ART #46787C Imperial Bronze Presented to Field Marshal Ritter von Leeb

This bronze is extremely attractive being about 19 inches tall. The metal base of the bronze is incorporated with the statue.

The bronze depicts a World War 1 soldier with all of his gear. The soldier is holding up in his left hand a very well detailed spiked helmet. The bronze is all finished in a fine black color.

At the base there is a presentation plaque that reads “Das Offizier-Korp der K. B. unteroffizier Schule / seinem scheidenden Kamarader Obr. Lt. Leeb / 26.10.04 - 30.9.07”. This essentially translates from the Officer Corps of the NCO school to our retiring or transferred Comrade Oberleutnant Leeb” and then the date. I believe that Leeb was an instructor at this school for this time.

In looking over the bronze under the left arm I believe I see a repair but it is so well done that perhaps it is part of the original bronze as I know sometimes these items were made in separate pieces but I don’t know for sure. You might ask yourself why is the bronze given to just the name “Leeb”. This is because Leeb moved up in ranks very quickly during WW1 and he was the recipient of the Order of Max Josef which was the Bavarian equivalent of the Pour le Merite. Along with this order came an automatic title of “nobility” so Wilhelm Leeb became Wilhelm Ritter von Leeb. Obviously since he had not yet gained this title it is not included on this trophy presented before this time.

By World War Two Ritter von Leeb had already worked his way up to general rank and he was among the 16 high ranking officers that were retired by Hitler during the Blomberg Fritsch crisis. In 1939 he was recalled to duty at the age of 63 to command Army Group C on the Western Front. He was among the 12 General Field Marshals created by Hitler on July 9th 1940 after the victory over France. In March 41 Hitler assigned von Leeb to command the coming campaign against the Soviet Union. Von Leeb protested the armed forces were not ready for this gigantic task but to no avail. He later fell out with Hitler after recommending a retreat from Leningrad, a wise move which of course the strategic idiot Hitler was enraged by. He was subsequently forced into retirement by Hitler, in yet another in an endless series of displays of almost feminine spite.

This is a very historic bronze, owned by a well known field marshal. A wonderful item for any advanced collection.

Near Mint. $4,995.00

ART #46979C "The Knight at Dawn" by Jerry Crandall, Artist Signed & Autographed by Luftwaffe Ace Erich Hartmann

This beautiful aviation print measures a substantial 22 3/4 inches by 30 inches. It has never been mounted and awaits your addition of a fine frame.

This limited edition print is numbered 191 of 1250 prints, the original painted by premier military aviation artist Jerry Crandall. "The Knight at Dawn" is signed by both Jerry as well as Luftwaffe ace Erich "Bubi" Hartmann. The limited run of 1250 prints was very popular and sold out long ago, making this piece a rare addition to any art collection.

Hartmann was the most successful fighter ace in the history of aerial warfare. He flew 1,404 combat missions and participated in aerial combat on 825 separate occasions. The print was produced in 1991, only two years before Hartmann's death in 1993. I've included a link to his Wikipedia page as attempting to summarize his amazing career within the confines of an item description would be impossible.

I don't know enough about German fighter planes to describe the piece in a way that does it justice; I will let our pictures do the talking. Suffice it to say that the Crandell depicts these machines of war with both high skill and loving detail against a very atmospheric backdrop. It depicts the Blond Knight and members of his wing taking off from a mist shrouded airfield at dawn, and does so in masterful fashion.

An extremely fine post-war print here, and autographed by one of the most famous German aces of all time. Hartmann's autograph alone is worth the price of admission!

