Der Rittmeister Militaria, LLC. Imperial German
Merchandise: Page 13, Imperial German Navy: Documents, Navy Swords & Daggers,
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Navy Edged Weapons
13-625 IDENTIFIED NAVY OFFICER’S SWORD.
in good condition. It measures 36" in
length from its lionshead’s top to the bottom of the drag. The triple-wire wrapped grip looks like it might be made of walrus tusk rather
than ivory. It sports some dark striations that make me suspect this, but I am
no ivory/walrus tusk expert! The lionshead does not have glass chips for eyes,
just a plain brass finish. The sword hilt’s folding lock mechanism is
engraved with the owner’s last name, Röder.
A quick look in one of my German naval research works revealed his full name
was Alfred Röder. He entered the Kaiserliche Marine in 1912. He later
saw service as a Kriegsoffizier with Lehrkommando 350, in July
1944. His rank was as an Oberleutnant zur See. I did not find information on
his WW I service in my brief search. The blade, which measures 30 ½" is engraved with naval designs. The engraving
is somewhat faded from age. The blade has several small black spots on it
where it is slightly corroded. They do not detract from the blade’s overall
appearance. The manufacturer’s name is listed on the blade’s non cutting edge,
but has been somewhat obscured by one of the black marks. It reads "obrecht
Hoflieferant Berlin." Hoflieferant means "purveyor to the king’s
court." The leather scabbard is in pleasing condition. It has the traditional
two leather sections with three brass trim and adornment areas. Two scabbard
rings are present. Overall, it is a well made, engaging naval officer’s sword.
$2,095.00
07-52 KINDER OR CADET NAVY OFFICERS SWORD. Kinder (child's or children's) Swords or Kinder Sabels are a unique sub-collecting area within Imperial German edged weapons. Members of the nobility who had sons often dressed the youngsters in a variety of uniforms which often were duplicates of their own. Of course with the young boys being much smaller than Papa everything was scaled down, including the swords, and thus we have Kinder Swords. This "downsizing" continued on to items such as pickelhauben and even decorations. The latter evolved into the Prinzengroße (prince-sized) decorations which during WW I were favored by certain members of nobility in items such as Iron Crosses and even flight badges. Having given a bit of background on Kinder Swords, it is time to describe the item being offered here. What we have is a very unique Kinder or young Cadet Navy Officers Sword. It is faithful in most details to its larger counterpart. It has glass eyes in the lionshead and has double folding guards, one of which shows the crowned fouled anchor. The grip appears to be a yellowed enamel as opposed to ivory or walrus tusk and is gilt wire wrapped. There is a chip high on the grip near the lionshead, but it is not detractive to the overall sword. The scabbard is the proper leather and metal. There is a small chain that serves as the hanger from the two loops on the scabbard. The blade is not engraved but that is not uncommon in the smaller swords. It does bear hallmarking from WKC, which I find to be most interesting. The blade shows a fair amount of dirt and could stand a bit of cleaning. The length of the sword from the top of the lion to the tip of the scabbard is about 33". This is the first time that I have seen an example such as this -- it would make a fine companion to a full-sized Navy Sword or Dagger. $895.00
13-696 NAVY DAGGER PIN.
07-42 MINIATURE KAISERLICHE MARINE OFFICERS SWORD. A very high quality example of the miniature Navy Officers Sword. It features a Lionshead and has the fouled anchor and crown of the Navy. Plain blade and the scabbard has about 50% of its paint which replicates the leather of the full size example. This would make a very nice desk item or perhaps even a letter opener. $375.00
Navy Uniforms, Headdress, Shoulder boards, Belts, Buckles, etc.
shako’s box measures 9" x 11" x 8." The box front displays a special-added label that reads "Seebattalion." Immediately above the unit designation appears Wilhelm II’s similarly Hohenzollern-Crowned Cypher. The box is lined in white silk. The shako rests inside the box, along with the field badge and the extra, horsehair parade bush. Originally, a leather strap secured the top to the box. Only a remnant of the leather strap remains.
20-173 PERSONAL SHAKO OF KAISER WILHELM II - GENERALFELDMARSCHALL - NAV
Y SEE-BATTALION - IN FULL PARADE CONFIGURATION - COMPLETE WITH PARADE FEATHERS AND TWO STORAGE BOXES. Today we are offering perhaps the single most important artifact ever in the history of Der Rittmeister Militaria. In our day we have offered many fine articles of headdress, tunics, etc. from Germany’s royals. We even have offered several schirmutzen that once belonged to Kaiser Wilhelm II, but never anything quite like this! Today we are pleased and honored to present his Majesty Kaiser Wilhelm II’s original officer’s shako for the See-Battalion.
As you are well aware, the See-Battalion was attached to the Kaiserliche Marine, much as the U.S. Marine Corps is to the U. S. Navy and the British Royal Marines are to Her Majesty’s Royal Navy. The See-Battalion provided shipboard security for the German Imperial Navy’s larger vessels. They were also charged with providing security at many German embassies and consulates around the world. In China one entire battalion (Battalion Nr 3) was assigned as the embassy’s security force, and as additional military muscle to bolster the area’s other colonial troops. Our premiere offering today is the complete ensemble for the Kaiser’s See-Battalion shako.
The shako’s body consists of superb felt for the body portion, and fine leather for its top, as well as thefront and rear visors. The See-Battalion's wappen is absolutely magnificent. It features an eagle with outspread wings. In the middle of its chest is a smaller Hohenzollern Eagle. Clasped in the larger eagle’s talons is an anchor base. Over its head sits a Hohenzollern Crown, with a royal stole streaming out from either side. The wappen is exquisitely frosted. All of its fire gilding remains intact. The shako boasts a glorious pair of chin scales. The final exterior detail is its field badge, handsomely crafted of silver bullion. It sports a red center signifying the Reich. The exterior’s condition is excellent. I believe most would agree with me. It is in mint-minus condition.
The back interior visor is green leather. The sweatband is ultra soft doeskin. It exhibits an extra band of stitching that one only sees on top-of-the-line headdress. (Naturally, one expects this from the Kaiser!) Its liner is made from superior quality silk. It has a much tighter weave than that one normally sees. Again, this was an expensive helmet option, but if you were the Kaiser, expenses be damned! Wilhelm II’s gold Cypher is embossed on the silk liner. The entire interior is in excellent condition, with just a hint of gentle wear. In all likelihood, it was worn very rarely during Wilhelm II’s reign (1888 to 1918).
Some manufacturer’s production markings seem to appear under the liner, as well as the size, "55 1/4." This is around the average hat/helmet size for the period.
Now let us turn to the helmet’s featherbush. The cock feathers are white, red, and black, representing Germany’s national colors. It differs from a Prussian general’s feathers, which are just black and white. This is because the See-Battalion was considered a national force rather than merely a Prussian unit. (The same held true for the Kaiserliche Marine). The very full cock feathers are attached to a special trichter, which slides in behindthe field badge. The entire shako takes on an entirely different look when the parade feathers are attached. Accompanying the parade feathers is an officer’s regular horsehair bush. It is a very full and beautifully-shaped. Should you to want to attach the bush, you will need to dismount the feathers. This is because only one of these very special trichters is included. Personally, I cannot imagine why one would wish to do so. The bush comes with the ensemble, however. It will be yours to do with as you wish when you purchase it. Another part of the ensemble is the shako’s and parade feathers’ storage boxes. The
The last piece of the presentation is a special, cylindrically-shaped case, which houses the parade feathers when they are not in use. I have seen similar cases in the past, housing generals’ trichters and feathers. Such cases always are far larger and more ornate than boxes holding lower officers’ horsehair trichters. This one has openings on both ends to facilitate removing and replacing the bush. The ends are appropriately marked "Oben (top)" and "Unten (bottom)." The box stands 11 3/4" high. It is 6 3/4" in diameter at the base. Its side displays a similar label to that seen on the shako’s box, identifying it as Kaiser Wilhelm II’s property.
Again, we are extremely excited to share this with you. One often hears the term "museum piece" or "museum grade." This certainly applies here. Any collector fortunate enough to have this in his collection (as I do now), is the caretaker of a truly historic piece. I know many of you will flinch at its price. It is expensive, of that we have no doubt. In comparison, two or three years ago I was offered one of Wilhelm II’s feldgrau tunics and an army general pickelhaube. The price to me would have been €50,000. At today’s prices that would equal $74,000+! [Please allow sufficient time for the attached photographs to load. I believe you will find the wait well worth it]! $42,495.00
15-425 PETTY OFFICER NAVY DRESS TUNIC - ATTACHED
TO THE
NAVAL AIR SERVICE.
15-115 DRESS MESS JACKET FOR THE HOHENZOLLERN YACHT CLUB. The Hohenzollern Yacht Club was the most exclusive yacht club in Germany. Its leading members were royalty and/or navy officers. Kaiser Wilhelm II was the principal member of the club, which reflected his intense interest in boats, ships, and yachting. Aside from holding the rank of Großadmiral in the Kaiserliche Marine, the Kaiser was also involved in the activities of the Yacht Club. He even raced yachts in regattas of the club which included the S.M.S. Wunsch. This tunic is very similar to a naval dress tunic in cut and general appearance. The lapels of the tunic have a combination of material and silk trim. The tunic, which is in excellent plus condition, features a double row of five large buttons on the chest and five smaller buttons on each sleeve. Each of these buttons are actually standard navy buttons that feature the fouled anchor and Hohenzollern crown. This tunic is in excellent condition and would be a fine addition to any navy-related collection. Youll not see one of these every day, and certainly not in this condition. $550.00..
$4,995.00
33-99 OFFICER SHAKO - NAVY SEE-BATTALION. This is an officer’s shako from a Navy See-Battalion. Before WW I began, the See-Battalion was similar to the U.S. Marines (USMC). That is, its men served aboard the fleet’s larger ships, and as guards at German embassies. One complete battalion served in China, as did the USMC’s famous "China Marines." The shako served as the unit officer’s dress headdress. The shako’s body is in excellent condition. It has a wonderful set of brass chin scales. Above the chin scales is a magnificent gilt wappen. It features a crowned Hohenzollern Eagle with its wings outspread. In the eagle’s talons is the end of an anchor. (In my opinion, this is one of Imperial Germany’s most beautiful wappens). This particular example is particularly striking. It displays superb fire gilding and exquisite detailing on every aspect of the eagle. A single kokarde appears on the shako’s right side. At the top of the shako is the officer’s style field badge, which is in top condition. Inside the shako is a well-used, attractively-preserved, leather sweatband. The ultra-high-quality silk liner shows some staining, but is 100% complete and undamaged. Too often we see headdresses with silk liners that have begun shredding or running like snagged stockings. Such is not the case, here. Under the silk liner we see the initials "W.G." and the size, "56 1/4." This is a really great example of a seldom seen officer shako.
13-390 NAVY OFFICER TROPENHELM - FOR AN ENGINEER. This week is the first time that we have offered the naval tropenhelm (tropical helmet). The example we offer today is for a Navy (Marine) engineering officer. The helmet first has a double silver bullion cord extending around the helmet. In the center we see a Reich Kokarde. Across the front we also see a complete and original chinstrap. This helmet has a long neck extension. This helmet shows honest age but structurally it remains quite nice as aside from the soiling there are no problems to the material that covers the helmet. The top of the helmet will press down if you place a finger tip on it, but it pops right back up into place and stays in place with no hint of having been able to press it down. The helmet appears to have been used on a daily basis but in spite of that it was cared for by the owner and those who have owned it over the years. The interior of the helmet again shows age and wear that is consistent with a helmet that has been used on a daily basis. One can see that the leather sweatband has seen normal use. Again, all of this relates to honest age and handling. On the leather sweat band we see the name of the shop that this helmet came from in Bremen. This is a very scarce and difficult-to-find piece. It would make an excellent addition to any headdress or naval collection. $4,495.00. . .
13-304 NAVY "FORE AND AFT" CAP AND DRESS EPAULETTES IN THE RANK OF KAPITÄNLEUTNANT IN THE STORAGE BOX. This is a very fine example of a "fore & aft" cap for an officer in the Kaiserliche Marine, along with his dress shoulder boards. This is the dress headdress for officers that would have been equivalent to a pickelhaube or busby, etc. for officers in the Army. The storage box is an unusual shape so it can hold the cap in the bottom, as well as the dress shoulder boards at the top. The exterior of the case has seen some extensive wear. It is in far less than perfect condition. However, it is this case that has protected the contents so well over the years. The "fore and aft" cap (Zweispitz) is in superb condition. All of the attachments and accouterments are in fine order. As we peek at the silk liner (which is also pristine), we see a gold embossed "P" displayed. On top of a specially designed platform in the case are the dress epaulettes for a Kapitänleutnant. The epaulettes are massive with twin silver toned pips and an oversized fouled anchor. The top of the epaulettes are gold with a gold fringe which hangs down. This is a very handsome ensemble for you Navy collectors! $2,895.00
The fore and aft cap was the dress headdress for officers in the Kaiserliche Marine. These are never easy to come by. German naval reserve officers were more limited before WW I. Moreover, the Navy was a smaller service, with a lower number of officers. What I really like about this cap is its silk kokarde, the gilt intertwined rope, and the officer’s button with its reserve cross. The cap’s exterior is in excellent condition. As we examine the cap’s interior, we find that the leather sweatband and the silk liner are in equally fine condition. The fore and aft cap comes in its original storage box. The boxes are very difficult-to-find as well. This is a wonderful presentation, and a must for a Navy collection. $2,295.00
13-529 RESERVE NAVY OFFICER’S FORE AND AFT CAP IN THE ORIGINAL STORAGE BOX.
33-137 ENLISTED MAN’S NAVY MUTZE - II.
SEEFLIEGER=ABTEILUNG.
13-579 XRP ENLISTED SAILOR’S SUMMER MUTZE - 1. MARINE=FLIEGER-ABTEILUNG. This is a consignment item. It is a mutze used during the summer by an enlisted sailor assigned to the 1. Marine=Flieger=Abteilung. The mutze’s top cover is made of white cotton. Attached to that is a single enlisted kokarde. The unit’s cap tally is also attached. It is correctly tied off. The tally’s tails extended from the mutze down the sailor’s back. Please note the additional photos of the Mutze stand which will accompany this Mutze. It was custom designed by our master wood worker and was the prototype for the Mutze stands that we offer today. The size of this stand fits this Mutze perfectly and displays it in a most handsome manner. $1,495.00
This is an officer’s visor cap badge from the Kaiserliche Marine. The badge is made of fine gold, silver, and black bullion. It reveals honest age, yet remains in good, solid condition. It has been worn on, and removed from, a visor cap. $695.00
13-617 NAVY OFFICER VISOR CAP BADGE - KAISERLICHE MARINE.
This is an deck officer’s visor cap badge from the Kaiserliche Marine. A Deck Officer was a Senior NCO, similar to the U. S. Navy’s Master Chief Petty Officer or the U. S. Army’s Warrant Officer. The badge is made of fine gold, silver, and black bullion. It reveals a fine patina, but remains in good solid condition. It has been worn on, and removed from, a visor cap. $450.00
13-618 NAVY DECK OFFICER CAP BADGE - KAISERLICHE MARINE.
