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Gardnerville · Nevada
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Lot 367
WWII German Battle Flag “Reichskriegsflagge” Bulge Souvenir
Estimate: $500 - $1,000
Starting Bid
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $100 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
Large WWII-period German battle flag "Reichskriegsflagge", reportedly retained as a Battle of the Bulge souvenir. Constructed in red, white, and black printed textile with large central swastika and Iron Cross canton. Retains reinforced hoist edge with partial printed markings including “Reichskriegsflagge" and "200x335” and faint maker information. Accompanied by a typed “Bridge Over the Rhine” reference sheet and a handwritten provenance statement recounting that the flag was allegedly acquired near Remagen by Sgt. William Buron, a U.S. Army medic who crossed the Rhine on the second day of the assault. The accompanying note further states the flag later descended through the Hawthorne family of Sacramento, California, and was sold from Discovery Antiques in 2002. An impressive large-format wartime display flag accompanied by anecdotal history.
Dimensions: 79 x 132 in.
Pickup & Shipping: Free pickup in Gardnerville, NV. FedEx shipping within the continental U.S.: $30 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). Combined shipping available.
Condition
Displays scattered wear, creasing, handling marks, and minor staining consistent with age and storage. Colors remain vivid overall. Hoist edge retains partial printed markings and reinforced construction. Accompanying paperwork exhibits folds and handling wear.
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- 2–4 firearms: $50 each
- 5–9 firearms: $25 each
- 10 or more firearms: $15 each
Shipping costs within the continental United States generally range:
- Handguns: $35–40 each
- Long guns: $75–100 each
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Mr. John Russell Hawthorne, owner of discovery, antiques, Sacramento, California placed this flag for auction on April 28th 2002, he related the following history. His uncle was a sergeant in the medical corps, crossed the Bridge at ramaggen on the 2nd day of the assault, his uncle, sergeant, William bill burn traded contraband for the flag from the soldier who liberated it from the German army headquarters. Sgt. Barron was a souvenir collector and also was able to save other items such as a mother of pearl silver flatware with swasey inlaid and handles, Mr Hawthorn says these items were taken from the Eagle's nest and are still in his possession, Sgt. Barron gave these items and a canteen and bayonet to his sister. Delphine berenham, John Russell Hawthorne's mother, a resident of New York Mr. Hawthorne states that he and his brother played with the flag and used it once in the 1950s as a beach towel, they got a lot of flack from other beachgoers and from their father, who gave them a tongue lashing for being so stupid as to display the flag at the beach, he felt uncomfortable displaying the flag at his antique store and thus sold it at auction.
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