The John Bannister Collection - D-Day and Militaria
Lot 2267:
Description
WWII Nuremberg Guard Archive & Autographs
This significant historical archive documents the service of Supply Sgt. Marvin L. Hockinson, who served in Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division from May 30 to September 9, 1946. The 1st Infantry Division, known as the Fighting First or Big Red One, had the honor of being the guards at this epic trial. Consigned directly from the soldier’s son, the centerpiece is a framed collection of autographs from high-ranking Nazi defendants (21 signatures in total), which SGT Marvin Hockinson acquired by trading cigarettes while performing guard duty—a job he described as "one not many people wanted and one I surely didn’t care about." His firsthand accounts in the included Charles City (Iowa) Daily Press clipping describe Hermann Goering as "arrogant" and note that Rudolf Hess would only sign their initials as they did not consider themselves war criminals(He obtained this signature personally). The list of autographs are: Herman Goering; Rudolf Hess; Alfred Jodl; Joachim v. Ribbentrop; Franz v. Pappen; Karl Doenitz; Alfred Rosenberg; Albert Speer; Arthur Seyss-Inquart; Hans Frank; Wilhelm Keitel; Erich Raeder, Constantin v. Neurath; Fritz Sauckel; Halmar Schacht; Julius Streicher; Ernst Kaltenbrunner; Walter Funk. The collection is rounded out by his original U.S. Army dog tag, a 1946 "Nurnberg" commemorative book by Charles W. Alexander, and an August 31, 1946, edition of "The Spade" regimental newspaper. The paper items exhibit typical age-toning, minor foxing, and horizontal folding creases; the framed autograph sheet remains vibrant with clear ink signatures, and the metal dog tag shows authentic tarnishing and surface wear. Frame: H 18", W 24.25", D 1"
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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