1201MAB5 - Rare Luftwaffe Pilot Badge variant.This rare badge was part of a veteran's estate that recently sold at auction. Included with this rare badge was the exceedingly rare Antipartisan Badge in Gold with Diamonds ( Bandenkampfabzeichen im Gold mit Brillianten). It is undetermined the true purpose of this badge. It has been speculated that the badge may have been intended for wear ( or worn ) by female auxilary pilots. The circular badge retains much of its original silver wash on the wreath. The reverse of the eagle is unmarked. This particular badge has been photographed and will be featured in an upcoming article in Dietrich Maerz's quarterly publication, " International Medal Collector", Published by B&D Publishing LLC @ dmaerz@ironcross1939.com. Very are. $2500. More Photos

1201SO4 - Early Army Fanfarenflaggen ( fanfare trumpet banner) for Artillerie-Regiment 31, Halberstadt. This early trumpet banner features ' Artillerie Regiment 31 , Halberstadt' chain-stitched with embroidered early M1929 style eagles on a fieldgray/green felt background on one side. On the obverse side on a red felt background is the Wehrmacht eagle encircled by a silver embroidered wreath and centered in the Iron Cross. In each corner is a mobile swastika. The red felt background is bordered with twisted red, white and black cord. The trumpet banner is bordered on three sides with 2 inch fringe on each side. The banner measures 23.0 x 21.0 inches. The original stiffener is present on the side from which the banner suspends. The two original tie-strings are present. Very rare. $7,850. More Photos

1201H5 - Hitler Youth Leader visor hat. This rare schirmutze features silver aluminum crown and capband piping. The silver political eagle retains much of its original frosted finish. The Capband is thick black velvet on which is positioned the insignia of the Hitlerjugend. The leader's aluminum chincord is affixed to the capband by two pebbled aluminum buttons. The upper tricot wool body displays a couple of minor moth nips. The interior is line with weather resistant cotton material. The sweatband is artificial leather. Under the celluloid diamond sweatshield is a single size tag 56. Under the sweatband is an RZM tag. Very rare. $4995. More Photos

1201U4 - Luftwaffe Oberfeldwebel Nactrichten fliegerbluse. This rare fliegerbluse features cinnamon brown piped shoulder straps and color tabs as worn by Luftwaffe signals units. The four gulls on the tabs and two pips on the straps indicate the rank of Oberfeldwebel - the highest rank below Hauptfeldwebel the highest non-commissioned officer rank in the Luftwaffe. Over the right breat area is a factory machine sewn embroidered eagle. The exterior of the fliegerbluse is free of mothing and stains. The partially lined interior is size and maker stamped. It is dated M42, making this a relatively early fliegerbluse. Rare. $1850. More Photos

1201F1 - Rare Madelschaft/Jungmadelschaftwimple ( BDM ). This wimple ( triangular organization/unit flag ) features a large multi-piece constructed HJ diamond and unit designation " III/71" on the obverse. With the two-piece constructed unit symbols on the reverse side. The heavy black cotton is free of mothing and stains. There are two of the three attachment clips This triangular wimple measures approximately 29.5 x 16 inches. $650. More Photos

1201H4 - Very rare Army General Staff officer crusher. This is the early style officer's field cap first authorized in 1934. The hat was so popular that it was worn throughout the war. This crusher features the rare carmine red crown and capband waffenfarb ( piping) worn by General Staff officers. The hat further displays handsewn flatwire eagle and kokarde insignia on the frontal upper body and capband. The visor is leather. The hat's exterior displays no mothing or stains. The interior is lined with cream colored artificial silk and displays the officer's name "Koenigs" and unit "J.R. 168". $2850. More Photos

1201SO1 - SS Totenkopfring ( SS Honor Ring) awarded to SS Untersturmfuhrer Wilhelm Giebel SS # 170185 dated 20.4.37. This SS Totenkopfring shows wear to the runic panels and skull. The ring exhibits a number of characteristics evident in authentic 1930's Totenkopfrings. The joiner seam is apparent beneath the original silver solder on the interior behind the skull. This ring is a medium to large size ( about 10.5). The engraving clearly displays the dedication Slb., Giebel the date of the award and H. Himmler. The ring comes with a number of reproduced documents of Allgemeine SS Untersturmfuhrer Giebel's service. He began service in Allgemeine SS in 1932 and serviced into 1945. Giebel's service record indicates posting with 3rd Stb. 9th Standarte "Pommern" and 27th Standarte Ostmark. The ring comes with Certificate of Authenticity from Don Boyle author of "SS Totenkopfring H. Himmler Honor Ring 1933-1945", published by IMAGE GRAPHICS , INC. 1993,1994, 1995.Copyright Don Boyle. Accompanying the ring are 35 pages of photocopied documents from Untersturmfuhrer Wilhelm Giebel's NARA ( National Archives) file. Ring box sold separately. Rare. $5500. More Photos

