MILITARIA
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Knights Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords
Not For Sale
Rare German
WWI 4 Medal Bar - This rare bar contains 4 medals from the period
surrounding WWI and tells a lot about its original owner. The 2 medals at the
left are the Prussi
an
Iron Cross, Second Class and the Hindenburg Cross of honor with swords awarded
to combatants in WWI. The iron cross is 3-piece and magnetic core.
The medal at far right is the Rare Friedrich August Cross, awarded by the
Principality of Oldenburg only until 1916 and for about the same reasons as the
Prussian Iron Cross. The 3rd medal is rarer, the Schlesian Eagle second class.
Silesia (Schlesia) is a large area belonging originally to Germany, but taken
from Germany and forced into the new Poland and Czechoslovakia by the victorious
allies by the Treaty of Versailles at the end of WWI. This was one of several
acts forcing Germany into chaos in the 1920s. A motley cabal of Jews and other
communists forced Kaiser Wilhelm of Prussia to sue for peace and abdicate his
throne, destroying the German economy and social structure. There arose in
several areas of Germany various freikorps (Militias) fighting the terrorists to
maintain stability. Silesia was one of the largest of these. Thus this soldier
fought for Germany during the war and in the Silesian Militia after the
armistice. Many of these freikorps later joined the Nazi Sturmabteilungen (storm
Troopers) in the 1920s. These medals are all in excellent condition but the
ribbons show some grime from use. $350 + shipping.
We have recently acquired a small
group of medals and awards from Nazi Germany. These came from estates and
collections in Europe and are entirely original. Becoming increasingly hard to
find today due to politically correct attitudes. Here are, from left to right:

Luftschutz
Medal - Only one of these we have seen complete with original ribbon. $70
+ shipping.
War Service Cross (Kriegsverdienstkreuz) Medal
With Swords - Awarded to military who showed exceptional bravery in
combat. $55 + shipping.
War Service Cross Medal Without
Swords - Awarded primarily to non-military personnel who showed
exceptional bravery in assisting the war effort. The youngest recipient was a 10
year old boy from Dortmund who showed exceptional bravery in spotting airplanes
attacking Germany. $25 + shipping.
Eastern Front Medal - Awarded
to those servicemen who served on the Eastern Front against Russia. - $40 +
shipping.
German A
rmy
Service Bar 4 Years With Anschluss Medal - Medal on the l
eft
is surprisingly uncommon. It is for 4 years service in the Wehrmacht. Medal on
the right was awarded for the first military activity of Germany.
Pre-WWII. Dated on back "March 13, 1938, the date the German Army marched
into Austria and annexed it into the Third Reich. Despite Hollywood's treatment
of this action in movies such as THE SOUND OF MUSIC, they were welcomed by
enthusiastic crowds without bloodshed or resistance. There had been a plebiscite
in Austria showing the majority wished to be incorporated into the German Reich.
No shots were fired. $210 + shipping.
German
Army Sudetenland Medals - The second of Germany's military activities
prior to WWII. The Sudetenland was taken from Germany after WWI by the victors
and incorporated into Czechoslovakia , a nation which had not existed before the
war.
Czechs and Germans had serious problems in assimilating after
this action. Freikorps (militias) arose in this area as well as throughout the
former German nation to combat the communists and others who were preying on
ethnic Germans, and Hitler decided to annex the Sudeten Germans into the Reich.
Throughout September, 1938, he attempted to come to an agreement with the
Czechs, and Britain's Chamberlain said he could have the Sudeten Germans, but
the Czechs proved intransigent. In October his troops marched into the
Sudetenland and it was annexed. Here are 2 medals awarded to German soldiers who
took part. On the left is a medal which has probably never been mounted or worn.
On the right is another which shows some wear from wearing and which also has
the elusive Prague bar depicting Prague which was awarded to those who served in
the Czech capitol. Left: $120 + shipping; Right: $150 + shipping.
Italo-G
erman
Campaign Medal - First issue of this medal instituted by the Ita
lian
government to honor the deeds of Rommel's Afrika Korps. Issued 1942. Only
awarded to German troops who served in North Africa. De Marchis designed the medal and his name is
embossed below the crocodile's head on the outer edge. Lorioli Milano, the
manufacturer's maker's mark is found above the crocodile's left leg. We have
always felt this is an exceptionally well designed medal. Written in Italian and
the Italian fasces on left and written in German with the swastika on right.
Even the ribbon utilizes the colors of both countries with the white center bar
serving for both tricolors. $205 + shipping.
German
Mother's
Cross - Rather than encourage businesses to leave the country leaving
nothing but service jobs and rather than encourage all sorts of legal and
illegal immigrants to come to the country to tak
e "jobs
Americans won't do," Hitler encouraged Germans to procreate, providing
Citizens and workers to maintain Germany's labor pool and preserve her culture
for the future. This medal was awarded to German women who had children. It was
awarded in 3 classes: bronze, silver, and gold dependent on the number of
children the woman produced. Dated 16 December 1938 on reverse and signed
"A. Hitler," this medal including all enamel is completely undamaged.
Comes with more than a foot of original ribbon which has worn through and been
re-stitched. Some age grime. $80 + shipping.
