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The Veterans
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Saarlands Veteran's Badge (Item VETS 1-1) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is a veteran's badge from the front soldiers and wounded veterans' group meeting in 1935. It was for the purpose of campaigning for freedom for the Saarlands from French occupations. Deutsch die Saar!.
PRICE: $59.00 |
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Swabian Front Veteran's Badge (Item VETS 1-2) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is the veteran's badge for the Swabian front fighters honor day Tubinger 1935. Nice, large, dramatic-looking badge. It measures 2 inches high.
PRICE: SOLD |
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WWI Victory Badge (Item VETS 1-4) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is a stickpin commemorating the 20th anniversary of a WWI victory over French tanks. The Treffen, or meeting, was in 1937. It shows a giant fist crushing the tank.
PRICE: $42.00 |
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NS Wounded Veterans' Badge (Item VETS 1-5) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is a badge of the NS wounded veterans' organization meeting held in Münsterland on October 29, 1933. It is very nicely designed. Measures almost 2 inches. It is made of metal and very nice.
PRICE: SOLD |
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Veterans' Badge 1933 (Item VETS 1-6) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Here is a very early badge (July 1933) form the organization of wounded WWI veterans in Dortmund. It is from the Dortmund-Cologne branch of this very influential group within the Third Reich. It is very nicely designed and dramatic. Historically important.
PRICE: $52.00 |
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Veterans' Conference Meeting Pin (Item VETS 1-7) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is a tag pin from the meeting and conference of the NSKOV (Vets' Organization) in Northe on the 16th through the 18th of June 1939. It's of typical Nazi-eagle design.
PRICE: $32.00 |
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N.S. Veterans’ Group Book (Item VETS 1-8) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This book, Kameraden ein Bilbuch vom Reichskriegerbund, is translated to “Comrades, a Picture Book from the National Socialist Veterans’ Association. It is composed of 79 pages of wonderful photography depictions of parades, memorials, personalities, ceremonies, the Führer, himself, N.S. buildings, etc. The book was published in 1940 and on its front cover is a handwritten dedication and signature executed in 1941 and says: “In memory of Major (signature).” There are hundreds of great photos of the vets and their memorial, pictures of the Hitler Youth, army, and Luftwaffe are placed there also as part of the tradition. The book is a wonderful tribute to the German military spirit. It’s in large format and measure 11 ½ x 8 ½ inches.
PRICE: $225.00 |
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Imperial Hohenzollern Eagle Pendant (Item VETS 1-9; NSD 9-2; KJEWELRY 2-8) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This handsome little pendant was not manufactured in the Imperial era. It was crafted in the Third Reich era by a jeweler and finisher whom we bought many jewelry pieces from at the Stuttgart Waffenborse a few years ago. These were crafted by him in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s and they were sold to veterans’ organizations such as the Kriegersbund Kyfhauserbund. The purpose was to place them as an amulet or charm on the watch chain or on the chain that is worn suspended across the top flap of a Lederhosen or leather trousers. It was a reminder of loyal service to the regime of Kaiser Wilhelm II Hohenzollern. The ladies of the groups often wore them as pendants of patriotic remembrances. You will love to wear this around the neck as a proud Germanophile. This is 100-percent original and beautiful. It’s marked “800” genuine silver with the requisite ½ moon and crown. The size is a little bit bigger than a quarter (U.S. 25-cent piece). Great detail.