1201SO2 - Very rare and early Type A micro "800" Knights Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreutz) with chemical frosting by Steinhauer & Luck. Oakleaf Militaria is proud to offer this very rare original Knights Cross. This Knights Cross features the correct micro 800 silver content stamp on the reverse upper arm beneath the bale (ring through which the suspension loop passes). The magnetic cross weighs 29.9 grams with the silver suspension loop. The suspension ring is also marked "800". The 9-12 o'clock elbow die flaw is well pronounced rather than worn indicating very early S & L manufacture. This is also made evident by the chemically applied frosting that is rarely seen on Knights Crosses. Chemical frosting was replaced by painted frosting to the ribbing. This is detailed in Dietrich Maerz's highly informative reference book, " The Knights Cross of the Iron Cross", published by B&D Publishing, LLC, copyright 2007. The cross exhibits the excellent detail expected in an excellent condition worn Steinhauer & Luck made cross. The cross comes with an early and rare original presentation case not described in Dietrich Maerz's Expertise. The box is in excellent condition free of scuffing and distracting wear. The hinge is magnetic. The cross is described in detail in the "EXPERTISE" and Certificate of Authenticity by Dietrich Maerz that accompanies the Ritterkreutz. $14,000. More Photos

1201SO3 - Presentation box for the SS Totenkopfring. This style ring box is shown in Craig Gottlieb's authoritative book, ' THE SS TOTENKOPF RING, An Illustrated History from Munich to Nuremberg", published by Schiffer Publishing LTD., Copyright 2008. page 78. The ring box is actually more rare than the Totnkopfring as most boxes wear discarded or destroyed. Ring box sold separate unless otherwise stated. Very rare. Mint. $3500. More Photos

1112U1 - ULTRA RARE SUN BLEACHED DAK FLAK ENSEMBLE. IN JOHN HODGIN'S SUPERB BOOK 'GERMAN PARATROOPS IN NORTH ASFRICA" THE AUTHOR CORRECTLY POINTS OUT THAT LW UNIFORMS WERE GENERALLY NOT BLEACHED BY THE TROOPS ( LIKE ARMY WERE ) BECAUSE LW KHAKI BROWN COLOR WAS SUPERIOR TO THE ARMY'S OLIVE GREEN FABRICS IN THE DESERT. HOWEVER SUN BLEACHING WOULD OCCUR WITHIN THE MOBILE FLAK UNITS ATTACHED TO THE 15, 21st PZ DIVS, RAMCKE BRIGADE AND SONDERVERBANDE 288 ( SEE END COVER ).THE ILLUSTRATED ENSEMBLE CONSISTS OF THE 1940 " TROPPENHOSE LANGE ' COMPLETELY SUN BLEACHED ( SEE PICS AND P.191 BOOK) WITH ONLY MINOR DAMAGE FROM PERIOD WEAR. THE LW SHIRT WITH MACHINE SEWN TRAPAZOID EAGLE AND PERIOD LOOPS FOR A WOUNDBADGE ALSO HAS RARE EARLY ( DROPPED LATER ) SHIRT FABRIC EM FLAK STRAPS. THE RIGHT STRAP HAS MINOR BLOOD STAINS ON THE LOWER RIGHT SLEEVE AND CUFF. SHIRT IS AS SUN BLEACHED & WORN AS THE "TROPPENHOSE LANGE" BEING WORN, ALONG WITH THE ORIGINAL LW FLAK KANNONIER STRAPS.THE TROPICAL SHIRT DISPLAYS PLEATED AND SCALLOPED POCKETS. THE LUFTWAFFE TROPICAL BREAST EAGLE IS FACTORY MACHINE SEWN WITH THREAD THAT MATCHES THE STITCHING CONSISTENT THROUGH OUT THE SHIRT. THE RED WAFFENFARB FLAK SLIP-ON KANONIER SHOULDER STRAPS ARE SECUED WITH PEBBLED ZINC BUTTONS. UNDER EACH SHOULDER IS A SECTION OF CLOTH THAT PROVIDED SUPPORT TO LEND SHAPE TO THE SHOULDER AREA. THE SHIRT'S FRONT CLOSURE HAS REMOVABLE BROWN PLASTIC BUTTONS FOR LAUNDERING. EACH SIDE OF THE FRONT CLOSURE HAS EYELLETS TO ACCOMMODATE THE REMOVABLE BUTTONS. THE TROUSERS FEATURE A BUILT-IN KHAKI COLORED COTTON BELT WITH AN ALUMINUM BUCKLE., FOUR BUTTON FLY CLOSURE WITH TWO ADDITIONAL BUTTONS AT THE WAIST AND TWO SLIT POCKETS. THE SEAT DISPLAYS TWO FLAP POCKETS. THE END OF EACH PANTLEG ( INTERIOR ) IS REINFORCED WITH AN ADDITIONAL STRIP OF CLOTH. THE INTERIOR DISPLAYS THE MAKER, SIZE AND LBA40 STAMPS. ACCOMPANYING THE SHIRT AND TROUSERS ARE FOUR PERIOD PHOTOGRAPHS WITH ONE REPORTEDLY OF THE ENSEMBLE'S ORIGINAL OWNER WEARING THE SHIRT AND TROUSERS. LUFTWAFFE TROPICAL OVERSEAS CAP SOLD SEPARATELY. $3795. More Photos