WWII Ger
man
SS Stickpin - Original and quite rare. To be worn in a suit butto
nhole
by SS members. The SS or Schutsstaffel (Protection Force) were in 2
branches: Allgemeine(General SS) and Waffen SS (Armed SS). They were
an elite organization under Heinrich Himmler (Reichsfuehrer SS) and included
both the State Police(Gestaatspolizei or Gestapo) and some of the best military
units in Nazi Germany. This stickpin is made of silver and black enamel and is
completely undamaged. $79 + shipping.
WWII G
erman
SS Officer's Arm Band - Completely Original! Measures 5
1/2
inches by 8 inches. Has a multi piece sewn swastika. Wool and cotton
construction. Excellent condition with no tears or moth holes! Very minor
wear. At the right is a foto of Heinrich Himmler and 3 SS officers
in a Mercedes wearing the armbands with 2 black stripes which signify the SS.
$210 + shipping.
WWII G
erman
Bronze Soldier and Helmet Bust (1933-1935) - This is an original, 100%
authentic Third Reich period bronze German soldier
bust
with marble base which was brought to this country from Germany about 8 years
ago. The bust stands 9 1/2 inches tall including its marble base. We
date the bust between 1933-35 due to the fact the soldier is wearing a WWI style
helmet, but the style is clearly Third Reich art. In 1935 the German Wehrmacht
adopted the M35 type helmet seen below in a rare camoflage edition. Thus we date
this piece between 1933-1935. There is no sculptor's name we can find, but the
bottom bears an "11" mark, which can be seen by removing the base.
There are a few very minor nicks which do not detract from the overall
appearance. The bust is fairly heavy and shipping will probably be about $25 in
USA. $350 + shipping.
Italian C
avalry
Gorget circa 1680 - Here's a real rarity! A genuine cavalry gorget
(throat protector) intended for use in combat. Later, in the 18th Century, these
were intended for display and hung from the neck by chains or ribbons -
primarily on officers.
They continued to be worn through World War II and became increasingly smaller
with time. But in the late 17th century, with increased use of gunpowder,
they were used with chain mail or leather upper garments to protect from
swords, axes, etc., which were still in use - primarily in the cavalry. You can
see the type of armor and battles in which ones like this were used on the front
of this one. From the style, this is most likely from Milan, which was under
control of the Holy Roman Empire, although this could also be Austrian. It is 8
inches wide and about 6 1/2 inches high and heavy. Made from low grade steel or
iron. 2 obvious holes on sides were for attachment. There is also a tiny pinhole
at upper right which is undoubtedly a casting imperfection. Great overall age
patina is undisturbed. Slight rust can be seen - primarily on the back. $300 +
shipping.
German
Stormtrooper (Sturmabteilungen) Gorget 1929-1933 - This is
a gorget like
the one above but 250 years later. This one is for an SA officer and
exclusively decorative. It can be dated fairly precisely by the symbol in the
center: an eagle grasping a wreath with a stylized swastika composed of 2 SSs
for the Schutstaffel. This symbol was obsolete and replaced after June 14,
1934,
the Night of the Long Knives, when the SA was reduced in size and brought under
Himmler's SS. Nickle-plated copper and brass,
completely original and undamaged although the upper portion seems to show dents
which are merely foto artifact. Reverse shows a few wear spots to the original
felt backing. Since this piece is so rare it may have been worn by an SA officer
of whom we have all heard. Clip on reverse for attachment is stamped "D.R.G.M."
although it cannot be read in the foto. $700 +shipping.
WWII Ge
rman
M35 Camo Helmet Stahlhelm "ET64" - 100% Original
WWII German
combat helmet with the rarely seen turtle shell camo finish in tan and brown.
Heavy and solid helmet shell is marked "ET64." Complete
with washers and rivets marked "1941." This is definitely
an M 35, unlike the M 40 and M 42 models. The air vents are actually rivets, not
stamped in. No helmet liner or chin strap. $473 + shipping.
German
WWI Kriegsmarine Moltke Medal(Rare!) - This medal was awarded to a German
sailor serving aboard the German battle cruiser MOLTKE, named after the 19th
century German Field Marshall Count Helmuth von Moltke, who was Chief of the
Prussian General Staff in the
Franco-Prussian War 1870-1871. He urged Bismarck to attack France.
The
medal is a high quality 33mm well struck
bronze and heavy. The Moltke was the first and only German warship to visit
United States and was active in WWI. She was interred at Scapa Flow and scuttled
by her crew 21 June 1919. Raised1927 and scrapped at Rosyth 1929. The medal
is in perfect, like-new condition, and the original ribbon is pristine. The
obverse bears a bust of von Moltke and his quote "Erst Waegen - Dann Wagen."
Designer's name, C. Kuehl beneath the bust. Reverse shows the ship at sail on
the sea with the inscription "S.M.S. Moltke" (His Majesty's Ship
Moltke) and the Prussian royal seal beneath. $80 + shipping.
Prussian
(Imperial
German) Naval Cutlass circa 1870 (Franco/Prussian War) - Nice
well-preserved cutlass with leather sheath. Slight damage to end of sheath
can be seen in the fotos.
3 0r 4 stitches broken at that point as well. Some age cracking to the leather.
Solid brass handle and fittings. Original felt stop on the handle for the
scabbard in excellent condition. Curved, heavy, flatback blade measures 25 3/4
inches, overall 31 inches. Bannerman's lists this as a German cutlass. Blade
unsharpened with two tiny nicks toward end which cannot be seen but merely felt
with a finger. No rust, just orange/brown patina. Maker's mark on one side of
blade and other side says "Beck & Sohne, Wien(Beck and Sons
Vienna)." $285 + shipping.
