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From Their Battlefront at the Battle of Radzymin/Wolomin (Warsaw, Poland, Across the Vistula River) From August 1, 1944 Through August 10, 1944

Battlefield Pick-Up By Locals in the Wolomin Countryside--Hid in a Barn Since The War

SS Runes Single Decal Remnants on M40 Helmet WITH Almost Essentially Intact Metal Helmet Liner

Spectacular battlefield pick-up example of an SS helmet, in beautiful and solid condition, having not only the visible SS runes single decal clearly visible, though worn being on the battlefield and then stored in a barn for decades. It is solidly intact, with essentially ALL of the metal liner INTACT! But it gets even better: the Polish relic hunters who bought this from the old farmer retrieved it from the Wiking SS battlefront for the strategic fighting during the battle of Radzymin, just east of Warsaw, Poland and the Vistula River in early August of 1944. The only SS men in the fight were the 5th SS Wiking Panzer Division, so it makes identification quite easy! The historic battle within this 10-day fight would climax as the largest tank battle to ever be fought within Poland, and known as the Battle of Wolomin.

This battle began as Russian reconnaissance units reached Warsaw in late July, which on August 1, 1944 the Warsaw Uprising started. Starting from an area south of Mińsk Mazowiecki, Lieutenant-General N. D. Vedeneev's 3rd Tank Corps (part of the Soviet Second Tank Army) thrust northwest through Okuniew and Wołomin to Radzymin, reaching an area only three miles (five kilometers) from the strategic bridge over the Narew River at Zegrze.In response to Vedeneev's thrust, the Germans started a tactical counter-attack near Radzymin on July 31. The offensive, carried out by 4 understrength Panzer divisions, was to secure the eastern approaches to Warsaw and Vistula crossings, and aimed to destroy the three tank corps of the Second Tank Army in detail. Under the leadership of German Field Marshal Model, the 4th, 19th, Hermann Göring, and 5th SS Panzer Divisions were concentrated from different areas with their arrival in the area of Wołomin occurring between July 31 and August 1, 1944. Although the 3rd Tank Corps gamely defended the initial assaults of the Hermann Göring and 19th Panzer Divisions, the arrival of the 4th Panzer and 5th SS Panzer Divisions spelled doom for the isolated and outnumbered unit. Already on August 1, the leading elements of the 19th and 5th SS Panzer Divisions, closing from the west and east respectively, met at Okuniew, cutting the 3rd Tank Corps off from the other units of the Second Tank Army. Pressed into the area of Wołomin, the 3rd Tank Corps was pocketed and destroyed on August 3, 1944. Attempts to reach the doomed tank corps by the 8th Guards Tank Corps and the 16th Tank Corps failed, with the 8th Guards Tank Corps taking serious losses in the attempt. Although Model had planned to attack the 8th Guards Tank Corps next, the withdrawal of the 19th and Hermann Göring Panzer Divisions to shore up the German defenses around the Magnuszew bridgehead forced the remaining German forces around Okuniew to go on the defensive. Further combat lasted until August 10, when the Germans finally withdrew. Soviet losses were heavy, but not heavy enough to affect the overall course of their thrust to the vicinity of Warsaw. The 3rd Tank Corps was destroyed, the 8th Guards Tank Corps took heavy losses, and the 16th Tank Corps took significant losses as well. Overall, the Second Tank Army's losses were significant enough that it was withdrawn from the front lines by August 5, 1944.

The SS Wiking Division has a long and storied history to their unit, fighting prowess, and amazing "international" origins. It was the first to be comprised of non-German volunteer soldiers, coming from a myriad of Germanic countries--but outside of Germany--such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Scandinavia, and some Volkdeutch from the Balkans. Many Dutch, Danes, Finns, Walloons, Norwegians, and Flemmings by the thousands would wear the proud cuff bands and collar tabs of the 5th SS Wiking Division. Like all other SS men, their fierce & fearless determination on the battlefield would become legendary to all who heard their name spoken. Their Wiking Panzer Division motto was "Ersten Rein and Letzten raus..." [First in, and last OUT!]

I'll let the helmet do the talking now...it speaks to its own history of battle, sacrifice, loyalty, and honor of young men who would fight "to the last round" in defense of what they believed and held dear (albeit twisted politically by a terrible regime--their deeds were worthy of a better cause). Regardless, the history and story of this helmet and the Wiking who wore it shall endure through the ages--so long as someone is willing to listen.

Inside Showing Original Luftwaffe Blue Paint--But Outside Clearly Painted-Over Feld Grau ("Field Green")

Obvious a Luftwaffe Soldier Who Had To Switch Over Into A Luft Feld Infantry Unit for Ground Combat

Really nice example of a local vet "war trophy" brought back home from 1945, this pretty M35/40 Luftwaffe single decal helmet, with beautiful original Luftwaffe blue paint on the inside--but clear field green overpainted on the outside, as the so meager and diminished German air force had plenty of personnel--but few pilots, and even fewer and fewer plains to fly, so all the ground support and logistical personnel were quickly put into Luft-Feld fighting units to try and stem the overwhelming tide of Allied forces storming from both the east and west in the final year of the war. The decal is still quite visible, and obviously the 2nd version decal. No, no liner inside, but for the price, it's a fantastic display piece to sit out in anyone's war room!

Killer Double-Decal German Luftwaffe 17th Field Division Helmet w/Liner Remnants

Where the Main Remaining Standing German Forces in France Opposing the Allied Advance Were Essentially Wiped-Out, Clearing the Way for Allied Forces Into Paris

Superb recently excavated example of a DOUBLE-DECAL Luftwaffe 17th Field Division helmet, WITH the liner/chin-strap hooks intact (obviously rusty from being in the ground!) This is just another tragic relic of a piece of the most strategic part of the Allied invasion and break-out from the Normandy landings, as German Field Commander General Von Kluge was NOT permitted by Hitler to retreat an inch--but stand, yield no ground, and fight to the last round. The result, of course, would be the predictable--and would do so both in the Eastern and Western Front as Hitler's ignorance and stubbornness clouded all sound military decisions and judgment. The now rapidly reinforced Allied armies of American, Great Britain, Canada, and even Poland (and other nations) brought to bear all their air force superiority, and overwhelming might in manpower and armored/mobile equipment to quickly corner the Germans into a "pocket" around the region with the town of Falaise--which would forever after be known by historians as the "Falaise Pocket". Within this pocket, the continual fighting, shelling, bombing, lack of supply getting to the Germans, and total chaos and confusion of an army in complete disarray was realized, as the last organized and sizeable German land armed forces in France were being--essentially--annihilated. Tales by German survivors of the experience are hair-raising, to say the least. And the French and Polish citizens and soldiers were as equally brutal against the Germans as the Germans had showed them in years prior. Cohesion and organization quickly eroded, and just pockets and remnants of units would make "stands" to fight here and there, as they tried to make a mad-dash to get out of the steel jaws of the Allied trap of the packet...before it was shut completely. This helmet is that of one of the German Luftwaffe 17th Field Division, which had been posted to guard the Atlanta Wall before D-Day, and obviously lost by a wayward soldier in the chaos and destruction of the "Falaise Pocket", that lasted from August 12th through the 24th. The tri-color shield decal is still quite visible, and the Luftwaffe Eagle decal on the other side is visible--but just barely. The helmet does appear to have been painted in camouflage, as the color differentiation is rather unique and given my share of having and seeing excavated specimens, I believe this to be no "optical illusion" from the minor oxidation in the ground--it appears as classic multi-colored frosted camo. Solidly intact--so much so that the helmet liner and chip-strap loops are still present.

A fantastic piece of WWII history, in an operation that truly opened the gates of France and Paris to the Allies...lulling them into the belief that the war would be over by Christmas...but Hitler had one more trick up his sleeve...

Coming Straight on Consignment from His Son, Lee Choate, of Nashville, Tennessee

Offered here are the last remaining items that were brought back home by my good friend's father, 1st Lt. Paul E. Choate, Bronze Star awarded officer with Patton in the European Theater of Operations. There are a myriad of large and small items, so I'll get right down to business explaining what's in the group: first and foremost, one notices the classic Nazi "Industrial/Worker's" swastika flag--the swastika inside of a gear--except Lt. Choate decided to cut-out the red bunting, and keep the geared swastika and all the beautiful silver braided edging. And they kept the enormous flag-pole top--again, the geared swastika that was the top of the flag pole for this flag. As well are several original photo's, taken of German houses where Lt. Choate wrote upon the back of them. One of the pictures of the large estate Lt. Choate writes to explain how the barns in the back were secretly being used for making grenades! And this house is obviously where he took this German manufacturing/industrial flag from! There are a myriad of German Post cards, a 1943-dated German military issue "spork" (knife, fork, spoon) set, some EXCELLENT original pictures of Lt. Choate next to German Luftwaffe airplanes (one is clearly the tail of a fighter--probably an ME-109, the other larger, maybe a JU-88), an original nazi party arm-band, and the very large district flag patches "Drohlshagen" that were probably on the original industrial flag. Pretty cool grouping...and the last of the last. For some history and information regarding Lt. Choate, I give you the words from his son--my friend--Lee Choate:

"My father, 1st Lt. Paul E. Choate, was on French soil very shortly after D-Day, and they were in heavy fighting in towns and he said the hedgerow country was horrible. They were a good bit ahead of the main forces and did a good bit of advanced open-field running & scouting in advance of Gen. Patton's famous open-field running. Then, the Bulge, the Hurtgen Forest (which was hellacious, he said worse than Bulge and lasted all winter) and then going into Germany; and, most of the time, spearheading with his outfit's recon unit. All this and he never got a purple heart. He did get a Bronze Star, something that wasn't handed out in WWII as it has been in later conflicts. He was in an armored car one time and I can't remember it it hit a mine or was hit by mortar, but it was blown to hell and he didn't get a scratch; he went over to it and took his knife and dug shrapnel out of one of the tires and kept it as his Good Luck Piece; I guess it helped. I have it today."

