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6 Military Trader & Vehicles / November 2023 www.militarytrader.com homefront news Heroic Vietnam pilot finally gets Medal of Honor WASHINGTON — Retired Army Capt. Larry Taylor, a combat pilot who risked his life during the Vietnam War by flying into heavy enemy fire to save four members of a reconnaissance team, received his Medal of Honor Sept. 5 from President Joe Biden. On the night of June 18, 1968, 1st Lt. Taylor flew his Cobra attack helicopter to rescue the men after they had become surrounded by the enemy. “It was pitch black. No moon. No stars. No light beyond the glow of Lieutenant Taylor’s cockpit control, when he heard a whisper coming through his radio, ‘We’re surrounded,’” Biden said, adding, “Lieutenant Taylor knew the risks, but he was ready.” Taylor was called in to assist troops were were caught in an intense firefight ensued and had begun running out of ammunition. Taylor directed the soldiers to send up flares to mark their location in the dark. He and another helicopter pilot started firing their ships’ Miniguns and rockets at the enemy, making low-level attack runs and braving intense ground fire. Eventually, the helicopters were running low on fuel and ammunition themselves. According to a report at www. military.com, “Taylor directed his wingman to fire the rounds left in his Minigun along the team’s eastern flank and return to base camp, while Taylor fired his remaining rounds on the western flank. He used the landing lights to distract the enemy, buying time for the patrol team to head south and east toward a new extraction point he had identified.” The helicopters landed under heavy enemy fire and four team members hopped on, despite only having two seats. Taylor was on the ground for about 10 seconds before he was able to evaculate the four soldiers. Biden said that Taylor’s aircraft was “hit multiple times” and that, according to “Army standards, he could have left the fight.” At one point, the president said, Taylor was directed to withdraw but “he refused to put his own life above the lives of those in need.” “That’s valor,” Biden said. “That’s our nation at its very best.” Taylor flew hundreds of combat missions in UH-1 and Cobra helicopters during a year’s deployment in Vietnam. He earned the Silver Star, a Bronze Star and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. Biden noted that Taylor flew more than 2,000 combat missions — earning 43 air medals. He left Vietnam in August 1968 and was released from Army active duty in August 1970 as a captain. He remained in the Army Reserve until October 1973. He and his wife, Toni, live in Signal Mountain, Tenn. Uniform shortages still plaguing Marine Corps Marine Corps commanders and troops are now allowed to wear desert pattern uniforms or flame-resistant gear, also known as FROGs, due to an ongoing uniform shortage. Gen. Eric Smith, the new Marine Corps commandant, and Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz, the service’s top enlisted leader, said the inventory of woodland camouflage uniforms, or MARPAT, is still a problem to due to COVID-19 pandemic supply chain interruptions. Israeli training tank goes missing, laterfound abandoned JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli authorities are trying to figure out how a heavily armored, but unarmed, tank was stolen from a military training zone after finding it discarded in a junkyard. On Sept. 19, The Israeli Merkava 2 tank disappeared from a training zone in northern Israel near the coastal city of Haifa, the Israeli army. The training zone is closed to the public when in use, but is otherwise accessible to passersby. Police said the 65-ton tank was found abandoned in a scrapyard near a military base. The Army said the Merkava 2 was decommissioned years ago and was unarmed. It said it had been used most recently as a “stationary vehicle for soldiers’ exercises.” Police said they had arrested two suspects in connection with the theft. Medal of Honor Museum receives $3m in donations ARLINGTON, Texas — The National Medal of Honor Museum being built in Arlington announced recent gifts totaling $3 million this week from the Texas Lottery Commission and Anheuser-Busch. The museum said the $2 million donation from the Texas Lottery Commission is a multi-year naming rights sponsorship that will support two programs -- the Museum’s Texas student field trip program and Texas active-duty military program. Anheuser-Busch made a $1 million philanthropic donation to support the ongoing construction of the museum. The gift was presented Sept. 20 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis during an on-field ceremony at a Cardinals-Brewers game with Cassidy and Medal of Honor recipient Britt Slabinski, a retired Master Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL). The museum is currently under construction the Arlington Entertainment District, north of Globe Life Field and Choctaw Stadium. The museum is expected to open in 2025. Get your fresh MT&V gear! Need something cool to wear? We’ve gotsome awesome swag for you. From from shirtsto hatstomugs, we have you covered! Visit www.store.militarytrader.com to check us out today Capt. Larry Taylor
