Lot 1168

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Description:

HAUPTMANN HORST TREBES'S LUFTWAFFE SERVICE TUNIC AND DAGGER
Finely crafted World War II Luftwaffe service tunic and dagger belonging to Captain HORST TREBES (1916-1944) was a captain of Fallschirmjager and Knight's Cross recipient for valor in the Battle of Crete. He also participated in the Massacre of Kondomari, the mass murder of civilians on Crete. After drunkenly shooting a fellow soldier, he was stripped of his award and demoted, later serving as commander III/LL Sturm Regiment in Russia, KIA in Normandy. The beautifully preserved four-pocket tunic is constructed of a very fine grade blue-grey wool blend, secured closed at the front by four pebbled aluminum buttons. Sewn to the top buttonhole is an Iron Cross ribbon. Each pleated pocket is held closed by a single pebbled aluminum button. Fastened at the shoulders are a pair of Luftwaffe captain's yellow shoulder boards with four rows of aluminum bullion wire cords and two gilt rank pips, sewn to the tunic at one end and held down at the opposite end by a pebbled aluminum button. Adorning the upper lapels of the collar are a pair of yellow felt collar tabs featuring three gulls above a wreath, all in aluminum bullion wire, trimmed in the same. Like the tabs, the collar is bordered by twisted aluminum bullion wire. Affixed to the right breast is an attractive embroidered light gray breast eagle, with the lower tip of the insignia slightly overlapping the pocket below. Decorating the right French fold back cuff is an ‘Afrika' and ‘Kreta' cuff title, indicating Trebes served in the Battle of Crete and the North Africa campaign. At the collar of the interior is an original tag bearing the owner's initials ‘H T'. The interior is complete with three pockets and the routine dagger hanger. Rayon Lined throughout with the exception of the sleeves which display a striped cotton lining. In near mint condition. WITH: A second model Luftwaffe dagger, also belonging to Trebes. The dagger bears a 10 in. blade and is 15 in. overall, with a tightly wire wrapped and beautifully aged pumpkin orange celluloid grip. The reverse of the exceptionally detailed Luftwaffe eagle crossguard is etched with the owner's name ‘HORST TREBES' and depicting a Knights Cross at the center. Either side of the rounded pommel nut is decorated with oak leaves and a swastika at the center in relief. The blade remains rather bright only displaying some light oxidation, the maker mark for E & F Horster of Solingen on the reverse near the ricasso. Tied just above the guard is a silver portepee. Housed within a pebbled scabbard with the standard oak leaf designs on the hanger bands. Some oxidation to the scabbard as well as the pommel and crossguard, otherwise very good. This lot is accompanied by numerous photos showing the tunic and dagger as part of a once much larger grouping which included documents signed by Trebes and his medals including his Knight's Cross. The remaining (reproduction) photos depict Trebes commanding the firing squad responsible for the massacre at Kondomari, ordered in retaliation for Cretan participation during the Battle of Crete. Also present are brief biographical pages on Trebes's military background. This lot is comprised of two pieces in excellent condition.

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June 15, 2023 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, 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