Gary Hendershott The Finest Historical Items in the World

WWII October Catalog - Part 2

War-50

General Curtis LeMay Presentation Kreighoff Custom Built Rifle

A very rare custom built rifle made for the Commanding General of the United States Air Force by the famous Kreighoff gun maker in Post War Germany during Allied Occupation, chambered in American 30- 06 caliber although the barrel was made by Kreighoff, the action is from a US Springfield Model 03' serial no. 356164 with a recessed bolt handle on a German style checkered stock with a scnoble forearm and rear cheek piece with American White & Blue Deluxe shoulder pad. Mounted with a detachable Hensoldt Dual Dialytan 4X scope with special order cross hairs with dots and 2 leaf express sites underneath. The German Oak leaf engraving on the floor plate and the trigger guard is mint, with 24 ct Gold inlays of a Bear and Deer, even the screw heads are engraved.

An Intriguing and Unique post war hunting rifle made especially for the famous US Air Force Commander Curtis LeMay who had just been assigned to command the US Air Force in Europe in 1947. He latter coordinated the Berlin airlift in 1948 when the Soviet Union attempted to starve Berlin into submission, he organized over 213,000 flights that saved Berlin. He returned afterwards to the US and served as commander of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) from 1948 to 1957. The rifle is presented to him on the barrel Gen. Curtis LeMay (with 4 Stars die struck after his name) made for him upon his arrival in postwar Germany, perhaps even for saving the city of Berlin.

A Unique gun in every sense, as it was made for one of the most historically important Generals of WWII, custom built using a American Springfield action, built out with a beautiful Kreighoff blue barrel chambered in the US Military 30 -06 caliber, with a Deluxe German stock and with German sites & scope. It is also interesting to note that Kreighoff built Deluxe Custom rifles for the Hermann Goering the Commander of the German Air Force during World War II. (See our Part 1 of this catalog) FFL C&R*

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$25,000

War-51

Camp Perry Shooting Trials – Colt Officers Model Target in .22 caliber, only 20 of these rarities were Factory Engraved. Presented on the frame to "Pt. Adolf P. Schuber U.S. Time Fire Champion, Camp Perry, Ohio 1924". A beautifully factory engraved Presentation Colt in original wood case with target. Checkered grips with factory silvered Colt Medallion in each grip, full factory blue case hardened finish. A superb example of one of the guns used in these Shooting Matches leading up to WWII. They rarely come on the market as only 2500 were made up to 1941. A Showpiece. FFL C&R*

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$17,500

War-52

Flags from the Imperial German War Training ship S.S. Niobe dated in 1923, sunk in 1932 commanded by Lieut. Ruhfus. These flags used while coming into port. France tri color 3 x 4 ft. near mint condition in wool muslin with no stains and in near perfect condition.

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$250

War-53

Flags from the Imperial German War Training Ship SS Niobe in 1928. Flag of Ireland with four quadrants of Lions and Irish Harp 4 x 6 ft. in wool muslin in near perfect condition from this wrecked ship. A rare Irish Flag used onboard this German ship while coming into port in Ireland.

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$650

War-54

Flags from the Imperial German War Training ship S.S. Niobe dated in 1923, sunk in 1932 commanded by Lieut. Ruhfus. German National tri color flag 3 x 4 ft. in near mint condition with lanyard and wood toggle still in hoist. This ship was refloated and used as target practice and sunk by Torpedo Boat Jaguar in 1933 in front of the German Fleet.

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$250

War-55

Flags from the Imperial German War Training ship S.S. Niobe dated in 1923, sunk in 1932 commanded by Lieut. Ruhfus. Great Britain Union Jack 3 x 4 feet in bright red & blue muslin in near mint condition used by this German ship when coming into port in England. A beautiful Union Jack.

