Description:

(CROATIA) BADGE OF THE CROATIAN-GERMAN EINSATZSTAFFEL UNITS
Exceedingly rare Badge of the Einsatzstaffel (ES) der Deutschen Mannschaft, in die stamped bronze, with typical Croatian style pin on reverse with bent catch, 1.75 in. long, unmarked, in very fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Briton 'D. Rochford' of 2 Commando. He describes a joint British and American attack on the Croatian island of Solta on Mar. 17, 1944. One Croatian SS man was captured and turned over to partisans once this badge was taken from him. Rochford closes noting: 'I do not think his chances of surrender were very good as he had backed the wrong horse...' Established in July of 1941, this SS-aligned force was comprised of ethnic Germans and was officially part of the Croatian Ustasha Army. The first commander of this unit was local German Jakob Lichtenberger, appointed by the leader of ethnic Germans in Croatia Volksgruppenfhrer Branimir Altgayer. Initially this unit was equipped with locally made uniforms similar to uniforms of the Croatian Home Guard, however at the beginning of 1942 Waffen SS style uniforms were introduced. Many members of these units served on the Russian Front in 1941-42; however in 1943 this entire unit was incorporated into 7.SS-Freiwilligen-Gebrigs-Division 'Prinz Eugen'.

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June 26, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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