Book: Wir Zogen Gegen Polen (We Go Against Poland)
From the SS Totenkopf Library
Standarte Oberbayern (Item WAF 11-3)

DESCRIPTION: This book, published for the Generalkommando VII of the German army, is an all inclusive narrative with numerous photos and sketches of the Polish Campaign. 147 pages of text and great B & W pictures, great in great photographic clarity. Generals, Non-coms Gefreiters, combat actions, ruins, the fallen for the Vaterland, prisoners, guns, large and small, Cavalry German and Polish (both), etc. etc. The book is in beautiful sound condition with a nice linen cover. Inside the cover, the first page of the book has an ex-Libris card of the SS Totenkopf Standarte (Deaths Head Div.) “Oberbayern.’  It says “Aus Der Bucher-Reihe -- This means (from the book) collection of that elite unit. This was one of the great collection of books from the famous people of the Third Reich. that was bought by our European picker at the Frankfurt Book Fair a few years back. Along with books from the libraries of Adolf Hitler were books from Paul Goebbels, Hermann Goring and several from this SS library. So, it is a rare and desirable book indeed but also there is the importance of being part of this important collection a great historical item having belonged to one of the top personalities of the Third Reich

PRICE: $285.00

Signed Picture of SS Obergruppenfuhrer Josef (Sepp) Dietrich (Item WAF 11-4 & SS 34-7)

DESCRIPTION: There is so much on the internet about this Soldier's Soldier that we will not bother to do a biography here. He was an efficient officer, ever successful and a true comrade always to his men of the SS Leibstandarte. They were even allowed to address him as Sepp. We will only at this point describe this picture and stamp the picture is one sequence from a Mapp) “portfolio.” Dealing with the Waffen SS it was produced during the war and contained several pictures of the Waffen SS LAH in combat in several theatres of the war. The Leibstandarte found themselves in a hard fought struggle in the Grecian campaign to take the hills of Kidi and Kissura, battling the tough Greek army. This was a battle that resulted from the Wehrmacht invasion of Yugoslavia and Greece. The LAH was part of the XL Corps Tenth Army. In this battle the unit suffered several murderous air attacks from the R.A.F.  The 1st battalion LAH troops attacked the Kidi Pass defenses manned by the 6th Australian division and Greeks. They captured Hill 997 near the Kidi Pass; they then finally secured the actual Kidi Pass, creating an open route of advance, a major strategic victory for the Leibstandarte. Then they were relieved by the 9th Panzer Division. At this point, the LAH reconnaissance battalion was involved in heavy combat in the Kissura Pass against he Greek 90th Division. On Aril 15th, the LAH takes Kastoria. Also on April 15th, they advance to war in Grevana and on April 20th (the Führers Birthday) the unit captures Jannina. Sepp Dietrich accepts the surrender of 16 Greek Divisions, (practically the entire Greek army. The surrender is given by Greek General Toslakoglous; Dietrich offers generous surrender terms and dispatches his adjutant Max Wunche to fly to Larrissa and pass the word along to the OKW and to Hitler who would say that this is the best “birthday present” he could ever expect to be given to him and by his own LAH named for him. Mussolini was enraged! With wounded pride, actually it was due to him that the German troops had to go in there and pull his chestnuts out of the fire. He demands that the Greek General surrender again to him with harsher terms in a ceremony that includes the Italians. After the Greek campaign Hitler says to Dietrich (tongue in cheek) “You are a good, brave soldier, but no diplomat, and still less a politician!” On May 5th, the LAH participated in a Gala victory parade in Athens. 

The signed picture whose title is The capitulation of the Greek army received by SS Obergruppenfuhrer Dietrich.is in an appropriate frame. Over the middle of these words is a stamp that bears the national eagle and swastika and the legend Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler. Just above this stamp Dietrich signed the picture with his full name.This picture was bought from the family of a deceased LAH officer who had actually put it before “Sepp” to be signed. The picture in the frame measures 12 ½" x 18". The picture by itself measures 11 ½" x 9".  This is a great remembrance of epic battle and a real Germanic warrior, certainly of Teutonic stock but here he was like Leonia’s at the battle of Thermopylae and the Brits and Aussies were the like the Persian’s under the tyrant Xerxes. Actually in a way the old brute Churchill looked a lot like Xerxes. The picture is in fine condition and is a historical treasure.

