WW1 / WW2 / 20th Century

A Fabulous, Imperial German WW1, Steel, Folding Sniper Shield. Western Front Recovery In Great Surviving Condition.

WW1 German sniper shield with moving protective side plates, reputedly battlefield dug on the Somme.

Soldiers in front-line trenches suffered from enemy snipers. These men were usually specially trained marksmen that had rifles with telescopic sights. German snipers did not normally work from their own trenches. The main strategy was to creep out at dawn into no-man's land and remain there all day. Wearing camouflaged clothing and using the cover of a fake tree, they waited for a British soldier to pop his head above the parapet. A common trick was to send up a kite with English writing on it. Anyone who raised his head to read it was shot. They also used a steel plate with a loophole for their Mauser sniper rifle. This is a super example and it shows at least one bullt strike upon it. There were many variants in these shields from lightweight models to huge, fully wheeled contraptions. This is the 'standard' German model, the 'Infanterieschild' from 1916. The front has curved edges to protect the user from bullet splash or richochets. The position of the opening allows maximum protection for right handed soldiers and normally a movable cover is fitted to protect the rifle slot.
To the rear there are supports to allow the shield to be self-supporting on flat terrain. Many were designed to be portable on the battlefield. Normally they would have been dug into the trench system or used in useful numbers as part of short term or even semi-permanent strong points or sniper posts in trench systems.

Export shipping abroad would likely be expensive  read more

Code: 26154

WW2 F.W. Höller (FW Holler) of Solingen, Germany German Third Reich NCO/Officer's Dove Head Cavalry Sword. Gilt Hilt With Original Multi Wire Binding Over Celluloid Grip. With Stunning, Near Mint, Mirror Bright Blade and Blued Steel, Dent Free Scabbard

F.W. Höller (FW Holler) of Solingen, Germany, was a prominent manufacturer of military swords, daggers, and cutlery during the 1930s and Third Reich period (1933–1945). Known for high-quality craftsmanship, the firm often marked its blades with a "thermometer" logo, sometimes accompanied by the letters "RZM" for party-ordered items.

The sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 36 inches, with a blade length of approximately 30 inches. The blade shows light wear marks but overall it is mirror bright and makes a wonderful appearance. The ricasso bears the thermometer trademark of the F.W. Holler firm.

The Third Reich used cavalry extensively in World War II, contrary to the image of a fully mechanized army. While motorized early on, the German army relied heavily on horses for logistics, transport, and cavalry units, peaking at six cavalry divisions by February 1945. Key units included the 1st Cavalry Division (later 24th Panzer) and the SS Cavalry Brigade/8th SS Cavalry Division.

As for weapons, every horse-mounted soldier carried a saber in a leather pouch when riding. After 1939, every officer carried the MP-38 and later the MP-40 submachine gun. All others carried the standard infantry issue Karabiner 98K carbine, a modified version of the long standard 98a, its shorter length making it more suitable for mounted troops. The carbine was based on an 1898 design, and while five rounds could be pressed into the magazine, it required a manual opening and closing of the bolt action to eject a spent round and cycle a new round into the chamber. In contrast, the standard U.S. issue Garand, a gas-operated semiautomatic design, required no bolt action and thus increased its firepower. Many veterans on both sides said this was often the difference between life and death on the battlefield. Officers, sergeants, and medical personnel also carried the Pistole 08, a 9mm semiautomatic, better known as the famous Luger. Some horse troops were issued the new 7.92 MPi 43/44 assault rifles, predecessors of the modern infantry weapons of today.

Horses were essential for logistics, with most German infantry divisions relying on them for transportation throughout the war. Cavalry units (mounted infantry) were used for reconnaissance, security, and "bandit-fighting" (partisan warfare) on the Eastern Front, particularly by the SS Cavalry Brigade.
Major Units:
1st Cavalry Division: Formed in 1939, it was the only mounted division in the early war before conversion to the 24th Panzer Division in 1941.
SS Cavalry Brigade / 8th SS Cavalry Division "Florian Geyer": Commanded by Hermann Fegelein, this unit was responsible for massive atrocities during "pacification" operations behind the front lines in the Soviet Union.
I Cavalry Corps: Formed late in the war (1944-1945), it fought on the Eastern Front (Operation Bagration) and in the final "Spring Awakening" offensive in 1945.