So much history...so many pieces of that history...and not for a lot of money...

The Most EXCELLENTLY FINE Engraved SS Personal Soldier Item/Possession I have EVER SEEN!!!

KILLER SS Totenkopf Engraving, Iron Cross Medal of Valor Engraving w/"1943", and last--and certainly not least--THE Jaw-Dropping Engraving Of His Panzer!!!!

I will begin describing this piece with a warning--it ain't going to be "cheap"--and I don't give a damn if it never sells. I've had it a couple of weeks--debating whether (and why) I would sell such a stunning, most beautiful, most excellent "personal" soldier's item I've ever had the chance to own at a reasonable price--and to be an SS Panzer Officer or Tanker's extremely fine engraved piece at that--with SS Totenkopf, the Iron Cross of Valor being dated "1943", and his Panzer etched into the face...I'm speechless. I love it. How many of these kinds and quality personal soldier items does one get to own--this quality, rarity, and SS??? This piece was just sent from Estonia, so clearly from one of the many SS Panzer Divisions fighting the nightmare of "blood red snow" as the soldier's nicknamed the countryside fighting on the Eastern Front against their most hated Bolshevik Soviet Union foe. Even cooler still (for you WWII "anal" types like me), the tank appears to be an extremely rare variant, document in the most excellent reference book "Encyclopedia of German Tanks of WWII": it is either a Panzerkampfwagen ("Tank") type III with rare variant improvement turret cupola and 75mm main gun (see on page 59, plate 181), or an early transitional Panzerkampfwagen IV. KILLER!!!! In perfect, uncleaned, untouched, ununbroken condition, with excellent copper patina, no damage, no repairs, and you can see the nicotine residue where the Panzer tanker had put his cigarettes on the case and left little "spots" of the nicotine! It measures 4" wide, by 2.75" long, and .75" high.

Good Lord....if this one could just tell all the stories of heroism, hell, heat, cold, blood, sweat, frostbite, desperation, and death surrounding them everywhere all the time...and yet he had his beloved and most prized, fine cigarette case, where he could "smoke 'em if you got them" to relieve the pain, stress, and have a few minutes to take your mind away from the hell surrounding you--or better yet, help keep you awake on guard for the T-34's always wanting to hunt you down!

MINTY German WWII Kriegsmarine Dagger, Sheath, Silver-Threaded Mount/Hangers, & Nice Kriegsmarkine Officer's Coat

Here's a combination that will be an instant "centerpiece" to place on a mannequin, or just positioned in a spot of honor in your display! Not only do you get an intact original Kriegsmarine Officer's Coat, complete with gold sleeve banding and stars, with beautiful full set of the original naval buttons and silver-threaded Eagle & Swastika, but you get the GORGEOUS Eickhorn/Solingen Naval dagger--complete with it's original sheath and silver-threaded mounts/hangers. The dagger is truly "MINTY" in every facet, being untouched, undamaged, uncleaned, with the usual fine blade etching, intact grip, ornately engraved scabbard/sheath, and the original and solidly intact silver-threaded hangers/mounts. Absolutely SUPERB! All coming from an old local central Mississippi family, these GI vet "war trophies" will make for an excellent, and yet quite inexpensive way to have a stunning, eye-catching Kriegsmarine display for you War Room.

EXCELLENT Condition WWII German Wehrmacht Double Decal HELMET -- Still Visible Decals, and Vast Amounts of Original "Feld Grun" Paint!!!!

An outstanding recently-dug Wehrmacht double-decal helmet, found within the Radzymin battleground area, where German Panzer, SS, Hermann Göring, and other divisions tried to stem the flood assault by the Russians to take the strategic bridge over the Narew River--natural defensive barrier to keep the Russians back. The helmet is still in amazingly beautiful, solid condition--obviously, if so much original "feld grun" ("field green") paint AND decals remaining visible! The Eagle decal is so nicely visible, despite over 60+ years on the ground and enduring all the horrific fighting it went through. The Wehrmacht tri-colored shirld is also seen, but ground action has made it feint. Again, it is completely SOLID and STABLE--no damage at all, and no rust-through or weak points--this baby is TIGHT!

After the Russian reconnaissance units reached Warsaw in late July, on August 1, 1944 the Warsaw Uprising started. Starting from an area south of Minsk Mazowiecki, Lieutenant-General N. D. Vedeneev's 3rd Tank Corps (part of the Soviet Second Tank Army) thrust northwest through Okuniew and Wolomin to Radzymin, reaching an area only three miles (five kilometers) from the strategic bridge over the Narew River at Zegrze.In response to Vedeneev's thrust, the Germans started a tactical counter-attack near Radzymin on July 31. The offensive, carried out by 4 understrength Panzer divisions, was to secure the eastern approaches to Warsaw and Vistula crossings, and aimed to destroy the three tank corps of the Second Tank Army in detail. Under the leadership of German Field Marshal Model, the 4th, 19th, Hermann Göring, and 5th SS Panzer Divisions were concentrated from different areas with their arrival in the area of Wolomin occurring between July 31 and August 1, 1944. Although the 3rd Tank Corps gamely defended the initial assaults of the Hermann Göring and 19th Panzer Divisions, the arrival of the 4th Panzer and 5th SS Panzer Divisions spelled doom for the isolated and outnumbered unit. Already on August 1, the leading elements of the 19th and 5th SS Panzer Divisions, closing from the west and east respectively, met at Okuniew, cutting the 3rd Tank Corps off from the other units of the Second Tank Army. Pressed into the area of Wolomin, the 3rd Tank Corps was pocketed and destroyed on August 3, 1944. Attempts to reach the doomed tank corps by the 8th Guards Tank Corps and the 16th Tank Corps failed, with the 8th Guards Tank Corps taking serious losses in the attempt. Although Model had planned to attack the 8th Guards Tank Corps next, the withdrawal of the 19th and Hermann Göring Panzer Divisions to shore up the German defenses around the Magnuszew bridgehead forced the remaining German forces around Okuniew to go on the defensive. For unknown reasons, on August 2, 1944 all armies that were to assault Warsa w had their orders changed. The 28th, 47th and 65th Armies were ordered to turn northwards and seize the undefended town of Wyszków and the Liwiec river line. The 2nd Tank Army was left in place and had to fight the Germans alone, without support of the infantry. Also, 69th Army was ordered to stop while the 8th Guards Army under Vasily Chuikov was ordered to halt the assault and await a German attack from the direction of Garwolin. Further combat lasted until August 10, when the Germans finally withdrew. Soviet losses were heavy, but not heavy enough to affect the overall course of their thrust to the vicinity of Warsaw. The 3rd Tank Corps was destroyed, the 8th Guards Tank Corps took heavy losses, and the 16th Tank Corps took significant losses as well. Overall, the Second Tank Army's losses were significant enough that it was withdrawn from the front lines by August 5, 1944.

CRISP RZM & SS Markings on Back -- Intact Attachment Tines -- Gorgeous Original Bright Finish

Didn't get that perfect "stocking-stuffer" under your "Tannenbaum"? Well, get your own perfect little gift! This absolutely MINT original SS hat pit, complete with the tight, intact attachment tines on the back, CRISP and VIVIDLY CLEAR RZM and SS markings upon the back, and a perfect, seemingly "unissued" look, since the original bright finish and patina are intact. Brought home by a local vet as a small "war trophy" (and you KNOW how our boys wanted ANYTHING SS as a trophy from their most hated foe), this little gem is simply PERFECT in every way! No cracks, no dings, no repairs, and not a single blemish anywhere! Won't find one better--EVER. Only the best, from Champion Hill Relics to you!

Here's something to put under your "Tannenbaum"! This one will be a nice "Frolische Weinachten" present to ANY WWII German collector! Brought home as a "war trophy" souvenir by a returning GI, this killer-cool original SS ink document official seal stamper. It measures 2" wide by 1.74" high. Obviously in quite good condition, but clearly WELL used by some SS "paper-pusher"! As you can tell, it used a LOT of "blood-red" ink on many documents. Under these official SS seals stamped on every order or correspondence, the lives of over 6 million civilians were killed behind this seal.