PRICE: SOLD

DESCRIPTION: This is a very beautiful, small silver cup that was presented to General Otto Kumm as commander of the Der Führer on December 3, 1944. Otto Kumm was an extraordinarly brave, capable, highly decorated and successful officer throughout his career. He was born in Hamburg on October 1, 1909. He joined the SA with Sturm 25 in Hamburg in October 1930. Kumm left the SA and joined the SS on December 1, 1931 with the 2/I/28 SS Standarte, completing his basic training in March 1932. He moved to the No. 5 Sturm the following month and remained there until October 1933 where he was promoted to SS Obertruppführer on November 9, 1932 and commissioned as an SS Untersturmführer on February 15, 1934. During mid-August 1934, Kumm transferred to the new Political Readiness Detachment in Hamburg. The unit developed into regiment “Germania” and Kumm’s command was of the 3 Sturm. He was promoted to SS Obersturmführer on August 12, 1934 and during that same year returned to the Allgemeine SS briefly to command the 34th SS Standarte in Köslin. Kumm next assumed leadership of a machine gun unit commanding the 4th Sturm from May 17, 1935 until December 10, 1936, by which time the unit had been designated as a Kompanie.  He was then promoted to SS Hauptsturmführer on September 13, 1936. Kumm next moved to regiment “Deutschland” as a Senior Staff Officer of the 11th Battalion until the end of January 1937. Later in 1938, Kumm then took command of the 12th “Der Führer” regiment and this regiment was in reserve during the Polish campaign. It then became a component of the initial Waffen SS division in October 1939. During the Western campaign, 11th Battalion Commander Hilmar Wäckerle was wounded on May 13, 1940 and Kumm assumed temporary battalion command winning the Iron Cross First Class on June 4, 1940 and four days later he was wounded for which he was awarded the Wound Badge on June 8, 1940. Promoted to SS Sturmbannführer on September 1, 1940, Kumm was awarded the Infantry Assault Badge on the 10th of the following month. When Georg Keppler transferred to the Totenkopf Division, Kumm became the second commander of the regiment “Der Führer” on July  11, 1941. Kumm was also recommended for the Knights Cross for the first time by Wilhelm Bittrich; he was not approved, so instead he was awarded the Deutsches Kreutz (German Cross) in gold. We will not, at this time, go into the report and recommendation. This information can be obtained on the internet. It is a tale of abject heroism and brilliant command. At the time he was appointed SS Oberführer (January 30, 1944), Kumm led his 7th Mountain Division, Prinz Eugen, against the communist partisan rats under the bloody murderer Tito in Yugoslavia. During the intense battles, he was mentioned in dispatches on November 9 (the sacred NSDAP day). In 1944 Kumm was promoted to SS Brigads Führer and General Major der Waffen SS in January 1945. The commander of the XXXIV Armee Korps asked that Kumm be awarded the swords to the Knights Cross for his leadership of Prinz Eugen. He made a report that chronicled courageous operations against a fierce, murderous enemy. The recommendation was approved on March 17, 1945. It was while he was an Obersturmbann Führer on March 12, 1941 that he received this cup from his men of the regiment “Der Führer” while they were in the thick of fierce fighting against the Russians. It was common practice for soldiers who admired their leader to give such gifts that were usually commissioned to be done by artists and engravers in liberated territories. This one, however, is much more professionally created and might have been a possession of the Obersturmbannführer before it was engraved. They probably procured it from his field kit and then had the presentation applied – we will never know!

The cup stands just over 4” high with a mouth of 2” in diameter. It is decorated in a hammered silver effect. It bears a silver and enameled crest – his family’s (mother or father)? Around the edges of the upper rim are the words “Für dem SS Obersturmbannführer Otto Kumm, Kommander SS Regt. Der Führer 3.19.1941.” Above the crest is an engraved SS. The bottom of the cup has a crown and moon, plus the silver designation 800 and another unidentifiable mark (company?). This is a charming little presentation that was made in high respect and admiration of a beloved commander who bravely led his men to glory in many campaigns. Otto Kumm was possibly the greatest commander produced by the Waffen SS. His leadership presence remains as does the adoration he always received by the former soldiers of his various commands.