PRICE: $575.00; well spent. The gold version on 8/17/2011 is $2,500.00, IF we are still able to supply one, and this could change without notice with the fluctuation of the gold market - - This price is not predicated on the spot price of gold alone but rather on the extreme rarity of the historic article itself. |
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Imperial Army Veterans’ Standard> (Item VETS 1-10; KCLOTH 1-9) |
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| DESCRIPTION:This is a magnificent embroidered standard from the Veterans’ Association from the town of Rheinau in the district of Baden Württemberg on the fertile soil of both the Rhine and Morg Rivers. It was for the most part an agricultural village where fishing was also a vacation and pleasure. The town area is famous for many Celtic graveyards and Celtic ruins here and there. The Celts occupied this Rhineland area from the 8th century to the 1st century BC. In 1945, fierce battles between the German XXXIX Panzer Corps and Americans took place in this region just south of Rheinau. With their backs against the wall German troops fought ferociously against the American IV Corps. The German counterattack was named operation “Nordwind.” Many of the reserves made up of mostly old men and boys from the town joined the fight and fought bravely against the alien invaders. Many of the oldsters and children were descendants of the veterans and Alte Garde, who carried this banner. The standard measures 53 x 53 inches and is in quite remarkable condition. Most all of these beautiful relics are tattered somewhat when rarely found. This one is quite sound throughout with no tears or damage considering it is from 1908, before the First World War. The piece is 97 years old and still retains all its glory and glamour. With the Imperial Eagle at the front with the ruling Hohenzollern family eagle in the middle the words proclaim, “With God for Kaiser and Reich!” Four important words describing the merits of the veterans of this town are seen in the four corners: “Tüchtig,” able or efficient “Tapfer,” with bravery “Ehrenhaft,” with honor, and “Treu,” loyal. On the reverse side are the words “Kriegerverein Rheinau,” “War Veterans’ Organization Rheinau” and the date. The bottom two corners have a net and fishing equipment and in the other corner are farmers’ tools. These stand for the two industries of the town. At the top wheat sheaths and vineyard vines plus the leaves of the sacred German oak surround much of the design. Sword and rifle also are seen to represent the military protectors of the area. The center has the Wappen, or emblem, of the Gau that Rheinau is centered in. This is one of the finest representatives of this lost German art that we have ever seen. PRICE: SOLD |
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Der Stahlhelm Badge (Item VETS 1-11) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is the familiar German helmet motif used by the most famous of the veterans' organizations "The Stahlhelm." This is a miniature lapel pin and is rare and in very nice condition. It's the first type used before the amalgamation with the NSDAP like the much rarer example shown below.
PRICE: SOLD |
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The Membership Badge of the Stahlhelm (Item VETS 1-11a) |
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| DESCRIPTION:The Stahlhelm, Bund der Frontsoldaten (Steel Helmet, League of Front Soldiers), also known in short form as Der Stahlhelm was one of the many paramilitary organizations that arose after the German defeat of World War I. It was part of the “Black Reichswehr” and in the late days of the Weimar Republic operated as the armed branch of the national conservative German National People’s Party (DNVP), placed at party gatherings in the position of armed security guards (Saalschutz). The Stahlhelm was founded in December 1918, by the industrialist and former German Army reserve officer Franz Seldte, in the Prussian city of Magdeburg. After the Armistice of 11 November, the Imperial Army had been split up and the newly established German Reichswehr army according to the 1919 Treaty of Versailles was to be confined to no more than 100,000 troops. Similar to the numerous Freikorps, which upon the Revolution of 1918-1919, were temporarily backed by the Council of the People’s Deputies under Chancellor Friedrich Ebert (Ebert-Groener pact); the paramilitary organization was meant to form an unofficial reserve force. The league was a rallying point for revanchist and nationalistic forces from the beginning. Within the organization, a