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$250

War-56

US Air Force Major General Earl Anderson - uniform and trousers, he served during WWII flying a B24 in the bombing of Manila during Japanese Occupation and later at the Atomic Bomb Tests on the Bikini Atoll, culminating his career in the Strategic Air Command during the Cold War. Remarkable fresh condition all ribbons and generals stars are original to this uniform.

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$350

War-57

US Navy Aviators/Admirals T. C. Lonquist uniform with trousers, with shoulder boards of two-stars, ribbons and naval aviators wings. In bright fresh condition for this WWII Navy Command pilot’s uniform.

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$350

War-58

US Navy 1st Lieutenants Uniform & trousers, with shoulder boards with single star and battle ribbons in excellent condition.

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$150

War-59

US Air Force Brigadier General A B McDaniel’s d.1943. His Winter Uniform Overcoat with single star on each shoulder, and dual on the sleeves with bone buttons. In excellent condition these winter coats are actually quite rare, he was one of the first pilots to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross.

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$100

War-60

US Army Brigadier General Benjamin Caffey, Jr. uniform of the 34th Division the 1st division deployed to Europe in WWII their German counterparts referred to them as the "Red Devils". General Caffey was the Commander of the 39th Regiment, as well as the commanding officer of the 29th Combat Team. Trained in Louisiana they were chosen to form the US Army's First Ranger Battalion 'Darby's Rangers' many with over 500 straight days of battle rated these men of the Red Bull among the most highly decorated of WWII. A Historical Showpiece.

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$1,250

War-61

France WW1 Veterans flag on the original 2pc wood & brass 6 ft. tall flag pole with ornate brass spiked finial, carried by these veterans before WWII "Union Federale des Combatants – Langourla" in the French tri-color design on silk with gold gilt wire fringe makes this a remarkable display piece as French flags are quite rare.

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$1,250

War-62

France WWII Recruiting Broadsides calling for volunteers to defend their country from the German Invaders in 1939. Five (5) broadsides calling up the French Army Reserves and any Volunteers to assemble to protect their country from Nazi Invasion in 1939. These are quite rare as very few survived the war. Superb for display

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$650

War-63

Very Large French Recruiting Broadside signed by the artist in 1939. Beautifully printing in color and large folio 3 x 4 ft. Published by the French Minister of War calling for Volunteers from the cities around France just months before the Nazi Invasion. Quite large and well preserved having been carefully folded. A Rarity.

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$450

War-64

France and England Recruiting Broadside in November 1939, for the soldiers from these two countries to join together to fight the Nazi invasion of Europe, for the benefit of all of their families. Very large and in color 3 x 4ft discovered with the above.

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$350

War-65

France just before the Nazi Invasion in the spring of 1940 – A Call to Arms to join by January, 1940 for the French Air Force, French Navy and French Army calling up all Reserves to Save France. A large folio 3 x 4 ft. broadside with French flags printed in color at header, accompanied by 3 other smaller broadsides. Very few of these survived the war. (4 war date broadsides)

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$550

War-66

France Air Force – Recruiting Broadsides to train and fly Bombing Aircraft on the eve of WWII signed by the Minister of Defense large 2 x 3 ft. Superb.

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$150

War-67

France broadside in color Call for Scrap metal to build Bombs in defense of the country 1939 "For the Victory" very fine 1 x 3 ft. printed in Paris before the German Invasion.

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$150

War-68

American Norman Rockwell WWII Posters – complete set of 4 large folio posters painted by the famous illustrator artist Norman Rockwell and printed as patriotic posters symbolizing the virtues of the American Way of Life "Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Hunger and Freedom from Fear" all folded but no tears and well preserved from being carefully saved since WWII (complete set of 4 WWII posters).

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$250

War-69

Japan National Flag with elaborate hand drawn personal Kanji. Large sixe 2 x 3 ft. silk well written Kanji by this soldier's family and friends wishing him good luck in the war. Many Japanese soldiers believed in the protective powers of the well wishes and prayers written on these flags and was among their most prized possession on the battle field. Very Fine and elaborate.

