WE HAVE BEEN DOING LAYAWAYS ON A LIMITED BASIS BUT DUE TO THE ECONOMY NOW WE HAVE DECIDED TO OFFER THE LAYAWAY OPTION TO EVERYONE. OUR TERMS ARE 25% OF THE TOTAL PURCHASE DOWN WITH THE OTHER 75% PAYABLE IN 3 EQUAL MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF 25% OF THE INITIAL BALANCE. NO PENALTY FOR USING YOUR CREDIT CARD EITHER. CHECK THE INDEX PAGE FOR COMPLETE DETAILS. THANKS!
BELOW WE HAVE ACQUIRED 5 WW2 TRAINING RIFLES FROM THE PARRIS-DUNN COMPANY. The first one is in outstanding condition and is complete. The other 4 are in various conditions but still real nice and hard to come by. Take a look!!! The first one is a consignment piece while the other 4 are not. Enjoy looking at the history!!!
CONSIGNMENT
Here's a nice item that's hard to come by these days! This is a model 1942 Parris-Dunn Navy Training rifle with original plastic Bayonet!!! You can find the rifles but these training bayonets are near impossible to find! Mark I Navy model
Unfortunately, no Parris-Dunn production records still exist, so all of the information relating to them has been pieced together from other sources. An early employee by the name of Maurice O. Greimann wrote short article in 1984 concerning the Parris-Dunn Corp and his information has been invaluable. In 1943 Mr. Greimann came to work for the Parris-Dunn Corp. as an electrical engineer. When the work shifted to making Training Rifles he became involved in their production and designed the firing mechanism for the first toy guns they later produced.
The Parris-Dunn Corporation was founded by William G. Dunn and Cecil L Parris when they formed a business partnership in 1937. Each of these men brought unique contributions to this partnership. Although Dunn had no formal technical training he, like many great inventors, could see the interrelationships that existed between different mechanical devices and could modify or combine them to solve problems. Parris had a background as sales manager for the Kari-Kleen company of Souix City, Iowa and was a talented merchandiser. Initially Parris was the President of the corporation and Dunn the Vice-president but during the war years their positions reversed.
William G. Dunn (1883-1968) ran a hardware business in Clarinda, Iowa in the early 1900's. In 1917 he formed the Dunn Counterbalance Company operating out of the back of his hardware store. He eventually built a factory on South 15th Street in Clarinda and the name was changed to the Dunn Manufacturing Co. He was a very talented inventor and eventually held patents for 75 different mechanical devices, many of which were related to the early automobile and aircraft industry. In 1934 he developed a wind driven generator that was designed for farm use. His primary invention was a device to control the speed of the propeller on this device. In 1936 he formed a partnership with Cecil Parris in order to better promote his generator business. In 1937 they sold 37,000 of these units. When WWII broke out in 1941 their wind generator business was declared nonessential and they were only allowed to make repair parts for the units already in use. There was a severe shortage of military firearms at the start of the war and they were approached by US Army Ordnance to produce a non-firing training rifle. Shortly after, the US Navy also expressed interest in this project but they wanted some slight modifications in their model.
In July of 1942 the Army let contract 271 ORD for 35,000 training rifles of their pattern at a cost of $166,000. In August the Navy let contract NROS 10993 for 190,000 training rifles having their changes at a cost of $903,000. In October of 1942 the Army contract was completed and in November they finished the first Navy contract. In January of 1943 the Navy let contract NORD 808 for 110,000 additional training rifles and in June that contract was completed. The total cost of the 300,000 rifles produced for the Navy was $1,384,000. The cost per rifle for the first contract was $4.75 and for the second contract $4.37. By the time of the second contract, Parris-Dunn could no longer get walnut wood for the stocks as all of it was going to arsenals that were making functional military rifles. They had to start using a cheaper grade of wood during the last contract which lowered the unit price.
Prior to the start of the military contracts Parris-Dunn recognized that they did not have sufficient personnel to produce the required number of training rifles in a short period of time. They put together another organization called Parris-Dunn Associates to undertake this important project. I have a document that contains the following: C.L. Parris, W.G. Dunn and H.E. Davidson, Copartners, doing business as Parris-Dunn Associates. At this time I have not been able to identify H.E. Davidson. They immediately expanded into all of the available building space in the area and hired more employees. This number grew to 250 during the peak of their production. They sub-contracted much of the work to 14 different businesses. The wooden stocks and sights were manufactured at their Clarinda plant and all of the assembly and finishing was also done there. They had that capacity to produce over 3000 training rifles a day. They became so efficient that the company voluntarily returned $228,000 to the Government as excess on allowable profit. On July 23, 1943 Parris-Dunn Associates received the coveted Army-Navy Production Award.
After the completion of their military contracts they continue to produce 200,000 of a civilian model for drill corps, schools and ROTC programs. The civilian model was essentially the same as the military models but had different markings.
In November of 1945 The Nave classified their training rifles as surplus and offered them for sale at $7.75. This price included a plastic bayonet and scabbard. Nothing is known concerning the disposition of the Army training rifles.
The Parris-Dunn Training Rifle is not a very accurate replica of the 1903 Springfield Rifle. It has a similar profile but is thinner in cross section and 3 pounds lighter in weight. The receiver, bolt and trigger mechanism are simple and crude by comparison to the Springfield. It has the general feel and appearance of a toy. It was reported that these training rifles were not very popular with soldiers and sailors that were required to use them during basic training. It must be noted that there were no other alternatives available at the time.
But!!! It is what it is and served a very useful purpose during WW2. This example is complete with all the metal parts being painted black The wood is in generally very nice original condition with a ding here and there. The original m-1909 leather sling is still attached and in good condition. There is a number 4 painted on the obverse buttstock. Take a look at the pics. The bayonet is in excellent condition with sheath! These bayonets were made with a plastic blade , with a sheet metal core ,....
Although 300,000 were made, the survival rate is very low , as they were easily damaged
The USN auctioned them off, as surplus after the war ended and they were then sold in the old ARMY/NAVY SURPLUS STORES in the 1950's , for as little as $1.00 each so the supplies were soon exhausted , and the few remaining MARK 1's , were quickly broken to pieces , by young baby boomers , while playing army , in the back yards and the diminishing woods of Americas growing suburbs. Here we have the complete unit! The rifle does not click when pulling the trigger as it should but where you gonna get a complete unit!!!
----------------
This is a Nice addition to the training rifle.
These bayonets have always been in high demand , and for some reason , always more popular than any "real" bayonet.
This bayonet is in great condition - made by the Beckwith Mfg. Co. - Victory Plastic Division , the blade is marked " USN MARK 1 " & " BM CO. VP NORD 3066 " -- { that contract was delivered on march of 1943 } You can see evidence of an old price tag on the OD scabbard. Here it is for $535.00
Here's another WW2 training rifle just like the one above but not in the same condition. The major differences are:
No bayonet and the rear sight is broken. The base is there but the elevator is missing. Also there is no sling. There is also a couple of stress cracks in the buttstock but absolutely in no danger of breaking apart. The metal parts are all in the original finish and aged condition. This training rifle has dings here and there from use but from a good note it still clicks when you use the bolt action and then pull the trigger. All in all it's still a good one and reasonable at $135.00
This training rifle is also a 1942 Naval Training rifle like the one above but in better condition and complete less the rifle sling. There are a few age cracks here and there and one rough spot on the reverse and obverse forestock but solid as a rock! Look at the pics. The rear sight is complete on this one and the action works. The buttplate is in excellent condition as well as the markings of DUMMY TRAINING RIFLE MARK 1-USN PARRIS-DUNN CORP CLARINDA, IOWA. This one is real pretty! Hang this one over your fireplace and you won't have to worry about the kids! Here's history here folks! $195.00
This next WW2 training rifle is the civilian version of the Military Trainer. This one is also complete less the sling and has the rear sight intact. Many times these were broken as they are the elevator sight. The stock seems to be a cheaper piece of pine and the barrel bands are painted on instead of being real steel! In the pics you can see a partial decal on the stock that was on the civilian rifles. This one looks just like the others being the Model 1903 Springfield. The buttplate on these models are marked MADE IN USA PARRIS-DUNN CLARINDA, IOWA. Looks good and functions as it should! $145.00
Here's the last trainer and it's the 1942 Naval version complete with sling. This one looks and functions very well. There is one age crack in the reverse buttstock and the buttplate is hard to read. This one is a looker and comes with a bayonet without scabbard. The bayonet has some damage to it but, hey, it's lucky to have one at all. The bayonet locks on as it should but if you look at the pics it's missing the bottom guard pass the locking button. Still looks great, being full length, with the proper visible markings as it should have. They got rough use so most of the bayonets did not survive. Still nice! $350.00
Here we have a spare buttplate for the training rifle that is marked DUMMY TRAINING RIFLE MARK 1-USN PARRIS-DUNN CORP. CLARINDA, IOWA. If you're missing one of these or yours is damaged this one is still in good condition. $30.00
Here's another item that is exceedingly rare! This is the original MANUAL OF ARMS For the VICTORY TRAINER RIFLE. This manual is for full sized training rifles patterend from the U.S.Army 1903 Springfield. This one folds out into a large sheet with instructions front and back. There are tears and separations at the folds but , hey folks, you can find this anywhere! This is RARE!!! $75.00
I just got this piece. this is a US Navy MK 2 Fighting Knife and gray molded plastic sheath. The U.S.N. Mark 2 knife has a sturdy 7 inch clip point blade with a leather washer handle. This piece is 12 inches long overall. The blade is marked CAMILLIUS, N. Y. on one side of the ricasso and on the other side the blade is marked U.S.N. MARK 2. The blade has had use but has not been sharpened much. It looks like the parkerized finish is worn from with wear. sticking this piece in the dirt or in the sand. The handle is excellent as is the pommel cap. The plastic sheath is in generally good condition being complete with no breaks. The front of the sheath is marked USN MK 2 while the reverse is marked NORD-8114 BM CO. 1/4 VP over a Star. The grey webbing hanger is fine being soiled but complete. If you want a showpiece that wasn't used then this knife is not for you but if you want a knife that's been around you'll love this one! Used but not particularily abused! $125.00
Consignment:
Here we have Pattern a 1888 Mk. I Knife bayonet for use with the .303 caliber M1888 Lee-Metford and Long Lee-Enfield rifles. Marked and dated 3/98 with V.R. under a crown on one ricasso and BFD under Broad Arrow along with a crown over 45 over E. There is also a X under them all. There are various other markings on this bayonet. The bayonet is still in nice shape..