8 Military Trader & Vehicles / November 2023 www.militarytrader.com Wondering about an unusual military record collection I have a collection of 15 vinyl records on how to speak Japanese from the United States Armed Services Institute, an organization that closed its doors in 1948. These records are at least 75 years old and are 1st Edition — in addition to being released by an organization that no longer exists. I have found no other collection of this, (the closest being a 2nd Edition for sale on Amazon), which leads me to believe these are very rare — maybe the only one in existence. Which leads me to wonder, are they valuable? If so how much? Thank you for your time. — Steve Lambert, via e-mail {Editor’s reply: Thanks for the letter, Steve. We’ll throw this one out to our readers. If anyone has any thoughts or information on these types of vinyl records, drop us an email at [email protected].} Another Bofors the public can see up close I really enjoyed the article on the 40mm Bofors by David Doyle in the June 2023 issue. We are fortunate here at the Virginia National Guard Headquarters to have a 1942-dated Bofors on display with our other historical vehicles and cannons. If further proof of the Bofor’s effectiveness is required, ours sits on a display pad next to an M42 Duster, which has two of the same 40mm guns! Alex Barnes via e-mail Some boat background info ... from a Navy guy A very interesting article by Steve Turchet {“Ford GPA: The Somewhat Soggy Seep”, Sept. 2023 issue}. The photo of the eight or so vehicles running about is in the River Rouge in Detroit. That water would also be very cold. The freighter is the Benson Ford, and she is still in winter lay-up as the wheelhouse windows still have the plates over them and her anchor chain is ashore from the bow to a bollard for secure long-term mooring. That is the Ford-owned Rouge Steel plant in the background. There was much history in that river and on those docks. Henry Ford had the World War I Eagle boats built there on an assembly line principle launched into that river. The Eagles were mass built submarine chasers, simply designed to be built by unskilled labor without shipyard plate shops and such. Several of the Eagles, while not the greatest sub chaser served into World War II, one being mined and lost offshore Maine. Ford also after WWI purchased dozens of unused war built tugs, barges and ships. He liked supplying all his raw materials himself, owned iron ore, stone quarries, lumber assets even rubber plantations in Asia. So the ships he didn’t use deep sea, he had towed to the Rouge and anchored in the Detroit River just outside the Rouge until they were towed in to the docks at the steel mill and broken up for scrap that he had recycled for autos, tractors, trucks and more. He held the useable parts off the scrapped ships and sold them into use during WWII. Keep the great articles coming. Thanks. Captain Pat Thompson, USMM. (Ret) U..S. Navy vet 23 yrs. Totenkopf hat badge is not the real thing The Totenkopf hat badge in your [July 2023] issue from a reader asking if it was real has a fake from Hungary. The RZM and M1/24 is reversed on originals. Pins are different also. I got one like this from Bill Bureau, which he said he got in Budapest. Dave Wyant, via e-mail ... More thoughts on the Totenkopf That is an SS Totenkopf pin, which in English means “SS Death Hood.” It goes on the wheel cap in the front. It looks to be real, but there are a lot of fakes when it comes to German items like this. From what I can see it looks to be good. It has the RZM code stamp on it and the M1/24 code to who made it. Get some books on this subject. Gene Corbin, Arlington, Texas Mail call Send to: [email protected] or mail to: Military Trader & Vehicles, 3240 Olympia Ave. Stevens Point, WI 54481
Kramer’s Fall Military & Gun Auction (608) 326-8108 www.kramersales.com Selling 1,000+ Lots of Great Military items & Guns from numerous Midwestern Estate collections! This sale willhave the 1st offering of a fine collection of rare German daggers, swords & edged weapons. Including Forestry & Rifle Assoc. Cutlass, Chained SS & NSKK Officers daggers, RLB Leader & Subordinate daggers, TENO Leader & Subordinate daggers, Rare SA Marine dagger, Sea Customs dagger, Postal Protection service dagger, RAD subordinates dagger, Diplomatic dagger, Youth Leaders dagger, Rare NPEA student’s daggers, NPEA leader dagger, Engraved Army dagger, Engraved German Army dress swords, SS, Police & Luftwaffe swords. Lugers, P-38’s & other German firearms. Nice selection of matching Japanese rifles & carbines, Samurai Sword & Nambu Pistols. Great 1941 Johnson Rifle, Bring back Russian SVT rifle. KMP classic semi auto Browning M2HB 50 BMG w. accessories! Semi Auto 1919 Browning, Early Pre-ban assault rifles, Rare SKS models, Commemorative Thompsons, & 100’s of other great Military Rifles & handguns! Online Auction Closes: Friday, Nov. 10th @ 10AM Preview Days: Mon, Nov. 6th - Thurs., Nov 9th • 10am – 4pm Kramer Auction Gallery, 203 E. Blackhawk Ave., Prairie du Chien, WI Make sure to view catalog & register on our new private label bidding platform @ www.KramerSales.com
