor was it meant to. The covered ones are much more rare. I have said that many of the major porcelain companies in Germany produced such ironstone-type mess hall dinnerware for the military services. Meissen, KPM-Berlin, Rosenthal, Hutschenreuther, and many others almost entirely held back their normal activities in making special, elegant refined porcelain, and statuary pieces and put all their efforts into keeping Germany’s brave servicemen equipped with plates and vessels to hold life’s most necessary commodity, food! And that’s not that these mess hall pieces did not have a beauty of their own. They certainly did! This large tureen is to me a classical beauty in itself with its strong, defining lines. The Germanic look with the lion’s head for lifting handles are almost unique to Germanic (Teutonic) tureens. The company logo is seen on the bottom of the vessel along with the eagle that is in flight with the swastika in its claws. This is the symbol of the Luftwaffe. The company mark is “H&G” in Selb, Bavaria. The model is called “Heinrich,” and is dated “1941.” The piece is big 10½ inches high including the lid. The mouth opening is about 9 inches in diameter. The top on this one is a bit unusual in that the lifting knob is recessed into a cuplike dish (unusual). The tureen is in immaculate, fine, and practically mint condition and is a truly exceptional and historically important relic.

PRICE: SOLD

 

Mess Hall Porcelain

 

Mess Hall Porcelain

Mess Hall Porcelain

Cup and Saucer (Item LUFT 22-22; MESSHALLPORC 1-17)

DESCRIPTION: This is a mixed lot as would often happen in distribution during the Second World War the saucer in this case by Bauscher Weiden produced in 1941. The cup is by Koenigszelt and dated 1939. Both have eagles and swastikas and show slight wear on their bottoms—definitely used in the mess hall. These are good representative original pieces from both military services from the Second World War.

PRICE: SOLD

 

 

Mess Hall Porcelain

 

Mess Hall Porcelain

Mess Hall Porcelain

Cup and Saucer (Item LUFT 22-23, MESSHALLPORC 1-18; WEHR 34-20)

DESCRIPTION:This is a cup and saucer that are mixed; the cup is from a Luftwaffe mess hall and the saucer from a Heer mess hall. This was often the case as the war progressed and is interesting to collectors wanting to have something from both services. The cup was produced by company Thun in 1940. It bears the flying Luftwaffe eagle and the company logo. The saucer is by Hutschenreuther in Selb. It bears the Wehrmacht eagle and swastika and the Bavarian lion as the company logo. Hutschenreuther was the company with the largest contract with the Wehrmacht. The pieces show some small wear on the bottom and were definitely used in a mess hall. This is very good original grouping from the Second World War. Great collectibles!

PRICE: SOLD

 

Books

Books
Book with extra pictures

Books

Books

Books

Books

Books

Books

Books

Books

Books

Books

Books

Books

Books

Books

Books

Books

Books

Books

Books

Books

Handbook of the Luftwaffe Cigarette Album (Item LUFT 22-24; RAREBOOK 2-21)

DESCRIPTION: This is an original Third Reich-era cigarette-card book, Taschenbook der Luftwaffe (Handbook of the Luftwaffe), by B. Romer (Munich: and Austria Zigarettenfabrik), 1935, 40 pages completely filed with 102 cigarette cards depicting state-of-the-art warplanes, racing planes, seaplanes, flying boats, zeppelins, and experimental craft of the period, interspersed with full-page monochrome illustrations. Several “doubles” are tucked inside the front cover. Very good.

PRICE: $180.00

 

Dagger

Dagger

Dagger

Dagger

Dagger

Dagger

Second Model Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger (Item LUFT 22-25)

DESCRIPTION: Here is a really beautiful Second Model Luftwaffe dagger that is quite spectacular looking with a deep pumpkin-orange grip. The fittings such as the eagle crossguard and the swastika pommel are of exceptional detail. The dagger certainly was worn as you can see by the usage on the bands that hold the hanger rings. There is a possibility that the second silver grip wrap is missing some of the strands. However, the strands that are there are quite secure. There are a couple of tiny chips in the top of the grip right under the pommel ball. The scabbard is in beautiful condition. The blade would be rated as at least “good.” The maker is Carl Eickhorn and shows the squirrel-with-sword logo. However, this part could use a bit of cleaning and we do not do this; we leave that to you. One of the tiny screws that hold the lip of the scabbard in place is missing. The other one is holding it secure, however. One of the dagger hanger rings looks possibly replaced but was done correctly and looks fine. The scabbard is in generally perfect condition. Here is a dagger that is not perfect anymore, but it still is quite beautiful to the observer. The detailing on the eagle crossguard is one of the finest examples we have ever seen. Eickhorn was the best of all the companies making German swords and daggers.

PRICE: SOLD

 

 

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Page Eighteen

Page Nineteen

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Contact Us

Please refer to item designator in parentheses in all correspondence.

Please E-mail for any additional information you may need.

If you prefer, contact 'Germania' at PO Box 68, Lakemont, GA 30552
or call at 706.782.1668.


Please! do not call during the wee hours of the morning. The best time for calling us is between 10am and 12 noon and between 9 and 11 pm eastern time.