In the sale rooms

The weapons, uniforms, medals and militaria coming up for auction Ratisbon’s 53rd

The next auction from European dealer Ratisbon’s runs from 18-26 February so let’s have a look at the early consignments. First up, a Waffen-SS crusher visor cap. This is a privately tailored Waffen-SS visor cap in the design of a 1st pattern ‘alter Art’ visor cap, what collectors call a crusher cap (Knautschmütze). The tailor has used a quite hard inner cap band so the cap can not properly be crushed but he correctly used a cloth finished visor to the top and button. There’s a re-attached, but entirely original cap eagle and skull badge with all prongs in place. The cap features white silk piping with clear patina, and a dark grey silk lining. It’s on the small size, but no moth damage. Bidding starts at £4,300 (BP will be 22.5% on top).

Sticking with the Waffen-SS, next is a single decal M40 helmet with what is described as splinter damage. It has 90% of the original factory paint, it’s in well worn condition. The SS eagle decal is about 80% but has suffered some wear and small parts look to have been restored. The leather lining is still flexible and there’s a cord that was added later. The rivets look to be attached later as well because there are nearly no signs of wear. It’s seen some action though, as small splinter shells have damaged the helmet to the front side. The factory colour was removed by the impact and now shows rust. Still, it’s going to be popular, hence the starting price of £3,354.

An interesting grouping next, to a Hauptmann who served with a Tiger tank regiment. It comes with a raft of documents including various certificates to confirm medals and badge awards, a Soldbuch and Wehrpass, a number of badges, insignia, photos and miscellaneous items. Hauptmann Joachim von Schiller serving with Panzerjäger-Abteilung 162 and Panzer-Regiment 21 as well as schwere Panzer-Abteilung 502. The badges include Tank Assault grade II, Tank Assault in silver, Iron Cross 1st class and a 2nd cllass, Eastern Front model, Wound badge in silver, and miniatures. The photos are really nice, showing von Schiller and his crew posing on a Tiger tank. Starting price is £3,010.

Quite a few daggers have already been consigned, this one is an early M33 SA service dagger made by Adolf Völker. The dagger comes with an excellent clean blade showing the etched motto ‘Alles für Deutschland’. It’s maker marked with ‘Adolf Völker Schmalkladen’. There’s also an excellent brown wooden handle with inlaid SA roundel and eagle. No chipping or cracks. Nice early nickel fittings. ‘Sa’ (Sachsen) stamped. Original brown anodised steel scabbard with matching nickel fittings. It has no dents. All four screws are present. Bidding starts at £903.

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