Description:

A fine relic, a German Reichsbahn eagle bearing the national eagle and wreathed swastika, once gifted to an Allied colonel towards war's end with ironclad provenance. The eagle, 24 in. wingspan and 13.5 in. top to bottom, bears the 'GAlMgSi' composition marking, a lighter 'A-P A-G' stamp, and a still lighter 'ZA 7 LH' stamp on the verso. This piece was taken from a pair of railway eagles consigned to us and once gifted to Colonel William S. Carr, commander of the 708th Railroad Grand Detachment during World War II. According to a letter of provenance by a direct descendant (a photocopy of which is included with the lot), both eagles were taken from a train captured by Allied forces in Leige, Belgium in 1945, then remarked and used by the Allies. The eagles were later gifted to Col. Carr in August 1945, then gifted from Col. Carr to his descendant in 1946. Knobs once present on the reverse of these eagles were ground off, so they could be easier mounted to plaques and presented as awards. This eagle has been polished or refinished, as it was taken off of a plaque, and a spot of rust is present on the swastika. Generally in fine condition, and much better than usually seen. Sold with numerous original photographs adding further provenance, including an image of Carr with the eagle-bearing award, an image of William Carr with the train from which these eagles were taken (the train being marked 'Col. Carr' on the side), numerous images of Carr in uniform, and more. An increasingly hard-to-find relic, with incontestable provenance. Ex: Hermann Historica

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May 22, 2021 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 + $10,000