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12 Military Trader & Vehicles / November 2023 www.militarytrader.com WITH PETER SUCIU ‘Mint’ Roman swords found in Israel While there are several companies that “grade” the condition of collectible coins, sports cards, and comic books, there is really no grading outlet for military collectibles. It is often times up to the owner — whether that is a collector or dealer — to decide the condition. Very often, however, the words “Mint Condition” are thrown about. The term was originally used to describe the conditions of coins, as though they were straight from the mint without any wear or abrasions. It is now an expression that is used to denote the quality of pre-owned goods that display virtually no imperfections or are in pristine condition relative to their original state. “Mint condition” can mean something that was unused, has little to no storage wear and looks like it came straight from the factory. However, we need to remember that the older an item, the more subjective we may be when describing the quality. Thus while one item might be considered “(FP) Fair to Poor” – in sports card terms – it could actually be seen as Military Musings These Roman swords could be the ultimate “out of the woodwork” find! Dafna Gazit, Israel Antiquities Authority
poulinauctions.com | 207-453-2114 | [email protected] | 199 Skowhegan Rd, Fairfield, ME 04937 | Stephen Poulin, ME Lic # 1115 Below is just a small sampling of the massiveoffering of collectibles to be featured in our upcoming Fall 2023 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction: Please visitour website - www.poulinauctions.com - the ENTIRE catalog isonline NOW! November 3, 4, 5, & 6 2023 | Fairf ield, ME FALL 2023 PREMIER firearms & militaria auction Antiques & Auctions Inc. Poulin Live Internet Bidding will be available for this Fall 2023 Premier Firearms Auction Event Register & participate live as the auction is taking place on Poulin Live in real time! bid.poulinauctions.com Military M901 Tracked Armored Vehicle Scarce Mauser C96 Conehammer, Fixed Sight, Correct Stock Super Rare, Documented System Mauser, Broomhandle, Early Stock Phenomenal Mauser C96 Conehammer, With Matching Stock, Cased Army Class A Dress Uniform For 4 Star General & Future Secretary Of State Colin L. Powell An Extraordinary Vietnam Era Special Forces/Green Beret Group Belonging To Major Harold T.Palmer Extremely Scarce & Desirable WWI Remington Model 1918 MKI Pedersen Device With 2 Boxes Of Original Cartridges Scarce WWI Imperial German Model 1918 Tankgewehr Anti-Tank Rifle With An Extremely Rare Cloth Ammunition Carrier Extremely Desirable & Rare U.S. Springfield Experimental 22-06 Semi-Auto M1 Garand Rifle
14 Military Trader & Vehicles / November 2023 www.militarytrader.com “(VGE) Very Good to Excellent” due to the rarity, and age. No one would describe a rusty or pitted sword that is missing its original handle from even the American Civil War as being in “Excellent” condition, but a blade from the Middle Ages in similar condition could be seen as such. Simply put, it is Excellent for something of its age. This explains how a trove of ancient artifacts that included four Roman swords and the head of a javelin known as a “pilum” were denoted as being in “almost mint condition” when they were uncovered this past summer in a remote cave near the Dead Sea in Israel. Though the items haven’t undergone radiocarbon dating to determine an exact age, it is believed they were used by Roman forces stationed in Judea around the time of the Jewish insurrections in the 2nd century CE. “The hiding of the swords and the pilum in deep cracks in the isolated cave … hints that the weapons were taken as booty from Roman soldiers or from the battlefield,” archaeologist Eitan Klein said in a press statement. “Obviously, the rebels did not want to be caught by the Roman authorities carrying these weapons.” The swords were noted for having their wooden and leather hilts largely intact. Though in very fragile condition, these items were 1,900 years old, so clearly there is a sliding scale when determining “mint condition.” These are among the most complete and intact Roman swords of the era to be