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$250

War-70

Japan National Flag and telescoping Flag pole with shiny Brass staff all inside a box with printed instruction label. A Japanese soldiers personal National Flag in original box, almost as new after having been folded wince WWII. Very Unusual 2 x 3ft folds into a small bamboo box.

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$350

War-71

Japanese Soldiers in China – 80 photographs in original album depicting Japanese occupation forces in China including one scene of officers on the Great Wall, as well as in Manchuria. An unpublished group of WWII photographs of the Japanese Occupation of Asia.

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$350

War-72

Japan War Flag in original bamboo wicker folding pouch. A magnificent bright red silk battle flag of the Japanese Army during WWII. Nice large size 2 x 3 ft. and well preserved in its bamboo wicker basket folder. A museum showpiece in every respect.

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$550

War-73

Japanese issued Model 1910 Mauser Pistol in 7.65 cal with original black pig skin holster and clip, with Japanese markings on the barrel top and Chrysanthemum on receiver. Mouser produced and sold these models to Japan through the 1930's leading up to WWII. A scarce German semi auto used by the Japanese FFL C&R*

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$2,500

War-74

Japanese Baby Nambu serial #3912 Officers Model made by the Tokyo Gas & Electric Company, being a non-firing training model In near mint condition. FFL C&R*

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$2,250

War-75

Japan War Flag bright red on cotton with leather corner flag pole ties, excellent condition and a displayable size 2 x 3 ft.

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$550

War-76

Japan War Flag in bright red on cotton with leather corner flag pole ties with original rope. A superb showpiece 2 x 3 ft.

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$550

War-77

Japan War flag, large size 3 x 4 ft. brilliant red on cotton with leather corner flag pole ties. Excellent.

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$550

War-78

Nazi Germany NSKK Hat Insignia's of the National Socialist Motor Corps, formed in the 1930's but date back to Hitler's rise to power in the 1920's, they later became part of the NSDAP. A scarce trio of different branches of this service.

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$350

War-79

War Order of the German Cross in Gold introduced by Hitler in 1941, this being the highest class in Gold awarded for exceptional acts of bravery in combat German medal made by Deschler & Sohn. Presented to SS General Karl Wolff who latter commanded Italy and was a relative of Himmler's. A rare badge to a famous SS General that saved Rome at war’s end.

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$2,000

War-80

Himmler Presentation Dagger SS Model 33 – with SS Leader Himmler's presentation etched onto the blade. Discovered among SS General Karl Wolff's effects, he was a relative of Himmler by way of marriage to Himmler's niece, and latter given the command of Italy. Worn areas on the handle as well as the scabbard. Never the less an important WWII rarity carried by a famous SS Leader.

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$9950

War-81

The Uniform of the SS Lieutenant General Karl Wolff – the highest ranking SS officer in the German Army – Chief of Staff to Heinrich Himmler and Supreme SS and Police Leader of Italy. Supreme Commander of all SS and Military Forces in Italy. Appointed by Himmler to Nazi occupied Italy, when at wars end he single handed saved Rome from being burned as Hitler had ordered it to be torched and he met secretly with Allied Commanders across the border in Switzerland to surrender his entire command without firing a shot.

SS Supreme Commanders Generals uniforms rarely if ever come on the market, this one worn by the SS Supreme Commander of Italy is certainly one of the most important ones to ever be offered, and it is the highest rank in the SS only Himmler had a higher rank. Accompanied by his stripped trousers, his SS Commander of Italy Calling Card, from life photographs of SS General Wolf standing beside Mussolini while he delivers a speech. It is also accompanied by his silver SS belt and silver shoulder aiguillettes. His Nazi Party badge, he was member #695131, Iron Cross in gold, his ribbons as well as his 1939 gold on black & white wound badge ribbon and of course his Lt Generals shoulder boards. The uniform is believed to have been made in Italy for him near the end of the war and is most likely the uniform he was wearing when he surrendered his entire command to Allied Forces on April 8, 1945 a few days before Berlin fell to the Soviet Army and before the death of Hitler.