13-552 PAIR OF SHOULDER BOARDS FOR A GENERALMAJOR IN THE NAVY SEE-BATTALION. Prior to the beginning of WW I, the Navy See-Battalion (similar to the U.S. Marines serving as shipboard troops, overseas embassy guards, and an elite infantry unit in China) was a relatively small group. It was formed into three battalions, with one of them (Battalion Nr 3) permanently stationed in China. Once WW I began, the See-Battalion was expanded, along with all other German Navy and Army Forces. The Germans had a substantial group stationed in Flanders, which was then termed Marine-Infantrie. Naval artillery also was stationed there, as well as Marine Jastas, which fought with the Army’s Jastas. [As an aside, Flanders yielded several naval aces, and even a PLM-winner or two]. Even during WWI, the See-Battalions held a relatively small number of men when compared to their Army counterparts, so items from these units are always more difficult-to-find. Today we are offering a pair of Generalmajor’s shoulder boards from the See-Battalion. (Please note that the See-Battalion used Army ranks rather than Navy ranks, just as does the USMC). At first glance, these look like standard German Army Generalmajor’s shoulder boards. If you look at the chevrons on the silver rope, however, and at the white underlay, you can clearly see the difference. The shoulder boards are of the slip-on variety, as was common for officers of this rank. Some pulling and minor separation appears at the top of the two boards, where the tunic’s button would go. The alternating ropes of gold and silver bullion have come loose. Undoubtedly, these are some of the rarest shoulder boards we have ever offered. Even during the height of WW I, relatively few general officers were attached to the See-Battalions. $2,395.00
Shoulder boards and epaulettes from the Kaiserliche Marine are very hard-to-find. The dress epaulettes or "banjo" shoulder boards are even more so. Add to the mix a pair of epaulettes that come in their original storage box and you have a very rare example of an epaulette! The examples we are offering today are for an Oberleutnant zur See. An Oberleutnant zur See is equivalent to an Oberleutnant in the German Army, a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, or a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. These epaulettes are massive. They display a combination of gold and silver embroidered bullion on the obverse. Each displays a fouled anchor highlighted in the center of a gold field. The anchors have a marvelous patina to them and are quite striking. Each epaulette has the individual fringe-like gold bullion hanging down. Also each epaulette exhibits a gilt button for the Kaiserliche Marine, with anchor and crown. Underneath, the epaulettes have a dark-blue or purple lining, along with the brass attachments that clip them to the tunic. The deluxe storage box is made of black leatherette. Inside is a pedestal on which the epaulettes are tied and mounted. Also, a pillow is cut to the shape of the box and laid over the epaulettes to protect them from any damage. This is a truly stunning pair of epaulettes. $1,250.00
13-454 PAIR OF DRESS EPAULETTES FOR AN OBERLEUTNANT zur SEE OF THE KAISERLICHE MARINE IN ORIGINAL STORAGE BOX.
23-247 PAIR OF KAPITÄNLEUTNANT’S EPAULETTES - ORIGINAL STORAGE BOX. This is pair of Kapitänleutnant’s dress epaulettes for the Kaiserliche Marine’s dress uniform. The epaulettes are very large and impressive. Each of them displays a gold background at the epaulette’s top, on which is mounted a Kapitänleutnant’s silver double pips and a large, silver, fouled naval anchor. In addition, each epaulette features dangling gold braid fringe (ringlets), further confirming the rank. The epaulette’s reverse is lined in dark-blue wool. The wool lining on both epaulettes shows some mothing. A brass clip is anchored into the epaulette’s bottom so that the epaulette can be slipped onto the uniform. The section of the epaulette containing the clip is made of leather. The epaulettes are housed in a very deep storage carton when not mounted to the officer’s uniform. The epaulettes are set on a pedestal in the carton and tied in place so they will not shift during movement. The carton has protected the epaulettes over the many years since the last the last time they were worn. They would make a wonderful addition to any Navy or shoulder board collection. $1,395.00
23-283 PAIR -
EPAULETTES - OBERSTABSINGENIEUR - KAISERLICHE
MARINE. This is a first-rate pair of naval
epaulettes. They are for
an officer who held the rank of Oberstabsingenieur (staff engineering
officer). Each has a black velvet surface on which the engineering officer’s
gilt device (an anchor and gear) appears. Flanking the engineering device
are two gilt pips. Extending down the sides are a magnificent set of gilt
bullion ringlets. Silver bullion tape also extends around each epaulette’s
tongue. The epaulette’s end is graced by a small gilt Navy button.
Underneath each epaulette we see black velvet and leather holding the brass
device that attaches the epaulette to the uniform. These epaulettes are in
VERY fine condition!
$795.00
13-561
SINGLE DRESS EPAULETTE FOR A KAPITÄNLEUTNANT IN CHARGE OF STORES ABOARD A
NAVAL VESSEL.
13-571
PAIR OF LEUTNANT zur SEE SHOULDER BOARDS. This pair
of shoulder boards is for a Leutnant zur See in the Kaiserliche Marine. Please note the white "T,"
which confirms that these are Navy shoulder boards. They are in very
pleasing condition to any collection.
$275.00
13-637 NAVY FÄHNRINCH - SHOULDER BOARDS. We do not see Navy shoulder boards very often. We do see epaulettes a bit more frequently. This pair of shoulder boards is for a junior officer in the rank of Fähnrich. They are quite small (narrow). Army shoulder boards do NOT have any shoulder boards like these. They are in very pleasing condition. $195.00
13-644 PAIR OF MEDICAL OFFICER’S SHOULDER BOARDS - KAISERLICHE
MARINE.
This is a pair of obermaschinisten’s (deck officer’s) shoulder boards from the Kaiserliche Marine. The Imperial German Navy’s deck officer was a senior NCO, one step below a commissioned officer. They were considered to have semi-officer status. The true heart and soul of the ship, they supervised the younger sailors, many of whom seriously lacked the enlisted sailors’ experience. The shoulder boards display a black background and measure 4 1/2" x 4 1/2." Each features an anchor device confirming the man’s status as an obermaschinisten. Above that is a Hohenzollern Crown. Each of the shoulder boards boasts a gilt navy button. On the reverse reveals these shoulder boards are of the slip-on variety. They are in mint condition. $550.00
23-220 OBERMASCHINISTEN’S SHOULDER BOARDS - KAISERLICHE MARINE.
13-592 PAIR OF ENLISTED MAN/NCO FELDGRAU SHOULDER STRAPS - SEE-BATTALION Nr 1. This is a very attractive pair of Enlisted Man or NCO shoulder straps from See-Battalion Nr 1. Prior to the outbreak of WW I, a total of three See-Battalions existed. See-Battalion Nr 3 was assigned to China and only saw service there. See-Battalion Nr 1 and See-Battalion Nr 2 were assigned to service aboard larger ships, and to diplomatic legation protection. [This is very much the role that the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) served prior to WW II. As a matter of fact, a USMC battalion was based in China, until withdrawn when the Japanese were about to occupy their positions]. As WW I developed, the See-Battalions were expanded and became the Marine-Infantrie (along with Marine-Artillerie). They served as ground troops in Flanders. Our offering today is a pair of Enlisted Man/NCO feldgrau shoulder straps from See-Battalion Nr 1. The shoulder straps’ background is feldgrau. At the top is the Hohenzollern Crown, crossed anchors, and a Roman numeral "I" for See-Battalion Nr 1. They are sew-on straps. A 1" piece, where some of the stitching has come loose, marks one of the two straps. It is not detractive. You must hold it in your hand and flex the material a bit to see it. These straps are quite scarce. They would make a superb addition to any collection. $595.00
13-328 SINGLE SHOULDER BOARD TO A ONE YEAR VOLUNTEER IN NAVY SEE BATTALION Nr 1. This is a very colorful single shoulder board for a One-Year-Volunteer in Navy See Battalion Nr 1. The trim of the board is the national colors of Germany: red, black, and white. A gold Hohenzollern Crown is over crossed anchors. They are, in turn, over the numeral "1" that indicates the 1st battalion. Some minor shredding appears at the boards bottom. This is still a scarce shoulder board. It would make a very fine addition to a Navy or shoulder board collection, or even for somebody who is looking for something really different. $235.00
13-512 ENLISTED MAN’S SINGLE SHOULDER STRAP - SEE-BATTALION Nr 2. This is a single, prewar, shoulder strap for an enlisted man in See-Battalion Nr 2. This shoulder strap is quite large and measures 6 1/4" x 2 1/4." The strap is white with a black backing. It features a Hohenzollern Crown, crossed anchors, and a "II" embroidered on it in yellow. The shoulder strap is in very fine condition. $375.00
23-292
PAIR OF ENLISTED MAN’S FELDGRAU SHOULDER STRAPS - III. SEE-BATTALION.
This is a
fine pair of enlisted man’s feldgrau shoulder straps from the III.
See-Battalion. Men of the See-Battalion served the same functions as the
Marines often did for the Navies of Great Britain and the USA. They provided
security aboard ships and at embassies around the world. The Marines and
See-Battalions served the same function. Before the buildup of the German
military, only three See-Battalions existed. They were the I. See-Battalion,
garrisoned at Kiel, the II. See-Battalion, garrisoned at Wilhelmshaven, and
the III. See-Battalion, garrisoned at the Chinese colony of Tsingtau. The
latter is the best-known of the battalions, and the most sought-after in
terms of artifacts. The III. See-Battalion was fully engaged in the Boxer
Rebellion, as were other units who reinforced it then, and later in China.
With the buildup of the See-Battalion for WW I, ultimately a IV.
See-Battalion and V. See-Battalion were added. The further expansion of the
See-Battalion and Marine-Infanterie eventually led to three DIVISIONS in
France and Belgium.
Today we are offering a very handsome feldgrau pair of enlisted man/NCO’s
shoulder straps. They are in excellent condition. Each is embroidered in
yellow with the unit’s information. These are VERY difficult-to-find.
$650.00
23-264 PAIR OF ENLISTED MAN/NCO FELDGRAU
SHOULDER STRAPS - SEE-BATTALION Nr V.
This is a wonderful pair of enlisted man/NCO’s shoulder straps from
See-Battalion Nr V. They are actually quite rare, not only because they
are feldgrau, but because See-Battalion Nr V was formed either
during the pre WW I buildup or during the war itself. The old-line
See-Battalion consisted of See-Battalion Nr’s I through III. See-Battalion Nr I and See-Battalion Nr II were both officially
based in Germany, although they often served as shipboard security much like
Great Britain’s Royal Marines and the USA’s Marines. See-Battalion Nr III
was perhaps the most unusual since it was assigned to duty in China. While
shoulder straps from those three battalions are difficult-to-find, straps from See-Battalion Nr IV and See-Battalion Nr V are truly rare.
As previously mentioned, the shoulder straps are feldgrau, trimmed in
white around the edges. Each strap sports a Hohenzollern Crown above crossed
anchors. The battalion designation, "V," appears below the crossed
anchors. The boards are unissued. They have never been attached to a tunic.
That said, the suggestion of honest aging gives them true character.
$795.00
13-626 ENLISTED MAN/NCO’S FELDGRAU SHOULDER STRAPS - NAVY SEE-BATTALION. This is a very fine
pair of enlisted man/NCO’s shoulder straps from the Navy See-Battalion.
Prior to the beginning of WW I, three battalions were considered Marine-Infanterie.
These troops handled onboard security of larger navy vessels and also served
as guards at German consulates. See-Battalion Nr III was stationed in
China and served as a land force. With the beginning of WW I, two more
battalions were initially formed. They became See-Battalion Nr IV and See-Battalion Nr V. As the war continued and more units were formed,
they were considered more in the nature of Marine-Infanterie. Further See-Battalion/Marine-Infanterie shoulder straps were unnumbered. That
is the case with our offering today. Each of these shoulder straps is
feldgrau and measures 4 3/4" x 2." Embroidered on each strap in yellow is a
pair of crossed anchors with a Hohenzollern Crown over them. The shoulder
straps are trimmed in white. These are in excellent condition.
$495.00
13-354 BANDOLIER AND CARTRIDGE BOX FOR AN OFFICER IN THE SEE BATTALION. This is a very fine officers bandolier and cartridge box from Navy See Battalion Nr III. This is, without a doubt, the most historically significant of the three See Battalions, since it served in China with great distinction. See Battalion Nr III gained its reputation for its long service in China, particularly for its action during the Boxer Rebellion. As I have previously noted, the Navy See Battalions functioned much as the U.S. Marine Corps did at the time (and still does today). Their responsibilities were twofold. Some units served as shipboard security and were available for mobile landings. They also served as security forces in embassies and consulates. It was in the latter role and other military actions that See Battalion Nr III reaped such recognition in China; much as the U.S. "China Marines" did from the turn of the 20th Century until just before WW II. Anybody who appreciates the rare nature of this item and its amazing condition will recognize how difficult it was to find this set, especially in such matchless condition. The bandolier has an dazzling gold embroidered finish that is nearly flawless. A large gilt-toned buckle secures it. The leather tongue is complete, but does show some wear. This is not surprising given the leather aging process and the use this set received. The bandoliers inner cotton lining is complete and fresh. No less handsome is the actual cartridge box. The boxs flap is patent leather. The condition of the box is nearly mint, with an almost mirror-like finish. Attached to the cartridge box is a gilt "Kaiser" Crown, the emblem of the See Battalion. This entire arrangement is in superb condition. It is exceedingly RARE! $2,995.00
. .
13-211 NAVAL DECK OFFICER LEATHER BELT & BUCKLE. A very unique and might I add difficult to find leather belt for a Deck Officer. This would have been used for every day wear and is not of the brocade type which would have been for dress functions. It is complete with a brass belt buckle which features the Cypher of Wilhelm below a Hohenzollern Crown and above an anchor. It also features the hanger for a sword or dagger. There is also another metal hanger on the belt. This belt is 100% complete but the leather could use some attention to prevent any further cracking. This would be a nice touch to a Naval uniform and would allow you to add a sword or dagger to it. Quite nice. $495.00
Navy Veteran Steins, Canteens, etc.
This is a handsome naval reservist’s stein who served aboard the S. M. S. Friedrich Carl and S. M. S. Gneisenau from 1905 through 1908. His name was Thielke. The stein measures 4 1/4" at its base and 3" at the brim. It boasts a fine, complete pewter lid that is decorated with war artifacts, oak leaves, acorns, etc. The lid fits correctly, if a bit loosely, on the stein. The thumb device features a crowned eagle with outspread wings. The thumb device’s connection is also a bit loose, although secure. A pewter sailor holding a kriegsflagge stands atop the stein. He is bent forward at quite an angle, as though he is braced against a heavy wind. The figure does not appear to be damaged, but it is possible that it was bent over the years. The kriegsflagge also is made of pewter. Its front was hand painted black and white, although some of the paint has worn off the obverse’s upper right corner. This worn spot also shows on the reverse. The stein’s porcelain body is a creamy off-white, with brick red accent stripes around the base. Thinner red stripes highlight the areas surrounding the stein’s main hand painted center panel. On the right, the magnificently colorful panel depicts a sailor taking leave of his weeping sweetheart at her garden gate while his battleship awaits in the bay behind them. In the center is a close-up of the battleship, framed by a veteran’s banner and the national flag, one sailor standing guard, another hoisting a beer, and oak leaves, scrolls, patriotic sayings, etc. On the left, a group of sailors are celebrating around a keg of beer. The names of Thielke’s comrades are written on the stein’s reverse. Inside the stein, an intact lithopane repeats the farewell scene between the sailor and his weeping sweetheart. The only difference is that their parting is set at the harbor instead of her garden. In addition to "Reservist Thielke" written above the art panel, the panel itself has the dates "1905-1908," as well as the names of the S. M. S. Friedrich Carl and S. M. S. Gneisenau written on scrolls within the painting. The D. R. G. M. Number is printed on the stein’s handle top, just beneath the thumb device. Navy veteran steins are far more difficult to come by than their army counterparts. The smaller size of the Navy and the fewer numbers of men who served in it speak to this fact. It is also quite unusual for a man to show service aboard two different ships. It is a marvelous stein, in excellent condition. $1,595.00
13-615 NAVY RESERVISTS STEIN - S. M. S. FRIEDRICH CARL AND S. M. S. GNEISENAU 1905-1908.
