Guns & Militaria
Lot 2045:
This is one of the most fantastic WWII groupings we have ever offered. This Oberfeldwebel pilot Gerhard Rausch (1918-1973) had 3 kills from the Junker Ju87, was shot down 13 times, had 287 consecutive combat missions and over 8000 flight hours, flew almost if not, every Luftwaffe major aircraft from mostly the Ju88 and Ju87 and Me109, FW 190 and every Heinkel and Dornier model. He later test flew the ME262. His son would ask him after the war, what planes did he fly and he always said “all of them”. There are many photos of him and some with famous test pilot Hanna Reitsch. He flew most of the theaters of war. He was awarded the German Cross in Gold in 1943. From the hundreds of photos, it appears he may have flown Hitler in a Ju87.
After the war, he and his family emigrated to the United Sates in 1956 to Wisconsin. He was against the Nazi movement but was staunchly against communism. In the early 1960s, he went back to East Germany to visit family and was able to sneak out his Luftwaffe tunic, two hats and more. He was told to cut the insignia off all clothing because if he was caught with them he would be arrested. Some insignia was lost to time. There is 1963 East German photo of his son wearing the uniform before they brought it back to America.
This group includes 1) his officer quality Luftwaffe four pocket tunic. The insignia was cut off back in 1963 but his matching slip-on master sergeant shoulders are present and his early EM breast eagle too. The interior dagger hanger is cut off and in one of the pockets. 2) German Cross in Gold in case. The cross is marked Deschler & Sohn “1” on back on pin. The case lid has separated from case and white silk pad is still attached. The pin catch is bent closed. “Fw Rasch” is scratched on the back. There is damage to the enameling on front. Gerhard’s son reported that his father said it was from it hitting the steering column during one of his crash landings while on his tunic. 3) German Cross document from Reich Ministry of Food and Agriculture signed by SS Obergruppenführer Herbert Backe. It congratulated him for getting the German Cross and hopes he comes back unscathed from war. 4) Pilot badge marked JMME on back in marked case. The badge is missing the pin and repeated repair work and trace of gray string from tying it to tunic. 5) Iron Cross 1st class screwback marked L/18 (BH Meyer) on back. Case for pinback IC. 6) parade Czech annexation medal. 7) Tropical “Herman Meyer hat” also with removed insignia from 1963. Hat has enlisted pip attached to chinstrap. It is well marked and in very used condition. 8) Tropical overseas cap with removed insignia. Condition is good. 9) Enlisted visor hat cockade without prongs 10) Luftwaffe pilot’s license with photo, 11-12) two of his log books April 1940 to Sept 1940 and Sept 1940 to March 1942. 13) DR2 flight navigation computer 14) German aircraft clock, it does run but may need cleaning and the story from Rausch is this clock was always with him and every time he crash landed he would take this clock out while behind enemy lines and use it to help him him get back. 15) Very well worn Silver Luftwaffe Ring, center stone is missing and is marked “K” and small proof and “835”. The sides have worn images of Luftwaffe eagles and swastikas.
This is a treasure trove of history and information. There are 41 original photos and over 240 copies of many aspects of Gerhard’s service and life afterwards. Also included is a 4 page story from his son about his father and some of the stories he would tell. There are his and wife’s East German Passports, emigration and naturalization papers. Newspaper articles about when his family arrived in America, Photos and article when he spoke about Germany in the Cold War, 1970s US passport, State of Wisconsin paperwork, 41 original photos and over 240 copies of photos mostly from the war and some after. Photos of his flight, friends, wedding and courting his wife. Pictures when he was in the Heer first and transferred to the Luftwaffe, photos in air, and so much more.
Disclaimer: Due to the high quality of WWII German fakes, Donley Auctions has described this item to the best of their ability and assumes NO liability or responsibility if information provided is incorrect. Authenticity is unknown. Buyer assumes all responsibility to determine whether or not an item is authentic. Buyer may request additional photos, ask detailed questions and make inquiries into the specifics of this item. All content and information is provided “AS IS” and without warranty, implied or otherwise. Absolutely NO refunds are given for this item or any military relics, regardless of age or condition.
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