The wood grips are secured by two large brass rivets. Pommel has clearance hole to accept the Lee-Metford rifle's cleaning rod and a clean-out hole in the grip, behind the rear rivet. Double-edged blade that has not been sharpened and has minuet patina spotting and some rust near the tip.. Lug catch works perfectly. No scabbard. $45.00
Consignment:
Here we have a grouping of old Valentines. I usually don't handle these but they are in nice shape and date from the late 19th century thru the 1920's. Nice vibrant colors! Take a look at the pics. $10 for all.
Consignment:
Here's a nice old black and white photograph of a group of soldiers marching down a street in El Paso, TX. This is probably a group of trainees. I believe this to be a WW1 photo and it looks like their all carrying 03 springfields. Nice shot! $5.00
Consignment:
Here's a nice stereo card from the San Francisco Fire Earthquake Series. This one is No. 309. Camp in Jefferson Square Copyrightd, 1906 by W. S. Smith. The reverse states 'Camp in Jefferson Square where rich and poor alike found qurters to sleep and a place to eat. All were treated alike by soldiers in command. Many hardships were endured by people never before in want.' This back of the card is also marked John W. Carrol - Knox Co. - Sandborn, IND. Nice card! $5.00
Consignment item:
Here's a substantial Consignment grouping! This is a grouping that consists of dozens of original photographs taken during WW2 in France and Germany and belonging to Clarency Ray (Raymond) Frye. Ray was in the 48th Tank Battalion/ 14 Armd Division and this grouping consists of 4 'yard longs' of training camp. Camp photos are Camp Chaffee, Ark. 1943 and Fort Campbell, Ky July, 1944. The 14th Armored Division was an armored division of the United States Army in World War II. It remains on the permanent rolls of the Regular Army as an inactive division, and is eligible for reactivation should the need ever arise. The division is officially nicknamed the LIBERATORS.
The 14th Armored Division was constituted and added to the rolls of the US Army on 28 Aug 1942 and activated on 15 Nov 1942 in a ceremony at Camp Chaffee, Ark. Organized initially as a heavy division with 2 Armored Regiments (the 47th and 48th) and 1 Armored Infantry Regiment the 62nd. Reorganized from a heavy division to a light division on 20 Sep 1943.
Departed Camp Chaffee, Ark, in Nov 1943 to participate in the 2nd Army maneuvers in Tennessee from 17 Nov 1943 till 10 Jan 1944. At the conclusion of the exercise, the division was assigned to Camp Campbell, Ky. The division remained at Camp Campbell until late Sep 1944 when alerted for movement to the ETO and Camp Shanks,NY for final processing.Units departing Camp Campbell on 1 Oct 1944 and completed their arrival at Camp Shanks on 6 Oct 1944. After completing their processing, the division boarded transports for deployment on 13 Oct 1944 aboard four transports.
Southern France & Alsatian Plain. The 14th Armored Division landed at Marseille, France, 29 October 1944. Within 2 weeks some of its elements were in combat, maintaining defensive positions along the Franco-Italian frontier. The division was assigned to U.S. 6th Army Group on 1 November. On 10 November, the division was assigned to U.S. Seventh Army. On 12 November Combat Command Reserve was detached, and ordered to the Maritime Alps by 6th Army Group to relieve units in defensive positions there. On 15 November, Combat Command A moved north from the area of Marseilles to Epinal to take part in the VI Corps drive through the Vosges Mountains, and was followed by Combat Command B five days later. Hard fighting at Gertwiller, Benfeld, and Barr helped VI Corps crack the German defenses, and the division was on the Alsatian Plain early in December. On 17 December the division attacked across the Lauter River into Germany itself, and along with the other units of VI Corps fought its way into a heavily defended portion of the German Westwall. Due to the growing crisis in the Ardennes, General Eisenhower ordered Seventh Army to stop its attack and withdraw from the Westwall, where its units assumed positions south of the Lauter River. The order was poorly timed as elements of the 14th Armored Division had penetrated deep into the German defenses, and were poised to break out into the enemy's rear.
Operation Nordwind[edit] Task Force HudelsonOn 25 December 1944 VI Corps ordered the division's Combat Command R, commanded by Col. Daniel Hudelson, to assemble a regimental sized task force (TF Hudelson) to establish defensive positions along a 10-mile section of the Seventh Army line linking XV and VI Corps, was located in the rugged Vosges Mountains in the area of Banstein, southeast of Bitche. The balance of the division was placed in Corps Reserve to protect against a Saar Valley penetration by the Germans. Additiionally, it was ordered to be prepared to move to the vicinity Phalsbourg as a counter -attacking force to stop and prevent a break through in the XV Corps area.
TF Hudelson consisted of the division's 62nd Armored Infantry Battalion, 94th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, and one company of the 125th Armored Engineer Battalion. TF Hudelson was further reinforced by two VI Corps units, the 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron and the 1st Battalion, 540th Combat Engineers. Just before midnight on New Year's Eve, 1944 the German Army Group G launched Operation Nordwind, the last major German counter-offensive of the war. The advancing German units were from the XC and LXXXIX Coprs, attacking through the Low Vosges. TF Hudleson held only a thin line of strong points and screens. During the night and day of 1 January, TF Hudelson found itself engaged by elements of 5 enemy divisions,the 256th, 257th, 361st and 559th Volksgrenadier Division. The tropps of TF Hudelson took the brunt of the German advance which had penetrated to Bannstein by day break. The Task Force was soon overrun or bypassed the German divisions but they managed to delay and slow the German advance until substantial reinforcements could arrive and stem the German advance. The the fourth day of the German advance they had advanced 10 miles. With pressure building during the first day of the attack, aerial observation reported a strong regimental size element moving towards Bannstein. Reinforcements were sent to Baerenthal to reinforce the VI Corps left flank and the 14th Armored Division was ordered to establish blocking positions. On the 2nd Januar, the 45th Division along with the attached Task Force herren, occupied positions to block any further penetrationby the Germans. This allowed for the relief of Task Force Hudelson and its return to division control.
The major fighting between 1 and 8 January occurred in the Vosges Mountains, and two combat commands of the division were in almost continuous action defending against the German attacks. With the failure of his attack in the Vosges, the enemy attempted to break through to Hagenau and threaten Strasbourg and the Saverne Gap by attacks at Hatten and Rittershoffen, two small villages located side by side on the Alsatian Plain. However, this, the strongest attack of Operation Nordwind, was halted by the 14th Armored in the fierce defensive Battle of Hatten-Rittershoffen which raged from 9 to 21 January 1945.
[edit] Hatten and RittershoffenAs the fighting in the VI Corps sector intensified, the Germans committed the 21st Panzer Division and the 25th Panzer Grenadier Division to the attack with a breakthrough to Hagenau. On the 9th of January, German armor was able to penetrate the center of the VI Corps sector. This caused Brooks the Corps commander to commitment his final reserve force, the 14th Armored in an effort to stop the German XXXIX Panzer Corps advance. Ordered to take up positions in the vicinity of Hatten and Rittershoffen, the 14th assumed commander and control of units from the 242nd Infantry Regiment and the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 315th Infantry Regiments. With the heavy fighting in and around the towns, success was measured in how many buildings were controlled by each side as the Americans controlled the western half of the towns and the Germans the eastern half. On the 15th of January, the Germans reinforced the forces in both towns with elements of the 20th Parachute Regiment from the 7th Parachute Division, and the 104th Infantry Regiment from the 47th Volksgrenadier Division. As the fighting raged, the 14th Armored found itself increasingly on the defense. The resupply of the division was becoming very difficult due to the constant reorganizing of forces, the evacuation of wounded, and the shrinking perimeter. But the divisions 11 day stand at Hatten and Rittershoffen allowed the VI Corps and Seventh Army to withdraw to prepared defensive positions. On 21 January, after the rest of Seventh Army had withdrawn to new defensive positions on the south bank of the Moder River, the 14th and its supporting units withdrew from Hatten and Rittershoffen and moved south to join the rest of the army.
Following the battle the division G-4 reported to the commanding officer that the division was still short 62 medium tanks despite having received over 60 replacement tanks during the month of January. Even more astounding was the 136th Ordnance Battalion's maintenance report for the month in which it listed approximately 150 medium tanks that had been knocked out in combat, repaired, and returned to the division's tank battalions. An example of this is seen on the operational reports of the 47th and 48th Tank Battalions. At the height of the fighting the 47th reported that it had a total of 17 operational medium tanks out of an authorized strength of 50, and all were committed to holding its portion of the line. The 48th Tank Battalion report for the same period included the comment that its medium tank companies were now of approximately squad strength. Lt. General Jacob L. Devers, commanding general, 6th Army Group later commented that the Battle of Hatten-Rittershoffen "was one of the greatest defensive battles of the war." The 14th Armored Division was nominated for four Presidential Unit Citations for its actions at Hatten-Rittershofen. Of these, two were awarded. Col. Hans von Luck, who commanded the 21st Panzer Division at Hatten-Rittershoffen wrote in his memoirs "Panzer Commander" that the battle ".... was one of the hardest and most costly battles that had ever raged on the western front." These are strong, telling words from a professional German panzer officer who fought with Rommel's famed Afrika Korps in North Africa, served two tours of duty on the Eastern Front, and led the only armored counter-attack to be attempted against the Allied beachhead in Normandy. A veteran officer who served on the staff of Army Group G during the battle wrote after the war that the American defense of the town against overwhelming odds were "heroic."
After rest, rehabilitation, and defensive missions during February and early March, the division returned to the offensive, 15 March 1945, drove across the Moder River, cracked through the Siegfried Line, and by the end of the month, had captured Germersheim on the Rhine. On Easter Sunday, 1 April 1945, the 14th moved across the Rhine near Worms and protecting the long left flank of Seventh Army advance against moderate to heavy opposition through Lohr, Gemunden, Neustadt, and Hammelburg where, on 6 April, Combat Command B liberated Stalag XIIIC and the more famous Oflag XIII-B.