How many of THESE do you get to see for sale!? A really unique, very historical, and of course, with those magical "runes" that makes every WWII collector get weak in his knees....SS!

Pre-War (Circa-1900) Production, w/Maker's Marks on both sides of the Handle Spine

Yeah, everybody calls them "Samurai swords"--and indeed, they are simply modern versions of the tradition Japanese Samurai swords of centuries past--which the new Military leadership and Emperor Hirohito of Japan wanted to evoke with their countrymen at the turn of the 20th Century. The Bushido code of the old Samurai would again be reinstated for Japan's military. But these are technically not "Samurai" swords--they are "Shin-Gunto" (or "New Military") Katana swords, made for the Japanese military at the turn of the 20th Century, and made through until the very bitter end of WWII. This is a very early version of the Shin-Gunto, being appraised by both our local Japanese sword export, Bill Watson, and Brian Akins of Akins Arsenal, as being 100% original, untouched, and not your wartime-produced specimens (where quality and materials to make them became poorer). This one appears to be a circa-1900 produced specimen, and has the Japanese maker's marks on both sides of the spine of the handle on the blade (see pictures below). One can send away and pay to have the maker's marks deciphered, and you will KNOW who the specific sword maker was! But we leave that up to the future owner. The beautiful floral/Chrysanthemum designs and motifs (the Chrysanthemum being the symbol of the Emperor himself) adorn this gorgeous beauty both on the handle, the small guard, and the scabbard. No damage--no repairs--NO MONKEY-BUSINESS. Most of the "Samurai" swords being sold out there as "original" are indeed as FAKE as they come. This was a local Pacific vet's "war trophy" he brought back home, and again, after thorough examination, you may buy with 100% confidence that this is 100% the "real deal".

Check around at the prices on other WWII websites, and you'll see what a BARGAIN you are getting! I see them starting at $1200, and as high as $2000 for similar WWII Japanese Officer Katana's...

Included Are An Original EARLY PATTERN "Totenkopf" ("Death's Head) SS Pin and SS Buckle,

Luftwaffe Gold Leaf Foil Application, Luftwaffe Silver-Braided Patch, Regimental Button, Pins, Stamps

"The Furhrer's War At Sea" Booklet, AND an Original Picture of Lt. Choate While On Campaign!

Coming Straight on Consignment from His Son, Lee Choate, of Nashville, Tennessee

Every day, the remaining "roll call" of the "greatest generation" is thinning-out. Like the marches into combat and on to victory, so too does time "march on". But we have those rare opportunities to obtain and treasure pieces of that most cataclysmic time of ALL human history...especially so, when it comes with full provenance from the son of the very father who fought, survived, and brought home these "war trophies" and mementoes from that hell they endured. 1st Lt. Paul E. Choate would be awarded the Bronze Star for his actions and bravery, being in a recon unit in none-other than Patton's 3rd Army in the liberation of Europe. Amongst many other items that be brought home, he brought this very nice grouping we have assembled together. Topping it right off is a KILLER, early pattern "Totenkopf" ("Death's Head") SS pin, with classic SS belt buckle, reading, "Meine Ehre Heisst Treue!" (translated into "My Honor Remains True!"). There's a gorgeous gold-leaf foil application in PERFECT condition (well-protected in plastic protector), a really cool "Furhrer's War at Sea" booklet (pocket-sized!) with each page having a picture of a ship, or U-Boat, or describing a battle, etc. There are multiple Nazi stamps, a regimental "10" uniform button, several "soldat" medals, Naval medal, pins, and even a 1919 half-Mark coin. One great original "in-the-field" photograph of Lt. Choate in his recon Jeep (the other picture of him sitting in a slit trench with a great German helmet in the shot will be for sale VERY SOON WITH THAT HELMET!! I'm showing the picture as a "teaser"!) And a very beautiful silver-braided Luftwaffe patch. With a few more "odds and ends" Nazi stuff, it's really a cool grouping! And for a little more info about Bronze Star-awarded Lt. Choate, I give you a brief synopsis explained by his son:

So much history...so many pieces of that history...and not for a lot of money...

Classic Nazi High Party Official, State "Order" Police, and SS-Used Wedding Band

For those within the Reich of high rank, party affiliation, or within one of the Reich's top Police/Order organizations (including the SS), they were allowed to wear this privately-made silver-smithed NSDAP wedding band. This original silver beauty has all the clear detail of its oak leaves and Swastika's--as nice as the day it was smithed. I can't remember my wedding finger size, but it fits my wedding finger perfectly! So it's neither "small" nor "fat"--just right. No damage, dings, warping, or cleaning--it's completely untouched, just as it was brought back over here after the war. Even better is that this piece was personally shown to a German veteran of the 10th SS a couple months ago, who recognized the design, and said it was not uncommon for SS men to have this very style ring as their wedding band. This is a consignment piece, and to the BUYER ALONE will the current owner be revealed (which has a tie to the 10th SS German veteran! You've got to buy it to know about who is selling this--you can call him and talk to the owner himself! Hint: this is "museum quality"...)

From the Hedgerow & North Woods Fighting North of Carantan -- Made Famous by "Band of Brothers"

Where the 501st and 2nd Armored Finally Blunted the German Counter-Attack -- "Battle of the Bloody Gulch"

Yes sir--it's the real deal, and the real history! My good buddy has one for sale as well from the same location (he's got a GREAT European "connection" getting the cool dug stuff from over there these days!). The one I have does have two great facets going for it--the fact that the majority of the helmet liner is INTACT, despite the years of being in the ground and only recently excavated! Not only the liner metal banding, but mush of the LEATHER ITSELF remains, including a small piece of the brim strap! Better yet, most of the original "feld grau" (German military "field green" paint) is still over almost the entire helmet, with only the most minor pitting or staining that has faded the paint. You've all probably seen "Band of Brothers" about as many (20+) times as I have, and know about Carentan as well as I do. Obviously, "Easy Company" of the 501st wasn't the only company or regiment involved with the fighting to take and hold Carentan. The town was defended by 6th Parachute Regiment (Fallschirmjager), with scattered remnants of Ost Feld (Eastern Front) Battalions (that were both either retreating from the beach-area fighting, or sent up to Carantan to help the Fallschirmjageren holding the strategic town. Though the "Band of Brothers" movie (most excellent and accurate in its graphic detail) makes it appear as if the Germans were easily swept out of the town, the reality is that it was a very hard-fought street-to-street, house-to-house fighting, and only after running so low of ammunition (daily Allied air superiority assured that the Germans would never get the supplies and equipment they needed when they needed it) did the Germans wisely "skedaddle" out of there (despite the ever-present bewildering Hitler orders for all troops to FIGHT to the last round and NEVER retreat, regardless). The 17th SS was finally released by Hitler (no SS units were allowed to be moved or engaged without his personal order, approval, and direction) and delayed by fuel shortage, and with the 17th SS Panzergrenadier Division, 37th Panzergrenadier Regiment, with the survivors from the recently abandoned Carentan, would finally launch their counter-attack against the 501st in the hedgerows and woods north of the town. As depicted well in the "Band of Brothers," the 17th SS was starting their usual "Kick Some Ass" routine, routing some elements of the 501st, and by all appearances, it looked as though the 17th SS with their Fallschirmjager and Ost Battalion "Kameraden" were going to end back up in Carentan.....until the US 2nd armored and elements of the US 502nd arrived to save the day for the 501st! Despite the quality of the German troops, their high morale, and excellent armor, the sheer numbers of Sherman Tanks ("Tommy-cookers") was still too much for the 17th SS to risk being surrounded and obliterated. This battle on June 13, 1944 would become known to the Americans as the "Battle of the Bloody Gulch". Thus, Carentan would forever remain in Allied control.

Or you can even watch the full 8 minutes of the "Band of Brothers" German Counter-Attack-- where this Helmet was recovered-- by clicking on the blue link below

Really Nice Heer's (Army) Eagle Decal, Complete w/Original Liner, Nice "feld Grau" Remnants (with some patina)

Boy, aren't German helmets just getting harder and harder to find--especially those that have any decals remaining, or haven't been FAKED or "monkeyed-with"! And their prices and values? Just keep going up and up. Here's a fantastic "war trophy" brought back from the War by a local Mississippi soldier and stowed away for years--clearly in a good place where water, sunlight, or CHILDREN playing "war" didn't get at it to ruin it!!!! The helmet is 100% intact and 100% original. The original liner is firmly in-place and intact--excepting for the draw-string on the very inside of the helmet where the flaps would be adjusted by the soldier to fit his head "just right". And what I have come to "theorize"--based upon the fact I keep seeing so many with that draw-string missing on really nice helmets--is that the "Gerries" removed it on purpose (for whatever reason). Regardless, you can use any hemp rope, leather tie-string, etc, and put it in there, if it makes you "feel good". Personally (again, given that I see so many missing them anyway), I like it untouched the way the GI brought it back from Germany off the dead German soldier's head! You can read the manufacturing markings "S" over "5213" stamping on the back inside brim of the helmet. Great "feld Grau" ("field green" German army color for everything) remnants, with the mixed patina of time over 60 years sitting in a closet or attic, but no active oxidation, NO DAMAGE, NO REPAIRS, and NO APOLOGIES. The Heer's or Wehrmacht ("Army") decal is 100% authentic (BEWARE OF FAKES EVERYWHERE OUT THERE!) and still very nice with little wear, scratching, or loss.

