The John Bannister Collection - D-Day and Militaria
Lot 2270a:
Description
Disclaimer: Due to the high quality of WWII German fakes, this item is sold as-is without warranty of authenticity.
This is a classic piece of military communication history: a German Feldfernsprecher 33 (FF33) field telephone, a staple of the Wehrmacht during WWII. Encased in its original mottled brown Bakelite housing, this unit features the characteristic removable fold-out crank, handset with cloth-covered cord, and the internal wiring diagrams still affixed to the inside of the lid. Notably, it retains the phonetic alphabet plate on the exterior, listing names like "Anton, Berta, Cäsar, " which was essential for clear communication over static-filled lines. The handset bears a visible serial number and proof marks, and the overall construction reflects the rugged, modular engineering typical of the era. This specimen shows honest field wear, including surface scuffing and scratches to the Bakelite, some oxidation on the metal latches and hardware, and fraying/soiling of the braided cord, but it remains structurally sound and visually complete. The removable crank is correctly stored in its dedicated notch next to the internal panel for transport. H 8", W 11", D 4".
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