Historical Collection

Original WWII German press photograph associated with Luftwaffe Generaloberst Alexander Löhr. The reverse carries period editorial markings, a “Mil. u. pol. nicht zensiert” press-control stamp and a faint pencil signature attributed to Löhr. A scarce historical photograph connected with Luftflotte 4, the Balkan campaign and German military operations in Southeastern Europe.

Original Imperial German Württemberg Silver Military Merit Medal from the reign of King Wilhelm II, bearing the inscription “Für Tapferkeit und Treue” – “For Bravery and Loyalty” – and the signed portrait of Wilhelm II by court medallist Karl Schwenzer.

Original and coherent German personal archive belonging to Wilhelm Ludwig Kappler of Karlsruhe, born in 1897. The group includes his photograph-bearing Wehrpass and Arbeitsbuch, a filled-in Ahnenpass, two 1944 air-raid victim identification cards, civil and church certificates, genealogical records, official stamps and handwritten entries. A substantial WWII German document group tracing one civilian’s military registration, technical employment, ancestry and experience of the bombing war.

Original German military appointment document dated 22 November 1934 and personally signed by Defence Minister Werner von Blomberg. Issued on official “Der Reichswehrminister” stationery, it assigns army chemist Dr.-Ing. Richard Scholle to the German Army administration and places him with military gas-protection training courses. A significant pre-WWII document from the final months of the Reichswehr.

Original Völkischer Beobachter, Berlin edition, Thursday 30 October 1941, headlined “Eiserne Sparkonten steuerfrei”, with “Durchbruch zur Halbinsel Krim” and front-page photographs of Soviet trenches in the Crimea, U-boat reports, the illustrated feature “Mit ‘Achmed’ über Leningrad” and Knight’s Cross recipients.

Original Völkischer Beobachter, Berlin edition, Monday 20 October 1941, headlined “Schlotternde englische Angst vor den deutschen Schlägen”, reporting the capture of Taganrog on the Sea of Azov and the Oak Leaves for Oberfeldwebel Hoffmann. Offered as the pages shown; at least one page is dated 14 February 1942.

Original Völkischer Beobachter, Berlin edition, Thursday 6 November 1941, headlined “112 britische Zerstörer wurden bisher versenkt”, with Crimea coverage including the breakthrough at Perekop with a map, Knight’s Cross portraits and reports on Leningrad, the Channel and Finland.

Original Völkischer Beobachter, Berlin edition, Wednesday 3 December 1941, headlined “Überall fühlbare Schläge der britischen Prestige-Kriegführung”, with “Britenkreuzer vor Tobruk versenkt”, Roosevelt, new Knight’s Cross recipients and a photographic page “Auf der Krim”.

Original period cut signature of Viktor Lutze, successor to Ernst Röhm as Chief of Staff of the SA. The autograph is executed in dark ink on a small paper fragment, framed with black card and mounted on a torn vintage album leaf. The reverse retains handwritten collector identification linking the signature to Lutze. A scarce German political autograph from the pre-1945 period.

Original pre-WWII German political propaganda group comprising a marked 1936 Adolf Hitler Reichstag ballot paper, a 1933 “Deutschland wählt Hitler!” election pencil, an “Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer” Hitler portrait badge and a dated “Ja – 12.11.1933” referendum badge. A visually impressive historical set documenting the political consolidation of the Third Reich before the Second World War.

Six German badges, mostly dated 1936: a 1 Mai 1936 badge marked M. Gechsler & Sohn, Ansbach; a blue and white “Rhön 1936” gliding badge; a “Freiheit und Brot – 29. März 1936” badge; a Hitler portrait pin; and two further insignia. Original pins and maker markings visible.

Five German badges and pins of the 1930s: a 1 Mai 1938 Tag der Arbeit badge marked Ferd. Wagner, Pforzheim; a gilt-coloured Hitler portrait badge inscribed “Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Führer”; a 1938 referendum-type badge; a geometric radial badge; and an oak-leaf stickpin. Untouched age and wear.