Germany, Heer. A Signed Wartime Studio Portrait of KC Winner Hauptmann Helmut Labenski

Measuring 61x87mm, near mint condition, with remnant of adhesive tape on the reverse. The picture was taken in Breslau (modern-day Wrocław, southwest Poland). Labenski signed it in blue ink and gave his rank, Hptm. (Hauptmann = Captain).

Footnote: Almost nothing is known about the life of Helmut Labenski. He was born on September 30, 1912 in Ostrowo (present-day Ostrów Wielkopolski, southwest Poland). On March 12, 1944 he received the German Cross in Gold as an Oberleutnant (Senior Lieutenant) in the 1st Company of Grenadier Regiment 409. As part of the 122nd Infantry Division the regiment was stationed at the time in the vicinity of Polotsk, Belarus. Labenski went on to win the Knight’s Cross on April 9, 1944, still in the rank of Oberleutnant, now leading the 1st Company. The regiment was stationed in Narva (northeast Estonia) at the time. He died on March 22, 1976 in Northeim (Lower Saxony).