Mexican
Cavalry Officer's Sword (circa 1830s) - This sword was obtained from an
old arms collection in Santa Fe New Mexico. It had been
discovered in Mexico
about 30-40 miles South of the Alamo in San Antonio Texas in the early 1950s.
The age and type are correct, and it may very well have seen use in Santa Anna's
army at the Alamo in 1836. 27-inch unmarked blade and 31 inches overall. As can
be seen in the pics the blade has a couple minor nicks, and the wood handle has
a split. The orange coloration of the blade is much darker and is not rust, but
a dark orange patina. The scabbard, which would have been leather, is long gone.
$245 + shipping.
Imperia
l
German Helmet circa 1900. Highly sought by collectors, these w
ere used
throughout the Franco/Prussian War and WWI. This one is missing the
chin strap and rosettes. Leather portion has several age cracks and chips as can
be seen. Inner liner is present and in good condition. Front
seal is held on by paper clips which suffices for display but could be improved
upon if the purchaser desires. $460 + shipping. Below the helmet is a WWI
Bavarian medal bar described below.
Imperial German WWI
Medal Bar (Bavarian) - To see this bar, enlarge pics above of helmet and
flag. This 3-medal bar contains, from left to right, Bavarian Service Cross with
swords, Iron Cross Second Class, and Bavarian 9-year service medal. All 3 medals
are original and in excellent condition. The original ribbons are slightly
soiled and show a little wear in places. $170 + shipping.
1827 B
ritish
Infantry Officer's Sword - The iron hilt is in perfect condition with a
nice light gray age patina. The obverse guard has the stringed bugle of the
rifle brigades. The grip is black fishskin also
in perfect condition with all
wires intact. The slightly curved single-edged blade has not been sharpened, and
the point is undamaged. However the blade has been over cleaned. This was
undoubtedly done during its working life. Often officers' orderlies would clean
the blades with sand. For this reason, after several cleanings, there are no
rust pits at all, but also much of the original etched design has been wiped
out. The obverse ricasso has the gold proof mark for Charles Reeves of London
who made many of these swords. This sword is complete with its original iron
scabbard, also in near perfect condition with only one shallow dent which can be
seen in the pics. This sword most certainly saw action in the mid-Victorian
period in the Crimea, Khartoum, South Africa, India, China, or elsewhere. $400 +
shipping.
Large
Japanese Edo Era Samurai
Jingasa or Helmet - Condition excellent for its age (circa 1830).
Obviously the family stored it in a safe
place and no children played
"Toyama No Kinsan" with it. There is some edge wear which
is common to Jingasas, but this one is much nicer than usually seen. The padding
on the inside is also original and not a modern replacement. This is an extra
large jingasa - some 17 3/4 inches in diameter. These are sometimes referred to
as "Travelling Jingasa," because samurai often wore them when
travelling along the roads of ancient Japan. Enamel almost perfect with very few
age cracks. Outer black finish brighter than it appears in the bright sunlight
in which fotos were taken. Whitish discoloration seen at front left on top is
not seen in the helmet. An apparent artifact of sunlight. Notice the
Rising Sun motif to the inner surface of the helmet. $280 + shipping.
WWII Jap
anese Army/Navy Officer's
Full Dress Hat - This beautiful piece
completely undamaged silk construction.
Excellent condition. No fading, wear, moth holes, etc. Lieutenant's Full Dress Hat. $200 + shipping.
WWII Ja
panese
Army Officer's Canteen - This canteen looks great and disp
lays
well. The strap is dried out and is missing a couple inches of the end, but 3
adjustment holes are still there. The cover has some wear and period
repair. Still a great original canteen. It was made by the Nigiriya company,
which made regular soldiers' canteens as well. $80 + shipping.
WWII J
apanese
Navy Seaman's Hat with Tallies - Excellent condition! No
wear, moth holes, etc. in this fine woolen hat. Two tallies hang
from back with anchors. We don't read Japanese. If anyone does,
please tell us what is written on the front. We believe it should give the name
of the ship on which this lad served. Fotos were taken in bright sunlight which
blanched out much of the color in parts. For example, the label inside is in
perfect condition with all characters
clearly identifiable,
but pic shows very
few of the characters. $350 + shipping.
WWII J
apanese
Army/Navy Wound Badge - This is the "sen-sho" badge for wounds
sustained in battle. It is in the form of a cross composed of 4
ancient samurai shields enameled in red with 4 pitted spear heads in the angles.
The center is a medallion picturing the folk-hero Kusonoke Masashige, who died
in battle in 1336 A.D. The reverse is plain with the characters "military
wound badge" and "sen-sho" in the center and with a double pin.
The sen-sho badge is gilded silver. This badge is in excellent condition except
for a few very tiny cracks to the enamel on the lower shield which can be seen
in the pic. The shields are bright red, and the darkening at the distal ends is
artifact produced by the light striking the arched shields. The case is wood in
good condition with maker's mark on the side. Slight split in the base. $155 +
shipping.
