The John Bannister Collection - D-Day and Militaria
Lot 2233:
Description
WWII German Flag & Hitler Youth Armband
This lot features two WWII-era German textile relics consisting of a small printed cotton flag and a multi-piece construction Hitler Youth (HJ) style armband. The flag features a centered black swastika on a white circular field, characteristic of vehicle or podium-style identification markers used during the Third Reich. The armband is composed of a red cotton band with a central white horizontal stripe and a diamond-shaped patch featuring a swastika, consistent with HJ uniforms from the 1930s-40s. These pieces are documented as souvenirs brought back by John Klein during his service with the 709th MP Battalion and the 52nd MP CID in Frankfurt and Hanau, Germany, between 1952 and 1958. Klein’s transfer to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) in Hanau in 1953 placed him in a more specialized role. The CID dealt with more complex felony-level crimes involving military personnel or property, and leftover denazification issues. Being in the CID likely gave him unique access to various regions and facilities, which may explain how he curated this specific collection of relics. Both items show significant signs of age and field wear, including fraying at the edges, minor staining on the white fields, and loose threads throughout the stitching. Flag: H 12.75", W 9.75", D 0". Armband: H 3.75", W 17", D 0". 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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