worldview oriented toward the prior Imperial regime and the Hohenzollern monarch predominated, many of its members promoting the Dolchstosslegende (“stab in the back legend”) and the “November Criminals” bias against the Weimar Coalition government. Its journal, Der Stahlhelm, was edited by Count Hans-Jürgen von Blumenthal. Financing was provided by the Deutscher Herrenklub, an association of German industrialists and business magnates with elements of the East Elbian landed gentry (Junkers). After the failed Kapp Putsch of 1920, the organization gained further support form dissolved Freikorps units. In 1923, the former DNVP politician Theodor Duesterberg joined the Stahlhelm and quickly rose to Seldte’s deputy and long-time rival. From 1924 on, in several subsidiary organizations, veterans with frontline experience as well as new recruits would provide a standing armed force in support of the Reichswehr beyond the 100,000 men allowed. With 500,000 members in 1930, the league was the largest paramilitary organization of Weimar Germany. In the 1920s the Stahlhelm received political support from Fascist Italy’s Benito Mussolini. The Machtergreifung of the NSDAP 1933 After the assumption of power by the Nazis the general membership of the Stahlhelm sincerely wanted amalgamation with the triumphant party as their principles and objectives were virtually the same. On 27 April 1933, Seldte declared by official decree that the Stahlhelm was now to be subordinate to Adolf Hitler’s command. The Badge This badge is similar to the pre-N.S. style, but now after amalgamation with the NSDAP the badge featured a swastika in the background of the familiar Stahlhelm. The size of this rare pin or badge is close to 1 inch in diameter—about the size of a U.S. five-cent coin. It appears to be struck from silver and its original clutch pin appears to have been resoldered on. The picture is shown larger than the actual badge. The letters under the swastika represent the name “National Socialist German Front Fighters.” We would like to stress the fact that this amalgamation piece is much more rare than the first type. PRICE: $350.00 |
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Original Photo of a Kyfhauser Parade (Item VETS 1-12) |
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| DESCRIPTION:This is a 7 x 5 1/4-inch original period picture of a Kyfhauserbund flag formation in a march past the Junker’s airplane factory. It’s from about 1930 and printed on Agfa-Lupe paper. This is an important archival picture.
PRICE: $42.00 |
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N.S. Kyffhäuser Monument in Meissen Porcelain (Item VETS 1-13; NSD 11-7) |
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| DESCRIPTION:Here is a beautiful Meissen wall-hanging plate depicting the monument to the Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm I and his son, Frederick II. It was at this place that German veterans formed the Kyffhäuserbund the League of Veterans of the Wars. They based their organizational beliefs around the saga of Emperor Freidrich Barbarossa, the charismatic leader who died in 1190, while on a crusade. A fantastic statue cut in stone is seen at the back f the monument. According to legend, Barbarossa is not dead but sleeps in a hidden chamber underneath the Kyffhäuser monument. As in the similar legend of King Arthur, Barbarossa supposedly awaits his country’s hour of greatest need, when he will emerge once again form under the mountain to save the German nation and viciously crush its oppressors. The presence of ravens circling the Kyffhäuser summit is said to be a sign of Barbarossa’s continuing presence. In any case, this monument and holy mountain became a place of high and sacred reverence to not only ex-soldiers of the wars 1870-1914, but also to the N.S. Party. The plate clearly states that it is from the Reichskriegerbund of the National Socialist Party (NSDAP). It measures 6 3/4 inches in diameter and is in pristine condition. This is an important historical find and more than worthy of being added to any Germanophile’s collection. Meissen!
PRICE: $565.00 |
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Veteran’s Banner, 1909 (Item VETS 1-14; KCLOTH 1-1)
PRICE: SOLD
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Reichsmarinebund Stickpin (Item VETS 1-15; KRIEG 6-9; PINS 5-7) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This was the official membership stickpin of the German Naval Veterans’ Organization. It’s much scarcer than the Army version. It has “Ges. Gesch.” on the back. It’s in nice condition. Wingspan is 3/4 of an inch.