WWII-Era Stromberg Model for the Wright 1820 9 Cylinder Air-Cooled Radial Engine

It is a Stromberg downdraft model for the Wright 1820 9 cylinder air cooled radial engine. The 1820 was used on the B -17, DC -3, T-28, and the Grumman Wildcat , [among others ], which is what the wood crate is marked. By the way, it was also used on the M 6 tank which had a radial engine !! It's a big massive thing, about 20 inches high and wide. I could get exact measurements if necessary. It was flight planned for between 60 and 80 gallons an hour through that carb. throat--and at the price of a gallon now, that would
cost some dinero! It is aluminum or magnesium, so it does not weigh all that much.

If any of you happen to have one of the abovementioned aircraft--or M 6 TANK!--we can't guarantee that they could bolt it onto
their plane and fly off with it !! But you can make it happen with enough elbow grease and parts--oh yeah, and the plane or tank for it!

"Minty" Unissued Condition M1A1 30 Cal. Carbine

1944 WWII Production Serial Number 5863357

(Semi-Automatic Model)

"Saginaw S.G. Division General Motors" Made Piece - Complete, All-Original, Untouched

Clear Cartouches, Stampings, Markings, w/Original Sling and Carry Bag (maker-marked and "1943" Dated)

Well, instead of waiting for the next Gun Show in town, or paying to advertise in magazines to sell, I'll just list if here! And it IS PERFECTLY LEGAL (given the "Firearms Owner's Protection Act" of 1986, aka "McClure-Volkmer Act). This is a personal firearm out of my personal collection of many years, and I figure it's time to let someone else enjoy it's beauty and WWII history.

This M1A1 carbine is the earlier model version (semi-automatic) with the better adjustable rear sight. Everything on it is original, right down to the bayonet lug, sling, and cloth case. All markings crystal clear on the metal, from the serial number to the Saginaw General Motors markings. Plethora of other sub-markings on the metal, and multitude of Ithica and other US armory/inspector/etc cartouches on the stock. I truly don't think this was ever issued--or if it was, it sat in a crate unopened. At worst, if it was issued, it was issued states-side, as it simply is in such FINE condition. I don't think it's ever been fired (except the test rounds after assembly in inspection at the manufacturing plant). Great and untouched original finish to both the stock and metal everywhere. Nary a scratch anywhere. The sock for it is maker-marked and dated "1943." We know--thanks to the Springfield Research System database of serial numbers (and you thought SRS was only for Civil War guns!!!) that it was an early 1944 production piece. Original clip with it, of course. I bought a few extra 30-round modern clips and ammo (damn, if it ain't near impossible to find new .30 cal carbine ammo ANYWHERE for sale at ANY price!)

Regardless of your political affiliation, with the election of Obama, the sales of guns of every age and type has skyrocketed, due to the almost inevitable tightened gun restrictions to come. Handguns and "assault rifles" are always in the "cross-hairs" of bans and/or tighter restrictions. Thus, prices have also skyrocketed--and supply has dwindled significantly. Heck, at this price, this historic piece of WWII history is cheaper than BRAND NEW semi-automatic rifles and carbines! Don't believe me? Take a look yourself. And this baby can still defend it's owner as well today as the day it was made--so double investment opportunity and value!

It's perfectly legal under the "Firearms Owner's Protection Act" of 1986 (aka the "McClure-Volkmer" Act) for me to sell a piece from my personal firearm collection to you. I have to ship this weapon to someone near you who has an FFL. He will have to fax/send me a copy of his FFL, thus ensuring that he has run the appropriate required checks that you are "legal" (right age, etc) to purchase this piece. The "law" is the LAW! Otherwise, if you are a local guy, I'll see you at the upcoming show this weekend!

SOLD

Multiple 20mm Messerschmitt Cannon Blasts Riddling the Canopy, and Clearly, It's British Pilot

From A Downed Spitfire in the Battle of Britain 1940 -- Coming Out Of The Mike Miner Collection

This profound and graphic piece of World War II history bespeaks of the courage and sacrifice made by ardent men during the most desperate, but "finest hour" of human history, as the British people fought against the German Luftwaffe bombing campaign in the Battle of Britain 1940. It is a vivid testimonial to the ultimate price paid to defend freedom and liberty of a democratic people against tyranny. Clearly, this British pilot did not survive the 20mm Messerschmitt cannon blasts from his German foe. But Britain, her people, and freedom prevailed in the end, thanks to those who were willingly to fight and die. That is war, regardless of the age. That is what this piece represents. Indeed, the rarity of finding an original Spitfire canopy intact from World War II is virtually impossible, and the price to acquire one would be staggering. But this phenomenal and vivid piece of history offered here is truly priceless--much like the life of the pilot who perished beneath this canopy. For the cost of a mere dug Confederate belt buckle, I could not let this one pass by me. Now, I'll let someone else have the distinct honor of preserving this irreplaceable piece of human history and stark reminder of the sacrifice made by a free people. It was worthy of one of the finest and most valuable private collections in the world (the late Mike Miner), and it now can be yours.

Shipping cost and/or delivery arrangements must be made between myself and the buyer. It is approximately 4' long, by 2' wide, and 16" high. It does include the original cockpit mirror, as well.

Direct From the "Stars And Stripes" Museum -- Owned By Curator Paul Arnold, & Now Sold To The Open Market

Great Leutnant Rank Shoulder Boards, Collar Insignia, and Stadt Polizei Arm Patch

Fresh to the market--straight from the Museum! Looks like Champion Hill Relics may be emptying-out a lot of museums around this country! But I've just got to have true "museum-quality" items to offer my loyal and dedicated clients....and I aim to please. This piece was brought-back home by a GI in Missouri as a war trophy, and originally came with the Lt's Polizei helmet (which I sold a few months back in April). Well, Paul's having a new baby on the way, so he let this beauty finally out of his clutches. As Curator for the "Stars and Stripes" Museum, he had put this and other of his personal collection pieces on display to "beef-up" their collection. But their loss is YOUR GAIN. Beautiful State Polizei/Order "Leutnant's" officer dress tunic, complete with his excellent rank shoulder boards, his collar tabs, and his silver embroidered State Polizei/Order patch on his arm. All the buttons are solidly present, and the piece is very nice, as you can tell in the photo's below. Retains great color and contrast, especially with the trim colors. Shows clear wear from the officer's usage--that good "honest wear" to prove some Nazi sweated and worked hard for the Fatherland wearing this one!

Excellent, and once again (broken record) museum-quality piece that a WWII collector can afford.

Below Is The "Minty" Condition Polizei Helmet that was originally with this uniform

100% Reproduction but Authentic "To-Spec", NON-Firing, Plastic Barrel, Faux Bakelite & w/Repro Metal Parts

The Affordable, 100% Legal, Fully-Functional Piece Perfect For Your Weapons Display

Here's your chance to have the most affordable, and arguably most iconic German WWII weapon ever produced. Don't be a "dummy" and pay thousands for a "de-mil'ed" MP40--which can STILL get you in very hot water with the ATF--when you can do the smart and affordable option of a meticulously authentic reproduction piece that fully ensures it is a "dummy" submachine gun...but will FOOL ANYONE WHO WALKS IN YOUR WAR ROOM TO SEE IT! Strap this beauty on the real "dummy"--the mannequin in your display room with his SS field gear and smock, and it makes for the most killer final touch that truly brings the display to life. The folding stock is fully-functional, folding in and out, locking in and out just as the original dig. The receiver and bolt are all plastic, and again (even the safety feature of the cocking mechanism) and everything is fully-functional. Even the bolt assembly can be cocked, and fired by the trigger, of course! The barrel is plastic and solid--nothing in any way could ever possibly be altered to ever even fire a spitwad or BB, so when everyone who see's it and freaks out thinking you've got a real MP40 submachine gun, you can calmly tell them, "It's a dummy....DUMMY!" Only a few metal parts and pieces so that it adds realistic weight and feel to it--just splendid. Clip also operates perfectly--and is metal with solid plastic innards--again, NOT a real clip. Exacting authenticity to size, design, and attributes were paid to even the slightest detail--right down to the flip-up leaf sights. Has great looking correct-style markings of "MP 40 ayf 40 MARUSHIN". Though Hugo Schmeisser was indeed a revolutionary German weapons designer for decades, it was actually Chief Engineer Heinrich Vollmer who is responsible for the development of the MP40. It was Schmeisser's clip made for the MP40--bearing his name as the maker's mark on the clip--that led to so many Tommy's and GI's to nickname it the "Schmeisser". A lot of Germans actually nicknamed them "Spandau's" since a majority of them were made by the Spandau production facility and marked as such. Regardless, not only did the Germans simply adore the MP40, every single enemy nation and army respected them so much that they often carried and used captured specimens.