Horsemanship was also taught at the SS academies, as it was considered part of the legacy of the Teutonic Knights to which the Nazis ascribed. Unlike American cowboy movies in which, miraculously, no horse is ever injured during blazing gun battles, horses littered the roads and fields of Europe, killed by machine guns, mortars, artillery fire, and air attack. During the killing Russian winters, pampered German farm and riding horses, lashed to heavy wagons, dropped in their tracks. Often they became food for the starving soldiers.

The WWII German cavalry corps, which in wartime consisted of horse, bicycle, and motorcycle troops, contained 18 horse regiments. Disbanded at the outbreak of the war in 1939, they were reformed into divisional reconnaissance battalions, followed in 1943 by what is considered the rebirth of the German cavalry. Three regiments were reconstituted.

Logistical Importance: Despite motorized propaganda, horses were essential to German logistical, transport, and reconnaissance functions, with a steady supply maintained until 1945.
End of War: Cavalry units fought until the surrender in May 1945. Some, like the I Cavalry Corps, retreated into Austria and were taken prisoner by the British.

Each squad of horse soldiers consisted of nine troopers, and an MG 34 light machine gun provided additional firepower. Horses were also integral to the mobile field kitchens and the blacksmith, ammunition, and weapons wagons. While each troop had a motorcycle dispatch rider for maintaining long-distance communication with command, most communication on horseback consisted of 25 standard hand signals.  read more

Code: 26177

A Group Of WW1 Medals for the Army Veterinary Corps. Of a WW1 Trio, Special Enlistment. & The King's Medal An LCC Medal 1914-15 for Attendance, Conduct and Industry As A London Schoolboy, Straight from School as a Special Enlistment To The Western Front

For Acting Staff Sergeant G.C.Hine AVC. Special Enlistment.

During WWI, Staff Sergeants in the Army Veterinary Corps (AVC) played a crucial role in treating and managing sick or wounded horses, mules, and pigeons, with British personnel numbers expanding from 934 to 41,755. They served on the Western Front, in the Middle East, and staffed Mobile Veterinary Sections.
Key Aspects of WWI Veterinary Staff Sergeants:
Roles & Duties: Staff Sergeants supervised the care of animals in veterinary hospitals and mobile sections. They were often stationed along lines of communication, treating wounded animals transferred from the front lines.
In British records, Staff Sergeants are listed with service numbers often prefixed by "SE" (Special Enlistment). Examples of individuals include Staff Sergt A W Baird SE/366 and Acting Serjeant Benjamin Aldred SE/18086.
In the U.S. Army, veterinary training for personnel was organized at camps like Fort Riley and Camp Lee.
The British Royal Army Veterinary Corps was vital, with many veterinarians serving as officers and managing vast numbers of animals.
While some served in veterinary hospitals, they were rarely part of the initial divisional mobile veterinary section establishment.
Many AVC personnel, including sergeants are documented in archival photos from the era.

In 1914, in Great Britain, the Army had a mere 25,000 horses at its disposal , but – thanks to a well-prepared Remount Service, the body responsible for buying and training horses – was able to identify and purchase (with varying degrees of agreement on the part of the owners) between 140,000 and 165,000 horses and mules in a matter of days after the declaration of war on Germany. This enabled Britain to enter the War with the necessary numbers of cavalry and traction animals, but was soon insufficient to maintain the supply. Enter the United States and Canada, but also Argentina. Thanks to extensive breeding of – in particular – mules, in states such as Missouri, Britain was able to import, acclimatise and then transfer to the Front some 429,000 horses and 275,000 mules. The Blue Cross estimates that, by 1917, there were 869,931 horses on active service.

While detailed information on the status of the British veterinary contingent is hard to come by, a small group of British benefactors, calling themselves ‘Our Dumb Friends’ League’ (‘dumb’ in the sense of ‘mute’), which had previously been active in the care and protection of working horses in London and other major British cities, entered the scene, establishing ten horse hospitals (and later three dog hospitals) in France.

At the height of the War, more than 80 volunteer veterinarians (and 150 assigned French soldiers) were working for the League under the banner of (the Society of) the ‘Blue Cross’, a term first coined in the Balkan War of 1912 to distinguish its stocks and facilities from those of the Red Cross.