Excellent. $995.00

ART #44347C Bronze Hitler Bust

This Hitler bronze is a very large size, bring 1 ½ life time presentation. The bronze overall measures about 24 inches high and the bronze of Hitler's head itself is 17 inches . The bronze is a fine likeness of Hitler and is in perfect condition except for a very small indentation just at the very top of the head. It is nothing and it is hardly noticeable. The bronze was produced by Emil Hub. Hub lived from 1876 to 1954 and was well known for his work during the period. The bronze is signed on the back with the artist and also with most likely the casting company "WMF Geislinger, Std, and the the word dekoeyer. This bronze is of extreme weight and if ordered by the next purchaser it would be shipped with the head area separately from the marble base. The marble base is a squared block being a gray material with lots of black grains running through it. The large bronze is supported on the the base by a bolt which is removable. If you have been looking for a Hitler bronze of this size this is a good opportunity to acquire same as bronzes of this side are very rarely offered. A tremendous accent for the right person.

Excellent Plus. $9,995.00

ART #45018 SS-LAH Gymnastic 1st Prize from Licterfelde Barracks Berlin

This outstnading bronze is about 11 1/2 inches high, mounted on a gray marble base. The bronze depicts an SS athlete on parallel bars. H arms are extended upward as he grips one of the bars. The athelete is dressed in "t" shirt with shorts, belt and gymnastic shoes. The detail throughout is outstanding to his muscled body. The marble base has a couple of minor chips to the egdes and corners, but nothing serious. Attached to the obverse of the base is a patinated brass plaque. The plaque reads in three lines, "1. Sieger/ Turn Meisterschaft der L SS AH/ Berlin-Lichterfelde". Translated "1st Prize - Gymnastic Master of the SS-LAH at Berlin's Lichterfelde Barracks". Lichterfelde was the well-know barracks where the specially-selected LAH recruits were trained under the auspices of the famed general and Hitler favorite, SS-OberstgruppenfŸhrer Sepp Dietrich.

A great and very rare one-of-a kind bronze here that is just waiting for the opportunity to decorate its next owner's advanced SS collection. A very fine original item here.

Excellent Plus. $2,795.00

ART #40413 Grenadier Statue

This statue is most impressive, measuring 12 inches tall. It depicts a full equipped Grenadier mounted on a base. It has a silvered finish and a very fine patina.

The soldier is rendered in the act of preparing to lob a stick grenade. The detailing to the uniform are superb. The face of the grenadier is extraordinarily done, capturing a look of concentration as he readies himself to fling his deadly potato masher. Four additional grenades hang from his belt, along with ammo pouches, a canteen and bread bag, and a gas mask canister. The boots are also nicely detailed, as is the bayonet which is partially hidden the his brace of grenades.

The helmet has the "Frankenstein" style rivets and no breast eagle on the uniform so this probably dates from the early 1930's, although I hesitate to say this with certainty after allowing for artistic license.

The pedestal base is professionally engraved "Z. Erinnerung / an / meine / 12 / jähr / Dienstzeit / d. Kamaraden d. 2 Schwadron". This tränslates to something like, "In Memory of My 12 Years Service (with) My Comrades of the 2nd Squadron".

An outstanding period art piece here, perfect to dress up your collection.

Excellent Plus, Plus. $1,195.00

ART #44338C Etched Glass Röhm Portrait

This etched glass portrait is one of the neatest things I have seen and must be virtually unique. The portrait portrays an etched likeness of Röhm portrayed from the chest up having his parted in the middle hair style mustache collar tabs armband and a party pin in his tie. The likeness is undeniable although I will say that they did eliminate some of Röhm's old World War 1 battle scars. The image is shown in a white oval with black treatment for the design. Below the oval portrait is an early SA eagle etched into the glass which grasps a wreath with black mobile swastika. Above the oval image in a ribbon form is the name "RÖHM". The likeness measures seven inches by nine inches and is in its original black forest style frame. The frame is simulated wood branches with a sprig of oak leaves in each corner. Studying the reverse of the frame which has some type of a hard cardboard covering it does not appear to me as though this etching has ever been out of the frame. Can you imagine how rare something like this must be. After the Röhm purge virtually everything that has to do with the "traitor" was destroyed. Anyone that would save this likeness of Röhm I would think would be looking for trouble here as there could be some question to his allegiance to Hitler. At any rate this image is in fantastic original condition and is ultra rare. It would make an absolute great highlight to show off over a full Röhm SA dagger. A very very rare item here in choice condition.