Parts of the text seen here, along with pictures, come from the fabulous set of books by Mark C. Yerger and published by Schiffer Military History. The set of books are known as Waffen SS Commanders, Volume 1 and 2. Buy a set – they are great!

PRICE: $1,950.00

DESCRIPTION: Still the absolute “Holy Grail’” of the SS collectors, the Honor Ring of the SS stands as the ultimate collectible and for some it has even deeper meaning than that! It took on a mythos of its own! At least two books have been produced, chronicling facts and pictures that pertain to these rings. To the SS of old and to the collector of today, the rings have great significance and are even more important than the daggers or the swords. The ring emerges as the singularly most coveted and prized of all the SS trappings and awards then and now! The formal award of the ring was only under approval of the Reichsfuhrer SS Heinrich Himmler and in this capacity he practically had to know every applicant to be issued one. By the way, this was the only truly issued ring of the N.S. apparatus; all other rings of the Party, Wehrmacht and SS were purchased by the wearer. The only exception being the Victory rings produced by Herr Franz Schnell of Halle am Salle, but as far as we know, those rings were to be issued but never actually reached that point due to the unfortunate outcome of the war.   Once again, Germania International has located and now presents another fine Honor ring. 100% original with authentication document issued by Mr. Don Boyle, the author of the first and best book on the subject, “SS Totenkopf H. Himmler Honor Ring 1933-1945." We show a picture of this Boyle certification in our images. Also there is an incredible accumulation of papers copied out of official U.S. Archives concerning this SS officer. The former owner was SS Standartenfuhrer Dr. Ehrhardt Hamann whose SS number was 351 382.  Among this stack of official documents are at least 3 pictures of Doctor Hamann and three of his wife, Erika Richter Hamann. Also included is the questionnaire from the Race and Resettlement Office (Rasse und Siedlungsampt Fragebogen) and a complete Lebenslauf (his and her personal histories handwritten). The SS Ahenentafel completed is also all there giving every detail of his and her existence and ancestry. There is a letter from the office of the Reichsfuhrer SS Himmler with approval.

The papers show that Hamann was born Jan 13, 1900 in Halle-Salle. There are also official papers concerning Erika Richter, the name of his wife before their marriage, with her “Lebenlauf” and Ahnentafel; it shows her as being in the HJ Madelshaft in 1940. There is also another SS approval from the Reichsfuhrer SS Himmler. The Rasse und Siedlungsampt papers are complete and approved. All of the separate groupings of papers have the stamp stating copy from the National Archives and records administration. There is an official letter among the documents from the “Mutterdienst” (Mother's service) to Frau Hamann. Also seen is a letter to the Rasse und Siedlungsampt from Dr. Hamann on official N.S Party stationary. He signs it Dr. Hamann Gauarztefuhrer and SS Standartenfuhrer. Gauarztefuhrer is a term meaning Medical Director for the Gau (district), so we know he was a high official in the medical arts. We also find a note by Dr. Ehardt Hamann to the effect that someone committed suicide (Selbmord). At some point the report was dated January 23, 1943. There are other official letters from Doctor of Medicine, E. Hammon. Many, many letters between the Doctor and the Race and Resettlement Office concerning certifications, etc. Many such letters and correspondence. Signifying that he worked closely with that official office. There is an SS officer file that shows his awards, religion, family history, assignments. And other sections of the NS administrative apparatus, dates of service and honors received. And here is what every collector likes to see—in one block it shows that he received the “Totenkopf ring” and that his Beruf (Specialty) was as Doctor of Medicine. It also shows he won the Social Service Medal, the Sudetenland Medal and Service Medal of the NSDAP in bronze and an Alte-kampfer "Old fighters" abzeichen. There is an order from the personal staff of the Reichsfuhrer ordering him to Norway to assist the famous Brigadefuhrer Dr. Conti and there is a letter from Dr. L. Conti confirming this. A letter is also here promoting him to SS Standartenfuhrer on 11 March 1940 and a congratulatory letter from the Oberabschnittes Elbe. One of the letters is from Reinhard Heydrich, the Chief of the Reichsicherheitspolizei, and it makes mention that Hamann was a Party Member since 1929 and has been a leader in the fervent work and struggle in German Health practice. Letters from the Oberabschnitt Elbe and from the Police President and the Gauleiter in Halle. Much too numerous for complete listing -- 103 pages from the archives and then a professionally assembled bound supplemental documentation booklet prepared by Ross J. Kelbaugh of the historical graphic research service in Baltimore, MD.