A real "de-wad" Schmeisser costs thousands. A REAL-real Schmeisser for you appropriately licensed owners out there cost around $10,000+. You can spend a mere tiny fraction of the cost, and 5 feet away, THEY WON'T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE! So who's the real "dummy"???

Even "proper Englishmen" gave the unyielding respect deserved to the excellent MP40 German submachine gun, as displayed in the picture below of Brits in the Normandy Invasion

Hand-Sewn German WWII Nazi "Blood" Flag & Silk WWII Imperial Japanese "Meatball" Flag

You got to love the old veteran souvenirs they brought home. They all wanted a flag from their enemy as a trophy to bear, remembering those heady days of combat and suffering. Offered here are two flags collected by a veteran near Charleston, South Carolina. One is your classic Imperial Japanese silk "Meatball" flag (as the GI's came to call it). It measures 30" by 25", has the two tie-on original flag-staff attachments intact, and the expected few stains and couple of moth holes. The other is a really neat hand-sewn/hand-made German "Blood" Flag (as Hitler called it), measuring 23" by 16". It is made of a course cotton, and still has excellent hand-stitching. Has all the earmarks of being a goofy Jap-made flag, being that the Swastika is backwards! They were close allies as the Axis powers.

Two original, truly iconic flags of all World War II. Who the heck doesn't want these two at this price?

Excellent Excavated Luftwaffe Combat Field Division Helmet From Normandy (British Sector)

w/Remnants of Liner, Luftwaffe Feldblau (Blue) Shell Paint, & Luftwaffe Eagle Decal

From the Defensive Positions of the 16th Luftwaffe Field Division Along the Atlantic Wall (Fighting Against British Forces Landing at Normandy)

Straight from the museum-like collection of the late Mike Miner comes this fantastic Luftwaffe Field Division excavated helmet, having ample remnants of the original blue Luftwaffe shell paint, as well as some of the eagle decal and helmet liner. It was dug along the beachhead area of the British sector, which were manned and defended (with other Wehrmacht elements) by several units from the 16th Luftwaffe Field Division. As the massive all-fronts war was taking it's drastic toll on fighting manpower for the Wehrmacht, the large pool of service personnel within Hermann Goring's air force--now facing a lot of inactivity due to a great shortage of aircraft to service--were quickly formed into replacement "Field Divisions" for combat service to replenish the vast gaps forming in the Heer's (Army) lines around the fronts. Luftwaffe combat divisions made from air force personnel would reach numbers of around 300,000 combat soldiers utilized by the Heer. They would fight in hard-fought bloody battles and campaigns, such as the Western Front (starting at Normandy), the Eastern Front, and in Italy. The first Luftwaffe Field Division soldiers to see ground warfare on the Western Front were from the 16th Luftwaffe Field Division, manning the Atlantic Wall within the British sector of landings (some British pictures, such as the one below, show captured Luft Field Division members of the 16th). This helmet was purchased by Mike Miner years ago while visiting the Normandy area, found locally there in the British sector, and brought home for his personal collection. The helmet is clearly in very good excavated condition, being a solid helmet (no rusted-through spots, no holes, damage, bends, or detracting condition features whatsoever.) Sturdy, beautiful, and the kind of perfect "dug" look that will make a great display piece. It has ample amounts of remaining Field Blau (regulation Luftwaffe blue) shell paint to show it's original appearance, has rusting fragments of the helmet liner intact, and you can see ghostly remnants of the Luftwaffe eagle decal on the side. Luftwaffe Field Division combat soldiers simply went to the front with their standard Luftwaffe uniforms (again, the Feld Blau), and were noticeably picked out by their adversaries. As the myriad of supply records show--as well as the plethora of original images--they would continue to do so until the very end of the war, given the supply problems. Though some units in the east and in Italy would be more transformed into the Heer's uniform and equipage, most would fight until the very end in their Luftwaffe uniforms.

Like the ID'ed SS helmet I just sold recently, I have to ask you: how much would an ID'ed and non-dug Luftwaffe Combat Field Division helmet run you? Well, this fantastic dug specimen will cost you so much less. They aren't getting any cheaper, my friends. And they are only being excavated in ever worse conditions of degradation. Good luck finding another specimen, especially at this price...

SOLD

Phenomenal Dug SS Helmet, Exclusively ID'ed to the 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Brigade Nederland

Dug Recently by Latvian WWII Relics Hunters at the Blood-Bath Battle of the Tannenburg Line (Narva, Estonia)

Found In the Entrenchments Where Most of this Famous Dutch SS Brigade was Annihilated

Clear SS 2nd-Pattern Decal, Around Half of the Original Feld-Grau Shell Paint Intact, and Intact Helmet Liner Ring

How much does a non-dug original SS helmet cost? Now...how much would it cost for a 100% identifiable SS Nederland (the rare Dutch SS contingent) helmet cost? Well, you can bet this excellent dug specimen will only be a FRACTION of what you'd pay for a non-dug one! To me, I'd rather have a freshly dug one right off the Tannenburg blood-bath battlelines any day of the week, regardless of the cost. If you know your WWII history of the Narva bridgehead area, and most importantly, the Tannenburg Line around Grenadier Hill where this helmet was dug last year, then you know the helmet is exclusively ID'ed to the 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Brigade Nederland contingent. A group of dedicated Latvian relic hunters just recently unearthed this beautiful SS helmet around Grenadier Hill on the Tannenburg Line last year. What's so remarkable about this helmet is not only the fascinating history, 100% identification to the Dutch SS Brigade, but the beautiful dug condition of this helmet. Over half of the original feld-grau shell paint is present (take it out in the sunlight, and you'll see!) Of course, the 2nd pattern SS decal is still quite visible despite being outside and underground for over 60 years. Best of all, the inner liner ring is STILL THERE!!! No damage, holes, or weak spots on this beautiful helmet--none whatsoever.

Here's a little history about the famous Dutch SS unit and men who fought and bled so dearly for the Fatherland: the Dutch quickly offered-up volunteers for service to the Reich, led by their former Dutch Army Chief of Staff Lt. General H. A. Sayffardt in August, 1941. As usual to SS units, their own SS identification sleeve shield was formed, as well as their own special symbol/pennant of the "Wolf Hook", and their own independent identity as the "Freiwilligen Legion Niederlande" (Dutch Volunteer Legion). In 1942, these men would suffer over 80% casualties in their first fighting campaign on the Volkhov Front, in the vicinity of Gusi-Gova (Lake Ilmen, Leningrad). After being nearly destroyed, they were withdrawn to Germany for rest, re-equipping, and reinforcement with new volunteers and conscripts. Forming with 2nd SS (motorized) Infantry Brigade composed of Dutch, Flemish, and Latvian soldiers later in 1942, the Legion would serve again on the Leningrad Front. In early 1943, the Legion was officially disbanded, and spread around to form new SS organizations. Among them was the 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Brigade, comprising of veteran original Legionnaires and many more volunteers from the old Nordland Regiment. Two regiments formed the 4th SS: the "General Seyffardt" and "De-Ruyter" (named after the 17th Century Dutch Admiral and Dutch military legend). By early 1944, the 4th SS would be fighting yet again in the Leningrad Front, only to begin the terrible backward degradation and disintegration of the German eastern front. After horrific fighting, they would pull back to the Oranienbaum front, and then farther to the Luga River, crossing in a blinding blizzard, and later establishing the stronghold formation upon three commanding hills in the Tannenburg Line. It would be here on the Tannenburg Line that the Nederlanders would be virtually annihilated while trying to hold-back the Bolshevik oncoming horde, as human waves of Russian attacks would overrun their position. Though the scattered survivors would only face more death and defeat, their real fate was already met on Grenadier Hill of the Tannenburg Line.

Given the 100% exclusive ID by the location found, and the history of their over 80% death rate on the Tannenburg Line, you can bet the Dutch SS soldat that wore this helmet is probably still on that hill today. Like I said--I'd rather have a dug helmet than a non-dug. Why? Because this helmet was lost in 1944 by a young Dutch SS soldier from a famous SS unit, almost certainly met death there wearing this helmet, and a group of Latvians just found it with metal detectors last year--coming out of the cold ground where it lay undisturbed for over 60 years.

This is real history--entombed since 1944. It'll tell you a story about sacrifice and courage beyond equal--regardless of "politics". Study the Eastern Front warfare, especially focusing on the sheer determination that the SS units fought to the "last round," and you'll start to understand the SS creed...