1111H2 - Waffen SS single decal M40 combat helmet. Waffen SS M40’s are relatively wear due to the high casualty rate amongst the Waffen SS. This M40 helmet features a single ET decal on an early dark field gray smooth finish. The decal is in excellent condition having minimal surface wear. The exterior of the helmet displays normal period wear and age. The interior features a complete original chinstrap and liner that shows normal use. The apron is stamped ET64 with a low production number “578”. $9,000 . More Photos

1111H1 - Waffen SS M43 nco/enlisted panzer field visor hat. This black wool hat is an excellent example of the Dachau-made M43 having the cardboard underside of the visor exposed with the single front machine-sewn trapezoid totenkopf insignia. The two front bakelite buttons secure the two side panels. The underside of each side panel has a strip of cloth used as a pass-through for when the side panels are folded down. The exterior displays normal age/storage wear. The interior features gray hbt ( herringbone twill ) rayon blend lining. The hat is size stamped 59. $2750. More Photos

1111MAB6 - Luftwaffe Honor Plaque ( Ehrenplakett ) for Special Achievement in the Southwest Command. This award was a "walk-in" at the most recent OVMS show ( 11/5/11 ) and I was fortunate enough to acquire it. This rare non-portable award was presented by the Luftwaffe General der Fleiger commanding general of the Southwest air district ( Greece ) for outstanding achievement. The plaque reads, ' FUR BESONDERE LEISTUNGEN IM SUDOSTRAUM… DER KOMMANDIEREENDE GENERAL UND BEFEHLSHABER im LW. KDO SUDOST'…. The plaque comes in a dark blue leatherette case that displays age and wear. The interior lid displays a gold imprinted Luftwaffe eagle. The white lid shows separation where it joins the lower interior of the case. The upper portion of the recessed interior is gone with age. On the exterior there is a tape repair to the upper reverse. The interior shows a recessed construction to accommodate the shield-shape award. The award displays excellent detail and measures approximately 4.75 inches across the upper edge x 5.75 inches in length. The lower reverse is maker marked "BREHMER MARKNEU KIRCHEN". Rare. $1500. More Photos

1111SO1 - Luftwaffe set of vehicle command flags ( Kommandoflaggen der Luftwaffe ) for the Commanding General of an Air District ( Luftkreis )or Commanding General ( i.e. divisional commanders). This set was removed directly from the Luftwaffe general's command car as evidenced by the resulting frayed edges of the car pennant and flag. These flags were displayed simultaneously on the vehicle. The command flag eagle is embroidered in heavy gold bullion thread while the command pennant's eagle is embroidered using gold cello thread. The flag is made of heavy cotton cloth while the pennant has a Luftwaffe blue wool background. It is trimmed along the edges with gold tresse displaying Luftwaffe eagles. Both flag and pennant display matching wear and age. Very rare. $3995. More Photos

1111SS1 - Allgemeine SS officer/nco schirmutze ( service visor hat) eagle. Nicely frosted example with both prongs present. The reverse is stamped RZM M1/8 ( Assmann ) . $850. More Photos

1110H3 - Government official's schirmutze by Erel ( Robert Lubstein). This stunning example features a doeskin wool upper body. The silver aluminum crown and capband piping is in excellent condition. The hat displays no exterior mothing, staining or wear. The black velvet band is free or any distractions. The beautifully embroidered silver bullion government official distinctive wide-winged eagle is stunning in its workmanship as is the kokarde. The silver aluminum chincord is secured to the capband by two pebbled aluminum buttons. The black vulcanfiber visor show minimal wear. The interior displays the well marked Erel rhomboid celluloid sweat diamond. The sweat diamond indicates the hat is an "Extra" quality grade hat. The golden-yellow artificial silk sweatband is Erel marked and in excellent condition. The size is about 57. This example would be very difficult to upgrade. $7850. More Photos