Hatten and RittershoffenAs the fighting in the VI Corps sector intensified, the Germans committed the 21st Panzer Division and the 25th Panzer Grenadier Division to the attack with a breakthrough to Hagenau. On the 9th of January, German armor was able to penetrate the center of the VI Corps sector. This caused Brooks the Corps commander to commitment his final reserve force, the 14th Armored in an effort to stop the German XXXIX Panzer Corps advance. Ordered to take up positions in the vicinity of Hatten and Rittershoffen, the 14th assumed commander and control of units from the 242nd Infantry Regiment and the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 315th Infantry Regiments. With the heavy fighting in and around the towns, success was measured in how many buildings were controlled by each side as the Americans controlled the western half of the towns and the Germans the eastern half. On the 15th of January, the Germans reinforced the forces in both towns with elements of the 20th Parachute Regiment from the 7th Parachute Division, and the 104th Infantry Regiment from the 47th Volksgrenadier Division. As the fighting raged, the 14th Armored found itself increasingly on the defense. The resupply of the division was becoming very difficult due to the constant reorganizing of forces, the evacuation of wounded, and the shrinking perimeter. But the divisions 11 day stand at Hatten and Rittershoffen allowed the VI Corps and Seventh Army to withdraw to prepared defensive positions. On 21 January, after the rest of Seventh Army had withdrawn to new defensive positions on the south bank of the Moder River, the 14th and its supporting units withdrew from Hatten and Rittershoffen and moved south to join the rest of the army.
Following the battle the division G-4 reported to the commanding officer that the division was still short 62 medium tanks despite having received over 60 replacement tanks during the month of January. Even more astounding was the 136th Ordnance Battalion's maintenance report for the month in which it listed approximately 150 medium tanks that had been knocked out in combat, repaired, and returned to the division's tank battalions. An example of this is seen on the operational reports of the 47th and 48th Tank Battalions. At the height of the fighting the 47th reported that it had a total of 17 operational medium tanks out of an authorized strength of 50, and all were committed to holding its portion of the line. The 48th Tank Battalion report for the same period included the comment that its medium tank companies were now of approximately squad strength. Lt. General Jacob L. Devers, commanding general, 6th Army Group later commented that the Battle of Hatten-Rittershoffen "was one of the greatest defensive battles of the war." The 14th Armored Division was nominated for four Presidential Unit Citations for its actions at Hatten-Rittershofen. Of these, two were awarded. Col. Hans von Luck, who commanded the 21st Panzer Division at Hatten-Rittershoffen wrote in his memoirs "Panzer Commander" that the battle ".... was one of the hardest and most costly battles that had ever raged on the western front." These are strong, telling words from a professional German panzer officer who fought with Rommel's famed Afrika Korps in North Africa, served two tours of duty on the Eastern Front, and led the only armored counter-attack to be attempted against the Allied beachhead in Normandy. A veteran officer who served on the staff of Army Group G during the battle wrote after the war that the American defense of the town against overwhelming odds were "heroic."
After rest, rehabilitation, and defensive missions during February and early March, the division returned to the offensive, 15 March 1945, drove across the Moder River, cracked through the Siegfried Line, and by the end of the month, had captured Germersheim on the Rhine. On Easter Sunday, 1 April 1945, the 14th moved across the Rhine near Worms and protecting the long left flank of Seventh Army advance against moderate to heavy opposition through Lohr, Gemunden, Neustadt, and Hammelburg where, on 6 April, Combat Command B liberated Stalag XIIIC and the more famous Oflag XIII-B.
[edit] Liberation of Oflag XIIIB and Stalag XIIICAfter erecting a pontoon bridge near Worms to cross the Rhine River on 1 April, the 14th attacked to the northeast with CCB in the lead. The initial task of CCB was to break through the Spessart Forest and break into the rear of the German forces. The command advanced 75 miles on the first day with the lead elements reaching the town of Lohr. Approaching the town, the leading elements began to receive heavy small arms fire. As the infantry dismounted to clear the resistance, they and the tanks of the 47th Tank battalion experienced heavy antitank fire from Panzerfaust. The 47th lost 3 tanks due to the Panzerfaust.
Clearing the town of resistance, CCB continued its advance along the Main River through Sackenbach, Nantenbach and Gemunden. As the columns continued along this route, they continued to receive heavy machine gun and mortar fire. On 6 April 1945, CCCB's objective was the military lager south of Hammelburg and the POW comps to the south. The operational plan called for the 47th Tank battalion to advance from the north and the 19th Armored Infantry battalion to block and secure the roads to the south and east of the camps. As the units approached the camps, they received sporadic fire from German guns and machine guns. Entering the German lager, the infantrymen of the 19th found the prison gates and forced an opening into OFLAG XIIIB where they found a large contingent of Serbian officers and some American officers.
Elements of the 47th Tank battalion and the 94th Armored Reconnaissance battalion continued to the south and liberated Stalag XIIIC which held a large contingent of Allied enlisted men - American, Australians, British and others.
[edit] Liberation of Stalag VII-AFollowing the Battle of Nuremberg, the division raced to the Danube, crossing the river at Ingolstadt,passing through the 86th Infantry Division. It's mission to secure crossings sites on the Isar River and to push on to Moosburg and Landshut. Advancing on an south easterly axis, CCA was on the division right with CCR on the left and CCB in reserve. Facing the division were remnants of the 17 SS Panzer Grenadiers and the 719th Infantry Divisions. After fighting their way across the Isar and into Moosburg, CCA on 29 April entered the town and approached Stalag VII-A and took the surrender of the camp garrison of over 200 men. Initial reports had listed the number of prisoners liberated as 27,000, this was wrong there where over 130,000 Allied prisoners liberated from Stalag VII-A, the largest prisoner of war camp in Germany. The division rapidly moved eastward to the area of Mulhdorf an Inn where it established two strong bridgeheads across the Inn River before being ordered to halt by III Corps. The division fired its last rounds, 2 May 1945, and was processing prisoners of war, and patrolling its area when the war in Europe ended on 8 May,
[edit] Liberation of Forced Labor and Concetration CampsDuring the divisions advance into southern Germany, on 2 and 3 May, the 14th liberated several sub camps of the Dachau concentration camp. Upon entering the towns of Muldorf and Ampfing, units of the division discovered three large forced labor camps containing thousands of Polish and Soviet civilians. Units also liberated two additional camps nearby holding Jewish prisoners.
[edit] CCR Rifle CompanyAs a result of the shortage of infantry replacements which the European Theater was facing in late 1944, a call for volunteers was distributed throughout the communication zone for those willing to retrain as infantry replacements. This call was accepted by over 4,000 African American soldiers serving in support units throughout the communication zone. By 1 February 1945, 2,800 of these volunteers received orders to report to the retraining center where they received basic instruction in infantry skills and tactics. In March 1945, the first contingent of soldiers, organized into 12 platoons, were assigned to the 7th Army which organized them into 3 companies of 4 platoons each. They were organized as 7th Army Provisional Rifle Companies 1, 2 and 3 and then assigned to the 12th Armored Division. In late March, the last contingent of 4 additional platoons were assigned to 7th Army which organized them as 7th Army Provisional Rifle Company 4 and then assigned them to the 14th Armored Division.
This 240 man company was assigned to the division without a command and control element, which the division was required to staff, and without weapons and equipment. The division with the assistance of Corps and Army support was able to equip the company with the basic needs for future operations. Initially the company was attached to the 19th Armored Infantry Battalion but was then reassigned to CCR where they became known as the CCR Rifle Company. CCR Rifle company was mainly employed as an attachment to the 25th Tank Battalion. The company's first combat engagement took place near Lichtenfels but it was near Bayreuth that the company received the accolade of approval from those they fought with in the 14th Armored Division. In small platoon size actions, CCR Rifle fought their way into Gottsfeld and Creussen helping to secure the towns. The company when employed in less than company size, performed well. When employed as a company, the results were less satisfactory. This was a result of the way in which the companies were formed and trained, as platoons and not as a company. The company remained with the division when it was reassigned to 3rd Army and ended the war with the 14th Armored and was disbanded on June 4, 1945.
"LIBERATORS" is the official nickname of the U.S. 14th Armored Division. The division became known by its nickname during the last days of WW-II when it liberated some 200,000 Allied prisoners of war from German prison camps. Among those liberated were approximately 20,000 American soldiers, sailors, and airmen, as well as an estimated 40,000 troops from the UK and Commonwealth. The division's nickname is officially recognized by the US Army and the division is carried on the permanent rolls of the Army as the "LIBERATORS."
The 14th Armored Division was inactivated on 16 September 1945 at Camp Patrick Henry, VA.
[edit] OrganizationThe division was organized and activated as a heavy division in 1942. Early in 1943, the Army Ground Force began a series of studies to reorganize the various divisions with in the Army. After reviewing the tables of organization and after allowing the various commands to review and comment on the proposed restructure, the divisional strength of the 14 organized armored divisions was reduced from 14,630 men to 10,937. The restructure removed the Armored Regiment and Infantry Regiment from the table of organization and replaced them with 3 Tank Battalions and 3 Armored Infantry Battalions. Both Combat Commands, A and B remained but an additional Command (CCR)was added to the organization. This was a small headquarter element of 10 personnel tasked with the command and control of the division rear area. The 125th Engineer Battalion lost its bridge company the engineer line companies were reduce to 3 companies. The 94th Cavalry Recon Squadron was increased in size to include a HQ Troop, 4 line troops, an assault gun troop (with 4 platoons), and a light tank company. Within the division trains, the division lost its support battalion and the division supply company.
This group was extremely important to the war effort as you can see. I'm not sure what all belongs here but I'm offering it all in one grouping. There are dozens of photographs which include training camp photos as well as photos at the front. The some glass slides that were used to make some family photographs in one of the pics that do not belong in this grouping. Some came out of an album and have black paper stuck to the back of them. Just a few have something written on the back. There are several with Ray's name on them. There is one showing a grandstand of some sort with 'At Erding' written in pencil on the front. Erding is a German town and in 1945, several Allied air raids on the nearby military airport damaged the city and killed numerous inhabitants. There is also one photograph marked on the back 'Taken at Bufrchesgarden, Hitler's Home'. Hitler's "Eagle's Nest" was designed and built for Adolf Hilter's 50th Birthday by his personal secretary and Head of the Nazi Party Chancellery Martin Bormann. The monument is called "Kehlsteinhaus" in German because of it was originally intended to be a "Teahouse" for the head of the Third Reich. This photograph shows Ray standing in front of a fountain of some sort. Many photos are not marked and would be a great research project for the WW2 Military enthusiat! There are pics of military vehicles including tanks and a 'duck'. There are pics of many bombed out buildings. Outstanding! There is one photograph that Ray must have 'traded' for and carried much. It's a small black and white photograph of a soldier in the South Pacific with his arms around 2 bare breasted South Seas island girls! The photo is wrinkled and has been folded several times! Also with this grouping is a copy of the WW2 German surrender which was probably handed out by the thousands to the returning troops. Ray must have collected patches because he has many of them with some of his unit but several for the 3rd Air Force and several for other tank destroyer units. He also has several chevrons and a couple of buttons. Also included are ribbon bars for Good Conduct, European Arfican Middel Eastern campaign with 2 battle stars, and a Bronze Star ribbon bar. The family states that Ray was awarded the Bronze Star but they don't know where the medal is. He does have in this grouping his Good Conduct Medal. There is also a Good Conduct lapel stud and a Bronze Star lapel stud. There is also one colorized photograph of BG Albert C. Smith, Commander of the 14th Armored Division, questioning a US Solder escourting prisoners across the Saale River at Germunden on April 6th, 1945. This is an Original Photo by Army Signal Corp. The back is marked Kodac Professional Paper, papier, papel. All in all a very good selection of items you can hold onto and study. If anything shows up from this estate I'll be sure to let the buyer of these items have first chance on any new items. Check out the wonderful pics below! For this grouping and any chance at further items $495.00
CONSIGNMENT ITEM:
Here's a couple of WW2 items that I got from one source. The first item is a WW2 Field Desk. It's in pretty good condition but needs the lock replaced. Also it seems to have been professionally repainted black with copper colored rivits as you can see spots/areas of the OD green type Army paint underneath. This desk measures approximately 16 wide by 20 long by 15 tall. The front drops down to access the inside drawers and to make a writting surface. The drawers are intact as you can see in the pics. There is a tag on top which says that it was made during December 1944. The leather straps are intact which is kind of rare now. This is an original WW2 Army Field Desk and not a reproduction - guaranteed. The below M3 Knife was found in this desk. This desk's price is $100.00 and weighs between 30 & 40 pounds so it has to be picked up and not shipped unless you want to pay the UPS price for shipping. Look at the pics!