"Meine Ehre Heisst Treue"

SOLD

Dutch SS Recruitment Poster (left) and the iconic German SS Poster (right)

Click On Thumbnails Below For More Pictures

SS Panzer Grenadiers Forming for a Counter-Attack in 1944

Civil War collectors like relics that sing "Dixie"...

WWII collectors like relics that sing "Erika"....

Click on the You Tube Video Link below, and you'll understand...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_99uOQtynrM

Stunning Bullet-riddled Ju 88 German Bomber Propeller "Spinner" (4 British Spitfire .303 Cal. Bullet Holes)

Taken From Stab/KG30 Junkers Ju 88A-1 (274) Shot & Forced To Land Around 6pm September 9th, 1940 (Battle of Britain)

You won't even see complete German aircraft pieces for sale, let alone with bullet holes, full identification and provenance. Only at the large international museums will you see them. Or you can simply buy this one and place it in your own hallowed "war room"...

Modern Artist Print of a Ju 88 in-flight during a bombing run...you get a good look at the spinners in this print

A good local friend of mine is letting go of some of his WWII items he had on his German Luftwaffe display mannequin, so we're offering them to you. One is a really nice condition Luftwaffe "bread bag" with clear makers-mark inked oval. Everything is original and untouched. One of the small inner leather closure flaps is broken off, but is otherwise complete. It has stunning original Luftwaffe blue color to the entire piece, as you can see in the pics below. The German WWII classic canteen and cup combo has the clear "Patent Ritter" mark, and everything is original, in good condition, and complete with no breaks, tears, or issues at all. It even has some initials and a last name (German) carved on the cup! Really inexpensive and easy way to add some original German pieces to display.

Our boys enjoyed bringing back any souvenir they could, and we sure appreciate them bringing these kinds of "trophies" back home for us today! This is a classic Luftwaffe helmet that was brought home by a local Mississippi vet. It is clearly a well-used helmet taken in the field, with the Luftwaffe blue paint that has the usual scratches and fading. There are no dents or damage to the helmet, and no repairs or replacement pieces whatsoever on this helmet anywhere. The Luftwaffe eagle is still quite distinct despite the wear and fading. But best of all, the original liner to this helmet is intact. The chin-strap is solid, and there is no damage or repairs anywhere to the liner. The top inner-liner strap string has come loose, but it's still there, and you can tie it again, if you like. Just a nice, untouched example of a GI brought-home Luftwaffe helmet with original liner. They aren't getting any cheaper...

Brought Home From WWII US GI -- All-Original, Fully Functional, Complete, Very Good+ Condition

Crisp Markings, Great Mechanics, Wonderful Original Clip, Loads of Original Bluing

Thanks to "James Bond" and the high WWII collecting interest, these German-made famous Walther automatics have always been a collecting favorite for gun enthusiasts and WWII collectors alike. This specimen here comes from my personal non-"antique" firearm collection (post-1898 defines a weapon as not being "antique"), and I'm happy to sell it to any of my fellow WWI/WWII firearm personal collectors! It was brought home by a WWII vet, and as you well know, German pistols were well-prized souvenirs of our boys "over there" during the war. This is a 7.65 cal. Model #4 Walther, with original clip, all original parts and pieces complete, fully-functional in every way, and loads of original bluing. The markings and proofs are seen crisply over the entire piece, and the original grips are very nice. You can fire and operate as well today as the day it was made. Safety/fire switch works excellent. The "Carl Walther Waffenfabrw [abbrev.] Zella St. Blasii" makers mark and address is vividly seen. The Mode #4 is actually a WWI design and typically manufactured weapon, given that the trench warfare rigors were not always suitable for previous Walther models, or even the famed Lugar. The Walther Company was founded in 1886 by Carl Walther in the town of Zella St. Blasi in the Thuringia traditional region of metalworking and weapon-making in Central Germany (the town was re-named Zella-Mehlis after 1919). This tells us that the specimen offered here is definitely a WWI wartime made piece.

The quality of manufacture, reliability, sleek and intuitive design and operation quickly won over the German soldier in WWI, making Walther's the most widely made and issued sidearm of the entire War. By World War II, neither their quality or beloved desire by German soldiers had diminished, so they were as commonly used and preferred in the 1940's as 20+ years earlier.

Regardless of your political affiliation, with the election of Obama, the sales of guns of every age and type has skyrocketed, due to the almost inevitable tightened gun restrictions to come. Handguns and "assault rifles" are always in the "cross-hairs" of bans and/or tighter restrictions. Thus, prices have also skyrocketed--and supply has dwindled significantly. Heck, at this price, this historic piece of WWII German handgun history is cheaper than BRAND NEW automatics! Don't believe me? Take a look yourself. And this baby can still defend it's owner as well today as the day it was made--so double investment opportunity and value!

It's perfectly legal under the "Firearms Owner's Protection Act" of 1986 (aka the "McClure-Volkmer" Act) for me to sell a piece from my personal firearm collection to you. I have to ship this handgun to someone near you who has an FFL. He will have to fax/send me a copy of his FFL, thus ensuring that he has run the appropriate required checks that you are "legal" (right age, etc) to purchase this piece. The "law" is the LAW!

Outstanding & Famous WWII Type 99 7.7mm Arisaka Imperial Japanese Bolt Action Rifle

"Relic" Condition Specimen, Once Displayed in Local Museum -- From The Spectacular Mike Miner Collection

Truly the quintessential, representative WWII Japanese standard longarm, the Type 99 "Arisaka" 7.7mm bolt-action rifle was utilized by all of the Japanese Imperial Forces during WWII by the millions. Many a man (woman and child, for that matter) met their grim fate on the other end of this weapon across the Pacific and China. The Arisaka rifles are named for Colonel Nariakira Arisaka, who headed a commission during the 1890s which was charged with developing a new rifle to replace the earlier models such as the Murata. During the reign of Hirohito, rifles were designated by the last one or two digits of the adoption year according to the standard Japanese calendar. Thus, the Type 99 rifle was adopted in Japanese calendar year 2599 (1939). This "relic" specimen here was found within one of the myriad of cave defensive positions on the island of Okinawa--scene of one of the last blood-bath "island-hopping" operations of the waning months of the war. The 82-day fight began in late March 1945, and lasted into June. The Allied Forces (almost all US) lost just over 50,000 in casualties, while the Japanese lost well over 100,000--and civilian casualties were equally as high. It was the largest battle, amphibious assault by the Allies, and the highest number of casualties of any battle in the Pacific. The Japanese recognized this, and named the battle "tetsu no ame"--or "rain of steel", since they were pounded so ferociously. Being Japanese territory, it gave a glimpse into the true horror the Allies would face once they would have to invade the "home-island" itself. It only punctuated the belief by Allied high command to use the atom bomb in hopes of avoiding such a catastrophic invasion of Japan.

This complete example of the Type 99 was proudly displayed at a local Okinawa little museum, when Mike Miner was able to acquire it in the 1990's. It makes for an excellent display and historical interpretive piece that any militaria collector will cherish.

Phenomenal Complete ID'ed Luftwaffe Navigator's Flight Gear From Captured Ju 88 Crew

ID'ed to Navigator Fw. W. Bauerle, Shot-Down and Captured Upon Jackson's Farm

in Skidbrooke, Lincolnshire (UK) on December 8, 1940 -- Made a POW, 4(F)122, from Ju 88A (0438)

Just like with anything else you invest you, you want to invest wisely--get the most value for the money you spend. With military antiquities, you get the added benefit of acquiring phenomenal pieces of history that really bring the past to life. Offered here is an outstanding grouping that is truly "museum-quality", and given the price, will be a both wise and treasured addition to any collection. This complete Luftwaffe flight gear and suit ID'ed to Navigator Fw. W Bauerle were in the Mike Miner museum-like collection for years, and now can be yours. Bauerle's name is found inside the flight suit, and the piece comes from Jackson's Farm in Skidbrooke, Lincolnshire (UK), where Ju 88A (0438) was forced to crash-land on December 8, 1840. They were on a reconnaissance mission over England when shot down by Spitfires of the 611 Squadron scrambled to intercept their aircraft. The four crewmen of the Ju 88 survived the crash-landing, and the farmer gave them tea while awaiting the RAF ground patrol to come by to pick them up! This is where Bauerle's gear was taken off, and thus kept for years by the farmer in a suitcase. You have everything from the goggles, helmet, throat-mike, oxygen mask, his flight suit, right down to his boots. Everything maker-marked, of course, and ultra-rare to see a complete Battle of Britain 1940 ID'ed Luftwaffe uniform. An entire binder of information comes with the grouping, detailing everything to the greatest degree--all typical of the quality and attention to detail that Mike Miner was known for. You won't see this quality for sale almost anywhere but an auction house--and you know how much that will cost you...