13-525
NAVY RESERVIST KRUG - S. M. S. ROON.
This is a very tall example of a reservist’s krug from the S. M. S. Roon.
The S. M. S. Roon was a Heavy Cruiser, the lead Cruiser of the "Roon
Class" Cruisers. It was commissioned in 1906, served during WW I, and
scrapped in 1921. The owner of this krug was a Reservist "Olkiewicz."
He served in Kiel from 1907 to 1910 as part of the 1. Werft.-Division 2nd
Kompagnie. This krug does not have a metal top, and never did. That is
partly why it is larger than a conventional stein with top. The center
panel’s main theme shows two sailors, one with a Mauser. Steaming
between them and toward the viewer is a German ship. A kriegsflagge
is also present. All of this is in high relief! On either side of the
central panel are further panels with a view of the S. M. S. Roon,
and men from the work division shoveling coal into the boilers. On these two
panels are the names of this man’s shipmates. The krug’s handle features
another high-relief sailor. This is a one Litre krug that stands 9" tall.
The diameter at the rim is 3," and the diameter at the base is 4
1/2." This krug is in excellent condition, with
vibrant colors and no problems whatsoever.
$1,295.00
Today we are offering a veteran’s flask/ canteen from the Kaiserliche Marine. The veteran’s canteen/flask was one of a variety of items a veteran might acquire to commemorate his military service. Perhaps the most common item was a stein, but we also see veterans’ pipes, boxes, etc. The Kaiserliche Marine was always a much smaller branch of the German military than the Army. Veterans’ items like this are always sought-after and prized by collectors. Our offering today is an unusual sailor’s flask from aboard the Battleship S. M. S. Braunschweig during WW I. The central part is a brilliant white porcelain flask. It is framed by a silver-toned holder. The flask’s obverse displays a Hohenzollern Crown, with a fouled anchor. The flask’s strap is interwoven with blue and yellow, which are Braunschweig’s state colors. This is a very fine piece. It certainly will be of interest to you naval collectors. $725.00
13-720 VETERAN’S CANTEEN/FLASK - S. M. S. BRAUNSCHWEIG.
13-261 NAVY VETERAN'S FLASK. Veterans items are always popular, and they are varied, to say the least. In the Army, the more common pieces are: steins, canteens, and pipes. Each of these commemorates the veterans service, generally the two years of compulsive service that all German men were expected to do in their late teens or early 20's. In the Navy, the more popular pieces were various drinking vessels, including: steins, flasks, and canteens. Today we offer a very unique flask for a navy veteran. This flask is actually a glass bottle that is covered in leather. It has a black and white cord by which the man could have hung the flask around his neck. On one side of the leather flask we see a gilt-toned Hohenzollern Crown complete with stole, over an anchor with crossed paddles. Just below the anchor is the legend: "1. Werft (Work) Division Kiel." The latter is embossed in silver on the black leather. There is some small loss of leather over the word Werft, but there is no doubt what it was. On the reverse side of the flask are some patriotic phrases regarding his service. A heart-shaped cutout allows you to look into the glass flask to see the sailors sweetheart. This is much the same as on a veterans stein. There is a lithopane that allows the viewer to hold the stein up to the light and see a sweetheart as well. The top of the flask has a removable jigger. This exposes a screw top that allowed the veteran to access his beverage of choice. Navy items like this are difficult-to-find. This would be a wonderful addition to a navy collection. $450.00
13-375 NAVY VETERAN STEIN. Veterans steins are always very popular with collectors. Some of the very elaborate Navy steins can often sell for more than $2,000. When I say elaborate, I mean those that were painted individually for the owner, showing the unit or ship on which he served along with a list of his comrades. This example stands 8" tall. It is 2 3/4" in diameter at the lid and 3 ½" in diameter at the base. The stein is multicolored, with the primary color scheme of white and navy blue. We see two sailors holding Mausers in the front. Immediately behind them is the conning tower of a U-Boat from which a Kriegsflagge is flying. Flanking either sailor are flags, one of which is easily identified as a Kriegsflagge. On the opposite side we can see the turret of a warship with two cannons extending outward. On either side of the turret are two 1914 Iron Crosses. The lid of the stein is flat and made of pewter. It depicts the port at Wilhelmshaven with ships at the piers. The stein is very well made and in excellent condition. If you are looking for a stein, this one is a real bargain for a navy example. It is even more cost effective than some of the army steins that we see. $525.00. . .
Navy Documents, Paintings, Lithographs, etc.
13-709 TWO TORPEDOBOOT WAR DIARIES. In the past we have been very pleased to offer you the War Diaries (Kriegstagbücher) from U-Boats, and on occasion from other vessels. Today we are offering you a pair of War Diaries and related documents from a Torpedoboot. Essentially, the documents were a report of a particular boat’s events on a voyage. They were written by the vessel’s captain, then submitted up through channels to the Admiralty in Berlin for final review. A captain probably kept a personal log as well, but these were more professional and orderly, since they were intended for other people’s eyes. They included a day-by-day accounting of the voyage, any special events that occurred, along with any combat that took place. The first report covers the period of 1-10 May 1918. The first is for Torpedoboot 152, which operated in the Baltic. The document, which measures 13” x 8,” contains 27 pages that are stapled together. It is a daily report of actions and observations. Most of the entries are signed by Torpedoboot 152's commanding officer. The last page is signed by the Konteradmiral, who commanded this vessel and others in the area. The captain mentions seeing other German vessels, including the S. M. S. Westfalen, and S. M. S. Posen. The entries are varied, and you will find them most interesting. The second Kriegstagbuch covers the period of 21-31 May 1918 for Torpedoboot 155. This document has twelve pages, and is again signed by the Konteradmiral for the area. Nine other pages of loose documents are included. All of it is housed in a modern paper file folder. You will find a great deal to read and perhaps even research. $1,850.00
13-713
FRONT PAGE - SINKING OF THREE BRITISH CRUISERS - OTTO WEDDIGEN AND U-9 - 1914.
This is the front page of a Hamburg newspaper, which proclaims the exploits
of Otto Weddigen and the tiny U-9 crew when they sank three British
Cruisers. The front page is dated 24 September 1914. It measures 22” x 15
1/2.” Additional information is included about this historic event, for
which Weddigen received the 1914 Iron Crosses 1st Class and 2nd Class. All
the other members of his crew received the Iron Cross 2nd Class. A section,
which measures 4 1/2” x 3 1/2,” has been clipped from the paper. This is an
exciting item that would make a great addition to any Navy collection.
$180.00
13-572
XBW U-BOAT WAR PATROL FILE (KRIEGSTAGEBUCH) - U.C. 22.
This is a consignment item. We have been lucky enough to locate another
small batch of U-Boat war patrol files (Kriegstagebuch). We recently
had one for Wilhelm Canaris (an admiral and head of the Abwehr during WW II,
who was executed in connection with the 20 July 1944 plot to
assassinate Adolf Hitler. Thousands were scooped up in the net after this
act. None were more highly placed than Canaris and Generalfeldmarschall
Erwin Rommel). It sold very quickly. These files are quite interesting. They
make wonderful research resources. This particular file is for U.C. 22,
which was commanded by Oberleutnant zur See Bunte. The report covers the
period of 16 to 29 January 1918. The report, which is tied
together with a string, basically consists of extracts from the U.C. 22's
log. It reports positions and various things that happened every day. Each
of the daily reports is signed by Bunte.
Also attached are sections that deal with the expenditure of ordnance. As a U.C. was a smaller vessel, it was also charged with laying mines.
Bunte mentions this activity, the firing of torpedoes, as well as the number
of cannon rounds fired. What I really enjoy in these files are the
wonderful, accompanying maps. In the case of the U.C. 22, three are included! Two are quite simple, showing where the mines were laid.
They are hand-drawn (possibly traced from a "real" map). A larger map shows the U.C. 22's course during the cruise’s (approximately) two
weeks. This is a wonderful document/map set that will allow the U-Boat enthusiast to delve into the daily workings and activities of a
U-Boat at sea. It was not all the sinking of merchantmen!
$1,495.00
This is a Kriegstagebuch or War Diary for 6. Minen-Räum-Halbflottille. This was a mine laying unit. This group of vessels was commanded by Oberleutnant der reserve Rossenbeck. The period covered is 16-31 August 1918. There are approximately thirteen pages to this report which is a daily log of the activities of this unit. It denoted numbers of mines laid and where exactly they were laid. Each entry is signed by Rossenbeck. There are also two maps which have been signed by him which shows where the mines were laid. We have had similar documents as this for U-Boats but this is the first that we have offered for a mine layer. $750.00
13-602 KRIEGSTAGEBUCH FOR 6. MINEN-RÄUM- HALBFLOTTILLE.
This is an award document for the Verdiensttkreuz für Kriegshilfe (Service Cross for War Aide). This document, which measures 8 1/4" x 6 3/8," was issued to a sailor on 12 April 1920. It bears the stamp of the Reichs -Marine-Amt. It was signed by a representative of der Chef der Admiralität. The document is in very good condition. $95.00
13-476 DOCUMENT FOR SAILOR WHO RECEIVED THE VERDIENSTKREUZ FÜR KRIEGSHILFE.
13-424 AWARD DOCUMENT FOR NAVAL SPORTING GAMES. Even long after WW I members of the German Navy were firmly convinced of their complete victory at the "Battle of Jutland." The Allied camp called it the "Battle of Jutland," but within Germany it was known as the "Battle of Skagerrak." This is an award document, measuring 12 ½" x 8 ½," from the year 1927. It is for a sporting competition named in honor of the "Battle of Skagerrak." The document is made out to a Fähnrich zur See Lell. He was the victor in a 5 x 100 meter relay. The document was signed by Kapitän zur See von Ditten (a full naval captain, just one step down from an admiral). One wonders what became of young Lell. Also, did von Ditten become an admiral? Questions, questions. $50.00. .
13-118 NAVY LAND PLANE ENLISTED MAN MILITÄRPAß. The Navy Land Plane Jastas of the Naval Air Service were relatively small and quite elite compared to the Navy Sea Plane arm. These squadrons, which flew in Flanders alongside Army Jastas, produced some of the best fighter pilots of the war. These men were often among those with the highest scores of planes shot down. This Militärpaß was to an enlisted man who served in one of these jastas, most likely as a ground crewman. This man first entered the Navy in June 1917 and was initially assigned to II. Matrosen Division. He survived the war and there are entries as late as 1920 in the Militärpaß. Very difficult to find Militärpaß. $575.00
13-714 NAVY MILITÄRPAß & MINIATURE CATHOLIC PRAYER BOOK. This is an enlisted sailor’s militärpaß. The man was born in 1888 and first entered the Navy in 1909. He was assigned to the 1. Matrosen-Division. He completed his service in 1911. He was recalled to the Navy on 1. August 1914. We see many entries after that. Apparently, he served aboard the S. M. S. Prinzregent Luitpold. It appears that he was mustered out after WW I in Bremen. The militärpaß is extensively filled out. Included with it is a miniature Roman Catholic prayer book that was prepared for soldiers and sailors where space was at a premium for their personal effects. The small book measures 3” x 2” x 1/2.” It was published in 1916. As noted in the man’s militärpaß he was a Roman Catholic, so the book is probably his. It has many passages that would be of comfort and useful to a man at war. $225.00
13-321 NAVY LONG SERVICE AWARD DOCUMENT. This is an award document for a Long Service Award in the Kaiserliche Marine. It is the 1st Class award. It represents fifteen years of long service. It is signed by a Käptain zur See in 1920. The document still bears the Kaiserliche Marine unit stamping on it. This is a fine Navy document. $110.00 .
13-633 NAVY VETERANS’ PUBLICATION.
This is a magazine published by a group representing Navy veterans. The
magazine’s cover features a Viking Ship. It is dated 1 June 1932.
Inside, a photograph and special section appears about Admiral Franz von
Hipper, who had died the month before. An article also is included about the S. M. S Lützow, von Hipper’s flagship at the Battle of Jutland,
which was lost during the battle. Many other interesting articles about the
Battle of Jutland appear, as well as other officers’ stories.
One advertisement caught my attention. It is an offer for the 1914-1918
Navy Honor Rangliste. The cost in 1932 was 30 Reichsmarks! Today, IF you
can even find the book, you will pay HUNDREDS of dollars. I have heard of one
exceptional copy that changed hands for $1,000! [It is a great research work.
If you do not have a copy, it is part of the Rangliste CD series we
offer. For $75.00, you can receive both the Army and Navy 1914-1918
Ranglistes, and the 1914 Army and Navy Ranglistes (the
Army’s Rangliste is also hard-to-find, but not quite as pricey as the
Navy’s). This one CD contains even more than I have mentioned. If you tried to
purchase all of the books on the disc, you would spend close to $2,000]!
Returning to this magazine, you will have some fun looking through it and
learn something new, as well.
$50.00
This is a mini magazine that was published in 1915. It has only four pages, with photos on all four pages. These salute a number of naval heroes and ships. On the cover is Großadmiral Alfred von Tirpitz, who was the State Minister of the Kaiserliche Marine. In American terms, this would have made him the Secretary of the Navy. While not an active fleet admiral, von Tirpitz was the architect of the modern German Navy, and wielded tremendous power. The second page shows three vessels. First is the S. M. S. Eitel Friedrich, which visited Newport News, VA in 1915. Below that is the S. M. S. Kronprinz Wilhelm, which also visited Newport News that year. The final ship on that page is the S. M. S. Königsberg, which was involved in one of the most amazing stories in German East Africa during the early war years. Page three shows Torpedoboots and U-Boats in action. Page four shows the U-9 and her commander, Kapitänleutnant Otto Weddigen. Weddigen was Germany’s first U-Boat/ Navy hero. In the early days of WW I he sank three English Cruisers in a single afternoon. This is a lovely photographic history of the German Navy during the period of 1914/1915. $75.00
13-465 NAVY EDITION OF "WELTKRIEG! KRIEGS UND RUHMESBLÄTTER" Nr 48 FROM 1915.
Buy two or more of the Navy Lithographs below and receive a 15% discount
13-496 BLACK & WHITE LITHOGRAPH - TORPEDOBOOT IN ACTION. This is a black and white lithograph that has been removed from a book. It measures 9" x 12 1/4." It depicts a torpedoboot in choppy seas. $5.00
13-497 BLACK & WHITE LITHOGRAPH - TROOPS LANDING IN FRANCE. This is a black and white lithograph that has been removed from a book. It measures 12 1/4" x 17 3/4." It comes from an original work by Professor Willy Stower. Stower was perhaps the best-known of the WW I German naval artists. This work was done in August 1914, immediately after the declaration of war. It shows English troops landing in France. $10.00
This is a full-color plate that has been removed from a book. It shows a number of German ships in a battle from 26 April 1916. This is from an original painting by Professor Hans Bohrdt. It would be great for framing, matting, or display on its own. It measures 12 1/4" x 9." $15.00
13-458 FULL COLOR PLATE OF SEA BATTLE.
This is a black and white plate from a book that shows the Battle of Doggerbank. Doggerbank is to the right of England’s coast. It preceded the Battle of Jutland. Admiral Franz von Hipper commanded the German forces in this engagement. It is from an original painting by noted naval artist Willy Stower. It would be great for framing, matting, or display on its own. It measures 12 1/4" x 9." $15.00
13-459 BLACK AND WHITE PLATE OF GERMAN FORCES AT BATTLE OF DOGGERBANK.
