Lot 921

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Description:

ADOLF HITLER ORDERS THE CREATION OF THE VOLKSSTURM
Original World War II war-date poster, 1p. folio (33 x 23 in), in German on pink stock, Fuhrer Headquarters, Sept. 25, 1944. In very small part: '…I order all men in the districts of the Greater German Reich from the age of 16-60 capable of bearing arms, to form the German national militia…The formation and leadership of the militia is assumed by the Gauleiter…making use of the most capable organizations and leaders of the SA, SS, NSKK and HJ…Service in the people's militia takes precedence over service in all other organizations…I appoint Chief of Staff Schepmann as inspector for weapons training…Krass…inspector of the motor vehicle training…The Reichsfuhrer is responsible for the military as commander of the reserve army…Military regulations are issued by…Himmler...the administrative duties on my behalf by Martin Bormann…'. Signed in text by Hitler at the conclusion. On September 25, 1944, Hitler conscripted a last-resort 'Volkssturm' (VS) national militia as the marquee of his vision of Volksgemeinschaft and to scaffold the official Army in battle. Meant to boost morale to the war-weary country, the VS ultimately fought futile battles against Allies. These citizen-soldiers trained six days a week, and what rifle training was provided was given by SA Chief of Staff Wilhelm Schepmann. Devoid of any recognizable uniforms or significant weaponry, the black arm-banded VS troops lacked the morale and conviction of Nazi ideology needed to overcome their military inexperience. Hitler believed that these radicalized citizens would fight vigorously on behalf of their homeland; however, in reality, most conscripts did not have the training, fanaticism or taste for it. It is estimated that units saw up to 80 percent casualties, and, by war's end, one million VS troops were captured, killed or wounded. Folds, otherwise very good.

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January 26, 2023 10:00 AM EST
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000