Description:

GEN. FRANZ HALDER'S WAR-ERA LARGE PERSONAL TRANSPORT TRUNK
FRANZ HALDER (1884–1972) German general and the chief of staff of the Army High Command (OKH) from 1938-1942. He directed the planning and implementation of Operation Barbarossa, the 1941 invasion of the Soviet Union. Here, a rarely seen accessory for German Generals and Field Marshalls, this very large wood and metal trunk, 40 in. x 22 in. x 22 in. high, would have been part of a larger set of trunks used by the General's staff to transport all of the General's personal belongings to and from various headquarters and duty offices. The bulk of this personal collection from General Halder's estate was stored in this exact trunk. Constructed of plywood with steel binding and reinforcing throughout, including a full sheet metal protection layer built into the outside bottom of the trunk, the main body of the trunk is painted in mottled light gray finish with all metal hardware being painted in gold/brass colored paint. The lid is secured with two large steel clasps and fitted to the front a hinged loop steel handle with a wood grip. Fitted to the left side, remnants of one end handle, formed with two metal cups that secured a full leather strap for pulling and standing up the trunk, although the metal hardware is fully intact, only the two broken ends of the heavy duty leather strap remain in these fittings unfortunately. Four small bakelite wheels secured by metal hardware are mounted to the underside four corners. The interior shows two chains installed as lid stops left and right, with the full interior being painted white, and a narrow strip of steel plate riveted to bottom of the interior, securing the seam for the endcap of the trunk which is hinged for opening, but had been permanently secured long ago. By the painted scheme seen on the exterior, we believe that General Halder utilized this trunk during his service as a General Officer in World War II, and postwar. Shows extensive wear and soiling, with many scrapes and imperfections to the finish, commensurate with extended use and age. Solid construction with all hardware being present, undamaged, and in fine working order. Very good overall.

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April 21, 2026 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