found untouched for eons. An Even Older Sword The news of the discovery of the Roman swords followed that of an even older “Bronze Age” sword that was found in Germany in June. The bronze sword, discovered intact with its octagonal hilt, was found in a grave in the southern town of Nördlingen. It is thought to be from the late 14th century BC – making it more than 3,000 years old. Its condition was so good “it almost still shines,” Bavaria’s State Office for Monument Protection (BLfD) said in a press statement. Part of the reason for its excellent condition was its materials and the fact that it was likely never used in anger. Yet, it was still a real weapon and wasn’t merely ornamental. “The sword and the burial have yet to be examined so that our archaeologists can classify this find more precisely,” said Mathias Pfeil, head of the monument protection office. “A find like this is very rare.” Age of Swords! It could be argued that Europe and the Middle East are in an “Age of Swords” – not for the new ones being made today, but the ones being discovered. There have been around a dozen such finds in recent years, with a 1,100 “Viking” sword being discovered in Norway in July. Those were far from “mint condition,” yet the rusty sword was still noted for being historically significant. It makes this writer wonder why everyone in Norway, Germany and Israel isn’t out with metal detectors right now! “The hiding of the swords and the pilum in deep cracks in the isolated cave ... hints that the weapons were taken as booty from Roman soldiers or from the battlefield..” Is this ancient Roman sword in “mint condition”? It’s a question that’s certainly open to debate. Dr. Woidich/BLfD
16 Military Trader & Vehicles / November 2023 www.militarytrader.com WITH JOHN NORRIS I t’s surprising what can happen when one goes chasing after stories connected with military history. Such was the case when I visited the tiny harbor at Watchet on the British northest Somerset coast several miles east of Minehead. A couple of years ago I heard that somewhere among the sailing boats moored in the harbor there was to be found a post-war motor torpedo patrol boat called HMS Gay Archer. Filled with curiosity to find out more, I set out to investigate. Arriving in the village, it took only a few minutes to walk from the car park to the harbor, where I began looking for anything that resembled a military vessel. There among the brightlycoloured yachts, the gray paintwork, the universal navy color, I spotted what could only be the Gay Archer. The fact she was the only boat in the harbour with a 40mm Bofors gun on the bow and a 20mm Oerlikon cannon mounted aft and torpedo tubes on either side confirmed it. I saw a man working on deck, but I decided to snap away with my camera. Just then he turned and looked in my direction. Breaking away from his task he walked down the gangway and headed in my direction. Drawing near he introduced himself as Paul Childs, the owner of the Gay Archer. He happened to be on board doing some restoration work. I explained the purpose of my visit and he asked me to join him on board to have a closer look and go below deck. It was a chance encounter; I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Childs began by explaining something about the boat, which is a unique vessel being the last of her kind from 12 similar vessels built in the early 1950s in the “Gay Class” of Motor Torpedo Boats. Others included the Gay Fencer and Gay Cavalier. The Gay Archer, with its pennant number P1401, was built by Vosper in Portsmouth and launched in August 1952. She had a distinguished career and even appeared in a couple of movies, including ‘The Ship That Died of Shame” starring Richard Attenborough. After acquiring the vessel, Childs set about the task of restoring it, something he has done almost single-handed, including installing two new engines to replace the original three Packard engines which would have powered the boat to speeds up to 43 knots or nearly 50 mph. He has replaced the original radios, but he has JOHN’S JOURNAL A Trip Aboard P1014: HMS Gay Archer The Gay Archer, at her mooring in Watchet Harbour, was launched in 1952 and had a distinguished career as a torpedo patrol boat. yet to sort out the toilet (heads in naval parlance). He has entertained a number of veteran Royal Navy ratings and taken them out on the Gay Archer. The hull of the boat is built from Honduras teak wood and measures 75 feet 2 inches in length with a beam (width) of 20 feet 1 inch. Originally, it would have been operated by a crew of 12 and weighed 50 tons in service. In addition to the main armament, a pair of anti-aircraft rocket launchers were also fitted, one on either side, giving it an incredible amount of firepower considering its relatively compact size. When deployed on anti-submarine duties, depth charges would also be carried.
