Description:

DAGGER, SAILOR'S SOLDBUCH, AND JACKET CAPTURED FROM U-234
An extraordinary grouping of items all purportedly seized in the highly-publicized surrender of U-234 on May 14, 1945 off the Newfoundland coast. Her first and only mission into enemy territory consisted of the attempted delivery of uranium oxide and German advanced weapons technology to Japan. After learning of Germany's unconditional surrender, the submarine's crew surrendered, giving up Luftwaffe Gen. Ulrich Kessler of the Luftwaffe, Kai Nieschling, a Naval Fleet Judge Advocate sent to rid the German embassy in Japan of the remnants of the Sorge spy ring; Dr. Heinz Schlicke, a specialist in radar, infra-red, and countermeasures, and August Bringewalde, who was in charge of Me 262 production. Two Japanese officers committed suicide rather than be taken prisoner. Included in the lot is a 2nd pattern custom Naval dagger with walrus grip, pommel and crossguard showing good detail but lacking much of their original finish, the locking button operable. The Eickhorn-marked blade bears the fouled-anchor motif against a fropsted background, the tip very sharp, with just the smalles bit of oxidation and a few surface scratches. A regulation sword knot has been tied with the proper knot to the grip of the dagger. Traditional "lightning bolt" scabbard is straight and bears no dents, though finish is likewise worn. Also present is the soldbuch, or military identity card, of U-234 crewman Hubert Lehrmann from Halle and born 1925. Lehrmann was a machinist's mate, entering the service on Aug. 2, 1942, and attended training schools prior to his first posting aboard U-190 before transfer to U-234. Also present is Lehrmann's steel gray leather overcoat, with eight matching gray buttons by Overhoff & Co. (three detached but present), two wool-lined side pockets and two well pockets with flaps, no vent, the entire jacket lined in dark gray wool and showing some wear consistent with use. According to the consignor, these items were seized by Navy Coxswain Judson W. Catlett of the destroyer USS SUTTON (confirmed a crewman by us) which seized the submarine. Catlett, a member of the boarding party, is said to have seized the dagger directly from Lt. Cmdr. Gerhard Falck, part of U-234's crew and charged with escorting the two Japanese envoys back to Japan with the uranium. The jacket and soldbuch were likewise taken by Catlett from a crewman who has been confirmed as a surrendering crewman. Obtained by our consignor from Catlett's surviving family member. A superior grouping: a great dagger, rare soldbuch, and authentic U-boat sailor's overcoat!

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February 18, 2014 11:00 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 $3,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000