Japanese Imperial M
edals
and Orders (4) in Original Boxes - All four of these are in
original
pristine
condition. As can be seen, the boxes show varying states of wear, but all 4 are
in good condition with clasps and hinges undamaged. It is impossible to get
excellent photos of all 4 medals at the same time which are of varying
brightness. If you are unfamiliar with these medals, we can give some details. From left to right the 4 medals pictured are:
Order
of the Rising Sun 6th Class - Both Military and Civilian. Middle hanger
is green Paulonia leaves with purple blooms - not gold as in pic due to
flashback SOLD.
Order
of the Golden Kite 7th Class - Military only and was made obsolete after
WWII. $190 + shipping.
Order of the Sacred
Treasure 5th Class - Both Military and Civilian. Rarely found in this
condition. All red jewels are present as well as not cracked or even faded! SOLD.
Red Cross Medal - virtually all
military personnel belonged to Red Cross and wore this medal. $45
WORLD
WAR II GERMAN NSKK DISPLAY - Early in Third Reich History, the Sturmabteilungen
(Storm Troops or Brown Shirts) were formed to protect Hitler and oth
er party
speakers from being attacked by communists and Jews. Hitler had had extensive
experience with these groups and wr
ote about his plans for the SA to combat them
in MEIN KAMPF while he was locked up in Landsberg Prison in the 1920s.
Shortly
after their formation, many members of SA, who happened to own a motorcycle, or,
better yet, a motorcycle with side car were recruited into NSKK (Kraftfahr Korps
or Motor Corps).
These SA members were rewarded with a special status and
slightly different uniform and accoutrements - the most noticeable of which was
a black scabbard for their dagger rather than the brown one worn by rank and
file SA members.
Since the members were not supplied with a dagger by the party,
but had to buy their own, many simply painted their scabbards black to save
money. The dagger and scabbard shown here are one of these. This scabbard
started life brown, but was later painted black as one can see by removing the
fittings. (SOLD) After the start of WWII, many of these guys were formed into military
units for service and are usually the ones seen in movies driving a motorcycle
and sidecar. In the picture at left of 2 blades showing their
makers' respective logos, that at left is the NSKK dagger. That at right is the
SA dagger shown below on this page.
SA/NS
Driver from the NSKK Motor Korps (Foto/Post
card)
- Original and in pristine condition. Came from the estate of a family in
Mannheim, Germany who had it pressed in a book for 75 years! Shows a
very clear shot of his motorcycle goggles and unit number on his collar
(12/M65). This means he was from the 12th squadron of the 65th motorstandarte
(regiment). Clear picture of his uniform including his kepi and shoulder straps
with their twisted design pattern. 5 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches. Reverse blank.
$20 + shipping.
NSKK
Dog Tags - These WWII German dog tags are quite rare - less comm
on
than even the Waffen SS dog tags. They are both in excellent
condition. The discolorations are not rust or corrosion but are the
original condition of the steel. At top is the NSKK 1st Brigade, and below is
the NSKK Motor Group L Auslaender (Foreigner) tag. $75 each + shipping.
8
Very
Scarce
Fotos of NSKK activities. - These are all pre-war and came from the same
source in 1937. Therefore, we are reluctant to break th
em up. The
left 2 are larger, 3 1/2 inches by 4 1/2 inches. We will sell the pair for $60
+ shipping. The right six are snapshot size. We will sell them individually for
$12 or all 6 for $60 + shipping.
World Wa
r
II Japanese Army Display - We are trying something ne
w for us and will
welcome feedback. We plan to display items together which
would have been found together by nationality and period. If this first attempt
works we will try others. We plan to sell individual pieces from the display up
to and including the entire display. This first attempt we will call Sergeant
Kobayashi. Keep watching him!! We will be adding pictures and prices over
the next few weeks. All items for sale are genuine, original items of the
period.
Japanese Army Sergeant's Collar Stripes -
(see both fotos) - $12/pair + shipping.
WWII
Japanese Army Uniform Service Tunic Jacket(above) - Summer uniform. Late
War issue. Well made with silk lining. Inside pockets. No stamps, but no wear or
damage either. Probably unissued. Guaranteed original and no reproduction.
Medium size, but remember Orientals are smaller size on average. Comes with the
Sergeant's stripes. $110 +
shipping
Antique
Japanese 3-Man Bomb Plate - Very rare early Showa era Jap
anese
Imperial Army NIKUDANSANYUUSHI (3-men bomb) plate. These guys were
the original KAMIKAZE, running into their target holding a bomb.
Anything related to Nikudansanyuushi is quite rare today. These 3 men are now
war gods in Japan. (See the foto of the monument during WWII.) This is a
beautiful plate and completely undamaged. Measures approx. 4.5 inches in
diameter. There is a small Japanese character on the underside which is not
readable - probably even by someone who reads Japanese. $100 + shipping.
British
Sudan
Medal with Khartoum Bar!! (1896-98) Gladstone's fo
olish
policy toward Egypt and the Sudan, coupled with Mohammed Ahmed's rise as the
"Mahdi" (Muslim Messiah) and his Jihad against the Egyptians in 1881
was to embroil the Briitish in an on-going adventure in Sudan for the next 2
decades. The popular General Charles Gordon was sent in
without backup to extricate the Egyptians from harm. What resulted was the death
of Gordon and the massacre of every Egyptian and Englishman in Khartoum, and
ultimately the collapse of Gladstone's Liberal government. This medal is
un-named, but, according to Sydney Vernon, the Khartoum bar was only awarded to
British troops. $230 + shipping.