This grouping has explanations of the records of the National Archives. Here also is the SS Dienstaltersliste Der Schutzstaffel Der NSDAP Berlin 1942. Here listed are the names of the SS officiers -- Obergruppenfuhrer to SS Standartenfuhrer up to 1942. This gives the name, SS section, Party number ,birth date and rank plus the times and places where he was promoted. Two copies are included showing Dr. Hamann’s records before he received the ring and another where it shows he received it and also the Iron Cross 1st Class and that he was assigned to the staff  HQ XVIII and was promoted to SS Standartenfuhrer January 30, 1940. Enclosed here are the pictures of Dr. Hamann and his wife Erika. So here is provenance far beyond what is normally associated with any of these rings when rarely found. It is one of the best? (We think) What do you think? Along with it, as we have stated, is the positive certification of Mr. Don Boyle.

The ring is unusually huge, measuring a 16 inch size. We have never seen one this big. It is quite worn as so many of them were due to everyday wear -- to some collectors this is part of the fascination. They see something that we may not in a well worn ring (deep significance?). The skull is quite worn down but it is still there. The date inside the ring is the issue date of 30/7/36. Exactly four years later, 30/7/40, to the day he was promoted to SS Standartenfuhrer (significance?) Does anyone have any idea as to why? The sig runes to each side of the skull are also worn as are the oak leaves that emit from them to the sides of the skull but they are readily discernable. Right after that we see very heavy wear to the double runes and arrow looking rune and the swastika rune although the swastika rune is fully discernible. The Hagel rune is also there but very, very, worn. The inscription inside is clear but the center seam under the skull is almost impossible to perceive. However, Don Boyle very kindly taught us a trick or two. During manufacture the tolerances were so very tight on these rings that now and then one comes along that it seems impossible to see the seam. We have had two like this in the last two years. Don showed us that if you hold the ring in the flat of the palm of your hand you will be positively amazed to see the seam appear!  This was great to see and learn from the “Ring King Don Boyle.” He certainly knows his stuff! The seam on this ring is unmistakably visible with this process, we have here not only the genuine article, but a ring once owned and worn by a famed and important Doctor and highly regarded SS officer of high rank. I can’t imagine anyone doing better than to invest in this very significant historically important item. It is priced very reasonably as well.

PRICE: $8,950.00 Ultra reasonable.

DESCRIPTION: This is a great historical item and 100% genuine. It is a small banner of the SS Sturm or Unit 1/182 Ahlen District. They were the first SS foot regiment. Headquartered in this city, Ahlen is a town in the District of Warrantor in the Munster region. The area in the 1930’s was considered a loyal region to the agenda of the N.S. Party and Doctor Otto Jansen who was the Mayor of Ahlen was proud of the fact that his city had become Judenfrei. The SA and SS Standarte from Ahlen were by description elite troops. The banner measures 32" x 40". The unit patch in the left corner is 7 ½" x 6". There is a rope attachment that can hang down each side or be adjusted as it slides back and forth through the sewn channel at the top (various purposes?). The rope is about 78" long with knots tied into it on each side. It can hang with14" on each side showing. On the backside of the banner is a stock reference tag with original supplier's information. It is quite faded out but we can make out that it says SS Standarte and below there is more information nearly too faded to see and below is the word Nummer (number) on this tag is the writing of either an SS Corporal or the American GI who received that banner. Or both. All of this is faded (from washing???) but we were able to discern that it says as follow: from SS CPL. Karl Munze SS POW Camp, Enns, Austria May/11/ 1945 to CPL. R. Byrd 65th Inf. Enns Austria. Enns is only about 8 km. over the border from Ahlen and is well known that the 65th occupied Enns in May of 1945. This makes for a prodigiously important relic of the war. A gift surrendered by one soldier to an enemy. It could be assumed that SS CPL (SS Rottenfuhrer) K.Munze had this standard upon his person when he surrendered, (such things were sacred and important to the fanatically loyal SS troops.) Then when Munze probably realized that in no way it could be concealed much longer, he no doubt elected to make the presentation of it to at least one of the Americans who showed some respect for the vanquished enemy (there were a few!) Rottenfuhrer Munze might have been the flag bearer of the 1/182 Standarte???  He might have thought this presentation to the enemy likened it to the traditional “surrender of the sword to the Commander of the victorious winner by the unfortunate loser.” We cannot know this for sure but historic extrapolation leads us to this possible conclusion. In any case, this living history in the form of an inanimate object is now offered but it is the rare one that tells a story. We consider it to be at least one of the most important historic pieces on our pages. The condition is more or less what might be expected. There is a slash on the middle of the left (S) rune and two small stains at the bottom corners of this same rune. The general condition is very good and sound. It is not often that an SS Standard with unit patch comes along. The fabric is a linen and cotton blend that is what most SS flags are constructed with very stable material. The Standarte is single sided and might have been used on the speaker's podium at Standarte HQ or behind the desk of the Commandant? So, here “Meine Damen und Herren” is your chance to acquire what we consider to be practically the ultimate in historically important relics.

