Lot 1023

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

REMAGEN BRIDGE GERMAN HELMET AND DOG TAG
Two rare relics from the famous Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen, the last standing on the Rhine, namely a German Luftwaffe helmet and dog tag dug at the scene years after the crucial capture of the bridge that helped open western Germany to a determined Allied advance. According to the provenance with these items, the M35 helmet was found at the base of a fir tree under 4" of pine needles 150' from the far side of Remagen Bridge. The helmet is pitted and corroded, and the steel has been preserved with a coating of varnish. The liner within is intact. Also present is a 2 3/4" oval German soldier's dog tag which was found under the helmet. It also bears some corrosion, but most of the lettering is intact. The unfortunate owner's name is illegible, but he was a member of a flak replacement unit. Two exceptional relics from a crucial battle! The Remagen Bridge was captured by soldiers of the U.S. 9th Armored Division on Mar. 7, 1945, during Operation Lumberjack. Although German engineers had mined the bridge before the American approach, the fuses had been cut by two Polish engineers. The psychological advantage of having crossed the Rhine in force and in pursuit of the retreating Wehrmacht, improved Allied morale while communicating disaster to the retreating Germans. From the personal collection of World War II and Civil War historian Michael Miner. Miner's thirty-year collection was built through an extensive system of contacts he developed with artifact hunters and diggers in Europe and the Far East, and he maintained careful records of the items he amassed.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas) or UPS Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyer's should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. Customer's who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

June 4, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 22.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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 + $1,000