Beautiful & Exquisite WWI-Era US Officer's Sword & Scabbard -- "Warnock Uniform Company New York" Maker-Marked

Fine Blade Etching, "US" and Eagle with "E Pluribus Unum", Floral and Cannon/Flag Designs

This is one of the most beautiful WWI-era officer swords I have come across in some time. It is an exquisite example of the fine craftsmanship that was still used with officer's swords for the US armed forces into the very early 20th century. The piece is in very good condition, with the blade etching and handle of the sword itself being in very fine condition. The detailed etching of floral designs with the expected "US" and eagle with "E Pluribus Unum" are present, as well as the cannons with flags motifs. The polished original wood and finger-grooved grips are superb. No nicks or dings on the blade, and the blade finish is FINE. Best of all, the original scabbard for this sword is present and complete. Nothing has been broken, touched, changed, replaced, or repaired anywhere. And there's no reason to. An extremely affordable example of a fine US officer's sword from the WWI era, possibly older.

Outstanding Bullet/Shrapnel-Riddled German WWII Helmet Recently Recovered in "Kurland Pocket" (Latvia)

Has Good Remnants of Original Green/Camo Paint Job & Single Decal Quite Visible

This incredible excavated relic from the murderous "Kurland Pocket" campaign of the end of the war on the Eastern Front is a vivid display of what WWII meant on the Eastern Front--near certain death. The rifle bullet or shrapnel that entered near the top and front of this German helmet has a straight shot through the exit hole in the back--no question this head-shot was a "kill". I can't imagine how he could have survived such a clean blow. The helmet also shows multiple other fragmentation or shrapnel holes as well, which sadly makes sense for a dead soldier to be riddled with so much hot iron lying listless on a battlefield. But the clear frontal entry indented hole tells the story of the last moments this "soldat" spent in defense of the Fatherland. The helmet is in very stable and extremely good condition, given its exposure to the elements since 1944/1945. The metal has only light surface rust in spots, and much of the original green paint is present--and appears to be some darker reds and browns (hard to tell the camo paint from light surface rust!) Best of all, the original single decal of the Eagle clutching the Swastika with its talon is still visible. There are groups of dedicated "relic hunters" in Latvia who are recovering these pieces of history which litter their landscape. Millions of men from Germany and Russia bled upon their soil from 1944 until the very end of the war, as the Russian might simply ground the decimated German forces in continual combat. The Soviet offensive to retake the Baltic region and ports would isolate several remnants of German armies, which would be renamed simply as Army Group Courland ("Heeresgruppe Kurland"), which would fight to the bitter end in May 1945...isolated, but resolute. They were even awarded their own armband/cuff-title to wear as distinction upon their uniform "Kurland"--just as if they were SS units. Given their tenacity and determination, they were awarded this honor.

Extraordinary Original Rear Wheel Hub, Bullet-Struck, From Wreckage of German Luftwaffe Ju 52 Transport Plane

Shot Down By The Russians Near The Grobina Airfield (Luftwaffe Airfield) in Early 1945, Liepaja, Latvia

Here's one big, cool piece of World War II history--and only a few dollars per square inch in price! This is the rear wheel rim from a German Luftwaffe Junkers Ju 52 3-engine transport place that was recovered from the wreckage impact site of the downed plane several years after the war. What is so great is to see that Russian machinegun bullet hole going right through the thick metal of the rim...no question about this one being shot-down! The wheel rim itself measures 16.5" in diameter, by 6" wide. The two original German manufacturing metal tags are still attached on both sides. Liepaja, Latvia was a critical German naval base, and thus airbase location for the Eastern Front Wehrmacht armies and naval presence. The Grobina airfield became even more substantial in it's late-war role of supplying the ever-encircled and embattled shrinking German armies, as the Russian onslaught pushed them back upon the borders of the Fatherland. The Ju 52 German transport plane was actually an engineering marvel of design, quality, and reliability, made well before the war by famous aircraft designer and manufacturer Junkers, starting in 1932. It was affectionately nicknamed "Tante Ju" ("Autie Ju") and especially "Iron Annie" as this workhorse 3-motor transport plane was so reliable and dependable. It would take a lot to bring her down. Unfortunately, the pilots from this "Iron Annie" met a terrible fate in early 1945, as her wheel rim helps attest to. Really unique and cool piece of WWII history--a lot of history for the price...

"Minty" Condition, All-Original, Untouched, Complete German WWII Police Double-Decal Helmet

Coming From Paul Arnold's (Missouri Relics) Personal Collection, and Displayed At the "Stars & Stripes" Museum!

Now this is the way you want your German helmets! (Too bad it doesn't have the SS runes on it--boy, would it be incredibly expensive!) This is a very "minty" condition, all-original, complete, and untouched German Police (Polizei) helmet. It is complete in every way, and was personally reviewed by my good friend Dr. Bill White, one of the noted top German WWII collectors of the past decades. Better yet, this piece comes from my buddy Paul Arnold (of Missouri Relics), who is the Curator of the Stars and Striped Museum, and had this specific piece on display at the Stars and Stripes Museum from his personal collection! I think this helmet has just about everything going for it! The liner is completely solid and intact, the decals are just gorgeous, and the paint is as good as you could ever hope for in an original and used helmet. These Polizei "salt-and pepper" helmets (named so for their style of air-vent holes on the sides) with their Polizei Eagle decals look so good with their flat-black paint, and the quality of this one has the most perfect eye-appeal you could ever dream to find. The Polizei were actually well-noted for their critical roles not only "behind the lines", but so often forming right into the "front lines" of combat service as the Reich's borders were continually pushed further back continuously, all the way into the heart of Germany itself. So many famous German Police Combat Battalions and larger units (entire Divisions, in fact) entered into frontline service with the SS, and this specimen is a lighter-weight specimen that could have easily been produced and issued for that purpose. Truly a "museum-quality" piece, and sat in the Stars and Stripes Museum to prove it!

Talk about a whole lot of history for the price! And this one you could still use today (though I'd have it aired-out quite well before wearing it!) This original WWII German Kriegsmarine leather overcoat is a nice example, being untouched and as she was the last time her owner wore her. She clearly shows the many years of her proud service in Germany's Navy--worn, but still beautiful. The original naval anchor buttons remain, and the original sea-blue color is found so nicely lush under the collar areas--protected from the elements. Size 52, as marked inside. The eagle and swastika ID stamping on the outside of the coat on the right-side is present, though faded softly. A very inexpensive yet very impressive way to have a large display piece sit on a mannequin!

Taken from the Ruins of the Famous & Strategically Critical Berlin Zoo Flak Tower (the "Tiergarten")

Site of the Heroic Stand of a Few Very Young Hundred Hitlerjugend and Very Old Volkssturm Defenders

I don't offer many WWII items, but as you know, when I do, it's worth your while to look it over. This is an incredible, history-packed battle-relic that really tells a sad, yet historically significant and indeed heroic story of the final few days of World War II. This is a "Hitler Youth" ("Hitlerjugend" in German) side knife that was recovered by a local Berliner from the ruins of the famous and critical Berlin Zoo Flak Tower. This massive multi-story concrete bunker was built to be a bristling anti-aircraft artillery station, one of several ringing the Reich's capitol of Berlin. It long defended the skies of Berlin, spewing millions of rounds of anti-aircraft artillery into the air against the Allied bombers. Being so enormous and built to withstand almost all bombardment, it also became one of the largest and safest air-raid shelters for Berliners. As they would say, it was the "safest coffin in Berlin..." As the impending Bolshevik thrust into Berlin loomed the early spring of 1945, the Zoo Flak Tower became literally a part of the "front lines" in the hellacious street-to-street fighting in the rubble of Berlin. It was no longer manned by experience regular Luftwaffe or Wehrmacht units--they were already fighting and dying at the front--but now manned by the very young of the Hitler Youth and the very old of the Volkssturm. Children as young as 12 were sent to fight, and only a few hundred manned the Zoo Flak Tower with grim determination. Not only did the Russians dare not send aircraft anywhere near the Flak Tower due to their prowess to knock-out any aircraft within reach, but the Flak Tower was littering and the streets with burned-out hulks of tanks and self-propelled guns that dared to come into their sights. Pounded day and night by artillery, the Zoo Flak Tower defended to the last. They were the principle reason for keeping the Reichstag out of Russian hands for as long as they did. Finally, the overwhelming tide of Russian infantry simply surrounded the Zoo Flak Tower, and all water, ammunition, and food had long run-out for the defenders.

I'm not "glorifying" any Nazi political party, government, wars, and atrocities--far from it. What Nazi Germany did is the abhorration of the ages, as it should be. But one must give the credit and honor due to mere children and old men who simply answered the call (and mostly FORCED by conscription or otherwise being executed on the spot) to defend their homes from an enemy as evil--or worse--than their actions and leaders. It certainly was heroism worthy of a far better cause. But hey--if someone invaded Washington D.C. today, it wouldn't matter if you liked the government, the inhabitants, the President--you'd rally to defend the capitol, especially if it were your home, and if defeat meant a fate worse than imaginable.

