Original Items: One-of-a-kind set. Pfc. John W. Lower, Jr., Army Serial number 33503860 was born in 1920 and enlisted on March 11th, 1943 in Harrisburg, PA.. He served in company "E" of the the 358th Infantry Regiment, which served as part of the 90th Infantry Division during WWII. The regiment's campaign participation credit included Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe. After the fall of Germany while on occupation duty he sent home these German Trophies of War as souvenirs. This grouping was purchased directly from his relatives and consists of the following items:
- Fantastic WWII wood box, painted with some green camouflage on the corners, measuring 17"W x 14 1/4"D x 12 3/4"H. This looks to be a U.S. or British issued box, as there is some blacked out stenciling referencing a "280 BARS . NIBS" and other words we cannot make out. This crate may have been for rations of some sort. We can however see that it was originally dated MARCH 43.
The exterior of the box has the original "bring back" CERTIFICATE that authorizes the Pfc. J.W. Lower to bring back the contained items, as their "trophy value" exceeds any salvage or military value that they may have. Parts of the certificate were torn away during transit or during the 70+ years since they were sent back.
It also still has two original address labels, giving the full name, serial number and unit of the soldier. They both have the identical information:
FROM:-
JOHN W. LOWER, JR. 33503860
COMPANY "E" 358 INFANTRY
A. P. O. 90
c/o POSTMASTER
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
TO:-
MRS. JOHN W. LOWER, JR.
277 EAST CATHERINE STREET
CHAMBERSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
The labels are somewhat faint, but still legible.
This wonderful wooden crate contains the following items:
- Original Service Worn German WWII Heer M42 Steel Helmet with the standard feldgrau (field gray) paint, with no decals. The liner complete with service wear and some degradation, and comes complete with an original chin strap. It is also marked 64 n.A. / 56 on the outside of the band, indicating a size 56 liner for a 64cm shell. Features an original chin strap that is complete. The helmet shell is stamped hkp64 / 3600 under the rear skirt, indicating manufacture by Sächsische Emaillier-und Stanzwerke, AG (Saxon Enamel and Die/Metal Stamp Works) of Lauter in size 64.
Overall a really nice helmet that is in the same condition it was when put into this box and shipped home towards the end of the war.
- Original German WWII Army Heer EM/NCO's Leather Belt with Steel Buckle by J.C. MAEDICKE BERLIN dated 1941. A very nice example of the standard issue belt for German Army Heer soldiers, measuring about 41 inches in overall length. It definitely shows wear to the leather and buckle, but the leather is still in good shape, and shows a German RBNr. marking. The stitching on the belt has however mostly rotted out.
- Original German WWII Kriegsmarine Marked 1.5m x 2.5m Naval Reichskriegsflagge (Imperial Battle Flag). This was the official name of the war flag and war ensign used by the German armed forces from 1933 to 1945. The flag is marked on the header with the Eagle / M indicating German Kriegsmarine (Navy) acceptance, as well as the size. Constructed of wool with a bright red background with a large white central circle displaying a large Swas (hook cross) with the German Balkenkreuz (Beam Cross) design also in black to the edges. In the top corner (Canton) is a black on white Eisernes Kreuz (Iron cross). It features a canvas header, with a nice long halyard on the bottom, and a loop on the top.
Condition of the flag is definitely worn, with wear and well as tears in the wool portion of the flag, so this may be due to moth damage over the decades.
- Original German WWII Early Pattern Tornister (knapsack) 34 Cowhide Backpack dated 1937 with Shoulder Straps dated 1935. This early version of the Tornister 34 fixed straps attached by split pins, and has more complicated construction than wartime / later versions. It is maker marked St. Orthey. Marienberg Ww. over the date. The straps are also maker marked, and inside the pack it is regimentally marked 16. (E) J.R. 21 / I. This would be for the 16th Ersatz (Replacement) Infantry Regiment, 21st squadron, 1st company. It looks to be complete, though some of the leather components have cracked through.
- Original German WWII Wartime Pattern Tornister (knapsack) 34 Cowhide Backpack dated 1942 without shoulder straps. This later version used easily removable shoulder straps, attached on the top and bottom with D-Ring hooks, as opposed to just having them on the bottom. It is maker marked SACHS & DEISSELBERG HAMBURG over the date. It looks to be complete aside from the missing shoulder straps, though some of the leather components are cracked and worn.
- THREEE Original German WWII NSDAP National Flag Central Insignia, never attached to a flag with original cutting pattern markings. All are in very good condition, though a bit wrinkled. It looks like a flag factory must have been captured, giving access to these unissued insignia.
- Original German WWII German DAF Labor Front - Deutsche Arbeitsfront flag insignia, never attached to a flag with original cutting pattern markings.
- Original German WWII NSDAP National Flag Central Insignia Cutoff. Double sided and of multi piece construction
- Original German WWII 15" X 9" National Tricolor Bag or Sleeve, with some staining.
- Original German WWII 6" x 10" National Tricolor Wimpel (Pennant).
- Original German WWII 6 1/2" x 11" Paper NSDAP Wimpel (Pennant).
- Original German WWII Aluminum Visor cap Reichsadler insignia, with the securing pins broken off.
- Original German WWII Plastic Reichskriegsflagge (Imperial War Flag) pin, maker marked on the back.
A fantastic grouping of genuine WWII material, brought home by USGI , complete with the original box and all correct documentation for bringing home "Trophy" items from the European Theater of WWII. Ready to research and display!