.
***PRICES JUST LOWERED ON CONSIGNMENT ITEMS!!!*** WE'VE JUST RECEIVED SEVERAL NICE CONSIGNMENT ITEMS. SORRY BUT WE CAN'T OFFER DISCOUNTS ON CONSIGNMENTS AND WE WILL HAVE TO CHARGE SHIPPING ON THESE ITEMS AS WELL. I WILL MAKE SURE YOU WILL KNOW WHICH ARE CONSIGNEMENT ITEMS. HERE THEY ARE!!
CONSIGNMENT:
Here's something that I believe is just outstanding! This is a WW2 set of Marine Corps Dress Blues belonging to Tech Sgt. L.P.Clark. I've done some research and believe this to be Lewis P. Clark. I found his wife Lisa Driver Clark as well who is buried in Oglethorpe City Cemetery in Macon County, Georgia. L.P.Clark is marked on the inside of the right pocket along with the date 12-18-1943. This uniform is in outstanding condition and has a 5th Mrine Division Patch on his right shoulder! As you recall, the 5th Division's first combat was on Iwo Jima! The uniform also has 5 uniform bars and an expert rifleman and pistol shooting badge. There are 4 small bronze battle stars present as well. This set consists of the blouse, trousers and Marine white belt and harder to find staff NCO buckle and all are in just outstanding condition with no damage and no mothing! The campaign ribbons on his chest are:
1. Marine Corps Good Conduct ribbon.
2. American Defense ribbon.
3. American Campaign ribbon.
4. Asiatic and Pacific Campaign ribbon.
5. WW2 Victory ribbon.
Also his rank was an E-8 or Master Sgt. This uniform came out of Indiana and it'll be hard to find one better! Iwo Jima History!!! Here is a history of the 5th Marine Division:
The 5th Marine Division was activated at Camp Pendleton, Calif., on 21 January 1944. The early months of that year saw the activation of the division's infantry regiments. At the same time, many support units were created to keep "The Spearhead" supplied, armed, and fighting. Like every new outfit in World War II, the Fifth was confronted with problems and crises as it prepared for its rendevous with destiny in combat.
PREPARING FOR WAR
The 5th Marine Division was never really a "green" outfit, even from the very start. Among its ranks were thousands of combat veterans, many of them former members of the 1st Marine Parachute Regiment, the Raider Training Battalion, the Parachute Training School, West Coast, and the Parachute Replacement Company. These Marines, most of whom had already served in combat, gave The Spearhead a fighting edge in training and battle. In addition, all over the United States, posts and stations of the Corps were scoured for Marines who had not yet served in combat.
Under one of the Corps' finest commanders, MajGen Keller E. Rockey, the division spent its early months training at Camp Pendleton. Thousands of Marines and mountains of equipment poured in the bring The Spearhead to its authorized strength. At the same time, its Marines trained, hiked, ran field problems, and learned to use every weapon at their disposal.
Elements of the division began departing for overseas service in in July 1944 as the reserve for the the Guam campaign. Not needed, they arrived at Camp Tarawa, near Hilo, Hawaii. The rest of the division arrived between August-November 1944.
At Camp Tarawa, the Fifth honed its combat skills and waited for the call to duty. It came in late 1944 when the division received its combat orders to assault Iwo Jima. Now the Marines began a period of intensified training on terrain that was a close match to the ground on Iwo. From all over the world, ships and equipment were marshalled for the invasion. In December 1944, transports began arriving at Hilo. Loading began on 16 December, and the last units of The Spearhead pulled out of Camp Tarawa on 4 January 1945.
IWO JIMA
On 19 February 1945, the Fifth assaulted the island of Iwo Jima with other elements of the Vth Marine Amphibious Corps. Exposed to the full fury of the enemy's defenses, Marines clawed their way forward a yard at a time. Across Motoyama Airfield #1, up Mount Suribachi, and then into the badlands of the Motoyama Plateau, the Fifth fought and died. But, it never stopped.
Foot by foot, day by day, Marines pushed forward until the last Japanese pocket was crushed on 25 March 1945. On 27 March 1945, the last Marines of the division sailed from Iwo Jima. The had earned their nickname–"The Spearhead." As their transports pulled away from the bloody island, few of them looked back.
RECONSTITUTION
Returning to Camp Tarawa, the Fifth started an extensive liberty program called, "Operation SHAKE-DOWN." Marines could take in Hollywood USO shows, and movies. They went to Hilo on liberty, and sometimes even Honolulu. Thousands of new replacements reported aboard to fill the division's depleted ranks. Combat reports were completed, new equipment of every type arrived, and the old cycle of combat training began again. Detailed planning and maneuvers started for the largest objective ever–the Invasion of Japan.
Then, in early August 1945 scuttlebutt flew across Camp Tarawa like wildfire–the Army Air Force had dropped a giant new bomb that could destroy an entire city. The Fifth sweated out the rumors, which were confirmed a few days later. On 14 August 1945, the Japanese government surrendered unconditionally, ending World War II. This is an outstanding grouping for a man in the Spearhead Attack on Iwo Jima!!! Only missing the cap. Nice as they come!!! WAS $425.00 NOW $385.00 !!
CONSIGNMENT;
Here's an outstanding albumin photograph of a group of circa 1907 108th Coastal Artillery Command. This is a very nice photograph of early uniforms, headgear and Model 1903 rifles. A couple of the men are holding bugles as well. They say that men trying to hide in the early days would join the military so no one can find them and this photograph seems to reinforce that belief! If you look at the 2nd photograph you will see one man hiding behind a column and the other man is turning his head so as not to be recognized! Perhaps they had broken the law or they're hiding from a former wife! Nice photograph! Here's a capsule history of the Coastal Artillery:
U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps 1901-1950
By the end of 1898, the US Army artillery was organized into seven regiments, two of which were created that year. In 1901, the regimental organization of the US Army artillery was abolished, and 126 companies of heavy (coast) artillery and 30 companies of light (field) artillery were established. In 1907, the artillery was split into a field artillery, with a regimental organization, and the coast artillery corps, with additional coast artillery companies, making a total of 170 companies. In 1924, a regimental organization of the Coast Artillery was instituted. Thre were 16 regular army harbor defense regiments, and several tractor drawn, railway, and antiaircraft regiments, along with a number of national guard and organized reserve harbor defense and antiaircraft artillery regiments. This organizational status lasted (with the number and type of active regiments changing frequently) until the Coast Artillery regiments were broken up into separate battalions in 1943. Nearly all Coast Artillery units were deactivated 1944-1946. The Coast Artillery Corps was officially abolished in 1950.
WAS $65.00 NOW $57.50 !!
CONSIGNMENT:
Here's an all wood copy of the 1903 Springfield drill rifle. This one was probably made circa 1915 and was very well made with sections of the larger piece cut out and lamination taking place. The buttstock was beveled to make it easier to fit in the palm of the hand for drills. There are no markings anywhere on this piece. Again, nicely made! WAS $175.00 NOW $150.00 !!
CONSIGNMENT:
Early Span Am thru early WW1 mess kit in the round shape which is 8 1/2 inches across and 1 1/2 inch deep not counting the handle. Soldiers initials of G.N.P. are marked into both handle and the bottom piece. There are also initials of JNS so maybe 2 different soldiers used this mess kit. There are no utensils present with this kit. WAS $110.00 NOW $95.00 !!!
CONSIGNMENT:
Model 1874 Mess kit marked 'US' on the handle. This was the 1st type ever issued! This tin has a nice oval shape with the Soldier's name lightly stratched on reverse. No utensils present. WAS $110.00 NOW $95.00 !!!
CONSIGNMENT:
Here is an Early Bowie Style hunting knife with a faint maker mark on the left side of the blade at top center that I can't make out. W something Co. Quality Guaranteed is all I can make out. Maybe you willhave better luck. This knife was carried in WW2 by Dick Murphy who was a combat Engineer in Europe. Dick's father sent it over to him. Nice old knife with leather scabbard that measures 13 1/2 inches in the scabbard and 12 3/8 inches out of the scabbard. The blade itself is 6 3/4 inches long showing signs of old sharpening that could be buffed out. There is one small nick on the blade about midway but not bad at all. I believe the knife to be older than the scabbard. If I didn't know the history of who carried this piece I would believe this knife to be late 1800's. Nice! WAS $150.00 NOW $135.000
CONSIGNMENT:
Here's a Bowie Knife that a friend of mine got from a WW2 Vet. The vet said he made it while in the Pacific from crashed airplane parts. Don't know if it was from our planes or the Japanese planes. I believe the grips are plastic material and the metal may be stainless steel. The entire piece measures almost 13 inches long with a 8 inch bowie blade. Sharp! Unusual! WAS $85.00 NOW $75.00 !!!
CONSIGNMENT:
This is a western hat of the so called 'Prarie' type. This hat has an officers hat cord probably WW1 if not before. This hat belonged to a local Judge (Lafayette, IN) who was also a great artist and worked the local draft board in WW1. A picture of his wearing this hat was in the local Journal newspaper 1917-1918. This man's name was Henry Vinton and his father David was also a judge. Nice hat! Look at the pics. Further research may turn up something very interesting! There is a tag under the sweat band but I can't read it. Fits my big head which is about 7 1/4 or so. Nice!!! WAS $325.00 NOW $295.00 !!!