13-486 COLOR LITHOGRAPH - BRITISH AND FRENCH FLEET AT ATHENS, GREECE - 1 SEPTEMBER 1916. This is a color lithograph of the French and British fleet riding at anchor in Athens in September 1916. This has been taken from a book, and measures 12 1/4" x 17 ½." It covers a two-page spread, and has been folded. This came from an original painting by Professor M. Zeno Diemer. In addition to the various ships in the harbor, two airplanes are in the sky overhead. $15.00
13-487 BLACK AND WHITE LITHOGRAPH - SINKING OF THE LUSITANIA. This is a black and white lithograph that has been removed from a book. It shows the steamer Lusitania as she is sinking, with her crew and passengers leaving the ship. This comes from an original work by Claus Bergen. It was done in 1915 at the same time the painting was executed. The lithograph measures 12 1/4" x 17 3/4." $15.00
13-488 BLACK AND WHITE LITHOGRAPH - S. M. S. EMDEN. This is a black and white lithograph of the S. M. S. Emden that has been removed from a book. The small cruiser gained great fame early in the war. This shows her in action against the enemy. The lithograph comes from an original work by the noted naval artist Professor Hans Bohrdt. It measures 12 1/4" x 17 3/4." $15.00
This is a black and white lithograph of the Battle of Coronel. It measures 9" x 12 1/8." The original work was done by Professor Hans Bohardt. It features several ships in high seas battling it out at close range. $10.00
13-502 BLACK & WHITE LITHOGRAPH - BATTLE OF CORONEL by PROFESSOR HANS BOHRDT.
This is a black and white lithograph of the sinking of the S. M. S. Könign Luise. It measures 12 1/4" x 17 3/4." The original work was done by Professor Hans Bohardt. The S. M. S. Könign Luise was a Minelayer. She is shown being sunk by British ships. $10.00
13-503 BLACK & WHITE LITHOGRAPH - SINKING OF S. M. S. KÖNIGN LUISE by PROFESSOR HANS BOHRDT.
13-496 BLACK & WHITE LITHOGRAPH - TORPEDOBOOT IN ACTION. This is a black and white lithograph that has been removed from a book. It measures 9" x 12 1/4." It depicts a torpedoboot in choppy seas. $5.00
13-497 BLACK & WHITE LITHOGRAPH - TROOPS LANDING IN FRANCE. This is a black and white lithograph that has been removed from a book. It measures 12 1/4" x 17 3/4." It comes from an original work by Professor Willy Stower. Stower was perhaps the best-known of the WW I German naval artists. This work was done in August 1914, immediately after the declaration of war. It shows English troops landing in France. $10.00
Navy Flags, Badges, Patches, etc.
Without a doubt, this is one of the rarest enlisted sailor’s rating patches you will ever see from the Kaiserliche Marine. This patch was worn on the sleeves of the specially selected sailors who manned Kaiser Wilhelm’s launch that transported him to and from the S. M. Y. Hohenzollern. These sailors had a large amount of public contact. They were seen by Germans and people abroad as the S. M. Y. Hohenzollern journeyed. (Naturally, it was mandatory that these sailors be among the crew’s best-looking specimens). Like most Imperial German Naval rating patches, our example is oval-shaped and measurers 4" x 3 1/4." The background is dark-blue. It features a yellow frame, within which is a yellow and red Hohenzollern Crown. Below that we see a Großadmiral’s yellow and red crossed batons. Kaiser Wilhelm was the Kaiserliche Marine’s first Großadmiral. Thus, the patch dates from 1901 onward. The rating patch was worn on the right sleeve. It is in excellent condition. This is the first patch of its type we have seen. We are very pleased to present it to you. $1,950.00
13-614 SHIP’S LAUNCH ENLISTED SAILOR’S RATING PATCH - S. M. Y. HOHENZOLLERN.
13-636 ENLISTED SAILOR’S SLEEVE RATING - ROYAL YACHT - S. M. Y. HOHENZOLLERN. Being selected to serve on the Kaiser’s yacht, the S. M. Y. Hohenzollern, was a real honor. Whether one was an enlisted man, NCO, or officer, being picked to serve on the Kaiser’s yacht was a plum assignment. It was quite common for sailors in the Kaiserliche Marine to display rating patches on their tunic/dress tunics’ sleeves. At a quick glance one could tell if the man was a gunner, an engineer, a signalman, etc. The sailors selected for the S. M. Y. Hohenzollern were authorized to wear a rating patch proudly proclaiming to the world that they personally served the Kaiser aboard his opulent yacht. The patch is oval-shaped and measures 3 3/4" x 3." A Hohenzollern Crown measuring 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" is embroidered in gold on a navy blue background. In looking at this patch, we see two small holes to the Crown’s left. In the patch’s upper left quadrant are three more small holes caused by moths. This is a VERY rare rating patch. I have only seen one other in the past. That one was still mounted to the man’s tunic. We would also direct you to another patch we have available. It is more elaborate and larger. Once again, it is for men who served aboard the S. M. Y. Hohenzollern. It was for the boat crew members who rowed him to other ships or back to land. Unquestionably, these were the TWO rarest rating patches in the Kaiserliche Marine. $495.00
This is a One-Year-Volunteer’s arm chevron from the Kaiserliche Marine. As we have chronicled elsewhere, the One-Year-Volunteer (OYV) entered the German military service on a different program from the men doing two-year mandatory service. After most men completed their two-year service, they entered the reserves. They only were called to active service when additional man power was needed. This was the situation, of course, when WW I began. Most reserves were called back to active duty. Returning to the OYV, when entering the military, they essentially paid all of their own expenses. That is, the government did not pay for their equipment (uniforms, headgear, etc.). They were expected to supply their own gear, just as officers did. Since these men provided their own gear, they were allowed a certain amount of latitude in their uniforms and headgear. Men who enlisted in the OYV program were generally from the German middle class or higher. They had more money to spend on their uniforms than say farmers who came into the service. Many OYV’s bought their uniforms and headdress from the same purveyors that the officers did. They were allowed to mimic many officers’ headdress characteristics. For example, they were not allowed to purchase a pickelhaube EXACTLY like an officer’s, but they could get VERY close. At least ONE of the details had to be different from an officer’s. It is common to see a silk liner and officer’s leather liner on an OYV’s pickelhaube. This was one of the extra allowances that OYV’s were allowed to make. They also were allowed to wear a special trim on their shoulder straps that clearly indicated they were an OYV, not a normal enlistee, or even an NCO. I cannot state with authority that Navy OYV’s wore the trim on their shoulder straps. This device, however, serves the same purpose. It was worn on the sleeve. It is "V-shaped." Each arm of the "V" measures 3 1/2." Woven into the patch is a design of red, black, and white. This is the first time that I have run across one. $150.00
13-638 CHEVRON - ONE-YEAR-VOLUNTEER - KAISERLICHE MARINE.
$495.00
13-543 ANCHOR-SHAPED NAVY BELL COMMEMORATING BATTLESHIP S. M. S. BADEN. This is a wonderful bell that commemorates service on the Battleship S. M. S. Baden. The bell is made of brass and stands 7 1/4" tall. A ring appears at the top (a jump ring, if you will), where the bell was attached to something or just set up on display by itself. A Navy anchor, measuring 4 3/4" wide, sits on top. Under the anchor is the bell itself. The bell measures 2 3/4" in diameter at the base. Engraved on the bell’s side is S. M. S. Baden. The clapper for the bell is securely attached in the interior. It is a very fine veteran’s artifact from one of Germany’s World War I battleships.
13-630 U-BOAT BADGE. This is
a very handsome example of a U-Boat Badge. It is of the cliche
(stamped) variety, which was commonly used in WW I’s latter portion. Since
U-Boat Badges were not authorized until January 1918, relatively few were
acquired before the war’s end. Also, higher-quality badges were not readily
available (similar to flight badges from the Imperial German Air Service)
until after the war ended. It is entirely possible that this was a wartime
badge, since it is a stamped example. Its obverse sports a burnished finish,
which shows honest age. On the back is a most unusual vertical, swollen pin.
Most U-Boat Badges have horizontal pins. The badge shows a lot of character.
$595.00
This is a consignment piece. It is a high-quality cliche (stamped) U-Boat Badge. The badge has an excellent gilt finish, and a horizontal pin on the reverse. The badge comes in a presentation case. $895.00 Reduced to $795.00!!
13-462 U-BOAT BADGE IN THE ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE.
This is a very fine example of the U-Boat Badge stickpin. It has an excellent gilt finish. Its detail is quite impressive. It has a fine knurled pin. $125.00
13-601 U-BOAT STICKPIN.
13-622 U-BOAT STICKPIN. This is a high-quality example of a stickpin featuring the U-Boat Badge. The miniature U-Boat Badge is gilt, just like a full-sized example. It is finely made, and in excellent condition. $125.00
For you WW I wound badge collectors, this is without a doubt THE rarest of the wound badges. Wound badges from both the Army and Navy were awarded in three grades beginning in March 1918. The 3rd Class of the award was presented in black, the 2nd Class in silver and the 1st Class in gold. It is a simple fact that Navy Wound Badges were awarded in far fewer numbers than the Army’s version. Any Navy Wound Badge is a difficult bird to find. Make it a custom cutout badge fashioned as a screwback, and they do not get any rarer. In my years of collecting, I have seen perhaps two or three screwback Navy Wound Badges. You might find 1,000 or more of the issued badges before you will find one of these. The badge is interesting. At first blush it looks like a gold badge. I wish it were the case! What we actually have is a wash of black paint over a brass base that has been worn away by time. You’ll see a few specks on the obverse. On the reverse you can clearly see the black wash where it is more intact. As we further examine the reverse, we see a post on the badge’s back that turns it into a screwback. A domed backplate measures 1 3/4" in diameter. The final piece is the locking nut, which secures the entire affair to a tunic. This is an officer’s level badge when it comes to its quality. We are very happy to offer it to you. $550.00
13-623 NAVY BLACK WOUND BADGE - CUSTOM THREE-PIECE SCREWBACK.
Here is a cutout Silver (2nd Class) Navy Wound Badge. This level of award (first authorized in March 1918) was for three, four, and five wounds. All Navy Wound Badges are far scarcer than their Army counterparts. Simply stated, the Navy had fewer men who were less frequently wounded than soldiers in the Army. That said, the cutout badges were an interesting variation. They were custom or privately-purchased items. The paint on this example and its patina are quite pleasing. $350.00
13-669 CUSTOM CUTOUT SILVER NAVY WOUND BADGE.
13-540 NAVY WOUND BADGE - SILVER. This is the second grade of the Navy Wound Badge. Gold was the highest, silver was next, and black was the initial level of wound badges. All Navy wound badges are far more difficult-to-find than their Army counterparts. This example is in very fine condition with even wear and a handsome patina. $250.00
13-371 NAVY VETERANS ASSOCIATION BADGE FOR EHRENWART IN THE ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE. This is a cased example of the Ehrenwart for the Deutscher Flotten-Verien. The presentation case measures 3 3/4" x 2 1/8." The pin sports a silver-toned Hohenzollern Crown to which is attached a red, black, and white ribbon. The ribbon is in turn attached to a gilt-toned anchor. In the center of the anchor is a very elaborate multicolored, enameled decoration for the association. It is beautifully crafted and of the highest quality. The case is in very good condition. The case has a beige leatherette exterior. Inside, a crème-colored silk upper liner displays the legend: "Ehrenwart * Deutscher Flotten-Verien." The lower half of the case where the badge is nestled is black velvet. $375.00 . .
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13-532
NAVY VETERAN’S
ASSOCIATION BADGE - ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE. This is a consignment
piece. It is a Navy Veterans Association Badge. It represents the "German Flotte-Verien." The badge is a two-piece affair. It is silver-toned. The
top piece is a Hohenzollern Crown and Stole. Connected to it and the bottom
piece is a red, black, and white ribbon. The bottom piece is also
silver-toned. It is made to look like a life preserver. The center of the life
preserver is multicolored enamel. It comes in a handsome presentation case.
$395.00
13-676 TWO POSTCARDS
& U-BOAT SPENDE BADGE.
13-675 U-BOOT SPENDE STICKPIN.
This is an interesting Navy veteran’s badge, done in an oversized, gathered-ribbon design. In fact, it sports two layers of gathered ribbon. The latter is blue and white. The badge measures 2" in diameter. In the center of the ribbon is a silvered anchor with a flag attached. On the flag it reads "Schiffer-Brüderschaft Werben-Elbe." On the reverse, it is stamped for a firm in Hamburg. This may well be a civil piece as opposed to a military. It sure is dandy-looking. $125.00
13-450 NAVY VETERAN’S BADGE.
13-417 SLEEVE OR CAP BADGE FOR THE REICHSMARINE OR MERCHANT MARINE. This is an interesting sleeve or cap badge for either the Reichsmarine (Post WW I) or the Merchant Marine. Mounted on a piece of feldgrau wool measuring 2 ½" x 3" is a gilt-toned fouled anchor flanked by oak leaves. It is in very fine condition. $95.00
13-581 NAVY NCO SLEEVE BADGE - PROVISIONS AND SUPPLIES. NCO’s wore a variety of sleeve badges onboard ships. These indicated the rating-type to which they were assigned. This particular sleeve patch is for man assigned to manage the ship’s supplies and provisions. While it was not a combat function such as an assignment to oversee the ship’s cannons or torpedoes, it remained a vital assignment. The badge is oval-shaped. It measures 3 3/4" x 2 3/4." It sports a brass anchor attached to a black wool background. $250.00
13-412 RATING PATCH FOR THE WINTER TUNIC OF A NAVY OBER-BOOTSMANNMATT. This is the sleeve-rating-patch for a Ober-Bootsmannsmatt. This would be for a Chief Boatswains Mate. This patch is for the winter tunic of this NCO-level sailor. It is in very fine condition. $225.00 .
13-414 RATING PATCH FOR THE WINTER TUNIC OF A NAVY OBER-SCHREISBERSMAAT. This is the sleeve rating patch for a Ober-Schreibersmatt. This would be for a Chief Clerks Mate. This patch is for the winter tunic of this NCO-level sailor. It is in very fine condition. $225.00 . .
13-409 RATING PATCH FOR THE SUMMER TUNIC OF A NAVY OBER-INGENIEUR APPLIKANT. This is the sleeve-rating-patch for a Ober-Ingenieur-Applikant. This is for a Chief Engineering Cadet or Trainee. This patch is for the summer tunic of this NCO-level sailor. It is in very fine condition. $225.00 . . .
13-410 RATING PATCH FOR THE WINTER TUNIC OF A NAVY OBER-INGENIER APPLICANT. This is the sleeve-rating-patch for a Ober-Ingenieur-Applikant. This is for a Chief Engineering Cadet or Trainee. This patch is for the winter tunic of this NCO-level sailor. It is in very fine condition. $225.00 . . .
13-411 RATING PATCH FOR THE WINTER TUNIC OF A NAVY OBER -SIGNALMAAT. This is the sleeve-rating-patch for a Ober-Signalmaat. This would be for a Chief Signalmans Mate, and would be equivalent to a Senior Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy. This patch is for the winter tunic of this NCO-level sailor. It is in very fine condition. $250.00 . . .
This is an oval rating patch that was worn on an enlisted man’s uniform sleeve. It has a dark-blue woolen base that is embroidered in yellow with a Hohenzollern Crown, crossed cannons, and an anchor. Some mothing shows on the patch’s upper left. This is not detractive to the patch’s overall presentation. $150.00
13-446 NAVAL ARTILLERY RATING PATCH FOR ENLISTED MAN IN THE KAISERLICHE MARINE.