Mint. $2,450.00

ART #40344 Grand Admiral Dönitz Portrait

This oil painting is quite an interesting depiction of Dönitz in his Grand Admiral's uniform. He is gazing rather sternly off to the left. The artist attempted to depict light falling on the face of the Admiral, which fades off in a reasonably good approximation of reality beneath his cap and towards the right of his face.

The detailing to the Naval Eagle and swastika, wreath, and "scrambled eggs" on the brim are quite well done, as are the Field Marshall batons on this shoulder boards. He also wears his Knight's Cross with Oak leaves.

The painting has some cracking but there are no cuts or repairs. It looks to be in the original wooden frame. It measures 27 inches by 24 inches.

The reverse has a tag which reads "Kriegsmarine / Stützputst Pillau / Kasino". This painting was allegedly found hanging in the submarine base at Pillau. There is also an attached hanging wire, so it's ready to be hung up.

A compelling piece of period art here. It is not expensive and would definitely add interest to a Navy Dagger collection.

Excellent Plus. $1,195.00

ART #39905 White Marble Bust of Mussolini

This bust measures 6 inches high. It depicts the “unforgettable” face of Il Duce, who is dressed in uniform complete with a helmet marked with a Fascist flag. He wears a military tunic, tie, and the usual smug expression.

An extended panel on the base reads “Benito Mussolini Dux”. I don’t see any other markings on this bust.

A great item to add to an Italian Fascist dagger collection, or as a paperweight for bills you’d rather not look at.

Near Mint. $495.00

ART #28469 Reservist Soldier Bust on Marble

This Reservist Soldier Bust on Marble would make a fine desk piece. It is only about 3½ inches high by about 3 inches wide.

As the name would imply, this is a silvered bust of a solfier. He has excellent detail to his helmet, face, collar tabs, pockets, and even the 3rd Reich eagle can be seen above the man’s right pocket. This depiction has a silver finish, and must of the original frosting still clings to it.

The bust is mounted to a white marble base, having a white felt bottom. The base has a crack running through it, but does not look like it is going to separate any further.

A nice looking desk piece here.

Excellent Plus. $125.00

ART #37561C Hermann Göring Portrait Plaque

This plaque depicts a profile of Hermann Göring, done in nickel or brass and colored black. It is mounted in a walnut base. The plaque measures 8 by 11 inches, and it is quite heavy.

The image of Hermann is very well done, and he is looking to the viewer's left. This type of plaque would have been displayed in an office or the like.

The reverse has a bracket for mounting the piece, and the bolt that hold the head in place is visible.

A great item here to spice up your Luftwaffe collection.

Excellent Plus. $495.00

ART #27319 Imperial Bavarian Framed Service Time Memory Board

This Imperial Bavarian Framed Service Time Memory Board is quite well done and appears to still be in itsoriginal frame. The frame is a brown wood and is complete with the original backing and hanging devices. The frame measures 21 inches by 17 inches. There is a gray matte that runs around the border and the interior background is a green color. Applied to the background is the silvered slogan “zur Erinnerung/an meine Dienstzeit”. This, of course, means “In Memory of My Service Time”. There is a colorful depiction of the Bavarian prince regent Luitpold shown in his bemedalled uniform with dried flowers around his portrait. Below and to the left of the regent is a semblance of Germania. She is holding up an orb in one arm and a sword in the other. In the center is an Uhlan style facsimile of a shoulder board and to the right is a little house over sets of standartes. Within the house is a photograph of the original owner of this framed presentation, who is celebrating his service time. The owner is in a photograph, showing him in officer’s Uhlan uniform, complete with great coat, sword and flat-topped Uhlan pickelhaub. The sword has one of the shaving brush style portepees and overall, the photograph is still very well preserved. This framed presentation would go very nicely in a collecting room.

Excellent Plus, Plus. $250.00