CONSIGNMENT:
Excellent RIA marked 1904 Canteen strap for cavalry canteens. You will have a hard time finding one better! WAS $15.00 NOW $13.50 !!
CONSIGNMENT:
Here is a nice late Indian Wars thru Span Am brown covered canteen with strap. This canteen is marked in Ink 'F.T.M. Co. F. 2nd Regt.'. We don't know who this is exactly for but it is nice and complete! WAS $185.00 NOW $165.00 !!
CONSIGNMENT:
This next consignment item is a Model 1911 campaign hat that is in very nice condition but most likely between the wars as there is no stitching around the brim. By the end of 1920-21 ornamental stitching no longer appears on enlisted hats and this hat has no stitching on the brim. This hat is in excellent condition with a nice inantry blue hat cord which is also in nice condition just being perhaps a bit faded. No chin strap and no maker's marks of any kind that I can find. The leather hat band is about 2 inches tall and the size (although not marked) is about 7. The silk band under the hat cord is 1 inch tall. There is evidence of an insignia being on the front of this campaign hat but is now lacking. This hat is a darker shade of felt which could indicated an officers hat. Nice one! WAS $75.00 NOW $68.00 !!
CONSIGNMENT:
Here's another consignment M-1911 campaign hat that's even nicer than the previous one. This one is of the WW1 era for a couple of reasons. This one has 5 rows of stitching around the brim which is indicative fo hats made during the 1911-1916 era but has metal grommets which shows up during the 1916-1920 era. By 1920 stitching had disappeared from the brim so I'm confident in saying that this hat is of the WW1 era.This hat is a lighter shade of felt which indicated an enlisted mans hat and the sweatband has on it REGULATION U.S. ARMY HAT. The sweatband is 1 3/4 inches tall. This hat has the two colored hat cord being orange/white? (faded somewhat) which was signal corps with the chin strap attached to the cord on both sides running through the brim. The silk hat band is 1 inch tall. Take a look at the pics. This one is real nice. Size 7. WAS $140.00 NOW $135.00
Here's an unusual large photograph of the 2nd Annual State Convention for the American Legion! This photograph measures overall about 31 1/4 by 10 1/4 in frame and shows the Marion County Delegation to the State Convention. I don't have any names but I bet they would be relatively easy to acquire. All of these guys would be recent WW1 Veterans and you can see that one man to the right still has on his uniform. Most are wearing the official re-union medal and ribbon. This 2nd Annual State Convention was held in Vincennes, Indiana June 27, 28 ,29-1920. This photo was the 'official photo' by Gravelle of Indianapolis. Rarely seen photographic type of the new American Legion! In glass and frame. $65.00
Here's a WW2 Good conduct medal without the personalized inscription on the back. This one is in good aged condition and complete with attachment pin. $6.00
Here's a very nice Pen Desk set that was given to Major Rodney S. Syczylo who was with the 100th S&S BN (DS) from July 75 to Dec 75. As nice as this piece looks he must have made quite an impression on somebody! This piece has a very nice Florn German Made clock in the center with the 24 hour Military motif and an alarm. The two original pens are present as well as two insignia with one stating FREEDOM'S GUARDIANS and the oterh stating WE WILL SUPPORT. I don't have any history on the Major but you can have fun looking him up. If you know anthing about this office let me know and I'll post it. This piece is flawless and is on a marble base that measures about 4 by 9 inches. Nice piece and runs fantastic! This would look great on your desk! $45.00
Here we have a Japanese Type 38 Rifle complete with MUM !! The Type 38 rifle Arisaka is a bolt-action rifle. For a time it was the standard rifle of the Japanese infantry. It was known also as the Type 38 Year Meiji Carbine in Japan. An earlier, similar weapon was the Type 30 Year Meiji Rifle, which was also used alongside it. Both of these weapons were also known as the Arisaka, after the inventor.
It used the Japanese designed 6.5×50mm Arisaka calibre cartridge. This cartridge produces little recoil when fired. However, while on par with the Norwegian and Italian 6.5mm military cartridges of the time, the 6.5×50mm was not as powerful as several others in use by other nations. The Arisaka Rifle at 1,280 millimeters (50.4 in) was the longest rifle of the war, due to the emphasis on bayonet training for the Japanese soldier of the era who stood, on average, 160 centimeters (5 ft 3 in).[1] The rifle was even longer when the 400 mm (15.75 inches) Type 30 bayonet was fixed.
These two concerns (among others) led the Japanese Army to adopt the Type 99 Rifle, a shorter rifle using more powerful ammunition. Japanese authorities also wished to adopt a new long arm that needed fewer machining steps to be produced given Japan's metallurgic capacity.
Now, on to describing this rifle. As previously stated this rifle still has the Chrysanthemum
on it, which was the sign of the Emperor Hirohito. The markings are very good on this piece and the rifle is complete. There has been some clear finish put over the metal parts but it doesn't look bad at all. If you don't like it I believe it would be easy to remove. The barrel bands have been painted black lacquer as well as the buttplate. There is a ding here and there in but not bad at all. As you can see in the pic this is the laminated stock which was common. The stock was kind of dovetailed together to make it one piece and still solid as a rock. The real elevated sight and the front protected sight are present. Someone did put a little white paint on the rear of the front sight to make it stand out. The cleaning rod is still present as well. The rifling in the barrel is still pretty nice as well. This is a great piece of WW2 history and fills a need in anyone's collection. Works flawlessly! There is one incorrect screw in the trigger guard plate forward of the magazine but correct screws are available on the web. $275.00
Here's a real nice WW2 German Mauser 98 Rifle Bayonet with scabbard and frog. This is one nice set but the bayonet and scabbard numbers do not match, however, they fit together like a glove! The bayonet has the bakelite grips which are near perfect. The markings on the blade are very nice and as you can see in the photos the original finish is mostly there. There is the 42 date on the blade and the frog is also dated 1942 as you can see in the pics. The pommel does have the Nazi Eagles but they're hard to see being so small and not stamped real clear. This is a nice one! $145.00
Here's some fire items that are quite collectible. The first one is a tintype of an 1860 to 1880 firefighter in fire shirt and belt. $175.00
The second 2 items are ribbons with the one that has the little fire helmet attached for $15. That ribbon is for the 75th Anniversary 1873-1948 of the Liberty Hose Company of Shamokin, PA.
The second ribbon is also $15 and has a drop on it that is for Lebanon, PA. There is printing on the ribbon that is faded but I can see where it says '15th Annual Convention Penna State Firemen's Ass'n October 3-7 1954 (I think). Has the Keystone drop with Hose, Axes, nozzzle, Ladders, Pike poles and speaking trumpet embossed on the face. Still nice!
In the next picture are three tools which consist of an old Pike Pole and two engine hose coupling/hydrant wrenches. Each are $20.00
Check out the pics!
Here we have a good condition S84/98 bayonet in scabbard for a K98 WW2 Rifle. You can still see the marks on the pommel although they are partly obscured. I cannot pick up these very small marks with my camera. You can still see a very faint spread winged Eagle with a mark of W202. The bayonet and scabbard are matched with the same markings on both and on both sides. On the obverse is 7521 C and on the revers is 44 DDL. The scabbard has some rust but will probably mostly clean up with a litte 000 steel wool and gun oil. The blade still has most of the original finish on it and looks great. The wooden grip is complete but roughly done indicating late war work. Still a nice piece! $115.00
Here's a good supply of original War Ration Books from WW2. These 6 books seem to belong to at least 3 different people. One person is a Fred N. Dumham from Waveland, Indiana and the other 2 are a husband and wife I think, John and Mary Demaree also from Waveland, Indiana. There are some stamps that just say 'ratiion' on them with pics of howtizers, tanks and ships on them while other stamps have 'spare' on them. We have some of different colors which show the Statute of Liberty's torch, wheat and a horn or plenty. There is also a brown heavy paper Ration Book Holder that is split down the spline and a very good War Ration Book that was furnished by the Great Northern Life Insurance Company. Both familys lifed at R.F.D. No. 1 in Waveland so perhaps they lived in the same house during the war. I don't know that for sure but it's possible. Still a nice grouping! $20.00
Here's a good old WW2 1943 Dated Large Coloring Book! This book measures about 14 X 11 inches and only has one page colored in. This piece is no. 2444 and is Copyright 1943 by The Sallfield Pub. Xo. Akron, O. Made in the USA. There are about 62 pages to color and contain images of carrier pigeons, tanks, motorcycles, planes, ships, soldiers, sailors, etc. There are a few small tears etc. but not bad at all. I've even thought about framing it and putting on my wall. Nice color cover with the top staple being separated from the book. $20.00
I picked up this item and the next WW2 items from the same gentleman. I was told that this next item was taken by an American GI off of a dead German Soldier. This item is a very nice, still functioning, WW2 era Swiss Made watch by KANO and so marked on the watch face and on the reverse. Also on the reverse is the word EDELSTAHL, which I believe refers to a special high grade steel, and the serial number 01918. Wehrmacht issued WWII wrist watches were manufactured by many Swiss and German watch makers contracted by the German government. They are manually wound and most often have screw-on stainless steel case backs, are/were shock/water resistant and had a nickel plated brass (sometimes steel) watch case. The dial face was black with luminous (radium, long faded) numbers and hands with a sub seconds dial. Variations will be encountered including snap-on case backs for the German made watches. There is no D code like on other watches but my research tells me that some Wehrmacht issued watches did not have these 'D'codes. Wehrmacht issued watches had the serial number recorded into the service member's pay book and the watches were expected to be returned to the service upon discharge. Period pictures show Wehrmacht personel wearing issue and non-issue watches. During the first half of the 20th century a wristwatch was a luxury item that not everyone could afford and military watches were NOT fashion items but the tools of the trade. As a general rule, the lower enlisted ranks could NOT afford a watch and their duties rarely required that they be issued one. Contracted watches seldom were able to meet the demand of the German War machine therefore watches along with other war booty (ammunition, weapons, vehicles, etc.) were often salvaged and re-issued.
By no means do these Wehrmacht contract watches represent the majority of the watches that were issued to the armed forces of Germany. That "trophy" watch brought home by a WWII veteran might indeed have been "liberated" from some battlefield but conclusive documentation (for the collector) is often lacking.