When veterinarians are accompanying these campaigns, following a few kilometres behind the military columns, they have to deal with piercing wounds (from barbed wire, sabres, bayonets, bullets, shrapnel from exploded grenades or shells), lameness and pressure wounds from saddles and gear. The latter, especially in summertime, are often further compounded by respiratory distress due to the inhalation of dust and gunpowder, while winter brings colds due to inadequate shelter against the rain and cold weather. Much lameness is due to penetrating nails, which have come off the wooden wheels of wagons, carts and gun carriages. In addition, chronic malnutrition, lack of quality roughage, lack of water and insufficient rest are widely held responsible for intestinal tract disorders, such as colic

the number for Australia's home grown Walers sent to war was catastrophic for the breed, which is still in existence but with numbers in the hundreds...
Approximately 136,000 Australian horses, known as Walers, went to war, but only one horse, Sandy, returned to Australia.

The 1914-15 London County Council (LCC) "King's Medal" was a bronze award for exemplary school attendance, conduct, and industry. It typically features King George V on the obverse, a "1914-15" bar, and is named on the rim to the student, often coming with a ribbon on County Council (LCC), taking over from the School Board for London in 1904.
Recognising the most deserving schoolchildren for consistent attendance and good behavior.
Design Details: Bronze, 32mm diameter, featuring King George V (often with engraver "F. RANSOM") on the obverse and a, "awarded by the London County Council for attendance conduct and industry" inscription on the reverse.
These were part of a series running from the late 19th century until 1920, with 1919/20 being the final year.
These were prestigious home-front awards issued during the early years of World War I  read more

Code: 26167

Just Arrived And You May Never See Another Like it! An Incredibly Rare And Immensely Desirable Original Collectors Item For Machine Gun Collectors. A 1938 Dated Mauser, WW2 German MG 34 Machine Gunners Tool Kit. Complete and Mint

Naturally, an unfamiliar reader may find it incredible that a tool kit could be so valuable, but this, is for very, very, dedicated collectors of rare German WW2 militaria, and it is a once in a lifetime opportunity in the UK. Fortunately there are still some German WW2 collectables that are are still readily affordable, but some pieces, of great rarity, are prized beyond pearls

A Near mint MG-34 machine gun armourer’s kit with can dated "1938" and in original camouflage paint. Kit includes handles, files, pliers, calipers, spanner for MG-34, and adjustable wrench as manufactured by Mauser, as well as punches, portable vice and broken shell extractor. Some of the original paper packaging remains. These kits occasionally surface but are seldom if ever found in as complete and near mint a condition as this fantastic specimen.

Exceptional conditional throughout with little or no apparent use. Metal tools retain a light coating of preservative oil with original paint flaking at some of the high points. Just about as nice as can be possibly found. This is an absolutely tremendous find for the German WWII machine gun enthusiast. This is a museum piece of a rarity that cannot be over stated

We have only ever seen one near like it, and that sold at Murphy’s Auction in the States for $7,800 last year, after an astonishing bidding war.

It also includes a rare debris protection cover, in rubber, to put over the end of the muzzle of the MG34, and, two pretty rare original SS issue Frostschutzsalbe tin (anti-frostbite ointment), finished in red with impressed white lettering. The lid reads: “Frostschutzsalbe / Wehrkreissanitätspark VII / München / SS-Packung”; translates as “Anti-frostbite ointment / Army District Medical Depot VII / Munich / SS-Package.”
The ointment was supplied to frontline SS and Wehrmacht troops operating in extreme winter conditions, particularly on the Eastern Front, where frostbite was a major cause of casualties. These tins were distributed as part of cold-weather kits and personal medical issue. however, they were also used as a lubricant for the gun in minus 30 degrees and below.
One tin is large the other small. They remain sealed and cannot be opened, so it is not possible to confirm whether any of the original salve remains inside.

Frostbite was a critical threat to German forces during the harsh winters of the Eastern Front campaign. The German medical service issued frostbite salves and protective creams in small tins such as this, designed to fit easily into pockets or pouches. The reference to Wehrkreissanitätspark VII (Munich) identifies the regional medical supply depot responsible for production and distribution.
SS-marked examples are notably scarcer than standard Wehrmacht issue, reflecting both their restricted distribution and the relatively low survival rate of consumable medical supplies after the war.


Tool kit case dimensions: 14 - 1/2" X 3 - 1/2" X 7"  read more

Code: 26164

A Most Intruiging Allach Artwork. An Original Third Reich SS-Julleuchter. An Award & Trophy of the German Schutzstaffel Presented By Himmler to Officers Then Members of the SS From1936 -1944. A Pagan Runic Winter Solstice Lamp, An SS Service Decoration

NOW SOLD!