PRICE: $69.00 |
Reichskriegerbund Stickpin (Item VETS 1-16; KRIEG 6-10; PINS 5-8)
PRICE: $79.00
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Rare Desk Ornament from Rosenthal (Item VETS 1-17; WEHR 22-4; WWI 8-11) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Here in mint condition is a beautiful porcelain Stahlhelm, or German helmet, which balances on a wreath of oak leaves upon which is a Teutonic sword. The helmet is the WWI style with M.G.-Lugs. The entire piece is depicted upon a white plinth. The helmet and appurtenances are in striking silver color (a Rosenthal specialty). The familiar Rosenthal trademark is clear on the bottom portion. The base measures 5 1/8 x 3 1/2 inches. The piece is about 3 1/2 inches high. This is an absolute beautiful porcelain sculpture reminiscent of the “Great War.” This was the type of item presented to soldiers who now retired were intensely proud of their service to the Deutsche Vaterland.
PRICE: SOLD |
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National Socialist Veterans’ Standard (Item VETS 1-18 & NSD 13-3 & FLAG 1-13) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is the greatest veterans’ standard that we have ever laid eyes on and we have seen many hundreds of them. This one is colorful, dramatic, in wonderful condition, and very ‘NS.’ We have also never seen a vets’ standard with eagle and swastika; can’t say enough about this piece. The embroidery, the golden fringe, the wonderful design, the heading at the top reads: “Kameradschaft ehem. 65 er des Saargebietes.” In the middle is the gorgeous eagle with the mobile swastika behind. The eagle perches on a bayonet from which hangs an Iron Cross and portepee in the national colors. Below this the legend: “Sitz. Illingen. In the four corners are oak-leaf clusters. On the other side there is a picture of a cathedral. The design is similar to the actual regimental standards used by the active regiments in the German Imperial Army. The Prussian crown surmounts the central cathedral design. Projecting out from the central motif are four areas containing crowned battle honors surrounded by wreaths that contain the four battles in which this regiment distinguished itself: Marne, Somme, Cambrai, Champagne; all hard-fought battles that this unit bravely participated in. This standard with these names was considered sacrosanct and was only paraded on Veterans Day. Also seen are three flaming grenades that usually denote grenadiers. The embroidery in the cathedral and the eagle is astounding. The good brocade is fantastic. The fine gold brocade fringe on three sides is in perfect condition with none missing. The flag measures 42 inches square and the fourth side has all the brass rings for attachments to the flagpole. This is the ultimate veterans’ standard of all time. None better!
PRICE: SOLD |
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Veteran’s Standard Featuring Generalfeldmarschall von Mackensen (Item VETS 1-19; WWI 9-4; KCLOTH 1-17) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Generalfeldmarschall August von Mackensen (1849-1945), was one of the most distinguished officers in the army of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Thus we find it most natural that a cavalry Verein would feature the noble warrior in its honor banner (“Ehrenfahne”). The banner features v. Mackensen on its front panel. Supported on top and under the picture with the words: “Gott vertrauen und der eigenen Kraft!,” which means: “Trust in God and Your Own Strength!” On the other side (reverse) there is an utterly fantastic picture of a German cavalry rider with lance mounted on a beautifully rendered horse. NOTE: All the pictures are hand embroidered both front and back. Around the four corners are helmets depicted starting with the Dragoon helmet with horsehair décor and spike. This is seen at the top left-hand corner. At the right corner at the top is a Pelzmutze, or Hussar busby for an officer. At the right-lower corner is a Uhlan Tshapka or Uhlan officer’s helmet, and in the left-bottom corner is the ultimate cavalry helmet of the Garde d’Corps, the Kaiser’s personal mounted bodyguard regiment. The words embroidered in gold bullion letters read: “Kavallerie-Verein des Kreises Bergheim gegr.1930,” which means “Cavalry Association of the Bergheim Section.” The embroidery on this banner is nothing short of phenomenal; the best we have ever seen in that the great-looking gold fringe on two of the edges is virtually intact. The bottom edge is missing about 2 inches of fringe. On the left edge are five fastening loops for securing the banner to a pole or to a lance. The approximate size of the piece is about 29 x 29 inches. As would be expected there are some stains on