This is a rating patch for an enlisted sailor in the Reichsmarine, from between the two World Wars. The patch has a blue woolen base, with a fouled anchor embroidered on it in yellow. $50.00
13-447 RATING PATCH FOR AN ORDINARY SEAMAN IN THE REICHSMARINE.
32-68 PATRIOTIC PIN FOR THE KAISERLICHE MARINE. This is a gilt pin which features the Hohenzollern Crown as used by the Kaiserliche Marine, with the addition of an anchor to Kaiser Wilhelm II’s cypher. The pin measures 1 ½" x 1 1/4." It is pleasingly vaulted. It has a high quality pin. It is a very striking piece. $225.00
13-379 LARGE SILVER BUTTONS FOR NAVAL TUNICS. This is the larger version of the tunic buttons for navy uniforms. They measure 1" in diameter and are silver-toned. They display the fouled anchor with the Hohenzollern Crown. This is the correct size to secure the center buttons on a tunic, not the smaller size for sleeves or for attaching shoulder boards. They are marked for different manufacturers. Some are even marked for the Kaiserliche Marine on the reverse. I have about thirteen of them. It has been some time since I have found a small hoard like this. I do not know when I might have them again. There is only ONE button remaining! Get it while you can! $20.00. .
Miscellaneous
25-61 NAVY VETERAN ASSOCIATION - TABLE BANNER. This is one of the most interesting veteran’s table banners that I have encountered. It is especially interesting, because it is for a group of naval veterans from WW I and before. The banner’s stand measures 31" tall. It has a brass base, which is dented. A brass rod also in it extends upward. An extension fits into the rod that extends both vertically and horizontally. The horizontal piece features delicate lattice work on which appears an anchor and a sailing ship. The horizontal piece extends out 12 3/4." All of these pieces disassemble, and take a mere thirty seconds to set up again. Attached to the horizontal piece is the banner. The banner is attached by three extensions that come out of the banner’s top. The banner measures 10 1/2" x 10." It is made of hand-woven silk. One side features the Bavarian group’s name. Twin Eagles appear on panels. Below that a rampant Bavarian Lion appears. We also see the date 1930, which is when it was placed in service. The banner actually was for the ladies auxiliary of the veterans’ group. This side has suffered some running of the silk, which is more correctly termed "shredding." It is very common with silk items. You have to remember that the banner is 78-years-old! The banner’s reverse is even more interesting. It recreates one of WW I’s most famous paintings. It is known as "The Last Man." It depicts a German sailor clinging to his ship’s wreckage and thrusting the kriegsflagge defiantly in the air as a ship steams by in the background. This painting was recreated in postcards, etc. during the war. It proclaimed the German sailors’ fighting spirit, and their service to the Fatherland. The scene is encircled by a life preserver that serves as the frame for the painting’s recreation. In gold on the red life preserver is the legend "Marine-Verein Erlangen." Anchors are on all four corners of the banner. It is a very handsome and interesting banner. It would make a superb display item for any collection. It has loads of eye appeal. $1,395.00
13-606 STATUE/THERMOMETER SALUTING S. M. S. ILTIS. One of our personal favorite ships was the small Kanonenboot S. M. S. Iltis. The S. M. S. Iltis had one of the most interesting and glorious histories of the Kaiserliche Marine’s ships. Although she was small compared to the High Seas Fleet’s mighty battleships, no vessel had a prouder history or was more honored by Kaiser and country. The S. M. S. Iltis was a small patrol vessel assigned to the fleet protecting Germany’s Chinese interests at the turn of the 20th Century. She was swept up in the 1900/1901 Boxer Rebellion, and involved in an action at the Forts at Taku. In spite of severe battle damage to both ship and crew, the German ship prevailed. Upon hearing news of this victory, Kaiser Wilhelm II was so delighted that he decorated the commander of the S. M. S. Iltis, Wilhelm Lans (1861-1947), with the Orden Pour le Mérite (PLM). (Lans later retired from the Navy as an admiral. He remained a German national hero).
The story does not end with Admiral Lans, however. While the Kaiser was very pleased with Lans and the performance of the S. M. S. Iltis’s men, he wanted to do something extra special. The Kaiser presented a PLM to the ship itself! A large version of the PLM was prepared for the vessel and displayed at the jack stand. It is an amazing story. The S. M. S. Iltis first was placed in service in 1898. It was destroyed in September 1914 at Kiautschou shortly after the beginning of WW I, when the Allies took control of Germany’s Chinese colony. [It was during this time that Admiral Graf von Spee lead his East Asian Squadron (of which the S. M. S. Iltis was a part) on an exodus back toward Germany. The voyage led to a German victory over the British fleet off the coast of Chile. Not long afterwards, at the Battle of Falkland Island, Graf von Spee, his two young sons, and the German Fleet were destroyed in December 1914]. A statue (a smaller replica of which we are offering today) was erected to memorialize the men and the S. M. S. Iltis. The replica stands 15 1/2" high and is 10 1/2" at its widest point. It shows a woman on a ship during a storm. The ship is noted as "La Fortune." On the front is a thermometer which measures temperature in both centigrade and Kelvin scales. Some mercury is in the thermometer, but I do not know how accurate it is in measuring temperature. The statue is made of a base metal, with an intriguing patina. It would make a fine addition to any collection. $695.00
13-548 WW II U-29 TIN TOY. Germany has a tradition among toymakers (even to this date) of producing interesting toys made of tin. Even during time of war they continued to produce toys and even items that were helpful to the German war effort. These toys include but are not limited to ships, automobiles, tanks, zeppelins, etc. So today we offer a tin U-boat that commemorates the U-29 from WW II. The U-29 from World War I was famous as Germany's most important U-Boat ace Otto Weddigen laid down his life for the Fatherland in the U-29. He had gained fame in the tiny U-9 by sinking four British warships which lead to his award of the Orden Pour le Mérite. He would be given command of the U-29 in early 1915 and would go down with all hands on 15 March 1915 when she was rammed by a British battleship. A new U-29 was commissioned in 1936 and that U-29 would become one of Germany's most famous U-Boats of WW II. U-29 was a Type VIIA U-Boat and was assigned to 2. Unterseebootsflottile and operated from Wilhelmshaven. Her third commander and her first of WW II was Kaptlt. Otto Schuhart. Under his command the U-29 would sink the first British warship of WW II. This would take place on 17 September (the first month of the conflict) 1939 when the H.M.S. Courageous an aircraft carrier was sent to the bottom of the ocean. Schuhart would eventually be awarded the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross for his efforts. During WW II the U-29 would have a total of seven patrols. She was considered a front line boat until 1941 when she was relegated to a training boat as newer and better equipped U-Boats entered service. She was scuttled in May 1945 as WW II drew to a close. The boat is an impressive 13 3/4" in length. It is 4" tall to the top of the conning tower. It is marked "U-29" on the conning tower. The deck is painted green. It has a deck gun that actually swivels! It has a spot in the conning tower where a key can be inserted to wind up the propeller under the boat. While a key does come with this item, is not original to the U-29. I gave the key a couple of turns and met resistance, so I stopped for fear of causing any additional damage. At this point it is safe to say that the propeller does not operate. It is possible that somebody who purchases this may have greater mechanical abilities than I do and can fix it. You are forewarned, however, that it does NOT operate. I also want to point out that the rudder does turn. The toy’s exterior exhibits honest age. It is clear that it is many decades old. These toys were produced during the period by the well-known German toymaker Bing, and a firm named Arnould. In the past we have offered metal pickelhauben and metal cups produced by Bing during World War I. This is a most interesting item. It would make a wonderful addition to a U-boat collection, as a part of a display about the WW II U-Boat service. $650.00
We always enjoy bringing you interesting and unusual items. This item certainly qualifies on both scores. It is a large, heavy brass padlock that was used to secure a locker or door where controlling access was vital. The padlock measures 2 1/2" x 2," and weighs 4.8 oz. It comes with its correct, original key. A serial number appears on it, as well as an "M" for Marine (Navy). It is a fun item. With some imagination, you will discover an interesting way to display it. $395.00
13-613 PADLOCK AND KEY - GERMAN NAVY SHIP.
This is a very rare set of Modell 09 3 ½ x 52 Officer’s Binoculars as used aboard the Kaiserliche Marine’s ships. These actually date from the 1910 to 1914 period, and would have been used during WW I. They are made of brass to prevent corrosion when used onboard ship. A black coating was originally applied over the brass. Much of this coating has vanished into history, and the brass finish is clearly visible. They were produced by the Emil Busch firm from Rathenow. The optics are quite clear and can be used, if one desires. The original leather strap is present, (but not so their storage case). One side of the binoculars (next to the lens barrel) clearly displays the "M" for Marine (Navy), topped by a Hohenzollern Crown. The opposite side bears the serial number 6086. It is only the second pair of Navy binoculars that I have ever offered. They are quite pleasing, with a lot of character. $1,650.00
13-695 NAVY OFFICER’S BINOCULARS.
25-61 NAVY VETERAN ASSOCIATION - TABLE BANNER. This is one of the most interesting veteran’s table banners that I have encountered. It is especially interesting, because it is for a group of naval veterans from WW I and before. The banner’s stand measures 31" tall. It has a brass base, which is dented. A brass rod also in it extends upward. An extension fits into the rod that extends both vertically and horizontally. The horizontal piece features delicate lattice work on which appears an anchor and a sailing ship. The horizontal piece extends out 12 3/4." All of these pieces disassemble, and take a mere thirty seconds to set up again. Attached to the horizontal piece is the banner. The banner is attached by three extensions that come out of the banner’s top. The banner measures 10 1/2" x 10." It is made of hand-woven silk. One side features the Bavarian group’s name. Twin Eagles appear on panels. Below that a rampant Bavarian Lion appears. We also see the date 1930, which is when it was placed in service. The banner actually was for the ladies auxiliary of the veterans’ group. This side has suffered some running of the silk, which is more correctly termed "shredding." It is very common with silk items. You have to remember that the banner is 78-years-old! The banner’s reverse is even more interesting. It recreates one of WW I’s most famous paintings. It is known as "The Last Man." It depicts a German sailor clinging to his ship’s wreckage and thrusting the kriegsflagge defiantly in the air as a ship steams by in the background. This painting was recreated in postcards, etc. during the war. It proclaimed the German sailors’ fighting spirit, and their service to the Fatherland. The scene is encircled by a life preserver that serves as the frame for the painting’s recreation. In gold on the red life preserver is the legend "Marine-Verein Erlangen." Anchors are on all four corners of the banner. It is a very handsome and interesting banner. It would make a superb display item for any collection. It has loads of eye appeal. $1,395.00
13-606 STATUE/THERMOMETER SALUTING S. M. S. ILTIS. One of our personal favorite ships was the small Kanonenboot S. M. S. Iltis. The S. M. S. Iltis had one of the most interesting and glorious histories of the Kaiserliche Marine’s ships. Although she was small compared to the High Seas Fleet’s mighty battleships, no vessel had a prouder history or was more honored by Kaiser and country. The S. M. S. Iltis was a small patrol vessel assigned to the fleet protecting Germany’s Chinese interests at the turn of the 20th Century. She was swept up in the 1900/1901 Boxer Rebellion, and involved in an action at the Forts at Taku. In spite of severe battle damage to both ship and crew, the German ship prevailed. Upon hearing news of this victory, Kaiser Wilhelm II was so delighted that he decorated the commander of the S. M. S. Iltis, Wilhelm Lans (1861-1947), with the Orden Pour le Mérite (PLM). (Lans later retired from the Navy as an admiral. He remained a German national hero).
The story does not end with Admiral Lans, however. While the Kaiser was very pleased with Lans and the performance of the S. M. S. Iltis’s men, he wanted to do something extra special. The Kaiser presented a PLM to the ship itself! A large version of the PLM was prepared for the vessel and displayed at the jack stand. It is an amazing story. The S. M. S. Iltis first was placed in service in 1898. It was destroyed in September 1914 at Kiautschou shortly after the beginning of WW I, when the Allies took control of Germany’s Chinese colony. [It was during this time that Admiral Graf von Spee lead his East Asian Squadron (of which the S. M. S. Iltis was a part) on an exodus back toward Germany. The voyage led to a German victory over the British fleet off the coast of Chile. Not long afterwards, at the Battle of Falkland Island, Graf von Spee, his two young sons, and the German Fleet were destroyed in December 1914]. A statue (a smaller replica of which we are offering today) was erected to memorialize the men and the S. M. S. Iltis. The replica stands 15 1/2" high and is 10 1/2" at its widest point. It shows a woman on a ship during a storm. The ship is noted as "La Fortune." On the front is a thermometer which measures temperature in both centigrade and Kelvin scales. Some mercury is in the thermometer, but I do not know how accurate it is in measuring temperature. The statue is made of a base metal, with an intriguing patina. It would make a fine addition to any collection. $695.00
13-642 LETTER OPENER - OFFICER - S. M. S. STRALSUND. This is a letter opener for an officer from the S. M. S. Stralsund. The party from whom I bought it said it was part of a grouping to an Admiral Harder. The S. M. S. Stralsund was a Kleiner Kreuzer (Small Cruiser). It was commissioned in 1912 as part of the Magdeburg Class of Small Cruisers. I believe she was the flagship of the flotilla that Admiral Harder commanded. [I cannot verify this, but offer it for what it is worth]. In any event, it is a typical example of what an officer kept on his desk for opening letters. The opener is made from a piece of an artillery shell driving band. It measures 8 1/2" in length and 1/2" wide. It is made of brass, which was an excellent material for use aboard a ship. Engraved on the blade is S. M. S. Straslund. The letter opener’s condition is very fine. $150.00
13-721 BRASS SHELL CASING - U-BOAT DECK GUN. This is a brass shell casing of the caliber (8.8cm) and type that was used on German U-Boots. The casing is made of brass and stands 15 1/4" tall. It measures 3 3/4" in diameter at the top, and 4 1/2" in diameter at the bottom. The shell was produced at the massive Karlsruhe munitions works in 1911. If you look carefully, you will see a crowned "M," which indicates it is indeed a Navy-issued shell casing. It would make a great addition to a U-Boot display. The casing weighs 5 pounds. [Due to its extra weight, special shipping charges will be involved. Charges will be based on your location and the type of shipping you prefer]. $495.00
[Is this a possible abbreviation for Freiherr? We do not know. Visitors?] P. Unna from the S. M. S. Hindenburg)." The piece’s brass sides are rifled between the two sayings, revealing the piece’s origins as a cartridge. It’s a fine piece. $295.00
13-722 NAVY DESK PIECE - GIFT - S. M. S. HINDENBURG. This is a naval desk piece that was given as a gift by someone from the S. M. S. HINDENBURG. It is brass and cylindrical, with a hammered brass lid. It was fashioned from a brass cartouche (shell cartridge). Since it was given by someone in the Navy, perhaps the cartridge itself was naval. The desk piece measures 3 1/8" tall (not counting the round knob atop the piece) and 3 3/4" in diameter. A legend around the piece’s top, just beneath the lid, reads "Zur Feuerprobe und EK–Verleihung am 17.11.1917. (In addition to the ordeal by fire and EK - Bestowed on 17.11.1917)." Another legend goes around the bottom, reading "Dem Gesch. -fhr. P. Unna auf S. M. S. Hindenburg. (A gift - fhr.