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18 Military Trader & Vehicles / November 2023 www.militarytrader.com After I was shown around and took photographs, Paul asked if I would be around later in the day as he was going to take the boat out to sea for a test run. Thinking it would be a good opportunity to get some action photographs from the harbor walls, I replied yes. What he said next took me completely by surprise: he invited me to join him on the trip. A couple of hours later I reported back to the Gay Archer. Fortunately, I have some sailing experience, which I was able to put to use when Paul asked me to act as a “running fender” as the boat moved out of the small harbour. What this meant was that I had to hold large rubber buffers to protect the side of boat from scraping the stone wall of the harbor and walk the length of the boat as we moved out. The engines burst to life and we made our way slowly out of the harbor. Several hundred yards out the throttle was opened and the pair of powerful turbo-charged engines thrust the boat easily through the water. The sea was calm and the Gay Archer was steady as she banked and turned. We could only imagine what it would have been like in rough weather. Paul then spoke to an elderly chap who climbed up to the wheelhouse and took the helm. The boat was now being steered by Able Seaman Bill Bolton, a veteran who had served on Motor Torpedo Boats during the war. It turns out that Bolton had served on MTBs which operated between Scotland and Norway ferrying secret agents known as the “Shetland Bus”. He later served for two years in the Mediterranean and took part in “Operation Husky,” the invasion of Sicily in 1943. Bolton showed me some great photographs of him and his crew mates from the war and told how his boat had come under air attack when sailing from England to Gibraltar. With such stories and the powerful enA profile view of this powerful little boat, which measures 75 feet inches from tip to tip. The author preparing the running fender.
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20 Military Trader & Vehicles / November 2023 www.militarytrader.com gines driving us through the water, it was another unforgettable experience to add to my list of memories. During her service life the Gay Archer was engaged in patrolling the waters between Britain and Denmark as part of NATO maritime operations. It was during one of these patrols in May 1953 that the boat was almost lost. While moored in Aarhus Harbor in Denmark, another MTB, P1023, drew alongside, caught fire and exploded. Later on and equipped with submarine detection systems, she operated out of Malta for a time before being sold off in July 1963. Originally, the Gay Archer was armed with two 21-inch torpedo tubes and twin 20mm Oerlikon cannons, which were later replaced by a single 40mm Bofors gun. All too soon we had to return to the harbor. Our trip had lasted just over an hour and we must have presented a spectacular sight as we cut through the water with ease and grace at each turn. The experience was like being in a Formula One racing car, but at sea. The living areas below decks today are cozy and comfortable. The author taking aim with the Oerlikon anti-aircraft gun. One of the two mighty engines that have replaced the three original Packard engines.