The Heer, Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine (Army, Air Force and Navy) and other German organizations each determined their own contract specifications for their watches. A common pre-WWII practice was to convert pocket watches to wrist watches by adding wire lugs (for the wrist strap) to the watch case. Due to their availability and the accuracy of the movements, it is common to find Wehrmacht wrist watches that are converted pocket watches these most often are very BIG watches, often over two inches in diameter!
The Swiss made imported watches tend to be the most common and the easiest Wehrmacht issued watches to verify IF the 'D' code and serial numbers are intact. They are of premium quality and commonly have a Swiss AS1130 movement (although other movements were used), this is an excellent movement that was used for commercial watches both before, during, and after WWII. These watches had fixed lug pins, not the spring pins common to modern day watches.
This watch has the fixed pins. As you can see by the pics there is the usual second hand movement separate from the hour and minute movement. There are no cracks in the crystal but there are a few scratches. The thin period leather strap is in generally good condition but has been shortened. The serial number is entact as you can see. The action works fine and this watch has been running for over 24 hours keeping excellent time. If the man can find the info out on the GI who 'liberated' this watch I'll pass it on. The watch measures about 1 3/8 inches wide across the base. Nice display piece! $195.00
Here's a Model 1916 US .45 caliber pistol holster marked US in an oval on the front and U.S. WARREN LEATHER GOODS CO. 1944 on the reverse. This piece is complete with the lanyard leather and when I was examining it I found a 10 Dienftmarke Duetfches Reich Nazi Stamp tucked on the inside. I put the stamp in a protector and will give it to the purchaser. The holdster is complete and in excellent condition just needing cleaning. The exposed leather has oxidized dark while the protected, out of the elements side, has retained it's lighter brown/tan color. All and all a very nice piece! Definitely carried, definitely used! $150.00
Here's a piece of 'trench art' that may be as late as WW2. This is a plated stamped base ash tray with a 50 Caliber Machine Gun bullet as the focal piece. The projectile comes out to reveal that it's actually a lighter! This is a nice piece that measures about 6 3/4 inches tall on a 4 1/4 X 4 1/4 base.There seems to be a little clip on the bottom to hook it onto something else so it won't tip over. Nice! $45.00
I picked up a fairly nice WW2 knife when I piced up a Japanese WW2 Flag and sword. This one is the E.G.W. knive shown on page 193 of U.S. MILITARY KNIFES BOOK III by M.H.Cole. The book says that the E.G.W. knife was made by E.G. Waterman & Co. of New York City. This is a W.W.II knife that sold commercially in stores across the country during the War. It is probably not an official Government Issue Knife, but no doubt was carried by thusands of service men who were anxious to have a good knife. This knife has a leather washer handle with a 7 3/8" bright blade, and has total length of 11 7/8". The knife comes in it's original sheath. Nice! $125.00
I just got 2 of these and I'm keeping one for myself! This is a thin paper photograph and original autograph of the only survivior or the sinking Bismark to like in the United States after the war! This photograph shows Bruno Rzonca of the WW2 German Navy in uniform with a silver penned autograph across his chest. On the reverse is a little info on Bruno in his own handwritting and the date Bismark sunk which was May 27, 1941. Here is some info on Bruno.:
Bruno Rzonca
Maschinenobergefreiter Bruno Rzonca
(1918-2004)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Read more about
Bruno Rzonca here Born: 19 May, 1918 in Marienwerder, East Prussia.
Died: 23 July, 2004 in Crown Point, Indiana, USA.
Age (at the time of Bismarck's sinking): 23.
Rank (at the time of Bismarck's sinking): Maschinenobergefreiter.
Position (at the time of Bismarck's sinking): Air compressors, catapult.
Additional notes: In the early days of World War II Bruno Rzonca served aboard the light cruiser Karlsruhe. At 1900 hours on 9 April, 1940, the Karlsruhe was torpedoed by the British submarine Truant off Kristiansand (Norway). The cruiser suffered major damage and had to be sunk later by the German torpedo boat Greif. For his work below decks in the boiler room Bruno Rzonca was awarded the Iron Cross Second Class. After the Norwegian campaign, Rzonca was assigned to the battleship Bismarck. Following the sinking of the Bismarck on 27 May 1941, Bruno Rzonca was rescued by the British cruiser Dorsetshire and then spent 6 ½ years in prisoner of war camps first in England and then in Canada. He was released in 1947 and returned to Germany where he got married. In 1952, Rzonca came to St. Louis and worked in a shop, before moving to Gary, Indiana. He then worked at Blaw Knox Co. and retired as a machinist in 1982. Bruno Rzonca was the only Bismarck survivor who lived in the United States.
I also have an interview that was conducted with Bruno that I'll include. Bruno had a grandson who served in the U.S. Navy and he was very proud of that fact. He was a regular at the Crown Point Militaria show and, although I didn't meet him, everyone said he as a very nice gentleman.
For the autograph photo and the information $45.00
Here is a WW2 Custom Made knife that most likely could have been made by the GI. I could not find an exact match for it in U.S. MILITARY KNIVES BOOK III by M.H.COLE but it has a blade that closely resembles that of the US M-3 trench knife. The cross guard looks like it could be broken but it is not. The leather washers fit over the top part of the guard. There is a small ring attached to the pommel cap. The entire piece is 11 1/2 inches long with a 6 3/4 inch blade. This is a real nice piece! No Scabbard. No Markings. $40.00
This is a very hard item to find. This is the first 'Special' Edition of the CORTINA FRENCH-ENGLISH RED CROSS INSTRUCTOR book by Jean A. Picard of the French Army for the WW1 DoughBoys! This book is copyrighted 1917 and was given to GI's when arriving in France. This piece is in such good shape that it most certainly was not carried by a GI but rather old stock. The pages are like new and the cover is in excellent + condition! You just don't find this book in this kind of condition. This was such a most important publication that it has been reprinted several times but this one is the original 'guaranteed'!! 106 pages overall. Take a look at the pics! Outstanding quality! $55.00
Here's an old Bulgarian Helmet in good original condition complete with liner and chin strap. This is a Bulgarian Model 1951/72 steel helmet from the Cold War era (1947-1991). The helmet is painted olive green and features three vent holes on the left, right, and back. On the inside is the leather suspension liner. There is also a leather chinstrap on the inside. The helmet is in very good condition. $25.00
Here's an East German Helmet in unused, unissued condition complete with helmet net. Heck, this helmet has never had the original paper wrapping removed. This helmet is known as the East German Model 1956 Steel Helmet . This model steel helmet was designed during World War II but did not see service until after the war. Excellent! $30.00
Here is the East German Model 1963 Paratrooper Helmet. Supposively this helmet is a Polish made Model 1963 paratrooper helmet from East German surplus. This helmet was widely produced and used by various Warsaw Pact nations during the Cold War. This one is a small size and complete. Nice display item complete with helmet net. $55.00
.Here's a Kevlar helmet that's big enough to fit my big head. This one has some wear and is complete. The Kevlar PASGT helmet was first fielded to U.S. military units in the early 1980s. The helmet, available in five sizes, provides ballistic protection for the head from fragmenting munitions. It is a one piece structure composed of multiple layers of Kevlar 29 ballistic fibre and phenolic PVB resin.
The PASGT helmet came from research by the U.S. Army Natick Research Lab. Beginning in the early 1970's Natick was looking for lighter materials to reduce the weight of the Vietnam era flak jacket and the World War II M-1 Helmet a.k.a the "steel pot". They eventually decided that a Kevalr helmet and vest would provide increased protection at an equivalent, but not a reduced, weight. Kevlar vests and helmets were issued during the 1980s as the Personnel Armor System, Ground Troops (PASGT).
This helmet looks good! $65.00
Here's a WW2 British MKII helmet by RO & Co. and so marked. That stands for Rubery Owen & Co. Ltd, Darlaston. I believe this to be a Home Front Helmet complete with liner. This one is in nice condition with cloth chin strap. Initials KOK are written on the chin strap as well. The outer shell is painted darker than the inner shell but I believe it to be all original except the liner screw has been replaced with a brass rivit. Nice piece! $85.00
Here's another WW2 British MKII helmet but I can't find a makers mark. This one has been painted in the Desert Camo style of the Desert Rats!! This one is painted in and out with the desert camo style. The original liner is present as well as the original drawstring. The original cloth chin strap is also present. Still good condition although well used!! This one has an aluminum rivit that holds the liner in place. Still nice! $135.00
I usually don't pick up late uniforms but I came across a uniform from 1985 that the U.S. Army soldier worked while in Germany with the 3rd Support Command. I've purchased his dress Greens including his coat, trousers and shirt. His cap does not accompany these pieces. His Id's is inside the coat. He wasn't a big man being perhaps 160 pounds or so. This blouse has all his decorations on it including the Army Valorus Unit Citation and oak leaf ribbon. His ribbon cluster has the Army commendation ribbon, Achievement medal ribbon, Good conduct ribbon, National Defense ribbon, Army service ribbon and the overseas ribbon. He also sports a mechanic and driver-W bar as well as a rifle marksman badge. This is a nice uniform! Our price for all is $65.00
We picked up some more Japanese bayonets and here they are:
Here's a Japanese training / school bayonet that's different from the rest as it is the type 30 but without an edge. This one has the number 47 stamped in one of the grips and there are Japanese characters in the other but I don't know which school it belongs to. The scabbard is very nice as well. Take a look at the pics as it's a nice piece! $145.00
Here's a group of photo reprints. I usually don't offer these but a friend of mine has a large collection or orinal photo's of WW2 Bomber nose art and related photographs. His wife made these modern reprints-many of which are from one of a kind photos. I only have a few at $1 each.
Here's an early dug WW2 Japanese Arisaka Rifle Bayonet with the curved quillion. The wooden grips are long gone and I'm afraid I don't know where it was dug. GI bringback. No makers mark is visible and this piece has been painted black at some point years ago. Nice display relic! $45.00
Here's what I've been told is an ax that was issued with the WW2 Willys Jeep of War fame. This one has been used alot! There are pound marks on the poll and under the bit. U.S is marked on one side of the ax head and Collins Legitimus is marked on the other side. Just needs a handle. $35.00
Here is a rifle sling for the Chinese SKS rifle. This one is complete and in good shape with the Chinese characters on the webbing. Nice piece to complete the Chinese SKS. $6.00
Here is a Vietnam era Army Dress uniform that I got from a veteran's estate. This soldier was in the military in the 1960's and his uniform is marked with the European Theatre patch where he served in the Finance Corps. On his left breast is the rifle qualifiers medal. This uniform would fit a gentleman of around 200 lbs. The set includes the dress blouse, trousers and cap. The cap is size 7 1/2. All buttons are present and the only thing missing on this uniform is the name tag. The bill on the cap is detached on one side but can be easily fixed. The overall condition is very good with a small hole here and there. Nice and bright. $65.00
Here's a group of photo reprints. I usually don't offer these but a friend of mine has a large collection or orinal photo's of WW2 Bomber nose art and related photographs. His wife made these modern reprints-many of which are from one of a kind photos. I only have a few at $1 each.
