Germany, SS. The Wehrpaß and Documents of SS-Rottenführer Matthias Balsen, 2nd SS Panzergrenadier Division Das Reich

(Waffen-SS Wehrpaß und Papiere). A rare and extensive lot of 40 identity documents and paperwork from the estate of SS-Rottenführer Matthias Balsen, consisting of Balsen’s Wehrpaß, constructed of a card stock binding with all 52 paginated interior pages intact, featuring extensive handwritten entries documenting Balsen’s wartime service with the Waffen-SS, retaining a certified studio portrait of the bearer, measuring 105 mm (w) x 148 mm (h); supplemented by an array of paperwork which includes Balsen’s initial petitions to join the Waffen-SS and necessary documents to facilitate the recruitment process (including a psychological profile, family history, and medical records); service contracts and swearing-in affirmations; paperwork certifying Balsen in the use and possession of weapons (including the Luger Pistole 08); unit transfers and service documents; good conduct certificates; records of hospitalization, and; specialist certifications (including qualification as a Weapons Master); secreted within the Wehrpaß is a Gefreiter rank chevron, constructed of field-grey rayon with a silver aluminum wire tresse, unmarked, measuring 85 mm (w) x 90 mm (h); the documents demonstrate minor fatigue and discolouration consistent with age, but the estate remains intact and free of notable damage, a rare and fascinating group in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Matthias Balsen was born on 22 December 1923 in Duisburg to parents Fritz and Wilhelmina. He performed HJ service and was initially employed as a metal worker. During the Second World War, he submitted an application (dated 28 March 1941) to join the Waffen-SS for a lengthy service contract, with the potential for 12 years of total service assuming promotion to the rank of SS-Unterführer. After acceptance and passing medical exams, Balsen was sworn into the SS on 10 october 1941. He served with the SS-Artillerie-Ersatz-Regiment from 20 May 1941 until 13 January 1943 and was issued with the standard Karabiner 98k rifle and Pistole 08. He held the rank of SS-Sturmmann from 1 July 1942. On 14 January 1943, Balsen entered service with the 2nd SS Panzergrenadier Division Das Reich, then engaged in combat on the Eastern Front. Embedded with an artillery unit, Balsen would have participated in the Third Battle of Kharkov and the Battle of Kursk. He later served with Schwere SS-Artillerie-Abteilung 500 and Schwere SS-Artillerie-Abteilung 503 (Waffen-SS heavy artillery units), partially constituted from the remnants of elite Waffen-SS divisions (including Das Reich). Finally, in October 1944, health issues, including heart problems, resulted in Balsen being withdrawn from active combat duty and reassigned to guard service.