This is a gauge, referred to as a pocket clinometer (taschenklinometer), used aboard Imperial German naval vessels. It may even have been used on Navy sailing ships. The clinometer is a brass cylinder mounted on an iron base. The base measures 16 mm long and 7 mm wide. The cylinder is 14.7 mm in length and 5 mm in diameter. A glass container is inserted inside the brass cylinder, which is filled with liquid. The glass container is revealed by rotating a handle on the center of the brass cylinder. The liquid acts as a "level" in measuring the inclination of a ship relative to the horizontal. Some notes that came with the piece indicated it had to be used with a stopwatch and a sextant to reach the correct calculations. The clinometer comes in a rather crude metal container, which was once covered by a specially treated paper. This paper is now coming off. About a quarter of the case’s surface is uncovered. The case is 17.5 mm long, 2.5 mm wide and 3 mm high. The case separates into two parts. One of the case’s ends has come off, but is still present. Some judicious soldering could easily repair it. This remains a fascinating example of early 20th Century naval history. $375.00
13-643 KAISERLICHE MARINE TASCHENKLINOMETER IN THE ORIGINAL STORAGE CASE.
This is a patriotic bangle bracelet. It measures 2 3/4" in diameter. It pulls apart to assist in placing it on a wrist. In the bracelet’s center sits a small, multicolored kriegsflagge. The bracelet appears to be made of German silver (nickel). It is very well made. $150.00
17-585 PATRIOTIC BANGLE BRACELET - KRIEGSFLAGGE.
Over the years I have offered numerous examples of a ring which featured the Prussian Army Pilot Badge. These are delightful rings and which were generally worn by pilots or possibly their sweetheart. They have always been very popular with collectors and when I am lucky enough to find one I buy it immediately to be able to offer to you on these pages. Today we have something that really excited me when I first saw it. It is a ring for a Navy Land Plane Pilot! If you look at our Navy flight badges you will see an example of this badge. One great difference that you will see is that the badges are gilt toned while our ring is silver. There is a fair amount of wear to the high points of the badge (wreath and crown) but the interior detail can still be seen quite easily. The band on the ring is massive and much larger than the Prussian Army Pilot Badge rings. There is a cut out slot on each side between the actual band and the badge. Inside the band we see that this is a VERY high quality ring as it is both manufacturer hallmarked (SL) and .925 silver. This ring is a size 10 1/2. a very rare and desirable ring. $450.00
13-594 NAVY LAND PLANE PILOT’S BADGE RING.
13-485 NAVAL FRAME. This is an interesting, silver-toned frame with a naval motif. It comes in the shape of an anchor, with two oars extending through it to serve as its legs. They also further extend the naval motif. In the center is a circular section that replicates a life preserver, and serves as housing for a photograph. The life preserver measures 4 ½" in diameter. It is 6 3/4" wide and 9 1/4" high, respectively. The photo may be loaded into the frame from the rear, where an easel is attached. It is a very handsome, high quality piece. $250.00
13-394 NAVY SEE BATTALION DESK PIECE. This piece was acquired along with the document holder and photographs described below. The mans name is Baumeister. He served with See Battalion Nr III in China early in the 20th Century. The desk piece consists of a wooden plaque measuring 8 7/8" x 9." Affixed to the wooden plaque are several metal implements significant to a man serving in the See Battalion. A crossed pair of oars lean up against a pike. Spread out in front of the oars are a number of tools (pick, shovel, etc.). In the middle of the tools is a fouled anchor. Directly above the anchor and below the oars is an officers cap kokarde. This is a touching display to the mans service. While offered separately. $450.00.
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This is an interesting naval desk piece that could have been used as a display or perhaps as an ashtray. It represents a small caliber naval shell, which swivels up and down as the owner wishes. The bottom of the shell shows that it was produced at the major arsenal at Karlsruhe in May 1886, during the reign of Kaiser Wilhelm I. Thus, this shell casing is 120+ years old. It remains in splendid condition. It is mounted on the aforementioned swivel. The swivel in turn is mounted on a brass plate, which is affixed to a wooden base with four screws. The overall base measures 5 1/8" x 3 1/8." It makes an unusual presentation that is in superb condition. $225.00
13-482 NAVY DESK PIECE/ASHTRAY.
13-624 NAVY MATROSEN-REGIMENT PATRIOTIC TRENCH ART PIN -
ORIGINAL PURCHASE CARD AND PRESENTATION BOX. During WW I, patriotic trench
art pins were quite popular. Many of them used driving bands from expended
artillery shells. This is a particularly interesting example as it is for a
man who served in Navy 2. Matrosen-Regiment during the period of 1914
through1916 as a part of the Marine-Infanterie forces. The gold-toned
pin measures 1 1/2." In the pin’s center is a small enamel 1914 Iron Cross
with flanking oak leaves and acorns. Atop the pin is a silver-toned bandeau
which reads "1914 2. Matrosen-Regiment 1916." The pin is mounted on the
original purchase card, which measures 1 1/2" x 2 1/2." The final piece to the
ensemble is a cardboard box measuring 1 3/4" x 2 3/4." It holds the entire
arrangement. Naval trench art pieces like this are very rare. In my years of
collecting I can count the number of Navy pieces on the fingers of one hand,
and perhaps have a finger or two left over!
$225.00
13-653 GAUGE - UB
59. This is a gauge from UB-59. The UB 59 was a Type-III U-Boot. She was commissioned in August 1917. During her
career, she sank a total of seven ships and damaged another two. She made five
war patrols during her career. She was attached to Flandern I Flotilla.
Her final commander of record was Erwin Waßner (1887-1937), an Oberleutnant
zur See. He was an Orden Pour le Mérite winner, which was awarded to him in
March 1918 while he commanded UB-59. During the nearly 2 ½ years he
commanded U-Boats, Waßner was responsible for sinking EIGHTY-SIX vessels
(equal to 150,000 tons). The UB 59 was scuttled on 5 October 1918, when the Germans abandoned Belgian naval operation bases. She was scuttled
at Zeebrugge. Her final resting place was at 51.19N and 03.12E.
Her wreck was discovered in 2002. A number of parts were removed from her by
divers from Belgium. This gauge has undergone a restoration and cleaning since
she lay in the North Sea for eighty-four years. The gauge, which I understand
is a speedometer, is circular. It measures 8 3/4" in diameter, and is 4 3/4"
thick. It is made of brass (which is why it survived all these years under the
sea), and weighs a substantial 13 pounds and 2 ounces. The gauge has a glass
cover. Its dial reads: "Zurück Voraus," with different fields of measurement. Below that is "Umläufe
i.d. Min." The gauge’s exterior features numerous markings which include
"S. TEL.71.255." on the upper lid and "255" above and below the "S. TEL.71."
Elsewhere a crowned "M" (for Marine) and a trident appear.
All this clearly demonstrates it is a naval-issued item. I have been unable to
open the lid on the gauge’s face, which is
not surprising. Three points appear on the gauge’s bottom where it was
bolted to the bulkhead. A screwed attachment also appears where the cables
that would have supplied power to the gauge were cut. This is a wonderful
artifact that comes from a U-Boat commanded by a PLM-winner.
[Extra shipping will be required
due to this item’s size and weight].
$2,295.00
The UB 59 was a Type-III U-Boot. She was commissioned in August 1917. During her career, she sank a total of seven ships and damaged another two. She made five war patrols during her career. She was attached to Flandern I Flotilla. Her final commander of record was Erwin Waßner (1887-1937), an Oberleutnant zur See. He was an Orden Pour le Mérite winner, which was awarded to him in March 1918 while he commanded UB-59. During the nearly 2 ½ years he commanded U-Boats, Waßner was responsible for sinking EIGHTY-SIX vessels (equal to 150,000 tons). The UB 59 was scuttled on 5 October 1918, when the Germans abandoned Belgian naval operation bases. She was scuttled at Zeebrugge. Her final resting place was at 51.19N and 03.12E. Her wreck was discovered in 2002. A number of parts were removed from her by divers from Belgium. Today we are offering a control box from the UB 59's bridge area. The box is made of brass. It measures 5 1/4" x 5 ½" x 3 ½." It weighs 7 pounds and 1 ounce. The box has a large handle which permits the box to be opened. On the handle we see the markings "700," "8," a crowned "M," "11," and two tridents. Another crowned "M" appears on the bottom of the box, along with a "B." Four attachments appear where it once was attached to a bulkhead. Another "B" shows near one of these attachments. Its rubber gasket is still present. The box’s interior is empty. Two inlets/outlets show, from which copper wires once extended. [Extra shipping will be required due to this item’s size and weight]. $995.00
13-657 CONTROL BOX - BRIDGE AREA - UB 59.
13-658 CONTROL BOX - COORDINATING ENGINE POWER - UB 59. The UB 59 was a Type-III U-Boot. She was commissioned in August 1917. During her career, she sank a total of seven ships and damaged another two. She made five war patrols during her career. She was attached to Flandern I Flotilla. Her final commander of record was Erwin Waßner (1887-1937), an Oberleutnant zur See. He was an Orden Pour le Mérite winner, which was awarded to him in March 1918 while he commanded UB-59. During the nearly 2 ½ years he commanded U-Boats, Waßner was responsible for sinking EIGHTY-SIX vessels (equal to 150,000 tons). The UB 59 was scuttled on 5 October 1918, when the Germans abandoned Belgian naval operation bases. She was scuttled at Zeebrugge. Her final resting place was at 51.19N and 03.12E. Her wreck was discovered in 2002. A number of parts were removed from her by divers from Belgium.
Today we are offering a control box that coordinated the UB 59's engine power. The box is made of brass. It measures 6 ½" x 4 1/4" x 3 ½." It weighs 5 pounds and 5 ounces. The box’s top features a plaque with five lines of information. It reads as follows:B.B. p.p. St. B p.p.
St. B.M III St. B.M. III
B.B.M.H.IV B.B.H.IV
St.B.H.V St.B.H.V
B.B. H. VI B.B. H. VI
The number "13" appears on the edge of the lid, and is repeated on the box’s bottom. Four attachments appear where the box was bolted to a bulkhead. A large hole shows on one side of the box. Two smaller holes appear on two other sides. Two inlets/outlets also are present. The bottom of the box displays a serial number (348187) and a crowned "M" for Marine (Navy). [Extra shipping will be required due to this item’s size and weight]. $995.00
13-549 FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH - S. M. S. KAISERIN. It has been a long time since we have offered one of these little beauties. It is a framed photo of a German Navy ship, with the frame in the shape of a life preserver! These were quite popular with German sailors, either for themselves or for their families back home. The frame measures 6" in diameter. The name of the vessel is hand painted on the preserver. Within its confines is a colorized picture of the ship. This one is for the S. M. S. Kaiserin, which was a part of the "Kaiser" Battleship Class. She was commissioned in 1913, then was scuttled at Scapa Flow with the bulk of the German fleet at WW I’s end. $110.00
13-550 FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH - S. M. S. PILLAU. It has been a long time since we have offered one of these little beauties. It is a framed photo of a German Navy ship, with the frame in the shape of a life preserver! These were quite popular with German sailors, either for themselves or for their families back home. The frame measures 6" in diameter. The name of the vessel is hand painted on the preserver. Within its confines is a colorized picture of the ship. This one is for the S. M. S. Pillau. She was a Small Cruiser, commissioned in 1914. After the war she was handed over to the Italians. The ship was sunk in 1943, during WW II. $110.00
13-336 MINI MEMORIAL TO A SAILOR ON THE S. M. S. UNDINE. This is a small memorial to a sailor who served aboard the S. M. S. Undine. It was made from a small stone. The date "1914" and an Iron Cross are painted on the stone. A mini life preserver serves as a frame, with a photo of the sailor housed within it. This is a really different way to show a sailor and his pride in his service. $185.00 .
.
13-534 S. M. S. ILTIS PLM FABRIC WALL PLAQUE. This is a beautifully handcrafted, custom-embossed, fabric, wall plaque of the S. M. S. Iltis. The S. M. S. Iltis was one of the most legendary ships in the Imperial German Navy. The Iltis was a small coastal or river kanonboot. She was assigned to China before the turn of the 20th Century. She was a part of the German Navy at the time of the Boxer Rebellion. She was involved in an historic river battle in which she fought in a pitched battle against Chinese boats and forts. During this battle the Germans suffered a high level of casualties, including grave wounds to her commander, Wilhelm Lans. Kaiser Wilhelm II was so pleased with the performance of the S. M. S. Iltis that he ordered that Lans and his small vessel be awarded the Orden Pour le Mérite. This was the first (and last) time that a ship was awarded the PLM. She wore a large PLM at her jack stand until she was sunk during WW I. This unusual piece is circular, measuring 7 1/4" in diameter. It features a yellow cord trim, followed by two embossed circular frames that set off the interior design. At the top we see "Iltis." In the middle is a gold and blue stylized PLM, without its name imprinted on the decoration’s arms. Below that we see the dates 23 July 1896, which I believe is when the S. M. S. Iltis was assigned to the Chinese station. The other date is 17 June 1900, which was the date of the historic battle. The piece actually opens into two halves, with a button to secure the two halves. It is a most interesting, historical, and handsome piece. $450.00
13-627 THREE FORKS - OFFICER’S MESS/CASINO -
KAISERLICHE-MARINE. This is a captivating three-fork set that comes
from a Kaiserliche Marine Offiziers Kasino (officer’s mess). Two of the
forks are most unusual. Each one has four tines, with a horizontal bar joining
the tips. These forks were used for eating fish! They measure 5 3/4" x 1
1/4." Each
fork handle boasts an engraved Hohenzollern Crown. The manufacturer, Gebrüder
Hepp, is noted on the reverse. The third fork is much smaller. It is more
suitable for an appetizer or a salad, perhaps. It also has four tines and
measures 5 3/4" x 3/4." It has the Hohenzollern Eagle on the handle as well. These
forks would make a fine addition for a naval display or your own dinner table!
$195.00
13-120 NAVY ARTILLERY ASHTRAY. This is a unique stamped metal ash tray that shows a Navy (Marine) artillery crew in action on the Western Front during WW I. We can clearly tell that this is a Navy crew and not Army because the crew is wearing their mutzes, complete with cap tallies! The ash tray measures 4 3/4" x 4 3/4". A most interesting item for you Navy collectors. $175.00.
13-574
NAVY DESK PIECE - S. M. S. THÜRINGEN.
This is a heavy metal desk piece given out by the S. M. S. Thüringen’s
builder, Actien - Gesellschaft Wesser. This vessel was a battleship of
the S. M. S. Helgoland Class. She was launched in 1911, then scrapped
during the period from 1923 to 1933. I cannot tell if this was intended as a
gift to somebody within the company, or to a naval officer, perhaps at the
staff level. It displays the date December 3, 1910, and Bremen,
where the ship was built. What makes this interesting is that the date on the
desk piece is the year BEFORE the ship’s formal commissioning. The desk piece
measures 6 1/2" x 4" x 1." It shows a fine, high-profile image of the ship.
The desk piece is quite substantial, weighing 2 pounds.