This is a Japanese type 30 Training Bayonet with the TF handle variation. From the beginning of the Japanese transformation of its army to a more modern (1868) fighting force, training was a high priority. Training bayonets were a standard part of the army's equipment. These training bayonets can be found in endless variations and one can base a collection solely on training bayonets! This is a nice one! $100.00
This bayonet is from the Hoten Arsenal, often referred to as Mukden, and was located in China and re- N blued blade. There is an inspectors mark and serial number on the pommel and the Hoten arsenal mark is on the ricasso. This is a real nice piece and uncommon. Nice!! $150.00
This last bayonet is another Japanese type 30 training bayonet that was used at Fukuoka University and so marked on one side of the wooden grip. This one also has a bright finish blade with no arsenal markings. The metal parts of the handle and scabbard appear to have black lacquer paint on them with most lacking on the scabbard. This is a nice piece! $100.00
I have some Spanish American War thru WW1 Photographs that I just picked up. Here are a couple WW1 training photographs from an Army base in Dayton, Ohio. These albumin photo's measure 11 X 14 1/5 in the mount with the image being about 10 1/2 inches by 6 inches. The images show one being full parade dress soldiers marching on the field in tight formation with flags flying and the other show soldiers doing their morning exercises. Nice subject matter! The marching photograph is excellent while the exercise photo is dirty some on one side. Both reverse mats are stained and dirty with no writting on them. The mats do have some chipping to them that do not affect the image. The photographers mark is MAYFIELD DAYTON, O. For the pair $45.00
I just received this next item and it sure is neat! This is a Service record of a WW2 Naval Reserve Sailor done in the form of a serving tray. I have one for my Father as well who also was in WW2 Pacific Theatre. This particular one measures about 15 X 21 inches and has hardware on the back where it was hung on the wall. As you can see there are little round handles on each end to use it as a service tray but of course no one would use this piece for that purpose. This piece is under glass and shows a LST #817 unloading a tank on a distant beach somewhere in the pacific due to the Palm trees shown. Pasted under the image is the service record of "Billy" G. Warner S 1/c (seaman 1st class) USNR (United States Naval Reserve). Also under Billy's name is "With Honor I Served in World War II". You can see 6 service ribbons on this piece and I believe he participated in 4 different battles. I believe there are ribbons for Philippine Liberation, WW2 Victory, European Africa Middle Eastern, & Asiatic Pacific 1941-46. I don't know them all so maybe someone can help on this piece. Also there is one stamp with a star under a plane indicating that he was involved in shooting at least one plane down in battle. There is a little water damage that you can see on the top but it doesn't affect the image or the history. There is a tremendous piece to research! Could turn up something very fascinating! $65.00
Here we have a typical WW2 Mauser Bayonet. I cannot see any markings on it anywhere that I can dechiper and there is a chip out of the grip. There is also a couple of minor rust spots on it and the blade has been sharpened. This one has been used! Found at a garage sale. $35.00
PEARL HARBOR
A DAY OF INFAMY
2 disc DVD set!
Running Time: Approx. 224 Minutes
Color and B & W
On the morning of December 7, 1941, a surprise attack by Japanese naval aviation against the American held island of Oahu and Pearl Harbor thrust the United States into World War II. This story details one of the most momentous events in American history and a crucial turning point in the 20th century. Most importantly, it is a story of the people who were there, told through eyewitness accounts of American and Japanese veterans, some of whose stories have never been told. This is a story of perseverance and heroism in the face of overwhelming odds. This is the story of Pearl Harbor.
*December 7th, produced on behalf of the U.S. government and directed by acclaimed cinematographer Gregg Toland, is a dramatization of the events that precipitated the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Framed as a debate between Walter Huston's Uncle Sam and Harry Davenport's Mr. C (that's "C" for "Conscience") the film attempts to determine who was to blame. Though December 7th is more balanced than most propaganda films of the time, even suggesting that the United States should have been better prepared, it is still an indictment of Japanese-Hawaiians and the alleged role they may have played.
Disc 1
Prologue
The Japanese Paradox
The Great Depression
The China Incident
The Drift To War
The Choice For War
Last Days Of Peace
Eleven Minutes Of Terror
Battleship Row
Hell In The Harbor
Second Wave
Disc 2
Rescue And Escape
Aftermath
Salvage Effort
What Went Wrong?
Pearl Harbor in Retrospect
Extra:
December 7th
Excellent quality! I have several of these new in shrinkwrap. Each $10.00
Here we have an outstanding boxed set of 2 DVD's entitled ' IWO JIMA - 36 DAYS OF HELL - THE TRUE STORY '. There is never before scenes here in these sets. New and sealed (I opened my set to take pics but I have more). Total running time 4 hours 6 minutes.
The True Story - Iwo Jima was arguably the toughest battle the Marines had ever faced. The courage and sacrifice of the men who fought to secure the eight square miles of stinking sulfur rock and volcanic ash will never be forgotten. Step back in time with the sailors, soldiers and airmen who were there and relive one of the most famous battles of WWII. Told almost exclusively through color footage shot by Marine Corps cameramen and veteran interviews, this documentary tells the story of the battle for Iwo Jima through the eyes of those who lived through it. See why it is said that "on Iwo Jima uncommon valor was a common virtue." (Timeless Media Group 2006)
DISC ONE contents: Prologue, the Face of Iwo Jima, Plan of Attack, The Landings, The Shores of Iwo Jima, Mt. Suribachi, Inch by Inch, Bloody Iwo, Fire and Steel, Off Shore Support, High Price to Pay, An Uneasy Silence, Was it Worth It?
DISC TWO contents: The Road to Iwo, The B-29 Superfortress, Voices from the Battlefield, Iwo Jima Memorial.
Excellent! New and Unopened! $9.95
We just picked up a very small quantity of a audio books entitled FLYBOYS - A TRUE STORY OF COURAGE by James Bradley Author of the #1 bestseller FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS. This book is abridged on 4 audio cassettes running approximately 6 hours and read by the author. James Bradley"s horrific story of complex war crimes involving nine WWII Flyboys, one who just happened to turn out to be the future President of the U. S. George H. W. Bush. Bradley"s portrayal of the Japanese soldiers on Chichi Jima, who captured and held the Naval and Marine airmen prisoner, goes back to a mystery unfolding 150 years before WWII. As American policy and culture expand ever westward, the Japanese are forced to confront the emerging powerhouse of a nation. Bradley uses this backdrop of Japanese warrior mentality to somehow help explain the terrible emergence of violence and savagery which ended the lives of these young American men. War crimes so great that top secret military tribunals deemed the records shut for the good of both countries. These are brand new still in the srinkwrap! Originally priced at $25.98 while they last only $10.00 !!
We have picked up several very nice stereo-optic cards from the late 1800's thru early 1900's. Each card is $3 unless otherwise noted. Thanks!
Here's a great stereo card with just a little damage to the outside left of the image on the left. This one is entitled 'Worshippers before an image in the exqauisitely carved Temple of Vimala Sah, Mount Abu, India. Copyright 1902 by Underwood and Underwood. The reverse of the card has all the information on this temple. Nice!
Trente et Quarente Salon, Monte Carlo, Monaco, Copyrifht 1897 by Underwood and Underwood. Titles on the back in several languages. Good Condition!
Rock of Ages-The Rescue, copyright 1895 by Littleton View Co. with the title on the back in several languages.
Here are 2 cards for one money that I like to call 'mean women!'. One of them has an old repair and is damaged. The other is fine. There is a date in pencil on the back of one that is 1897. Looks like one woman knocked the man out of a chair! Meany! Sold by Griffith & Griffith but no other explanation on them.
This card is entitled 'This parting gives me pain, dear.' copyright 1899 by Strohmeyer & Wyman. Good Card.
This card is entitled 'The Victorial Saloon, Royal Palace, Stockholm, Sweden.' copyright 1897 by Underwood and Underwood. The title is on the reverse in several languages. Nice.
This card is entitled 'Gossip-At every Sip a Reputation Dies'. Copyright 1899 by Strohmeyer & Wyman. Nice one.
This card is entitled 'Broad Street, north to the Stock Exchange, U.S. Sub-Treasure and Wall Street, New Yorkk. Copyright 1903 by Underwood and Underwood. Nice!
Here's another good one entitled 'The Fountains from Peterhof Palace, The Summer Residence of the Czar of Russia,. Copyright 1897 by Underwood and Underwood. Title is in several different languages on the reverse.
This one has a corner broke off it but the subject material is great! Shows a dog with his hunter master and shotgun surrounded by several Grouse! This card is entitled 'A Morning with Rover and the Grouse. Copyright 1893 by Geo. Barker. The break doesn't touch the image. Titles on back
This next card is a great one entitled 'In the Great Union Stock Yards, Chicago, U.S.A. Copyright 1893 by Underwood and Underwood. Titles on back. Very nice!
Here's one entitled 'Looking through Eiffel Tower to Chateau d'Eau from Trocadero Palace, Exposition 1900, Paris France. Copyright 1900 by Underwood & Underwood. This is a nice card with a couple of smaller waterspots not affecting the image. I can see a Ferris Wheel in the background!
This is a nice card entitled 'Lock Katrine, Scotland'-"The spot an Angel deigned to grace." Copyright 1899 by Strohmeyer and Wyman. Shows a Steamship passing by.
Here's a funny card entitled 'He Don't Like His Pants.' Copyright 1891, by Littleton View Co. Titles on back. The little girl is grinding down his pants for him! Lots of nice toops and a boot in the photograph. Slightly light.
Here's a card entitled 'They all do it. Diversos entretenimientos.' Looks like 2 folks in black face sitting below 2 kids looking down from above. Nice but soiled.
Here's an excellent card entitled 'At Oxford University, Britain's most famous seat of learning-showing Mary Magdalen College, Oxford, England.' Copyright 1902 by Underwood and Underwood.
Here's another excellent card entitled 'Cliff House and Seal Rocks from the Beach-showing the tide coming in, San Francisco, Cal'. Copyright 1902 by Underwood & Underwood. This excellent card shows a team of horses on the beach and of course, the famous Cliff House!