1110H13 - Waffen SS officer's schirmutze ( visor hat). This Waffen officer's visor shows light wear. The hat features light weigh gabardine wool material as worn during the warmer months. The insignia is standard silver-wash Waffen SS totentopf and M36 SS eagle. The chincords are absent as a result of wear over time or by the officer's design. The holes are evident in the rich black velvet capband. Officers frequently discarded or removed the chincords themselves preferring the "crusher look" afforded by the removal of the cords. The vulcanfiber visor shows unquestionable period use. The exterior is free of mothing and stains. There is a minor snag in the material above the white waffenfarb on the left side. This does not detract from the overall appearance of the hat. The unmarked interior shows obvious light use. The hat is lined with artificial silk. The leather sweatband is complete and displays light wear. $12,999. More Photos

119SO1 - Polizei trumpet banner. This stunning example comes directly from Major (Ret.) Mario “Moose’ Estrada who began his World War II service in July 1943 as an 18 year old Private. Private Estrada served with the 526th Armored Infantry Battalion, ‘A” Company -1st Platoon. Private Estrada arrived in Normandy D-Day plus 21 with his unit where he participated in the Normandy breakout and later on December 16, 1944 saw action during the Battle of the Bulge. “Moose’ Estrada ended the war with two Bronze Stars and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. Mario Estrada later saw action in Korea as an Infantry 1st Lieutenant and Captain where he was awarded the Silver Star for bravery and later was promoted to the rank of Major while serving in the Army Reserves. The trumpet features a heavy aluminum embroidered Police eagle and wreath on a green wool felt field with an aluminum tresse border. The banner measures approximately 18.25 x 17 inches and trimmed on three sides with 1.75 inches aluminum fringe. The two white leather straps with buckles that secure the banner to the trumpet are fully intact. There is very minor moth tracking and a couple very minor nips but this does not distract from the overall appearance of the banner. Accompanying this beautiful example is a 526th A.I.B. Association newsletter dated May 2011, a signed and notarized statement made by Major Estrada along with two signed copies of period photographs. Exceptional. $9750. More Photos

118EW4 - Postschutz ( Postal Protection Police) officer's dagger by Paul Weyersburg. This stunning and rare example features the DRP ( Deutsches Reiches Posts ) eagle in nickel silver. The eagle has excellent detail. The black wood grip is free of chips and cracks. The bright full length blade displays excellent crossgraining and is free of pitting, rust, smudges. The blade is in near mint/mint condition The Paul Weyersburg maker's mark is nicely etched on the reverse. Weyersburg made all the DRP Postschutz daggers. The underside of the lower crossguard is stamped "1091" and "DRP". The scabbard shows minor loss of its black paint finish but nothing that distracts. The upper, middle and lower silver finished scabbard mountings are all bright and in excellent condition. The chain shows no signs of repair. The clip is marked 'DRGM' and made by "A' ( Assmann ). If you are looking for an excellent example of the rare Postschutz, this is it. $5750. More Photos