$275.00
13-245 KAISERLICHE MARINE FLAG FOR A KONTERADMIRAL FOR USE ABOARD HIS FLAGSHIP. This is a very rare flag for a Konteradmiral in the Kaiserliche Marine. This large flag, which measures 2.4 meters x 2.4 meters, has its original rope lanyards. These would have flown from the admirals flagship. The size and the rank of the flag are stenciled in black on the bunting. As this is a larger flag, there are several areas of moth nips. There is one tear in it and a stained area. The basic theme is a black cross on a white background. Two black "meatballs" denote the rank of the flag. This flag is very rare since there were few admirals at sea with their ships. A real find for the navy collector. $895.00
13-331 NAVY COFFEE POT WARMER. When I tell you readers that I seek out the "unusual", I need go no further in explaining this piece! This is a quilted coffee pot warmer, saluting the battleship Schlesien. [I was doing some reading on this vessel today. I was amazed to find that it survived WW I and was actually used by the Kriegsmarine during WW II. It was scuttled in May 1945, near the end of the war.] This piece would wrap around a coffee pot, and help keep the contents warm. It has a small button on the side that would secure it around the pot. The multicolored front half of the warmer has a pleasing profile of the vessel. This would be a marvelous way to dress up your pot of coffee in the morning kitchen, or even at your office! $150.00
13-332 PATRIOTIC CLOTH IRON CROSS. I am not sure if this cloth Iron Cross had a purpose or if it was strictly a patriotic piece. Perhaps it was meant to be sewn onto a pillow and someone never got around to it. It measures 8" x 7 1/2." The material appears to be a coarser weave of cotton. It is red with a white and black Iron Cross, measuring 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" in the center. It is in good condition. The EK design is displayed on both sides of the cloth. $75.00 . . .
This is a small pocket knife that measures 3," closed. It has a black case. On one side are the initials "F & S." On the other side is "Torpedo." I cannot open the blades due to excessive rust. Perhaps spending some time with WD-40® might take care of the problem. It is priced accordingly. $25.00
13-444 NAVY-RELATED POCKET KNIFE.
Napkin rings from the Imperial German period have always been quite interesting and elegant. I have always had an interest in trench art. This example is one of the more unusual that I have seen. It is a section of an artillery shell driving band that has been fashioned into a napkin ring. What makes it even more interesting is that is directly related to the Navy. Etched on the side is the name of the man who probably made this piece, and the name of the vessel S. M. S. Lothringen. The napkin ring is 1 7/8" in diameter and the width is 1 3/4." This piece has lots of character. $110.00
13-463 NAPKIN RING MADE FROM DRIVING BAND OF ARTILLERY SHELL MARKED TO S. M. S. LOTHRINGEN.
Navy Cap Tallies
All Navy Cap Tallies 10% Off!!
13-510 CAP TALLY - MARINE-FLIEGER-ABTEILUNG. This is a cap tally for an enlisted man who was assigned to a Marine-Flieger-Abteilung. The tally is black silk. The name of the unit is embossed on it in gold. It is in very good condition. It is always difficult to find cap tallies for naval aviation units. $425.00
13-241 NAVY CAP TALLY FOR SEEFLIEGER ABTEILUNG II. This is a very fine cap tally to an enlisted man who served in Seeflieger Abteilung Nr 2. This would have been for navy seaplanes that were based along the coast of Germany. The black silk tally has the name of the unit embossed in silver. It is in excellent condition. $195.00
13-214 NAVAL CAP TALLY 2. SEEFLIEGER ABTEILUNG 2. This Cap Tally would be for Seeflieger Abteilung II and has silver lettering on the Tally. This would be for Seaplane Squadron #2. Excellent condition. $195.00
13-162 CAP TALLY FOR THE S. M. S. ELASS. The S. M. S. Elass was a battleship built in the early 20th Century. This is a cap tally an enlisted sailor would have worn on his mutze. The name of the vessel is embossed on the tally in gold. It comes full-length, with a card containing information about its ship. $85.00
KP . . .
This is an enlisted man’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Prinz Adalbert. The vessel was a Großer Kreuzer (Heavy Cruiser). She was the lead ship in the Prinz Adalbert Heavy Cruiser Class, and was commissioned in 1904. She was sunk by a British submarine in 1915 (23.10.15.), while attached to the Baltic Fleet. Only three crew members survived. The black silk cap tally measures 38" in length. The vessel’s name is embossed on the tally. It is in very fine condition. $125.00
13-686 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. PRINZ ADALBERT.
This is an enlisted man’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Ostfriesland. She was a Schlachtschiff (Battleship) in the Helgoland Class. She was commissioned in 1911. She served at the Battle of Jutland. After the end of WW I, she was turned over to the Americans. She was used to test the bombing ability of airplanes under the command of General Billy Mitchell. The airplanes sank the S. M. S. Ostfriesland. She became the first battleship to be sunk by bombs from an airplane. [Although it took a while (Billy Mitchell was court martialed from the Army in the interim), airplanes eventually became major weapons. Aircraft carriers were built. Bigger and faster airplanes were developed. Billy Mitchell died in 1936 predicting (correctly) that Pearl Harbor would be attacked (7.12.41.) by the Japanese. In his honor, the medium bomber (B-25) was named the "Mitchell."] The black silk cap tally measures 46" in length. The vessel’s name is embossed on it in silver. It is in very fine condition. $125.00
13-687 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. OSTFRIESLAND.
BA
This is an Enlisted man cap tally for the S. M. S. Rheinland. She was a Schlachtschiff (Battleship) of the Nassau Class. She was commissioned in 1910. She served at the Battle of Jutland. She was scrapped after WW I. The black silk tally measures 44" in length. The vessel’s name is embossed on it in gold. The name is very faint after all these years. $95.00
13-688 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. RHEINLAND.
13-716
ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. HELA. This is a cap tally which was worn
on an enlisted sailor’s mutze from the S. M. S. Hela. The vessel was
commissioned in 1896 as a Light Cruiser. She served in China during the Boxer
Rebellion, 1900-1901. She was refitted in 1910 as a fleet tender. She was sunk
by an English submarine in 1914. The cap tally is made of black silk and
measures 47” in length. The vessel’s name is embossed in gold on its front.
$150.00
13-717
ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. KAISER. This is a cap tally which was
worn on an enlisted sailor’s mutze from the S. M. S. Kaiser. The vessel was a Schlachtschiff (Battleship). It was commissioned in 1912. It was one of
Germany’s more modern battleships. She fought at the Battle of Jutland (Skagerrak).
She was scuttled in 1919 at Scapa Flow. The cap tally is made of black silk and
measures 54 1/4” in length. The vessel’s name is embossed in gold on its front.
This cap tally shows some shredding throughout the whole ribbon. The price has
been adjusted accordingly.
$95.00
This is an enlisted man’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Deutschland. She was the flagship of the fleet until 1913. Kaiser Wilhelm used the S. M. S. Deutschland as his flagship whenever he traveled with the fleet. She was a Linienschiff (Battleship), the lead vessel in the Deutschland Class, which had a total of five ships. She was commissioned in 1906 and served at the Battle of Jutland. She was retired from service during WW I, then used as a floating barracks. She was scrapped in 1922. The cap tally is made of black silk and measures 42" in length. The vessel’s name is embossed on it in gold. The tally is in very fine condition. $125.00
13-689 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. DEUTSCHLAND.
BA
This is an enlisted man’s cap tally for the S. M. S. Friedrich der Grosse. She was a Schlachtschiff (Battleship). She was commissioned in 1912 and served at the Battle of Jutland. She was scuttled at Scapa Flow in 1919. The cap tally is black silk and measures 44 1/2" in length. The vessel’s name is embossed on it in silver. The tally is in very fine condition. $125.00
13-690 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. FRIEDRICH der GROSSE.
This is an enlisted man’s cap tally for the S. M. S. Nassau. She was a Schlachtschiff (Battleship), and the leading ship of the Nassau Class, which totaled six ships. She was commissioned in 1909 and served at the Battle of Jutland where she collided with a British Destroyer! She was scrapped in 1920. The cap tally is black silk and measures 46 1/2" in length. The vessel’s name is embossed on it in gold. The vessel’s name is somewhat faded, but quite clear nevertheless. $95.00
13-691 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. NASSAU.
This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Lothringen. The ship was a Linienschiff, commissioned in 1906. She was a part of the Braunschweig Class, which consisted of five ships. She was obsolete when war broke out in 1914. She performed only minor duties, and was scrapped in 1919. The cap tally is made of black silk and measures 43 1/2" in length. The vessel’s name is embossed in silver. $125.00
13-706 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. LOTHRINGEN.
This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Fuerst (Fürst) Bismarck. This ship was a Großer Kreuzer, the only ship of her class. She was commissioned in 1900 and spent the first nine years of her service attached to the East Asia Squadron. She spent the bulk of WW I performing minor duties and was scrapped in 1919. She had a crew of more than 600 officers and men. The cap tally is made of black silk and measures 47 1/2" in length. The vessel’s name is embossed in gold. $125.00
13-707 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. FUERST BISMARCK.
13-678 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. HANSA.
13-679 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. REGENSBURG.
13-680 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. STRALSUND.
13-427 CAP TALLY FOR XI. HALBFLOTTILLE. This cap tally is for an enlisted sailor who served in XI. Halbflottille (Half Flotilla). This unit was a smaller and more compact flotilla which would most likely have been under the command of a Kapitän zur See or possibly a Konteradmiral. The tally is made of silk and is full length. The legend XI. Halbflottille XI. Is embossed in gilt on the tally. The lettering is somewhat faded from age. $75.00.
13-557 CAP TALLY - S. M. S. KAISERIN AUGUSTA. This is a cap tally for an enlisted sailor who served on the S.M.S. Kaiserin Augusta. The ship was named after the wife of Kaiser Wilhelm II, Augusta Viktoria. The silk tally has the name of the vessel embossed on it in gold. $80.00
$125.00
13-699 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. WETTIN. This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Wettin. The ship was named for the Wettin royal family, who ruled in the Kingdom of Saxony. The ship was a Linienschiff and a part of the Wittelsbach (Bavaria’s ruling family) Class of Battleships. She was commissioned in 1902. Although outmoded when war broke out in 1914, she did see action in the Baltic and North Sea. Later in the war she was used as a floating barracks in Kiel. She was scrapped in 1921. The tally is made of black silk, and measures 59" in length. The vessel’s name is embossed in gold on the cap tally.
KP
This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Mars. The ship was an artillery training vessel in service from 1881-1908. From what I can find, she was scrapped in 1914. The S. M. S. Mars had a crew that ranged between 344 and 474 men. The cap tally is black silk and measures 47" in length. The vessel’s name is embossed in gold on the cap tally. $125.00
13-700 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. MARS.
This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Kaiser Friedrich III. The vessel was the lead of the Kaiser Friedrich III Class of Schlachtschiffs. She was commissioned in 1898. She was used for minor operations during WW I, then converted to a prison ship and a floating barracks. She was scrapped in 1920. The cap tally is made of black silk and measures 45 1/2" in length. The vessel’s name is embossed in silver on the tally. The tally is in very fine condition. $125.00
13-701 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. KAISER FRIEDRICH III.
This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Elass. She was a Linienschiff and a part of the Braunschweig Class of Battleships. She was commissioned in 1904 and was outmoded when WW I began. She did see some service in the Baltic and the North Sea. For much of the war she was used as a training ship. She was scrapped in 1936. The cap tally is made of black silk and measures 45 3/4" in length. The vessel’s name is embossed in gold. It is in very fine condition. $125.00
13-702 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. ELASS.
KP
13-710 CAP TALLY - S. M. S. POMMERN. This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Pommern. It was a Schlachtschiff (Battleship) of the Deutschland Class. A total of five ships was in this class. She was commissioned in 1907, and was sunk at the Battle of Jutland (Skagerrak) in 1916. She suffered 839 casualties. The tally is made of black silk. It measures 46 1/2” in length and has the vessel’s name embossed in gold. $150.00
13-711 CAP TALLY - S. M. S. PREUSSEN. This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Preussen. The S. M. S. Preussen was a Linienschiff (Battleship) of the Braunschweig Class. Five ships were in the class. She was commissioned in 1905. By the beginning of WW I, she was considered obsolete. She was used for coastal defense. Germany was permitted to keep this ship after WW I. She was scrapped in 1931. The black tally is made of silk and measures 34 1/2” in length. This is not a full length tally, the portion to the left of the S.M.S. has been removed. There is only about 2" of fabric remaining. When extended to its full length, the tally is off balance and would not be suitable for mounting on a mutze. We have adjusted the price accordingly. The vessel’s name is embossed in gold. $95.00
13-712 CAP TALLY - S. M. S. KURFUERST FRIEDRICH WILHELM. This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Kurfuerst Friedrich Wilhelm. The ship was a Linienschiff (Battleship) of the Braunschweig Class. A total of five ships was in this class. She was commissioned in 1894. She was sold to Turkey in 1910 and was sunk by a British submarine while under Turkish control in 1915. The tally is made of black silk and measures 46 1/2” in length. The vessel’s name is embossed in gold. $125.00
This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Heimdall. The ship was a Coastal Cruiser. A Coastal Cruiser was a lightly-armored and lightly-armed ship that patrolled coastal waters. She had a total of three 24CM and eight to ten 8.8 guns. She was also armed with torpedo tubes. She was commissioned in 1894. Being outmoded in WW I, she was used as barracks for sailors who served aboard U-Boats. She was scrapped in 1921. The tally is made of black silk and measures 45 3/4" in length. The vessel’s name is embossed in gold, which shows signs of age. $125.00
13-703 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. HEIMDALL.
This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Hannover. The vessel was a Linienschiff, commissioned in 1907. She was a part of the Deutsch Class. She served in the Baltic Fleet during WW I, as she was an outmoded ship. She was scrapped during the period of 1944-1946. The cap tally is made of black silk and measures 43 1/2" in length. The vessel’s name is embossed on it in silver. $125.00
13-692 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. HANNOVER.
$250.00
13-693 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. KAISERIN ELISABETH. This is one of the most unusual cap tallies we have ever offered. Our research into the vessel quickly revealed the reason for its differences from the German cap tallies we usually offer: the S. M. S. Kaiserin Elisabeth was an Austrian ship! She was named for Kaiser Franz Josef’s immensely popular young wife, who was affectionately known as "Sissi." A Protected Cruiser was named after her in 1890. It was a part of the Franz Josef Class of Protected Cruisers. It was not a well-armored ship and saw most of its service in the Orient. It was used in China’s 1900/1901 Boxer Rebellion. It was part of a small flotilla sent by the Austrian government to assist in the Allied Powers military operations against the Boxers. In 1914 she was again stationed in China when WW I broke out. The S. M. S. Kaiserin Elisabeth was used along with German vessels in the defense of the German Protectorate Tsingtao. The colony fell to the Japanese early in WW I. The cap tally is black silk and measures 35 3/4" in length. The vessel’s name is embossed on the tally in subdued gold.
$125.00
13-694 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. ELASS. This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Elass. She was a Linienschiff, part of the Braunschweig Battleship Class. She was commissioned in 1904. As a more outmoded ship, she was assigned to the Baltic Squadron. She was scrapped in 1936. The cap tally is black silk and measures 47" in length. The vessel’s name is embossed on the tally in gold.
13-567 CAP TALLY - S.M.S. SCHWABEN. This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S.M.S. Schwaben. This is NOT a full-length tally. It measures 19" in length. It does, however, show the complete name of the vessel in gold on the black silk material. $60.00
This is an enlisted man’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Kaiser Karl der Grosse. She was a Schlachtschiff (Battleship) of the Kaiser Friedrich III Class, commissioned in 1902. She served in the Baltic Fleet early in the war (the area commanded by Kaiser Wilhelm’s younger brother, Großadmiral Prinz Heinrich). As she was an older ship, she was retired from sea duty. She served as a training ship and a ship where crew were housed. The cap tally measures 45 1/2" in length, and is made of black silk. The vessel’s name is embossed in silver on the silk material. $125.00
13-681 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. KAISER KARL der GROSSE.
13-682 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. CAROLA.
13-683 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. PRINZ
ADALBERT.
13-684 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. KAISER
WILHELM der GROSSE.
