Germany, SS. The Uniform, Accessories, and Decorations of an Unterscharführer of the 9th SS Panzer Division Hohenstaufen

(Uniform, Zubehör, und Abzeichen eines Unterscharführer der Waffen-SS Panzertruppe). A rare, extensive, and exceptionally well-preserved lot consisting of the uniform, accessories, and decorations of a Waffen-SS Unterscharführer serving with the 9th SS Panzer Division Hohenstaufen. It consists of:

1. A Panzer wrap, constructed of high-quality smooth black wool. It features a turned-down collar with classic SS-style rounded corners, transitioning into double breast lapels. The collar is flanked on each side by tabs constructed of a cotton/rayon-blended material wrapped around a buckram core. On the right, an insignia tab bears dual machine-embroidered silver-grey Sig runes, and measures 40 mm (w) x 54 mm (l), while the left rank tab is pinned with a single silvered rank pip and similarly measures 40 mm (w) x 54 mm (l). Affixed to each shoulder is a strap constructed of a black wool base, trimmed with Panzer service rose-pink piping, and bordered by a silver aluminum wire tresse. Each measuring 48 mm (W) x 105 mm (l), the straps are secured to the tunic with pebbled zink buttons on the inner edges and with integral loops which meet reverse straps emanating from the wrap. Stitched onto the upper left arm with factory original zig-zag stitching is an insignia consisting of a black rayon backer bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey SS-style German national eagle, measuring 85 mm (w) x 42 mm (h). Also stitched onto the left arm is a rare cuff title, constructed of a black rayon twill base, bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey inscription of “HOHENSTAUFEN”, set within dual tresses of identical construction. The title measures 30 mm in width and fully surrounds the circumference of the arm. The cuff of each sleeve also features a reinforced vertical slit with an adjustable closure consisting of two black bakelite buttons meeting a single buttonhole. Pocketless, the wrap closes with an array of nine black bakelite buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of hidden buttonholes on the left flap. Looped through the top buttonhole is a 1939 Iron Cross II Class ribbon, affixed to the wrap at each end with hand stitching. Also emanating from the left breast are three sets of vertically-arranged threaded loops, in turn securing in place a 1939 Iron Cross I Class, a Silver Grade Panzer Assault Badge, and a Black Grade Wound Badge. The interior features a partial black rayon twill liner, with identical material also descending from the armpits and completing in straps with reinforced eyelets for the addition of optional belt hangers. Two white cotton-blended integral straps emanate from both sides of the waistband, while the left flap also bears two short straps with reinforced buttonholes, meeting analogous buttons on the right flap. The wrap is unmarked with the exception of white ink size dimensions visible on the interior of the left breast. It measures approximately 425 mm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 585 mm, and an overall body length of 530 mm. With only minor signs of material fatigue to the wool along high-contact points, it is an exceptional example in overall extremely fine condition.

2. A pair of leather trousers which are a quintessential example of legwear retrieved from Kriegsmarine stocks for Waffen-SS usage. They are constructed of multiple pieces of heavy black leather, secured together along the seams with tight rows of machine stitching. Distributed around the waistband are 11 black bakelite buttons, grouped into pairs of two (with the exception of a single missing rear button). The trousers close with a French fly consisting of three hidden black bakelite buttons which fasten into reinforced buttonholes, similarly hidden beneath the trousers’ outer material. The fly is topped by a magnetic metal clip and loop for secure closure. Dual large side pockets are set into the upper thighs, each opening within reinforced slits, while an additional narrow horizontal pocket flanks the fly on the upper right leg. The rear of the trousers features an integral belt consisting of dual black leather straps which fasten together in the middle with a functional magnetic metal buckle. A light grey cotton liner fully encompasses the interior of the trousers, which is plain with the exception of a single small pocket set into the upper left leg, and rear suspension loop for storage. Unmarked, the trousers measure approximately 430 mm across the waist, with an inseam of 350 mm, and an overall length of 1090 mm. In addition to the missing waistband button, material fatigue consistent with age and moderate use are evident through the outer leather shell, but the trousers remain in an overall very fine condition.

