Description:

BATTLE OF ARNHEM POLISH PARATROOPER'S JACKET AND BERET
A rarely seen item, a World War II-issue Polish Paratrooper's wool jacket and beret complete with badges and insignia, in excellent condition. The light brown medium weight jacket, reminiscent of the 'Ike' jacket, bears two chest pockets with flaps, and a cinch belt at the waist. The collar lapels each bear Polish metal parachutist insignia with pinch clasps on the reverse. The right shoulder has three hand-sewn patches, including an oval patch reading 'POLAND', a pair of British embroidered parachutist wings and a Pegasus maroon and blue cloth patch. This patch indicates service with either the 1st or 6th British Airborne Division; the 1st Airborne incorporated the Polish 1st Parachute Brigade of which the owner of this tunic was a member. The left shoulder bears the same 'Polish' and Pegasus patches alone. The original British brass buttons at sleeve ends and on the front of the jacket remain. The left breast bears a silver Polish parachutist's jump wings, British-made with the maker's mark of 'CR. TECHN.' on the screw-back clasp, with two medal ribbons beneath representing issuance of the Order of Virtuti Militari, Poland's highest award for heroism in battle, and the Polish Cross of Honor. Within, the largely unlined jacket bears an ink stamp: Q WD 413' with a British broad arrow at center. The beret is constructed of red medium weight wool, size 7 1/4, and it bears a British paratrooper's unmarked metal insignia at front. The beret is marked within: 'KANGOL WEAR LIMITED 1945' with a British broad arrow as well. The beret bears just a few tiny moth nips, the jacket is in excellent condition. Regrettably, neither is identified. An especially rare and desirable uniform assemblage!

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*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

December 5, 2024 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, 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