This is a cap tally for an enlisted sailor from the S.M.S. Lothringen. It was a Battleship and member of the Braunschweig Class. She served at the Battle of Jutland. The name of the vessel is embossed in gold on a full-length, black silk tally. It is in mint and unused condition. This cap tally comes with its original tissue paper. $95.00
13-577 ENLISTED MAN CAP TALLY - S.M.S. LOTHRINGEN.
This is an enlisted man’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Oldenburg. It was a Schlachtschiff (Battleship) of the Helgoland Class. She was commissioned in 1912, and served at the Battle of Jutland (Skagerrak) in 1916. The cap tally measures 38 3/4" in length. The vessel’s name is embossed in silver on the black silk material. The cap tally is in very fine condition. $115.00
13-649 NAVY CAP TALLY - S. M. S OLDENBURG.
13-650 UNISSUED NAVY CAP TALLY - S. M. S. ARIADINE. This is an unissued cap tally from the S. M. S. Adriadine. She was a Kleiner Kreuzer (Small/Light Cruiser) of the Gazelle Class. She was commissioned in 1901. She was sunk in the early days of the war on 28 August 1914 at Norserny near Helgoland Island. I do not know if she was the first German ship sunk during WW I. She was certainly one of the earliest! This is a full-length cap tally measuring 51" in length. It comes wrapped in the original tissue paper from the sales store. You will not find a cap tally for this vessel in better condition. The vessel’s name is embossed in gold on the cap tally’s black silk. $175.00
13-645 ENLISTED SAILOR’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S.
STUTTGART.
This is a cap tally for the S. M. S. Wettin. The vessel’s name is embossed in silver on the black silk material. The tally measures 47 ½" in length. The S. M. S. Wettin was a Linienschiff (Battleship/Ship-of-the-Line) of the S. M. S. Wittelsbach Class. Wettin was the family name of the Saxon royal family, just as Wittelsbach was the Bavarian ruling family’s and Hohenzollern was the Prussian ruling family’s. The S. M. S. Wettin was commissioned in 1902. The cap tally is in excellent condition. $95.00
13-646 CAP TALLY - S. M. S. WETTIN.
KP
This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Pillau. The vessel’s name is embossed in silver on the black silk material. The tally measures 49 ½" in length. The S. M. S. Pillau was a Kleiner Kreuzer (Small Cruiser), which was commissioned in December 1914. She participated in the Battle of Jutland (Skagerrak) in 1916. This cap tally has never been issued and comes in its original wrapping tissue! Yes, it is MINT! $150.00
13-647 UNISSUED CAP TALLY - S. M. S. PILLAU.
13-588 CAP TALLY - S.M.S. HELGOLAND. This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S.M.S. Helgoland. It was a battleship and the lead ship of the Helgoland Class. She was placed in service in 1911, then scrapped in 1924. The vessel’s name is embossed on the silk tally. It is NOT full-length, measuring 32." It is still fine for display. $60.00
13-620 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY -
S.M.S. HELGOLAND.
This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally for the II. Torpedo-Division. It was a special commemorative cap tally that was issued to the unit’s men for the 25th anniversary of the II. Torpedo-Division’s establishment. It covered the period of 1887 to 1912, as stated on the cap tally. The tally is made of black silk. The information for the Jubilee appears on the tally embossed in gold. The cap tally measures 42 1/2." $80.00
13-621 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - 1887 JUBELFEIER II. TORPEDO-DIVISION 1912.
This is a cap tally for the S.M.S. Rhein. The ship was placed in service in 1867, and removed from active service in 1911. She was used as a school ship for minelayers. This was a relatively small ship with a small crew and thus there are few cap tally's available from it, especially as it was retired from service before the beginning of WW I. The vessel’s name is embossed in gold on the black silk tally. The tally is full-length, but has a repair on the reverse where the tally had been cut in two. It is still fine for display. $65.00
13-589 CAP TALLY - S.M.S. RHEIN.
This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S.M.S. Mecklenburg. It was a battleship of the Wittelsbach Class. She was commissioned in 1903, then scrapped in 1921. The tally is full length. The vessel’s name is embossed in gold on the black silk tally. $60.00
13-590 CAP TALLY - S.M.S. MECKLENBURG.
This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S.M.S. Kaiser Karl der Große. This was a battleship of the Friedrich III Class. She was commissioned in 1902, then scrapped in 1920. This is a full-length tally. The vessel’s name is embossed in silver on the black silk tally. $80.00
13-591 CAP TALLY - S.M.S. KAISER KARL der GROßE.
13-568 CAP TALLY - S.M.S. NASSAU. This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S.M.S. Nassau. This is NOT a full-length tally. It measures 26 3/4" in length. It does, however, show the complete name of the vessel in silver on the black silk material. $80.00
13-661 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. HELGOLAND. This is an enlisted man’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Helgoland. The Helgoland was the lead ship in the Helgoland Class of Schlachtschiffen (Battleships). She was commissioned in 1911, and served at the Battle of Jutland (Skagerrak). The cap tally is made of black silk. The vessel’s name is embossed in silver. $140.00
13-662 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. HEIMDALL. This is an enlisted man’s cap tally for the S. M. S. Heimdall. The Heimdall was a Küstenpanzer (Coastal Defense Ship). She was commissioned in 1894, and was obsolete by the time WW I broke out. She was used as a floating barracks for sailors assigned to U-Boats. The cap tally is made of black silk. The vessel’s name is embossed in gold. This is not a full-length tally. $115.00
13-725 NAVY ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. HOHENZOLLERN. Kaiser Wilhelm’s Imperial yacht was referred to as both the S. M. Y. Hohenzollern and the S. M. S. Hohenzollern. The regal vessel took the Kaiser and his family all over Europe and beyond. Items from her are greatly prized. The black silk tally measures 45 1/2" in length. The vessel’s name is embossed in silver. It is a very rare cap tally. It would display very attractively with a postcard of the yacht. $195.00
This is an enlisted man’s cap tally for the S. M. S. Schwaben. The Schwaben was a Linenschiff (Battleship) commissioned in 1904. She was a part of the Wittelsbach Class. When WW I began in 1914, the ship was outmoded. It was used for assorted fleet training and support missions. The cap tally is made of black silk. The vessel’s name is embossed in gold. The vessel’s name is much lighter than we generally see due to age and use. It measures 47 1/4" in overall length. $115.00
13-663 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S. M. S. SCHWABEN.
13-664 UNISSUED ENLISTED MAN CAP TALLY - S. M. S. SACHSEN. This is an enlisted man’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Sachsen. The Sachsen was a Schlachtschiff (Battleship). She was part of the Bayern Class. She was never commissioned. Work ceased on her some nine months before the end of WW I. She was broken apart in 1921. This tally was never issued. It comes completes with its original packing tissue. The tally is made of black silk, with its vessel’s name embossed in gold. The tally measures 51 ½" in overall length. $160.00
13-665 UNISSUED ENLISTED MAN CAP TALLY - S. M. S. WITTELSBACH. This is an enlisted man’s cap tally for an Enlisted Man from the S. M. S. Wittelsbach. The Wittelsbach was a Linenschiff. It was the leading ship of her (self-named) class, commissioned in 1902. This tally was never issued. It comes complete with its original packing tissue. The tally is made of black silk, with its vessel’s name embossed in gold. The tally measures 49 3/4" in overall length. $160.00
This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Prinz Regent Luitpold. Since Luitpold (the Prinz Regent of Bavaria) was acting in a King’s capacity, he was eligible to have a battleship named after him. The S. M. S. Prinz Regent Luitpold was a part of the "Kaiser" Battleship Class. She was commissioned in 1912, and served at the Battle of Jutland (Skagerrak). She was scuttled at Scapa Flow when the German fleet sailed into the harbor to surrender. The cap tally measures 58 1/2" in length. The vessel’s name is embossed in gold on it. A significant repair (sewn) appears in one portion of the tally, about 3/4" to the right of the "d" in Luitpold. $95.00
13-672 CAP TALLY - S. M. S. PRINZ REGENT LUITPOLD.
This is a cap tally for the S. M. S. Kronprinz. Two vessels used this name. The first was a Panzerfregatte (Armored Frigate) that served from 1867 through 1914. The other was a Linenschiff (Battleship) of the same name, which served from 1914 through 1918. The tally measures 51" in length. The vessel’s name is embossed on it in silver. $125.00
13-673 CAP TALLY - S. M. S. KRONPRINZ.
This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S. M. S. Muenchen (München or Munich). The ship was a Kleiner Kreuzer (Small Cruiser) which was a part of the Bremen Class. She was placed in service in 1905. She served at the Battle of Jutland (Skagerrak). The tally measures 46 1/2" in length. It has a very small tear, about 1/4" in length. The vessel’s name is embossed on it in silver. $125.00
13-674 CAP TALLY - S. M. S. MUENCHEN.
13-566 CAP TALLY - S.M.S. NURENBERG. This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S.M.S. Nurenberg. The vessel was a Heavy Cruiser. The name of the ship is embossed in silver on the black silk of the tally. $80.00
This is a cap tally for an enlisted sailor who served aboard the S.M.S. Württemberg. The vessel was a battleship. The name of the vessel is embossed in gold on the silk ribbon. $90.00
13-554 CAP TALLY - S.M.S. WÜRTTEMBERG.
13-563 CAP TALLY - S.M.S. BRAUNSCHWEIG. This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the S.M.S. Braunschweig. The S.M.S. Braunschweig was a Battleship. She was commissioned in 1904 and scrapped in 1932. The name of the vessel is embossed in silver on the black silk material. $90.00
13-564 CAP TALLY - LINIENSCHIFF ELASS. This is an enlisted sailor’s cap tally from the Linienschiff Elass. The vessel was a Battleship of the Braunschweig Class. It was commissioned in 1904 and scrapped in 1936. The name of the vessel is embossed in gold on the black silk of the tally. $90.00
13-555 CAP TALLY - S.M.S. BRAUNSCHWEIG. This is a cap tally for an enlisted sailor who served on the S.M.S. Braunschweig. The ship was a battleship. The name of the vessel is embossed in gold on the tally. $60.00
This is a cap tally for an enlisted sailor who served aboard the S.M.S. Prinz Adalbert. Adalbert was Kaiser Wilhelm II’s third son, and his only son to serve in the Kaiserliche Marine. The S.M.S. Adalbert was a Heavy Cruiser and one of three in the Prinz Heinrich Class of Heavy Cruisers (Prinz Heinrich was the Kaiser’s younger brother, who became a Großadmiral). This is not a full-length tally. It measures just 20" in length. Even though it is not a full-length cap tally, it is still excellent for display. The vessel’s name is embossed in silver on the black silk. $50.00
13-556 CAP TALLY - S.M.S. PRINZ ADALBERT.
13-604 NAVY CAP TALLY - A. 1. II WERFT=DIVISION. This is an enlisted sailor’s black silk cap tally from the A.1. II. Werft=Division. Embossed in silver on the cap tally is A. 1. II. Werft=Division II. A. 1. The tally measures 45 1/2" in length. It is in very fine condition. $115.00
13-206 NAVY CAP TALLY 1. HALBFLOTTILLE. 1. This yet another cap tally for an enlisted man. The legend of 1.Halbflotille.1. Is in gold. The tally is in very fine condition. $60.00
13-199 CAP TALLY SCHIFFSARTILLERIE=SCHULE. This is an interesting cap tally for an enlisted man in a school for the training of gun crews aboard ships. This is a black silk tally with the name of the school embossed in gold. $60.00
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13-639 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S.M.S. SCHWABEN. This is an enlisted man’s cap tally from the S.M.S. Schwaben. The vessel was a Linienschiff (Ship of the Line/Battleship) of the Wittelsbach Class. She was commissioned in 1904. The cap tally measures 40." It has the name of the vessel embossed on it in silver. The cap tally is in excellent condition. $125.00
13-640 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S.M.S. THUERINGEN. This is an enlisted man’s cap tally from the S.M.S. Thueringen (Thüringen). She was a Schlachtschiff (Battleship) of the Helgoland Class. She was commissioned in 1911. The cap tally is 39 1/2" in length. It has the name of the vessel embossed on it in silver. $125.00
13-641 ENLISTED MAN’S CAP TALLY - S.M.S. POSEN. This is an enlisted man’s cap tally from the S.M.S. Posen. She was a Schlachtschiff (Battleship) of the Nassau Class. She was commissioned in 1910. The cap tally is 46 1/2" in length. It is embossed with the name of the vessel in gold, which has faded. $195.00
13-194 CAP TALLY S.M.S. HELGOLAND. This is a cap tally for an enlisted man who served aboard the S. M. S. Helgoland. The name of the vessel is embossed in gold on the black silk tally. The gold lettering is somewhat faded here, which is why we are pricing it for ten dollars less than the last one we had for this vessel. $65.00...
13-175 CAP TALLY 3. I. WERFT=DIVISION. I. 3. A nicely silver embossed on black silk cap tally for a man in a Werft Division. $75.00. .
13-308 X. HALBFLOTTILLE. X. CAP TALLY. This is a Navy cap tally for X. Halbflottille X. The unit name appears in faded gilt embossing on the tally. $75.00.
13-360 NAVY CAP TALLY FOR 4. II. WERFT = DIVISION. II. 4. This cap tally is for an enlisted sailor to wear on his mutze. It circled the mutze and was tied in the reverse with the two tails hanging down. Here in the U.S. we often refer to such caps with tallies as "Donald Duck" caps. The tallys material is black silk. The description of 4. II. Werft = Division. II. 4. is embossed in silver. It is in very fine condition. $50.00 . .
13-30 NAVY MEDICAL ARMBAND. A very nice Medical Arm Band. It measures 5 ½ x 7" and is black and I would say that it is made of a fine quality cotton. It has double horizontal embroidered stripes that have rows of various colored lines. In between those two stripes is the universally known symbol for medicine of a staff and an intertwined snake. This device is embroidered silver bullion. The entire armband is in excellent condition and would be a wonderful addition to a Naval tunic or just to a general collection. $195.00
01-195 KRIEGSFLAGGE STICKPINS. During my last trip to Germany in July, these Kriegsflagge stickpins proved to be very popular. I was able to locate another supply on this trip and decided to buy them while the buying was good. I am able to offer these for $10.00 each or three for $25.00. .
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All Navy Books Are 10% Off!!
13-113 DER U-BOOT KRIEG by LORD JELLICOE. Another book originally written in English as The Submarine Peril that was translated into German in the 1930's. The author was the noted English Admiral and Commander of the English fleet at The Battle of Jutland, Lord Jellicoe. The book is illustrated and has interesting tables that show the concern and respect that senior Royal Navy admirals had for the threat presented by U-boats. $40.00.
This is a very interesting book. The Seemannshaus was a place for sailors to congregate when not on duty. [During WW II, America’s U.S.O. maintained similar places where soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen spent their off-duty time. Often young women were present as hostesses and talked with the men, to remind them why they were fighting]! This fascinating book has photographs of the houses in various countries (the one in China, for example). Photos of sailors passing their time, and the house interiors are shown. It is a rare, soft-cover book. $150.00
13-611 SEEMANNSHAUS BOOK.
This is a consignment item. It is a German language book on Prinz Heinrich of Prussia’s (1862-1929) life. He was Kaiser Wilhelm II’s younger brother. He served as a Großadmiral in the Kaiserliche Marine. The book was published in 1983. It has many photographs of Heinrich. It is in very fine condition. It comes complete with dust jacket. $25.00
13-612 XJB PRINZ HEINRICH von PREUßEN ADMIRAL UND FLIEGER.
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