PRICE: $3,500.00

A Portfolio with Pictures of the Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler in Action from the Totenkopf Library (Item WAF 11-9)

DESCRIPTION: Here is a very rare portfolio (Bildermappe) in German) with super great pictures in 9 ½" x 12 ½" size; the name of the folder is “Soldaten Der Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler” (The soldiers of the bodyguard regt. SS Adolf Hitler). As you know, this was the foremost elite group of the Waffen SS. There are 15 professional pictures, some in sharp black and white, some in a soft bluish tone. All are excellent photography at the zenith of the art. Each picture has the name of the particular SS Kriegsberichter (war reporter) under it. Most of them are by the most outstanding of all the war reporters, SS P.K. Roth. The pictures of the L.A.H. give historians and history lovers a precious account of the war. The pictures are mostly taken during operation “Barbarossa” in the Balkins and generally during the Russian campaign in 1941-1942. The portfolio cover is great looking also with the LAH eagle and runes that rises above the Iron Cross in silver embossing. On the back of the cover you can see the key in the shield with oak leaves and acorn, the symbol of the 1st SS Panzer Division LAH along with the pictures is a dedication and presentation from SS Obergruppenfuhrer and General D. Waffen SS Sepp Dietrich. He says (translated): At the beginning of 1943 I present to you with this picture folder, may it remind you of our past deployments.  With great expectations we look to our future. Our Fuhrer will find us ready at any time His will is our belief … Sepp-  SS ObergruppenFuhrer and General D. Waffen SS

The name of the company that produced them for Sepp-Dietrich is seen on the backs of the individual pictures. All the pictures are in excellent to mint condition. The cover has a bit of tattering at the bottom (see image). In many years we have only seen only one more of these mappes. This one was bought along with many other rare titles at the Frankfurt Am-Main Book Fair some time ago. It was part of the library of the SS Totenkopf Standarte at Oberbayern and it has their bookplate in the inside cover of the folder. It says from the book collection of the Deaths head Division of Upper Bavaria. So, collector friends, here we have a magnificent piece of WWII history with scenes from the epic struggle against the beasts of Bolshevism by the valiant soldiers of the Waffen SS. All the more important considering that it was formally in the Totenkopf Library. A great archival treasure.  This Bildermappe was prepared and intended for distribution only to men of the Leibstandarte not for the general public but later a few were given to various libraries and N.S. institutions such as the book collection of the SS Totenkopf Standarte Oberbayern.  So, this can be considered ultra rare and a very sound investment for certain!

PRICE: $750.00

DESCRIPTION: Originally designed to clip over the edge at boot top.  This was a knife designed to lightly clip onto any part of the uniform (very handy) This particular style was used extensively by the Waffen SS but also the Army and some pilots of the Luftwaffe favored them as well.The blade has some old stains???/ But the entire knife is in very good condition and the clip is still very tight.  This one could probably tell some tales. regarding the stains ???

PRICE: $695.00

Page One

Page Two

Page Three

Page Four

Page Five

Page Six

Page Seven

Page Eight

Page Nine

Page Ten

Page Eleven

Page Twelve