118SO1 - Cased Adolf Hitler presentation picture frame presented to the Frau Olga Kirdorf the widow of German industrialist Emil Kirdorf. Oakleaf Militaria is proud to offer this world-class example of the very rare cased Adolf Hitler presentation picture frame. ". The framed portrait of Adolf Hitler (10.5 x 8) is presented in a red Moroccan leather case with a large silver foil embossed National Socialist German Workers Party ( NSDAP) eagle on the cover. The inside on the presentation case is lined entirely with rich red velvet. The opposite interior side of the presentation case where the frame rests has a contoured inset fitted to accommodate the framed portrait and its folding stand. The name Frieda Thiersch is imprinted on lower portion of the interior spine of the cover as the person who crafted the leather case. The top edge of the frame is stamped "925' (silver content) and " FHW" indicating the Franz & Hermann Wandinger hallmark. The three-tiered frame is bordered with an inter-locking "Greek key" design. The frame features the stylized National Socialist state eagle centered between the "AH" initials beneath the formal portrait of Adolf Hitler. The photograph is inscribed in Hitler's own hand, " Most politely on the occasion of 17 July 1943" and Frau Olga Kirdorf on the 80th birthday in association with the most heartfelt wishes " and the signature "Adolf Hitler". Adolf Hitler sought the support of wealthy and well-known German industrialists to join the NSDAP. Emil Kirdorf was one such person. Born in 1847, Kirdorf was one of the founders of the coal mining firm, the Gelsenkirchener Begwerks AG ( GBAG). The GBAG grew to become one of Germany's largest producers of coal, iron, steel and coke. Because of Kirdorf's leading role in the industrialization of Germany's coal industry, Kirdorf won recognition as the "Bismarck of the coal industry". Kirdorf was a strong proponent of German nationalism and opponent to Marxism that was gaining support in Germany following World War I. By 1927 after attending several of Hitler's public speeches, Kirdorf met with Hitler and joined the NSDAP party. Although Kirdorf was not known to lend substantial financial support to the party, he did speak in support of the party wielding strong influence among the many workers engaged in the various companies he represented. Kirdorf also was responsible for swaying other German industrialists to support the NSDAP thus adding greater strength to the party. Kirdorf resigned his party membership in 1928 fearing that National Socialism would soon supplant Kirdorf's capitalistic ideals and non anti-Semitism. Kirdorf rejoined the NSDAP in 1934 after putting aside his once negative feelings about the party and after being courted by Hitler. Emil Kirdorf died on July 13, 1938. Accompanying the presentation picture frame is a April/May period edition of 'Das Wert", a German publication for German workers that eulogizes the recently deceased Emil Kirdorf. Included in the publication are photographs of Kirdorf's funeral. The Adolf Hitler autographed portrait with cased presentation frame was presented to Frau Kirdorf on her 80th birthday five years after the death of her husband. Price On Request. More Photos

117B2 - Waffen SS officer dress brocade belt with aluminum buckle. This rare brocade belt features SS runics and oak leaves woven in aluminum thread bordered with two black stripes along the top and bottom. The exterior is in overall very good-excellent condition having very minor powdering to the aluminum thread. Both brocade loops are present. The interior is lined with dark green velvet that displays no wear. The buckle is the standard SS officer's that has nice age that matches the brocade. The reverse of the buckle is marked RZM, SS, oLc, ( Overhoff & Cie Ludenscheid) and 36/42. The belt can be adjusted to size 35 inches. $3850. More Photos

116SO1 - Very rare 7th Panzer Regiment Trumpet Banner. The 7th Panzer Regiment was formed in 1936 making it one of the earliest regiments of the Panzerwaffe. The 7th Pz. Rgt. fought in Poland being attached to Panzer Division "Kempf" aka Panzerverband "Ostpreußen" (this was a composite unit which also included Waffen-SS units. Assigned to the 10th Panzer Division after the Polish Campaign , the 7th Pz. Rgt. took part in the invasion of France in 1940 as part of the 4th Panzer Brigade. The regiment was a key component in Guderian's XIX Panzer Korps during the French campaign, breaking through at Sedan and driving to the English Channel. The 7th Panzer Regiment in 1940 had a Headquarters staff with a signals platoon, along with light and medium armor components and the regimental band. This trumpet banner was used by the regimental band during this period. Following the capitulation of France, the 7th Pz. Rgt. participated in the initial attacks of Operation Barbarossa ( the invasion of Russia ) in late June 1940. In Russia the regiment fought in three major "pocket" engagements: Minsk, Smolensk and Vyasma and held during the winter of 1941/42. The regiment suffered such heavy casualties it was sent to France for refitting. While in France the regiment was sent to Dieppe to counter the British and Canadian attack. In November 1942 the regiment along with the 10th Panzer Division was sent to North Africa to join Field Marshal Erwin Rommel's Deutsches Afrika Korps to counter the Allied invasion. While part of Rommel's Afrika Korps, the 7th Panzer Regiment was successful in defeating the Americans at Kasserine Pass. When German resistance in North Africa collapsed after suffering heavy casualties and coupled with fuel and material shortages, the Deutsches Afrika Korps surrendered in May 1943. The 7th Panzer Regiment also surrendered. The 10th Panzer Division and 7th Panzer Regiment were never reconstituted after the surrender. This very rare trumpet banner features the highly stylized "P R 7" centered on a black field with silver thread panzer skulls positioned in each of the four (4) corners. Each component is machine sewn with hand-detailing evident in the P R 7 and the borders of the Iron Crosses. On the reverse Is the Wehrmacht eagle done in silver thread on a pink field with Iron Crosses positioned at each of the corners inside a silver border . Outside the silver border it is framed in black silk. Silver fringe borders two sides and bottom. All four sets of the original string ties are present. The banner displays normal, minor age and soiling. The banner measures approximately 19 x 19 inches not including the silver fringe border. Very Rare. $8,000. More Photos