In brown ceramic with incised decoration of runic symbols, designed to hold the Winter Solstice candle, and it bears the large SS Allach factory stamp into one of its four feet. Their are numerous wax traces of original use, in several shades of white and dark brown

The Nordic history of the Third Reich Julleuchter, originated from a swedish artifact, a candle holder " The 16th century Julleuchter" was housed in the Nordic Museum and had a height of 15 cm and a base of 8.2 cm squared. It was a candle-holder that has an incised heart shape and a six-spoked opening.

The artefact was described in 1888 in the magazine of the Swedish literary club Runa (founded by Johan August Strindberg), which compared the six-spoked window in its base with the shape of the medieval h-rune; the 1888 article attributed a 16th-century date to the object (the earliest date of the introduction of candles to Scandinavian households)

The Runa article came to the attention of Herman Wirth because of its supposed "Hagal rune" (the six-spoked window at its base) who mentioned it in his Ura Linda Chronik, whence it passed into Nazi-era Germanic mysticism.

In a 1936 memorandum, Heinrich Himmler set forth a list of approved holidays, in part supposedly based on "pagan" traditions, including a "Julfest" intended to replace Christian rites. The Julleuchter and other symbols were also meant to serve as a consolation to women who, by having married into the SS, had to renounce the spiritual shelter and service of their church. The SS officer was instructed to set up a shrine that included, an awarded by Himmler, ceramic Julleuchter in the corner of one room of his household.

In January 1936, the SS Porzellan Manufaktur Allach was created under the control of Heinrich Himmler. Well known artists were forced to participate. in October 1937 production was shifted to the SS-operated Allach sub camp of the Dachau concentration camp.

An article about the Julleuchter was published in the German magazine "Germanien" in December 1936. The author argued that this "millennia old" lantern was to be used as "a memento of the "Year of the Great Migrations of the people of the north"". Another article was published in the SS periodical SS-Leitheft Jahrgang 7 Folge 8a. In 1939 the Julleuchter was also mentioned in "Die Gestaltung der Feste im Jahres und Lebenslauf in der SS-Familie"(Celebrations of the SS Family) by Fritz Weitzel.

The information about the 1936 issue of Germanien magazine about the Julleuchter is actually from the later magazine "Der Freiwillige." The article in "Der Freiwillige" reports Germanien magazine being, ..."the official organ of the German ancestor inheritance registered association, Berlin." The information given in that latter article is from Germanien magazine.

A 1936 issue of Germanien magazine claimed that the "millennium old" lantern had been used as a memento of the "Year of the Great Migrations" of the people of the north and as the small light of humanity under the stars of the night sky. When used during the 2 Solstice periods of the year, this is a symbol of the victory of Light over the Darkness, and also as a token of Eternal Circulation. The Julleuchter stands for an inseparable community, its conscience and attitude, and that it was used as a symbol of never ending sunlight. Further, the magazine stated that when the Julleuchter was used during the holiday of Yule (what is now known as The 12 Days of Christmas), twelve candles are used. One is used each night symbolizing the twelve months, until the 31 of December when the "July Moon shines." On that night a thirteenth candle is used for the new coming month of January. The candles always burn below but on the last night, the candle is again transferred upward – this is the sun, which is spilled in order to return to the earth from the gloom of another peace.

This very rarely surviving SS-Julleuchter was considered both an award and trophy of the German Schutzstaffel that was presented to officer's then later to members of the SS, from approximately 1936 until 1944 as a service decoration

Heinrich Himmler originally had the intention to make the Julleuchter a standard gift to all SS members and there were no criteria attached to its presentation. For reasons which are not entirely clear, by the start of World War II, the Julleuchter had begun to be viewed as an SS decoration, and was entered as such in SS service records once the Julleuchter had been presented. However, as the SS-Julleuchter was considered "non-portable" (much like the Luftwaffe Honor Goblet), there was no outward display on an SS uniform indicating its presentation.