3. An M40 overseas cap, constructed of high-quality smooth black wool. The cap is fully surrounded by fold-down side panels, gently sloping at the front, reinforced along the upper edge with dual rows of machine stitching. Affixed to the peak of the cap with hand stitching is an insignia consisting of a black rayon backer bearing a BeVo-type silver-grey SS-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 62 mm (w) x 32 mm (h) overall. Also hand-stitched to the cap just below the eagle is an additional insignia consisting of a black rayon backer bearing a striking BeVo-type silver-grey SS Totenkopf, measuring 33 mm (w) x 32 mm (h). The interior is fully encompassed by a pristine black rayon liner, reinforced around the sides with a single length of machine stitching. Stamped onto the right in white ink is a size mark of “57”, flanked by a letter “W”. The cap measures approximately 290 mm (l) x 130 mm (h) when folded flat. Presenting free of evident faults, this excellent example of a Waffen-SS Panzer cap with original hand-applied insignia is in a near mint condition.

4. A pair of Panzer boots, each constructed of multiple panels of heavy black leather, securely fixed together along the seams with rows of machine stitching. Both the left and right boots presents with analogous designs, consisting of a high ankle, lacing up at the front with eight magnetic metal clips and ten magnet metal grommets through which are looped original and fully-intact blackened leather shoestrings. Each sole is constructed of multiple layers of pressed leather, with the front secured together with an array of large studded magnetic metal hobails, while the raised heel is fastened together around the edges with narrow magnetic metal hobnails. The interior of each boot features a black leatherette tongue and cotton-blended loop set into the top of the ankle. Corresponding approximately to a North American men’s size ten, they are unmarked with the exception of a stamped inscription of “SCHWELMA” on the sole toe reinforcement. Scuffing and material fatigue consistent with light usage is evident to the sole and leather features, respectively, but the boots remain in an overall near extremely fine condition.

5. A belt and buckle, the former constructed of pressed black leather. One end of the belt completes with an integral magnetic metal clip, while the other features a reverse tongue perforated with seven sets of dual eyelets for an adjustable fit. Unmarked with the exception of an embossed number “100” on the reverse, it measures 1000 mm (l) x 45 mm (w). Displaying only slight signs of material fatigue, it is in an extremely fine condition. Accompanying the belt is a buckle constructed of magnetic metal. The obverse bears a central raised SS-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed swastika, set within a ribbed ring bearing an inscription of “MEINE EHRE HEIßT TREUE” (“MY HONOUR IS LOYALTY”). The reverse features a loop and swivel attachment claws. It is marked on the reverse with a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and illegible maker’s code. Measuring 64 mm (w) x 48 mm (h), the buckle demonstrates oxidation throughout and is in a fair condition.

6. Three decorations accommodated by the aforementioned wrap loops, including; a 1939 Iron Cross I Class, constructed of iron and silver, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central mobile swastika, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1939”, the reverse with a block hinge and tapering banjo-style pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked but with the physical characteristics of manufacture by Paul Meybauer, Berlin, measuring 43.96 mm (w) x 44.29 mm (h), weighing 15.4 grams, in extremely fine condition; a Silver Grade Panzer Assault Badge, constructed of silvered zink, the obverse consisting of an oval oak leaf wreath, joined together at the bottom by ribbon, topped by a Heer-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika, with a central Panzer IV rolling over grassy terrain, with its left tread extending beyond the edge of the wreath, the reverse with a ball hinge and vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, maker marked “A.S.” for the firm of Adolf Scholze, Gablonz, measuring 43.15 mm (w) x 63.02 mm (h), weighing 27.9 grams, retaining most of its original silver finish, a classic semi-hollow Scholze variation in near extremely fine condition, and; a Black Grade Wound Badge, constructed of blackened bronze, the obverse consisting of an oval laurel leaf wreath, joined together at the bottom by ribbon, with a central raised Stahlhelm overlaid by a mobile swastika, on top of crossed swords on a pebbled field, the reverse with a vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, unmarked, measuring 37.60 mm (w) x 45.09 mm (h), weighing 13.6 grams, retaining most of its original black finish, in near extremely fine condition; also accompanied by a 1939 Iron Cross II Class, constructed of iron and silver, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central mobile swastika, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1939”, the reverse six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, unmarked, measuring 44.80 mm (w) x 44.69 mm (h), weighing 18.8 grams, the cross is missing its suspension loop but is accompanied by an original length of ribbon, in fair condition.