SS General Wolf escaped the Nuremburg War Crime Trials by negotiating his own surrender, he was the only High-Ranking SS Officer to do so. He joined the SS in 1931 member #14235 and later married Himmler’s favorite niece. This uniform and all of Wolff's effects were Captured by a US Army Officer and brought home as a War Trophy, see also other items that belonged to SS General Karl Wolff. All are never before offered.

Note: An Ultra-Rare showpiece, General Wolff was also part of the SS escape plan the ‘Codename ODESSA’ to help SS officers to flee Europe for South America, he was also a prominent figure in the Odessa Files movie.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ODESSA

SS General Karl Wolff and the Vatican-CIA 'ratlines'.

Even though President Franklin Roosevelt insisted on the unconditional surrender of the Nazis, future cia director Allen Dulles negotiated an agreement with Nazi General Karl Wolff to protect Nazi spies so they could be used against the Soviet Union after the war. Many of these Nazi spies stayed in Europe to work for the Gladio network, controlled by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Thousands of other Nazi officials were smuggled into Latin America via a system of ratlines run by Dulles, Roman Catholic Bishop Alois Hudal and Roman Catholic priest Krunoslav Draganovic.

Of the 30,000 Nazis who escaped Europe through these ratlines, the U.S. government hired at least 1,000 as spies and informants. At the height of the Cold War, cia director Dulles and Federal Bureau of Investigation director J. Edgar Hoover aggressively recruited former Nazis of all ranks as assets against the Soviets.

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$65,000

War-82

The most Highly Engraved German Luger from WWII – carried by SS General Karl Wolff as Supreme commander of Italy, his name is inlaid in 24ct gold on the trigger guard. Remarkable does not even begin to describe this Masterpiece of engraving. The factory ivory grips or elaborately and deeply carved with large SS runic on one side and swastika on the other. Never before on the market it was in his personal effects captured and brought home as War Trophy by a US Army officer (he also had Wolff's Black SS uniform and his cased gold wash Walther P38). It is interesting to note that a few years ago a Presentation Sword from Himmler to General Wolf sold for $150,000. At auction. Made in 1939 by S42 Mauser serial #9753 and fully engraved with gold inlays make this the most Ornate Luger of all known German WW2 Officers Models. A unique Showpiece. FFL C&R*

Note: General Hermann Goering owned 2 Silver engraved lugers.

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$65,000

War-83

SS Recruiting Poster for the French Division of the SS. Large and graphic 2 x 3 ft. printed and distributed in Paris. The SS printed these Recruiting posters for occupied countries, to gain enlistments.

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$1,250

War-84

SA Recruiting Poster depicting a "Nazi Soldier with a Machine gun thrown over his shoulder". Large 2 x3 ft. signed by the graphic artist in excellent condition preserved by being folded since WWII, recently discovered and never before offered.

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$950

War-85

German National Flag from 1920-30 – a beautiful flag fringed with original flag pole with brass finial depicting a Bavarian Horn at center, from the town that it came from. Superb condition with its original flag staff.

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$750

War-86

German Navy WWII Admirals Flag, with Nazi swastika inspector markings on the hoist. Made of wool and in excellent condition with original lanyard still inside the hoist. Large 40 x 40 inches and rarely on the market.

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$950

War-87

Nuremberg Party Rally - 6 inch pewter platter, being a 1934 Political platter with all the various Nazi Military Organizations that attended the important Nuremburg Nazi Party Rally with symbols from the SS, to the Army, Air Force etc. A jewelers hallmark at lower left. Rarely offered and in perfect condition.

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$550

War-88

Three (3 German Helmets) including SA Gladiator style helmet in original brown paint with liner, Luftschutz helmet in blue with a unusual spike base at top, and a Model 1940 White combat helmet for camouflage. All 3.