Apparently even as the Red Army was advancing and the fall of Berlin was in the foreseeable future, The Julleuchter was used during the decoration French volunteers in the Waffen-SS. One surviving soldier said, "In the light of a candle burning on a Julleuchter, a Jule Candlestick, symbolizing the never dying sunlight, Fenet decorated a number of comrades with the Iron Cross. Although simple, the ceremony that evening seemed all the more extraordinary."
'Christmas in Nazi Germany'
Not only the presents but the whole celebration should be full of surprises for all members of the family. The father lights the candle in the Jul-Leuchter, or 'Jul Earthenware Candlestick', from which the tree candles in turn get their light. ... The Jul-Leuchter, presented by Reichsführer-SS Himmler to the SS Man, is the most important symbol used throughout the year to mark celebrations and commemorations. Its cut-out Heart represents hearth and home, and the Hagal Rune peace through victory. At midnight, when the candles on the Yuletide Tree are burnt down, the SS Man will put the Jul-Leuchter on the table. The Candlestick with its year-long candle has been lit at every family celebration the past year. Its candle has burned down, and it should receive a new one tonight. Just as our ancestors never let the sacred hearth cooking fire extinguish, so our Jul-Leuchter must always have a light. Thus it becomes a symbol of the never dying sunlight. Everyone becomes very thoughtful when the old candle finally burns down and the new one is put in its place. (From "Celebrations of the SS Family" by Fritz Weitzel, 1939).

The Allach factory deposited the Julleuchter design with the Imperial Patent Office in Berlin on 16 January 1936. The Allach Julleuchter was unique in that it was made as presentation piece for SS officers to celebrate the winter solstice. It was later given to all SS members on the same occasion, 21 December. Made of unglazed stoneware, the Julleuchter was decorated with early pagan Germanic symbols.

The lamp has had some old contemporary repairs to cracks in the body. It was originally found in Scandinavia where it has been since during the war.

Photos in the gallery include the letter that accompanied each lamp, a worker in the Allach factory at Dachau working upon a lantern, officially published Christmas postcards from Himmler, and a front cover of Germanien. For information only and not included.  read more

Code: 26163

A Stunning Original Horseguards Officer's Pattern Helmet Plate. In Gold, Red Enamel Cross, Blue Enamel Garter, And Frosted Silver Cut Steel Order of the Garter Badge Star

Probably the worlds most beautiful helmet plate ever designed.
This fabulous quality officer’s helmet plate, in use since the Queen’s coronation in 1953, was used by an officer of the Queen’s mounted bodyguard, from either the Blues and Royals or the Life Guards regiments, that combined, make up the Royal Horseguards. The helmet plate is identical for both helmets, only the colour of the yak hair plume was different, white for Life Guards, red for Blues and Royals.

The Albert helmet is the current ceremonial headgear of the British Army's Household Cavalry, for both the Life guards regiment and the Blues and Royals regiment, known collectively as Horseguards.

This pattern will now be changed very soon for the design designated for His Majesty King Charles lII. The crown will be changed to the single domed crown of all the kings since Edward VIIth. The domed crown is called either The King’s Crown or the Imperial State Crown. The late Queen’s crown, is known as St Edwards Crown.

The Albert pattern helmet was introduced by Prince Albert in 1842 and adopted by the Household Cavalry the following year. In 1847 the helmet was introduced to all heavy cavalry regiments. It remains in use as the full dress headgear of the two remaining Household Cavalry regiments, the Blues and Royals and the Life Guards. The magnificent helmet remains in use with the two current Household Cavalry regiments, the Blues and Royals with red plume and the Life Guards with white plume. These regiments are amalgamations of the four earlier regiments. The Life Guards retain the white plume and the onion from the 2nd Regiment, the Blues and Royals retain the red plume of the Royal Horse Guards. Blues and Royals officers wear a yak hair plume. Farriers in both regiments wear different plumes, the Life Guards farrier wear black and Blues and Royals farrier red.

The regiments also differ in how they wear the helmet's chin strap. The Blues and Royals wear it under the chin while the Life Guards wear it under the lower lip. The helmet is now in white metal for all ranks and the same helmet plate is worn by both regiments (they were different historically).

The Albert helmet is only worn in full dress review order, guard order and front yard order by other ranks and in full dress, levee dress and ceremonial rehearsal dress by officers. Medical and veterinary officers do not wear the helmet, instead wearing a cocked hat.

The other ranks of the Mounted Band of the Household Cavalry wear the helmet in full dress (with the plumes of their parent regiments), except when parading in the presence of the royal family, when they wear state dress with jockey caps. Band officers wear Albert helmets on both occasions.

Its condition is considered by us as mint. A complete Horseguards officer’s helmet from the 1953 coronation period, in mint condition, will cost today somewhere between £6,500 to £10,000.

Photo in the gallery of royal Horseguards officers and men; Credit MOD  read more

Code: 24065