7. A holster for a Wehrmacht-issue Walther P38 pistol, constructed of multiple pieces of black leather, joined together at the seams with heavy stitching. Affixed to the side of the holster is a narrow compartment for the accommodation of a spare clip. The reverse features two integral straps for belt attachment, underneath which is an embossed maker’s mark of “GRENSCHOW & CO., BERLIN”, circumscribing a manufacture date of “1940”. Also embossed onto the reverse is an inscription of “P38”. The shell is topped by an integral lid which folds over the outer side, with an integral strap fitting through a two-piece magnetic metal buckle set into the shell and lid. The interior presents plain. It measures 210 mm (w) x 245 mm (h). Minor, age-appropriate material fatigue consistent with age and light field use is evident, but the holster is in an overall near extremely fine condition.

8. A Wehrmacht-issued clinometer, constructed of patinated magnetic metal. It features a protractor graded at intervals of one millimetre, met by a sliding block bearing a left-right numbered range spectrum. The latter is adjusted with a magnetic metal key which is retained by the clinometer’s storage case. The former is constructed of a beige-painted magnetic metal shell, and opens with a functional spring catch with exterior push-button release and hinge. The interior reveals wooden fixtures securing the clinometer and key in place during storage, as well as a stamped Wehrmacht inspection mark. Both the clinometer and case are marked “W.M. 35” and “1/6400”. The former measures 120 mm (w) x 118 mm (h), while the latter 135 mm (w) x 142 mm (h). The case demonstrates moderate oxidation and loss of paint, but the clinometer remains intact and fully functional, with the set in an overall better than very fine condition.

9. A mixed group of eight personal effects, including a compass, constructed of a black-painted non-magnetic metal casing, opening with a swivel hinge to reveal a functional instrument, the exterior bearing an inscription indicating French manufacture, measuring 62 mm (w) x 75 mm (h), in near extremely fine condition; a pair of Wehrmacht-issue dust goggles, constructed of a grey rubber frame with an elasticized headband, marked “UNI” accompanied by a replacement eyepiece, measuring 196 mm (w) x 120 mm (h), displaying fatigue and wear consistent with extensive field use, in fair condition; two sets of unused Wehrmacht-issue gauze, each secreted within an original grey cotton-blended packaging, both maker marked on the exterior “BRUNO BITTERMANN, BERLIN”, each measuring approximately 115 mm (w) x 55 mm (l), in near mint condition; a Wehrmacht-issue spork, constructed of aluminum, consisting of two-pieces riveted together at the centre, sliding to lock in place for use, the reverse maker marked “G & C L” for Gerhardi & Cie Aluminumwaren, Lüdenscheid, with a manufacture date of “39”, measuring 46 mm (w) x 155 mm (l), in extremely fine condition; a Wehrmacht-issue tape measure, affixed to a bronze frame, accompanied by an original cotton bag with drawstring closer, unmarked, measuring 30 mm (w) x 88 mm (l), in fair condition; a pipe, constructed of two pieces of lacquered and black-painted wood, the side marked “WORLD PIPE”, measuring 155 mm in length, in near extremely fine condition, and; a jar, constructed of marbled beige bakelite, with a twist-off lid, the base marked “BUND ZB”, measuring 112 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The 9th SS Panzer Division "Hohenstaufen", also known as SS-Panzergrenadier-Division 9 Hohenstaufen, was a German Waffen-SS Armoured division which saw action on both the Eastern and Western Fronts during World War II. The division was activated on 31 December 1942. Many of the men of the division were young German conscripts, with a cadre of experienced NCOs and staff from the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler. Their first action was in March 1944 in Poland; they were then moved to Normandy in June that year. After the retreat from France, they were moved to Arnhem in September 1944, to rest and refit and became involved in the Allied parachute landings. Their next action was the German advance in the Ardennes in the winter of 1944–1945. After defeat in the Ardennes, the division was moved to Hungary, where it took part in the fighting to the west of Budapest in February and March. Falling back into Austria, the division surrendered to the advancing United States Army on 5 May 1945, at Steyr.