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$950

War-89

Bank of China announcing a 'War Loan' to help France get back on her feet after WW1, depicting a German Soldier drowning in bags of Gold Coin wearing a Model 1917 helmet. It is interesting that the Bank of China was providing money to rebuild France. A large broadside and beautiful graphics 3 x 4ft. Dry mounted and framed but otherwise fine.

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$650

War-90

Captured German Luger with clear Plastic grips made from a windshield of a crashed US Aircraft P38 fighter. The bubble canopy on P38's were soft enough to carve grips from, and many soldiers put photographs of their favorite Gal under the clear plastic grips to show off their gal and their ultimate War Trophy! FFL C&R*

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$2,500

War-91

Walther P38 a very rare commercial quality 9 mm pistol with the Walther banner on left side in a black leather original war date holster and an excellent war time finish. FFL C&R*

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$4,950

War-92

Navy Luger with 8 inch barrel one of only two Navy’s known to exist in this barrel length. A Special Order gun imported into the United States by Stoeger who had the Luger franchise. The reciever is marked ‘A. E. Stoeger New York’, with the ‘American Eagle’ on the chamber. A rare gun.

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$13,500

War-93

1900 Luger cased and sold in the American market, it has the American Eagle struck on top of the chamber. Made by DWM in .30 caliber with 4 3/4 inch barrel, dished toggle and squeeze safety in original wood case which is extremely rare. A Showpiece.

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$12,500

War-94

German Luger Complete Artillery set in its original Holster with wood Shoulder stock. A rare complete rig 9mm with 8 inch barrel and in excellent condition.

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$8,500

War-95

German Artillery Luger dated 1917 on the receiver, made by DWM with a special order long 10 inch barrel .30 caliber. Used in WW1 and in WW2. Excellent condition throughout and a showpiece.

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$7,950

War-96

Berlin Wall Cold War – Warning sign that "You are now Entering East Berlin from the French Zone". Metal enameled signs from the Berlin wall were rarely saved during the Cold War. The East German troops paroled all crossing, excellent condition with the sign makers name on verso. Saved by a West German collector for the past 50 years 2 x 2 ft. A remarkable showpiece.

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$1,250

War-97

East Germany 'Red Guard' a communists broadside calling for a worldwide communist/socialist revolution against Capitalism. Interesting graphics depicting the Soviet Hammer & Sickle with a gun across it. Very Unusual and Anti-American large 2 x 3 ft. Accompanied by an East German Communist newspaper headed "New Germany" dated 1961 full of communist party rhetoric (2 Communist East Germany broadsides).

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$250

War-98

East German DDR Communist Officers Uniform and Visor Hat and Communists Party medals along with a Dzierzynski cuff insignia they were considered the SS of the DDR. It is interesting to note how similar the DDR Uniforms and Hats are to their previous Nazi counterparts they are nearly identical. With original medals.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felix_Dzerzhinsky_Guards_Regiment

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$250

War-99

Commander of the Soviet Fleet Admiral Gorshkov – he had his hand on the button to launch Nuclear Missiles during the Cold War. He was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Soviet Navy by Nikita Khrushchev in 1956, and under Leonid Brezhnev oversaw a massive naval build-up of surface and submarine forces, including Nuclear Armament of the Soviet Navy creating a force capable of challenging Western naval power by the late 1970s.

He was the greatest threat to Nuclear War having built a fleet of submarines armed with Nuclear warheads and he had the final confirmation to launch the ballistic missiles. The Soviet Nuclear Fleet was the greatest threat to America and the Free World during the Cold War. His uniforms came out several years, when I sold his Dress Blues. This Dress White uniform worn by Gorshkov as Commander of the Soviet Fleet the highest ranking officer uniform trimmed in gold insignia, with his trousers and Visor Hat as Commander of the entire Soviet Fleet is a remarkable showpiece worn by a man who could have easily started WW 3. Pristine condition.

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$2,500

GARY HENDERSHOTT | P.O. BOX 22520, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72221 | TEL. 501-258-1861