Nazi
Part
y
Storm Trooper (Sturmabteilung) Dagger - The most highly collectible
dagger from the Third Reich. All original scre
ws
present. This dagger belonged to a Hessian member from the Hesse
Gau(District). Marked "He" on reverse of lower handle
crossbar for Hesse. "Alles fuer Deutschland" (Everything for Germany)
inscribed on obverse of blade. Distal end of blade has some repaired damage and
most nickle plating of distal scabbard bracket is worn off. Otherwise quite good
condition. $530 + shipping.
Confed
erate
Dirk circa 1850 with strong Southern Roots - Charming pre-Civil War 9 1/2
inch dirk with 5 1/2 inch cruciform
blade, steel bulbous quillon, and solid brass handle. Remarkable
provenance with this one! Purchased from Cowan's Historic Americana in
Cincinnati who had obtained it in the estate for auction from an old Louisiana
family. Strong Southern ties. This dirk is a classic style seen throughout
Southern USA in the 1850s with coffin-shaped handle and was widely used by
Confederate soldiers and seamen in the War of Northern Aggression. Super tight
with nice weight and balance and a good feel to it. There are a few nicks and
dings from period use and an overall nice patina. We are certain the handle
would polish to a bright brass hue, but are reluctant to do that. $225 +
shipping.
Japanese
Manchukuo (Manchuria) Order of the Auspicious Clouds(SOLD), Order of the Pillars of
State and Manchuria Empire Foundation Medal - In 1931, concerned about the growing power of the communists in
both China and Russia on their West, the Imperial Japanese Army sanctioned the
seizure of Manchuria as a barricade. On March 1, 1932 the Independent
State of Manchukuo was founded and Henry Pu Yi, last of the Manchu emperors of
China, was called from retirement to become head of state, thus forming a puppet
state of Japan's - much like United States' puppets in present day Iraq,
Afghanistan, and
Lebanon. But the Japanese had better success at administering theirs. The
following three medals are rare and from that puppet state. We also have two
medals and documents from a soldier, Tanaka Churenichi-san, who was engaged in
the "Manchurian Incident" April 29, 1934.
Order
of
the Pillars of State 6th Class with 2 silver bars on ribbon
. -This order
was called the Chu Kuo Chang and was established September 14 1936. It was
awarded in 8 classes and is exactly equivalent to the Japanese Order of the
Sacred Treasure. The design is of 4 pillars of the style used in oriental
palaces and temples. Reverse has 4 characters meaning Order of Merit
Decoration. Ribbon shows some wear. $500 + shipping.
German
WWI Feld Eherenkreuz Badge from Hamburg - In WWI, several of the German
principalities and Hanseatic City-States issued their own badges. Such was the
case with Hamburg which issued this First Class Honor Badge for
bravery in Combat. Excellent condition. Just minor early corrosion to a couple
of the rays. Silver center oval with a combat soldier on a white enamel cross
with crossed swords. All on a patina silvered starburst. Reverse: "Deutsches
Feld-Eherenzeichen Hamburg 11." Maker marked "Ges-Gesch."
$105 + shipping.
Kuban
S
hield (1941, 1942) - The Crimea was a huge action as the
G
ermans drove
South to capture the oil fields. It has been the site of numerous such battles,
such as when the British attempted to wrest its control from the Turks in the
1854 Crimean War. On the East side of the Sea of Azov, the Kuban River flows
into that sea, and this was the location of the battles of Kuban for which the Kuban
Shield (1943) was awarded. The shield depicts the geography of
the respective area.

Kuban
Shield - $208 + shipping.
WWII
German Iron Cross First Class FIELD SERVICE! - Absolutely orig
inal
and undamaged. Much more rare than the metal Iron Cross. Outlined in
silver bullion metallic thread. Forman's Guide to Third Reich Awards lists this
piece at $400-$600. The masking tape on reverse was apparently put on reverse as
a label by some fool who didn't know better. We are reluctant to try removing
what is left for fear of damaging the original paper backing. $350 + shipping.
WWII
German Iron Cross 2nd Klasse - Excellent condition and highly so
ught
after by collectors! Magnetic core and completely original including the ribbon.
No markings. Ribbon quite clean. The Iron Cross was awarded sequentially
beginning with the second class cross. The recipient was required to win each in
turn one after the other. First the second class, then the first class, then the
Knight's Cross, etc. making the higher grades quite rare indeed. This one needs
a slight polishing on the silver edging which appears a little tarnished. $180 +
shipping.
FASCIST ITALY
We have recently been
fortunate enough to acquire a substantial part of a large collection of WWII
Italian paraphernalia confiscated from Italian soldiers in East Africa after
World War II. Several of these items are rarely ever seen since Italy changed
sides before the end of the war and most were destroyed. A few important facts
to remember: The Kingdom of Italy was ruled by the House of Savoy under King
Victor Emanuel III, and the State symbol was the Savoy Cross and shield on the
breast of the Savoy eagle. Benito Mussolini headed the Fascisti Party, whose
symbol was the famous fasces or "bundle of sticks" and axe, which was the
symbol of the ancient Roman Empire. The Fascists gradually consolidated
their power from the people throughout the early 1920s,
until in late October 1922 he led his famous "March On Rome." The objective
of the March was seizure of power and establishment of a Cabinet with at least 6
Fascisti Ministers in the most important posts. The fascists never intended to
dethrone the king, and, in fact, Mussolini obtained an agreement with Victor
Emanuel, which allowed Il Duce to wield all effective executive power. Virtually
all medals from this period bear dates expressing "so many years after the
March on Rome (October 27, 1922)" or "year so-and-so of the Fascist Era."