the rider side (normal!) and also on the v. Mackensen side as well. In the pictures these stains look like fraying, but they are not. This is also unusual as these veteran’s standards are usually quite frayed from age and use. Please understand with all your understanding just what a Teutonic treasure this truly is. Look at the face of the Generalfeldmarschall and you will be looking at a phenomenon, indeed: “This is not a painting.” This likeness is entirely woven by hand stitching. To paint a picture so lifelike and exact would be a task. But to execute this in minute stitches is almost impossible to contemplate. This is without a doubt more than a veteran’s banner; it is a Germanic antiquity of special note. As to the man depicted, Generalfeldmarschall August v. Mackensen, here was one of Germany’s greatest warrior sons. He was a handsome and elegant man who claimed in is old age to have kept the figure of a lieutenant. He wore the startling black uniform of the Death’s Head Hussars with its busby crowned by a silver skull. Von Mackensen was born on December 6, 1849. After being privately tutored he was educated at the University of Halle before becoming an officer candidate at the age of nineteen in the 2nd Leibhussaren Regt. He fought in the Franco-Prussian War, winning the Iron Cross 2nd Class. Thereafter, his rise through the officer ranks was steady, becoming commander of the 1st Leibhussaren Regt. in 1893, and commander of the Leibhussaren Brigade in 1901. He accompanied the Kaiser on his tour of Palestine in 1898 and in his role as adjutant acquired a dashing reputation for his spectacular six-foot black-booted figure and for the courtliness of his behavior in public. In 1903 he was a major general commanding the 36th Division in Danzig. That same year he was promoted to lieutenant general on September 11. Five years later he was a Generaloberst in command of the 17th Army Corps. With the outbreak of World War I his dashing cavalry operations during the Battle of Tannenberg against the Russians on the eastern front earned him a promotion to field marshal in 1915. The rest of the war was spent as military commander of Serbia and Rumania. Thereafter, his life was full of public honor and although retired from the army in 1920, his Hussar uniformed figure was a well-known sight at public occasions. In 1879 von Mackensen married Dorothea von Horn and by that marriage he had two daughters and three sons between 1883 and 1897. His wife died in December 1905. He married Leome von der Osten on April 29, 1908, the year of his promotion to general. During the Third Reich von Mackensen was to be a focus for many disaffected officers from the old army. He remained faithful unto death to his king and emperor. When Wilhelm II died in Holland in 1941 the elderly field marshal was the only survivor from a bygone age to pay last respects to his sovereign. As the grave was made ready and the last respects made, von Mackensen, with tears in his eyes, offered his own personal gesture to the man to whose loyalty he owed his own success. He carefully laid his regimental cavalry cloak over the coffin and saluted the shades of old Prussia. His beloved Leibhussaren protected the last of the German kings even in death. (In 1951 when Crown Prince Wilhelm died, he was also buried in his full dress uniform as the Colonel Chief of the Death's Head Hussars.) The Kaiser had specified in his will that his funeral be strictly a simple military ceremony in Doom, Holland. Hitler was furious that he could not provide a state funeral in Berlin with full pomp and ceremony. That would have enabled Hitler to walk behind the Kaiser's casket showing Germany and the world that he was the legitimate successor. Von Mackensen, always the warrior, was perhaps the only figure in Germany who could honor the wishes of his last king at the expense of the desires of his current Führer. In 1945 von Mackensen, then 96, with sword in hand tried to stop Russian soldiers from looting his home. Fortunately they did not shoot him. He died in his sleep on November 8, 1945. When they buried von Mackensen, Germany paid last respects to an honored field marshal of the German Imperial Army. So, my collector friends and museum curators, I don’t think we could ever offer you something finer in the way of a German imperial item that even transcends that era and goes into the turbulent 1930s, as well. It is a fitting memorial to the “warrior’s warrior,” but also honors the elite German cavalry institutions, as well. What more can I say, “This is great!”
PRICE: SOLD |
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Please refer to item designator in parentheses in all correspondence.
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