Here's a Women's Liberation Movement card that shows a man washing clothes and tending to the children while his wife is dress up for going out and is pointing her finger at him, probably giving him some last minute directions. Obviously 'Laying Down the Law!" Some things don't change! Copyrighted 1895.
Here's a great one here. This is a card of the Liberty Bell. This one is titled 'Independence Bell, which first proclaimed Freedom, as "government by the people,"-Philadelphia. Copyrighted 1902 by Underwood & Underwood. Nice! You can even see the crack!
This is an outstanding card entitled 'The Pets'-on a western stock farm, Kansas, Copyright 1903 by Underwood & Underwood. Little girl sitting on a steer holding her kitten. Warm and Wonderful!
Here's 2 cards that need to stay together and I'll take $5 for the pair. These cards are copyright 1896 by Griffith & Griffith and are entitled 1. Love on a Tub and 2. Love in a Tub Early humor! In card 2. you can see the tub is on a wooden box entitled 'Pettijohn's California Breakfast Food' 'Minneapolis, Minn'. I'd like to have that box!
SOLD!
Here is a great item that I picked up from a WW2 Veteran who was a sailor in the South Pacific. This sailor was in the SeaBee's and he picked these up in Hawaii on his way to the occupied islands. These are 25 small photos of Navy Planes used during WW2. The box has a cutout on it showing the top card inside and is marked on the front 25 GENUINE PHOTOGRAPHS 25C U.S.NAVAL AIRCRAFT. On the reverse shows where you can address this container, place a stamp on it and mail it off! Each photo card has information on the bottom telling which plane it is. These are outstanding real photos! Take a look at the pics!! $35.00
Here's something that pretty neat. This is a CURRENT EVENTS paper that was furnished to school children before TV. This one is dated Week of May 4-8, 1925 and has a large article entitled FIELD MARSHAL VON HINDENBURG ELECTED PRESIDENT OF GERMANY and also shows his photograph. This small newspaper has on it 'A Condensed Newspaper, Weekly, for Use in Public and Private Schools'. The cities listed below are Columbus, Ohio - New York, NY & Chicago, Ill. The paper measures about 9 1/2 inches by 13 inches when unfolded and about 19 X 13 inches when fully open. The paper has a pic of an iceburg on the front page as well and talks about the Titanic. Other articles includes info on the D.A.R., The US Ambassador to Great Britian, Alanson B. Houghton, London's population, The St. Lawrence Waterway becoming a reality, Great Britian returning to the Gold Standard, Nine-year old Boy Hero, Girl Scout Convention with photo of Mrs Herbert C. Hoover, and many, many more articles. There is one section entitled THE QUESTION BOX and is surrounded by Nazi Symbols when they just meant Good Luck. This little newspaper is in remarkedly good condition for it's age! A real look into the world before WW2. $9.95
>
Here we have a post ww2 German fire helmet in aluminum. The piece is painted a kind of green with reflective tape and the number 35 painted on the front in red. The liner is in excellent condition. There are markings on the inner shell as well. This helmet was used so there are scrapes and scuffs here and there. Nice Fire Decorator Item!! $65.00
Here's an old Portable Underwood Typewriter in Case that we're selling for a nice lady that lives near us. This typewriter is from the 1920's and belonged to the lady's father. This is the rare red painted one with the original markings on it. The case is present but is lacking the key. This piece is in very nice original condition with wear here and there but still nice and functions very well. I think the serial number is 491324 but it's kind of hard to see it all. Take a look at the pics! $175.00
Here's an old maple mallet that has the little incised lines around the head reminisent of the Rev War construction tactics. This mallet has been used alot and was probably used for driving taps into barrels but I believe it's been used for other things as well. Heavy! Someone has placed a modern (probably 1940's) screw into the end of the handle where it passes through the head to tighten it up. $10.00
Speaking of Barrel taps we just happen to have one! This old barrel tap is in two pieces with a screw that you turn at the top to align the holes so the fluid can flow. This piece is 8 inches long and the screw is 5 1/2 inches long. I believe it may be pine as it's light and appears to be a soft wood. The tap itself was made from 2 pieces joined together as it had to be bored out and then a cap driven in the end. Nice old piece! $15.00
Here's a large iron wrench that measures about 13 inches long with some pitting indicating outdoor usage. This is probably a locomotive or steamship wrench as it's very heavy. The large end has on the wrench 1 7/16 on it. Can't see a size on the other end due to pitting. No active rusting now. $5.00
Here we have an old hand sythe. Sythe's and sickles were used to cut grass and weeds in the past. Don't see them much anymore. This one measures 17 inches long overall with a 12 inch blade. The very tip of the blade is missing-must have dinged a rock. The old handle must have a crack in it as it's partially wrapped in black tape. Dates to the mid part of the 20th century. $9.95
Here we have several old Civil Defense License plates for Boone County Indiana. These have never been issued and now the Civil Defense doesn't exist. It's now called the Emergency Management Agency. These are all like new and still in their plastic wrap as issued. Each $5.00
Here's a couple more plates that we'll keep together as a set. They were used on an automobile for at least a year and have rust on them. The first one is an 'INDIANA HOOSIER STATE' plate and the 2nd one is a plate from 1958 which is also rusty but in better condition that the 1st one. At the top is DRIVE SAFELY then HA 2971 is the plate number and at the bottom is IND-58. Got an old 1958 auto? These would look good on it or display on the wall! Either way they're cheap at $5 for the pair!
Here's an old McClellan Saddle stirrup that I believe is from the WW1 era but has been painted silver at one time and believed to come from an old GAR post at some point. Pretty rusty now but still a good display. $9.95
SOLD!
This next item is an old Meat Hook used to help move big ole hunks of beef. This piece is hand forged with a turned wooden handle. 19th or 20th century. This hook makes a nice display item and a conversation piece. It's also a deadly weapon! $10.00
Here we have a pair of the original "MONKEY WRENCH" wrenches! Here's where it all started! Each wrench has been painted with linseed oil and needs cleaned to get the dry oil off so they can been adjusted if you want to. These wrenches are slightly different and measure about 9 inches long. One wrench has FAIRMOUNT CLEVE. on it while the other has nothing on it at all. Each wrench is $5 and here is a bio of the famous wrench. Probably more info here than you want to know! You may know a different history but here's the one I uncovered. The Monkey Wrench is an adjustable wrench which is rarely used today. Its use has generally been replaced by the adjustable-end wrench, which has a compact head and so is more easily used in confined places.
The term "monkey wrench" is also used colloquially to refer to the pipe wrench.
Concerning the origin of its name, this from William Rogers, The Progressive Machinist, Theo. Audel & Company, New York, 1903:
In his interesting article upon the genesis of machine design, Mr. W.H. Sargent spoke of the slide which moves up and down in the handle of a monkey wrench as resembling a toy monkey, and thereby drew an analogy. To this Mr. H.E. Madden writes: "The wrench is not named from this, neither is it so called because it is a handy thing to 'monkey' with. The right name is 'Moncky.' Charles Moncky, the inventor of it, sold his patent for $2,000, and invested the money in a house in Williamsburg, Kings County, N.Y., where he afterward lived."
The Monkey Wrench is an adjustable wrench which is rarely used today. Its use has generally been replaced by the adjustable-end wrench, which has a compact head and so is more easily used in confined places.
This is a heavy old steamboat or locomotive wrench. The precusor to the pipe wrench, this piece was used to turn heavy nuts and bolts. This one is manufactured by COE'S WRENCH COMPANY WORCHESTER, MASS USA. You can see wrenches just like this one used during the Civil War but also used for many years afterwards. This one has been covered with linseed oil and needs cleaned to get the screw to turn. There is a large "V" carved on each side in the grips and one one side of the wrench there's has been 3 notches cut in for some unknown reason. Nice old piece! $25.00
Here we have an old meat or produce scale that measures a diminutive 8 inches overall in length. This one has some dents to it's brass front plate but still works. On it's face it says NOT LEGAL FOR USE IN TRADE - CHATILLION - MADE IN USA. Also has a star on it's face. It's got a pretty still pull so it must measure in pounds. $5.00
This next item is pretty unique! It's an alcohol burner used to heat up a single cup of coffee or your next meal. On the top of the piece is stamped 'PAT'D FEB 15, 1898. Nickel plated. You place your item on the top them move the little wooden handle to one side to move the top plate and heat your item. Unusual! $45.00
Here is a extra large meat or produce scale with brass front plate that still works pretty well. This one weighs items over 144 pounds and measures about 22 inches long from one end to the other. This one could be from the Civil War era as there is no country of origin listed just the city it was made in. The dented brass plate has on it CHATILLONS IMPROVED SPRING BALANCE - NEW YORK. Great Display item! $35.00
This is another scale just like the one about but much smaller and not as many dents measuring 13 inches long overall and weighing items up to 50 pounds. This one is marked just the same as the one above. $25.00
Here's an old hacksaw that I believe is from the 1920's and is marked -----HDW CO. TORRENGTON CONN. USA. I'm not quite sure that's correct as I can't see as well as I used to. This piece has a nice maple turned handle. Nice old display item! $10.00
This is an old brace with a wood bit in it's chuck. There might be some markings on it but I can't see them. Ratcheting bit. The little turned mid handle has a crack in it but still solid and would make a nice decorator! You could still use it also if you wanted to. $15.00
This is an old horse bit that isn't good for anything but a decorator as it's been broken and brazed back together. The bit is marked NEVERRUST & MADE IN ENGLAND. If you want a decorator and don't want to pay much for it this is it! $3.00
Here are 2 more old bit decorators. Ladies like to use them for decorative towel holders in their western style kitchen or you can use them in your den to spruce it up! Each is about 12 inches long. The snaffle or 2 piece bit is made of iron and is probably older than the straight one piece bit. That 2nd bit is made of aluminum with chipping black paint. Simply repaint it to make it look great! The older 2 piece bit is $5 while the single piece bit is $2. Your choice!
This is another old snaffle bit that I picked up near the Perryville, KY battlefield. Can't say for sure it's Civil War but it is old and they used this type in that time period. It's rusty but complete and strong! Good display item! $5.00
Here is a real primitive piece! This is a handmade primitive pony or small horse bridle and bit. I had a horse when I was a kid and it I didn't get a bridle furnished when I purchased it I would have had to do something like this! We were poor and my Dad paid $50 for my horse. No money left over either! Anyway, this piece has a fairly nice neverrust snaffle or watering bit but the rest of the bridle is made of manilla and hemp rope held together with wire and tape! Poor boys and girls have to made due with what they have! Great decorator! $10.00