Italy F
ascist
WWII MVSN Hat - Grea
t original MVSN
(Milizia Volontaria Sicurezza
Nationale or National Security Militia) from World War II. Excellent
condition. Extremely minor moth damage. Nice bullion
fascist emblem on front.
$350 + shipping.
Fascist ID
for
Blackshirt - With stamps, fasces, and symbols of Savoy
.
Well worn and slight tatters at edges. $20 + shipping.
Large
Press Foto Fascist Dagger Salute (Mussolini in foreground) - This
foto was too large to put on our scanner and resolution with a digital camera
left something to be desired, so we hope you won't mind turning your head
to get a view of this panoramic display of Mussolini leading a fascist dagger
salute to a visiting German dignitary in Rome on May 18, 1938. $30 + shipping.
Italian B
lackshirt
Medal with Mussolini and Original ribbon! - Anyone vaguely familiar with
Hitler and the Third Reich cannot but be impressed with the similarities
between Nazi Germany
and Fascist Italy. Hitler greatly admired Mussolini's organization of his State
and patterned much of his Germany after it based upon his reading while locked up in
Landsberg prison. His development of the "Brownshirts (Sturmabteilungen or
storm troopers)" was directly patterned after Mussolini's Blackshirts. Both
Mussolini and Hitler were faced with attacks on their speakers and workers by
communists and socialists and responded by recruiting young toughs to protect
their people. A similarity today is the rise of the "skinheads"
throughout the White world. This medal was awarded to a blackshirt for
activities during 1939-1941. We regret we do not know exactly for what. This was
an awkward period for Mussolini, since Italy was officially neutral but was
being dragged into war. There was much anti-German violence by the communist
"redshirts" at the time, and the blackshirts were busy busting heads.
This medal is in pristine condition. $200 + shipping.
Pair
of
Medals
from Mussolini's Abyssinian War (1935-1936) - The opening of the Suez
Canal gave the Red Sea new importance. Britain invited Italy to occupy the port
of Massawa, and by 1889 the Italian Colony of Eritrea was constituted by Royal
decree. By 1935, the British had bombarded Alexandria and French
bayonets held Morocco. Mussolini reasoned there could be no objection to
his holding an analogous area in East Africa which the British had refused to
allow into the League of Nations. This war was the beginning of Mussolini's
downfall. It alienated both the French and British and forced him to form an
alliance with Hitler against the Western Allies. These two medals are the War
Merit Cross and Ethiopian Campaign medals from Mussolini's East African venture
in 1935-1936. Mussolini's name in script on reverse of the latter. $55 +
shipping for the
pair.
Rare M
ussolini
Medal from Italy's entry into WWII - This unusual medal
also
has the fasces in enamel on the reverse and the date "ANNO XIX"
(1941). Mussolini bust on obverse in military helmet. $115 +
shipping.
SIGNAL
Magazine, 1941, 1942, 1944 - Here are three excellent copies of
Signal Magazine
published during WWII by the German Publishing Co. in Berlin and, taken
together, giving an
excellent overview of WWII from the German perspective. The format and size is
much like that of LIFE MAGAZINE in United States at the time. Each has an
in depth article on a military campaign of importance at the time, and then
there are articles on the latest European fashions, advertisements, cartoons,
etc. This magazine was designed to be read by people throughout the Greater
Reich. Thus, the 1941 issue is in Dutch to be sent to the Netherlands; the 1942
issue is in German for circulation in Germany proper, and the 1944 issue is in
French for circulation in Vichy France.


October
1, 1941 issue is published shortly after the capitulation of Poland and before
USA has entered the war. It is therefore devoted primarily to the sea
battles and preparations to defend continental Europe fro attack via the North
Sea. Cover shows sailors emerging from a submarine hatch. If you read German,
you shouldn't have much trouble with the Dutch language. $25 + shipping.
November
1, 1942 issue is published in German early during the campaign for Stalingrad
and has an excellent 10 page article
with many
explicit pictures of the Infantry's Odyssey in the East, marching first
East, then North, then back to the West, then South, and then back to the East
over a 50 kilometer area. Also a great article on the end of Japan's war in
China and some artwork on Japanese hunting. $30 + shipping.
The
1944 issue is in French, and, not too strangely, is silent on any Allied
Invasion and difficult to date as to month. There is an
excellent article on the
activities of the Waffen SS including the Estonian and other Eastern members'
campaign in the East. $25 + shipping.
All three magazines for $75 +
shipping.
French
M
orocco
Medal from WWI - Those who have seen the movie "The Wind and the
Lion" with Sean Connery will recall President Theodore Roosevelt sent
an expeditionary force to Morocco to rescue an American woman from the
tribal chieftan,
Raisuli
the Magnificent, who had kidnapped her. Several European colonial powers
decided to join in the fun including Britain, Germany, and France. This resulted
in Sultan Abd-ul-Aziz IV being deposed and Morocco becoming a French
protectorate from 1912 until 1956 when it regained its freedom. This medal was
made in France and issued by the French puppet state of Morocco for bravery in
the Great War. It is minus the ribbon but is in excellent condition otherwise.