The Berlin Zoo Flak Tower, pictured just after it's capture. Note the destroyed T-34...obviously a "kill" by a determined Hitlerjugend tank-killing squad armed with Panzerfausts.

Hitlerjugend prisoners pictured by Russians (left), and the notorious last public appearance of Hitler decorating outstanding Hitlerjugend with Iron Crosses

Modern-day artist print of local SS Panzer unit moving to the front by the Zoo Flaktower

This is probably one of the finest examples of the W.W. II German battle flags that you will find. It has bright vibrant colors and is a perfect display size. The maker mark reads; LOH. KR-FL. 80/185 (cm. or 31.5" X 72.8") making it an Army accepted flag. The white fields have some very light age toning and all the symbols are crisp and clean. The lanyard attachment ropes are both present and strong. If you are looking for the perfect double sided flag to display with your collection, this is undoubtedly the one to have. They just don't come any better than this! No World War II collection is complete without one of these "battleflags" with your Wehrmacht relics. Most vet brought-home "war trophies" show their age and scars, but you won't have to apologize with this one.

Getting hard to find untouched and truly "righteous" German WWII helmets at a decent price these days. Sadly, with all the trickery and faking going on, it has caused so much trouble within the WWII collecting community. Then, we you do see a good piece, it'll cost you a premium these days. This helmet is a classic GI brought-home specimen, being entirely untouched as it was retrieved from Germany at the end of the war. Off the bat, I noticed the "grau" (green) helmet color, which, in conjunction with the fact it is a M42, alerted me this was a good mid to late war piece, since they were using the green paint for more "field" usage. Quite possibly a Luftwaffe "field division" or other utilization. Given the massive demand for standard infantrymen in the field, coupled with the diminished size and ability of the Reich's airforce, many in the Luftwaffe saw extensive front-line duty far from any air field. The liner is nicely intact, and overall, you can see this helmet was clearly used in service. The inner liner flap string has long since worn off--so very common, as it is usually the first thing to go--and I placed a simple piece of leather string just to keep the flaps for appearance. No real damage and no repairs. The Luftwaffe decal, as with the helmet paint, is actually the way you like to see them--worn, but only showing it is the "real deal" from true service use. Chinstrap intact, and easily fold up on the helmet and down under the chin. Just a great representative example at a good price.

Rare Late-War "Last-Ditch" Model & Gold ("Cavalry") Piped German Panzer Soft Cap

This piece has got three cool attributes going for it, to make it a fine and affordable German collectable for your militaria collection: first, it is clearly a late-model "last-ditch" manufacture, as the simple rough quality attests to the desperate last months of wartime production for Germany. Many of these were manufactured not only by German woman and teenagers, but sadly, also by conscripted labor. The Eagle and the Cockade are both simple cloth patches (cockades would have been enameled metal in the "good days" of plentiful supply, but went to simple cloth later in the war to conserve metals, time, labor, cost, etc). The second really great attribute is that it has the hard-to-find gold piping, representing "Cavalry" branch of service--a hold-over of the mounted service days, but was issued typically to Panzer units or Panzer Grenadiers, specifically. Trading their horses in for motorized armored vehicles and halftracks, Panzer Grenadiers were units of infantry assigned to ride in mechanized formations to follow with the spearheads made by their Panzer tank units, exploiting breakthroughs, fighting enemy infantry remaining, etc. Very hard to find any uniform apparel with gold piping, and this one being on a "last-ditch" soft cap is really unusual. Lastly, it comes straight from a farmer's barn in Poland, so it's a cool "barn-find" for WWII relics! Being a late-war piece from Poland, it obviously was lost by a very young or very old fresh Grenadier in the horrific and desperate fighting in Poland, as the Russian might was grinding the Germans steadily back upon the gates of the Fatherland. Cool authentic piece for a great price.

Panzer Grenadiers (pictured below) with their armored half-track, observing the results of the armored assault (note their soft caps being comfortably worn)

"Minty" Condition, Very Desirable and Scarce US M-1 Fiber Helmet (Hawley) Liner & Original Steel Helmet

Made Only One Year During WWII (1941-1942) -- Complete, Undamaged/Unrepaired, Very Good Original Condition

This unique and short-lived design & production of an olive-drab fabric liner for the M-1 helmet was ordered by the US Army Ordnance Department for production in 1941, which the McCord Radiator & Manufacturing Company was the prime contractor--later sub-contracting to Hawley Products Company. The liner to be inserted into the steel M-1 helmet was to be of 2 parts: the body being a piece of rigid fiber form, impregnated with varnish or other water-repellent materials, cemented together with a thermoplastic or thermosetting material. Then, an olive drab gaberdine or twill was smoothly cemented over it. Not only was this for water protection, but was also a form of extra "protection" for the head--a kind of early "kevlar" construction. The inside of the fabric helmet liner would house the entire liner straps and head band, using rayon webbing, metal washers, leather reinforcing, and snaps. This specimen is in almost flawless condition--obviously not seeing active combat service given it's wonderful original and undamaged condition. No tears or repairs anywhere. All of the webbing, fasteners, chip-strap--you name it--it's all there and in extremely good condition. Even the outer thin helmet brim leather strap to attach to the steel M-1 helmet is solidly complete (these are usually overly frayed, worn, and/or torn all together). Not so with this one. It fits snugly into the steel M-1 helmet. Being known as a "Hawley" liner helmet in the collecting circle, this one is about the finest you could ever hope to have for your representative WWII collection (outside of an un-issued specimen!). Shows below are several pages from the excellent reference book "The M-1 Helmet" by Mark Reynosa. Heck, even General Smith is pictured wearing a "Hawley" liner helmet standing on Tarawa with Admiral Nimitz!

Even the National WW II Museum in New Orleans contacted me today to buy this one! When I say I have "Museum-Quality" pieces, I ain't just "Whistlin' Dixie!"

But sadly, it has already sold--I look forward to assisting them find other "museum-quality" pieces for their important archival and display efforts for our "Greatest Generation"...

For my astute militaria collectors of World War II items, I offer you a splendid example of this all-original, complete, and quite reasonable WWII German Luftwaffe M1940 helmet with decal and original intact liner. The M1940 helmet first appeared in March of 1940. These helmets are characterized by having rolled edges and stamped air vents that are embossed into the helmet itself. On the left hand side of the helmet is the Luftwaffe eagle decal. Decals on the M1940 are always second pattern variety. All helmets used by the Luftwaffe from 1937 to 1940 used the second pattern decals. The original chinstrap is marked “RB Nr0/0390/0204.” This nine digit code was used to protect the identity and location of the manufacturer from Allied attacks. The marking is known as the National Business Number (Reichsbetreibsnummer) or “RB Number.” In 1944, many manufacturers chose to omit the RB number in order to speed up production. This just shows that this helmet is an early war example since the “RB Number” is present on the inside of the chinstrap. The inside of the helmet is marked “Q64”--the “Q” represents that the helmet was made by the firm Quist. Helmets produced by Quist were favored by the German troops due to their thick metal and high craftsmanship. The “64” denotes the helmet size. “64” was the most common size produced during WWII for the German armed forces. The helmet itself is very solid and stable with the original paint. The decal is somewhat worn (as to be expected from "honest wear" from service and use), but is still very clear. The liner is showing the same "honest wear" to be expected, and is original to the helmet. No "monkey-business" and no worries here at Champion Hill Relics. This piece comes from my good friend and old relic hunting buddy, John Parker of Clarksville, Tennessee. He's selling some of his extensive WWII collection, and it's coming to the market now.

Achtung, Kamerad! These aren't getting any cheaper!

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Click On Thumbnails Below For More Pictures

Siegfried Waffen E. Pacl & Sohne/Solingen" Maker-Marked Bayonet, M1940 Marked Scabbard

Simply gorgeous original presentation bayonet and scabbard, most elegantly engraved and inscribed for the service of this Soldat. It bears the maker's mark of "Siegfried Waffen E. Pack & Sohne--Solingen", and the inscription and detail is as vivid, crisp, and clear as the day it was made and presented to the soldier. Directly translated, it states, "In memory of my service in Infantry Regiment 3 German." The honed and polished blade is untouched from 1940, and there is no damage or cleaning to the piece since that time period. The scabbard is maker-marked (though so lightly I can't read it), and dated 1940. It also is untouched, in very good condition, and solid--no repairs or damage anywhere. It will make for an outstanding display piece to you now, just as it was a symbol of pride and honor to the German soldier who rendered his service to the Fatherland then...

For you WWII collector's, here are several original German WWII "Death" cards. These were published by the Catholic Church out of Germany for each soldier killed in action and given to family/relatives of the slain. These are very personal pieces of history, and a testimony of personal tragedy, regardless of political affiliation. These were someone's sons, brothers, fathers, and/or husbands. If you'd like me to translate more info, let me know and I'll try--I studied German, but I'm no translator!