All of the enamel is intact, although some of the red outline to the star
appears missing in the scan, but it is not. The gold wash, however, on the
suspension wreath is almost completely gone. $70 + shipping.
British
King's South Africa Medal with bars for 1901 and 1902! - F
rom
the Boer War which began October 1st 1899 and for which Winston Churchill
became famous as a journalist, writing the definitive account of the first
6 months. This medal was awarded to one, "4162 S. Holmes Worcester
Regiment," and whose name and number are inscribed on the edge. $185 +
shipping.
World
Wa
r
II Paulonia War Flag Sake Cup - This is a rare sake wine cup we
recently brought from Japan. Different patterned sake
cups were often presented to military personnel. This cup which is 2"
across features a paulonia leaf (symbol of the Imperial family) and a 16
Joukyokujitsuki rising sun flag (battle flag) with a shaded military star
above. This flag is often referred to as the Naval Flag, but was used by all
branches during the War. When the cup is turned over, it shows an unusual light
blue glaze pattern. This cup was presented to a soldier named Onishi in the
Army's 39th Unit. $48 + shipping.
WWII
Japanese Hinomaru Flag Signed and Translated by 4
People!! - Beautifu
l
"meatball" flag with essentially no damage. Silk with no holes, two
corner ties, and only slight discoloration in lower right corner. 39 1/4"
by 28." Signed by Simoban Seiko, Sigeko Nakagawa, K.Fukau. Also says
"Lakeside Biwa My Lived at Sakamoto." Strange that so much is written
in English during WWII. Perhaps these lads were Americans who expatriated to
fight for Japan? Would make an interesting topic for research. $95 +
shipping.
British
Northwest Frontier Medal (Punjab) - From what is today in Paki
stan!
Obverse King George Vth; reverse a British outpost and "INDIA."
Medal and original ribbon in excellent condition. Inscribed on edge to:
"12526 SE Poy 8 Anta SINGH . 1-14 Punjab Regiment." Bar says "
Northwest Frontier (Pakistan) 1935." $80 + shipping.
Orde
r
of the Star of Rumania with Swords in Gold (Type II) - This qui
te
uncommon and strikingly beautiful military medal is in completely undamaged
condition! The order was established in 1887 by King Carol 1 and bears his
cipher on the obverse. $130 + shipping.
BULGARIA
Bulga
ria
was one of the great old kingdoms of Eastern Europe. Ferd
inand
I was its king from 1879 to 1918 at the end of WWI. This was a period of
turmoil for the country. Russia disapproved of Ferdinand, who sought to appease the Russians by adopting a
pro-Russian policy. As a result, Stefan Stamboulov, the Prime Minister, was assassinated in the
streets of Sofia by pro-Russian exiles. We offer 2 rare medals from this period
- both in excellent condition.
First is the Order of St. Alexander,
and
Second is the Military Order for Bravery Type I dated 1879, the date
of
Ferdinand's accession to the throne. We also have the Type II Bravery
Order dated 1915. It is not pictured, but ask if you are interested. St.
Alexander Order is $250 + shipping. Military Bravery Order
is $175 + shipping.
STALINGRAD
Stalingrad was one of the fiercest and most costly
battles in human history - both in terms of destruction and human lives lost.
From September 1942 until February 1943, the German 6th Army was surrounded by the Soviet big
Red Army hundreds of thousands were killed, imprisoned, or simply were never
heard from again. The German General von Paulus cravenly surrendered his entire
command and started giving propaganda statements for use by the Soviets. Today
the city is renamed Volgagrad, and we have made contact with an organization
there called Quest (POISK in Russian), who are
digging through the remains and finding enormous amounts of old lost items. They
are also finding many bodies and giving them a Christian burial, using the funds
generated by sale of items found.
German
Silver
Wound Badge Found in Stalingrad - Unbelievably good
condition after more than 65 years underground!! Only 2 small
corrosion spots on the swastika can be seen. Pin on reverse is
original also, but has been repaired. The silver wound badge was instituted on
the very first day of World War II - September 1, 1939 and was awarded for:
Wounded 3 or 4 times in fighting an air raid, or serious injury in battle. This
relic carries some great history provenance $95 + shipping.
Germ
an
Panzer Assault Badge - Fantastic condition for having been bur
ied
for 60 years! A great piece of history. $175 + shipping.
SOVIET
Artillery Shell Trench Art found in a Bunker near Stalingrad. - This is a
cup of some sort for water, probably. It seems too large for Vodka, although I
know Russians can put it away. It is 8 inches tall including the hook,
which was made by cutting off the top but leaving a 3/4" strip at the top
and bending it over. The shell is 2" at the mouth and untapered, so it must
have been about a 2" shell. Several Cyrillic (Russian) letters on the
base. $50 + shipping.
Serbian
Medals: Serbia was one of the great European kingdoms during the
19th and 20th Centuries. It was established in the 7th Century by emigrants from
the Carpathian Mountains and was conquered and ruled by Turkey from 1459-1829.
It gained its independence, and
in 1882, MilanI took the title of King. In the
First Balkan War, 1912-1913, Serbia and other Balkan countries succeeded in
wresting control of Southeast Europe from the Ottoman Turks. Albania became an
independent muslim nation, and Kosovo was granted to Serbia which had claimed it
since the Middle Ages. The upper medal is Serbian from that war. Obverse is
dated 1912 and tells what it is in Serbian. The reverse depicts the Serbian
royal eagle patterned after the Russian Romanovs and lists all the significant
battles in Kosovo in that year. It is in excellent condition and retains some of
the original gilt, but is missing the ribbon. $78 + shipping. The lower
medal is the Serbian Order of St. Sava dated 1883 on reverse under King Milan I.
The ribbon shows some wear, and there are a couple very minor chips to the blue
enamel which can all be see in the scan. Excellent condition overall and
retaining considerable original gilt. $175 + shipping.
Serbia's history is
unsettling. The Serbs have struggled valiantly for independence for over 2000
years, but again, after World War II they
were conquered and ruled by the
communists under Tito until the collapse of the Soviet Union. This granted them
a few more years until they were recaptured by the New World Order under The
United States and its lackeys in the United Nations, much like Afghanistan and
Iraq. For a beautiful piece of currency from this great kingdom, see our COINS
page.
British
Named Medal Queens South Africa (1901) - This medal was awarded to N.
Solomon of the 
Alexandria
Mounted Troops, who had been in volved in The Boer War the previous year.
Edge of the medal bears testimony to its owner and his position. We have a
document which will go to the purchaser. Obverse mature head of Queen Victoria,
and reverse shows Britannia extending a wreath to the troops with a warship to
right. White on reverse of ribbon is backing. $190 s+i.
Soviet
Aircraft Carrier Badge for Carrier Minsk
-
This badge was awarded for crossing the equator. Nice screwback badge
with hot-baked enamel shows the globe and warship. Soviet Naval Flag and MIG
fighter above. "MINSK" in cyrillic below with fouled anchor. "ZA
PEREHODA YEKVATORA" ( For Crossing Equator) below ship. $16 + shipping.
Soviet
Armored Officer's Qualification Breast Badges (4) - During the glory days
of the Soviet Union's Red
Army,
officers were awarded badges to be worn on the breast of their uniform blouses
-
graded in accordance with their demonstrated proficiency. 3rd Class was awarded
first, then 2nd, and so on until the Master (M) was achieved. These 4 don't seem
to have been worn very much by their recipient. They show little wear at all.
Each shows the Class and Red Star on a shield in hot-baked enamel
superimposed over a missile with paired lightning bolts and a tank below the
wings. $32 for the set + shipping.
Yugoslavia
under Josip Broz Tito (circa 1965): Airforce Cap Badge, Military Silver Star,
Military Gold Star. - These are quality pieces and not reproductions.
Very uncommon to find. Gold Star has wider bevel around star and points extend
out beyond edge of the badge. Red stars are all beautiful, heavy hot-baked
enamel like that seen at top point of the Gold Star. Prices include s+i in USA.
Cap Badge-$24, Stars $11 each. All 3 for $44 + shipping.
Soviet Army General
Staff Map - 1940!! - Immensely important and interesting item! This is a
military staff map from the General Staff of the Soviet Red Army covering the
area from 23 degrees
East
and from 52 degrees South - roughly in the area south of Warsaw and east of
Radom Poland toward Lublin. In 1940, WWII had just erupted with Germany and the
So
viets
dividing up Poland. This map is of the "Lomazy" District and so states
at the top. 16 inches by 22 inches. No tears or holes. Lighter than the picture
suggests due to shadow from picture taken in bright sunlight. All quite readable
and no serious stains. We just brought this item in from Byellorussia. $74 +
shipping.
World War I German
Kriegsmarine(Navy) Shirt - Excellent condition! Can't have been
worn
and
washed more than once or twice. Chest about 36. Metal buttons on cuffs.
Very heavy cotton material, almost like canvas. Completely undamaged. Cotton
ribbon at neck. Hand-embroidered at bottom front with sailor's name(Kessler) and
his unit. Back view left and front view right. $350 + shipping.
Soviet Badge - 100th Anniversary Lenin's
Birth: Issued in 1970 during the Viet Nam
Era
to commemorate Lenin's birth in 1870 and so states on reverse. Much brighter
than scan suggests. Both ribbon and badge in excellent condition with no damage.
$10 + shipping.
Soviet Stalin-Era
Badge - "Victory Over Germany" -
Awarded
to those who fought on Russia's western front against Germany, these are not
rare, but becoming difficult to obtain in decent condition. Pictures Josef
Stalin in his Marshall's uniform and states what it was awarded for as above.
$11 + shipping.

Soviet Camo Suit w.
Mask (c.1970) Rare Type - Genuine with matching camoflage mask. Large
size modeled by our Russian partner. Slightly lighter in color than picture
suggests. Metal buttons. No damage. $110 + shipping.
Soviet Naval Officer's
Map Case & Equipment - Supple
leather
with removable shoulder strap. Clear vinyl interior compartments protect maps
and documents from inclement weather. Also included are compass and map
measuring device shown full size above. The latter measures distance on a map in
centimeters(shown) and inches on the reverse. Also included are an oilskin
poncho for protecting one's uniform while on deck and 2 plastic naval rulers,
protractors, etc. which identify themselves as belonging to a Soviet Naval
officer. All the above fit nicely into specially designed compartments in the
map case. $50 + shipping.
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