Military and Civilian Jeep Parts for MB-GPW, M38-M38A1, CJ2A, CJ3A, CJ3B & CJ5 New Old Stock Parts Specialists! (Also offering quality repro and used parts) Visit our Website: www.debellajeepparts.com 1319 Pulaski St., Riverhead, New York, 11901 Phone: 631-874-8660 A Fax: 631-874-3831 Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturday sometimes High Quality Body Kits from SGI Finally a better option for body replacement. These body kits are made to a higher standard. Visit my website for more details. MB-GPW Parts MB/GPW High Quality Fuel Tank Soldered like an original with Olaco brand marking both small & standard mouth versions, comes with filiter tube - POR Rifle Rack BEST available ~ $185 f Rifle Rack BEST available ~ $185 Long Olive Drab Line Paint Spray Can - $10.00 each Gallons - $42.00 each Lusterless Flat OD NEW High Quality T-84 Transmission Gears First Aid Box ~ $55 Speedometer, with trip odometer Best Available ~ $165 Air Cleaner Early or Late $265 Slat Grill Air Cleaner ~ $395 Glove Box Bottom Repair Panel Early And Late ~ $40 New Fuel Tank Sender unit w/Cork Front Exact Repro. ~ $45 Air Ear
AllT-90 Transmission parts in stock US made M38-M38A1 Parts Wiring harness, kit (M38) high quality ................. POR Wiring harness kit (M39A1) high quality............... POR Grille marker light NOS 24V................................. $95 Blackout drive assembly NOS 24V......................$125 Blackout drive bracket........................................ $45 Headlight, 24V ................................................... $40 Ignition switch with metal connector .................... $50 Ignition wire set (M38A1) US made .................... $345 Ignition wire set M38 US made .......................... $250 Distributor 24V NOS.......................................... POR Taillight, L or R, 24V with metal connector............. $75 Battery box M38 complete................................ $245 M38A1 battery box lid exact repro ....................... $95 Battery box tray (M38-M38A1)............................ $75 Battery hold down bracket .................................. $35 Battery cable set, complete w/ends....................$102 Horn switch ....................................................... $45 Starter, 24V ...................................................... POR Generator, 24V.................................................. POR Temp sender w/Douglas connector ..................... $85 Gas tank (M38-M38A1) ..................................... POR Gas tank neck grommet, U.S. made .................... $18 Carburetor professional rebuild w/core.............. $250 Carburetor rebuild kit The Best............................ $55 Fuel tank sender unit......................................... 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24 Military Trader & Vehicles / November 2023 www.militarytrader.com BY JOHN GUNNELL When the year 1942 arrived, it brought about important changes at the General Motors Pontiac Motor Division in Pontiac, Mich. The most significant changes were the United States government’s World War II material restrictions and the conversion of automobile factories into war goods manufacturing sites. Some planning was done earlier. The government’s Office of Price Administration (OPA) was created by order of the president. Its main function was to protect against wild inflation, profiteering and drastic fluctuations in the cost of living, should America become embroiled in the widespread conflict then underway in other parts of the word. The Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor Hawaii on December Remembering the ‘Ponchos’ that helped power the military Developed in the 1940s for possible WWII use, the Pontiac-built M76 Otter missed that conflict. It wasn’t ready until the late- ’40s and entered service with the USMC in the ’50s. An Otter in action.
www.militarytrader.com November 2023 / Military Trader & Vehicles 25 7, 1941, quickly halted movements of the assembly lines and eventually ended the production of new 1942 Pontiac civilian models. Even before that, the availability of rubber tires was limited. Shipments of natural rubber from Malaya and Java had come to an abrupt halt and the rationing of automobile tires and other tires was put into place in January of 1942. Wartime material restrictions were placed on such items as chrome automobile garnish moldings. Chrome-plated parts were replaced with black-painted trim called “black out” trim. Most Americans couldn’t buy new cars anyway, unless they were doctors or had to get to work at a factory cranking out bombs or bomber aircraft. Pontiac Motor Division took great pride in two things that were brought to light by the war’s intervention. The first was the company’s direct contributions to the Allied cause. The second was the noteworthy performance of Silver Streak Pontiacs by civilians during the war. Many Pontiac owners would speak with pride about their car’s reliability Pontiac Motor Division advertisements that ran in magazines and newspapers in January 1942 included an assurance to the American public that Pontiac was doing its part by producing an automatic anti-aircraft cannon for the United States Navy. The company’s dealer and factory service branches were resourceful. It took a strong dedication to customer service to keep older Pontiacs running throughout the war years. Some dealers actually made war goods. For instance, Coast-In Pontiac Company of Washington, D.C. adopted the name Production Machine Company and secured in excess of $100,000 worth of Army and Navy ordnance contracts. The first big restriction placed on the automobile industry was a wartime rule that limited the sale of tires. Son after that, the restrictions on new car sales cars came out. A government agency called The War Production Board ordered a halt to all automobile manufacturing and assembly in February 1942. After that, the assembly lines at Pontiac Motor Division and General Motors were converted over to military equipment production as part of a full-scale operation to produce war materials for use in Europe and Asia. Pontiac’s first war good production efforts had started earlier, on March 6, 1941, when the first order for construction of the Oerikon anti-aircraft cannon was received in Pontiac. Soon, ABOVE: Inspecting an Oerlikon 20mm anti-aircraft gun with U.S. Army ordnance officers is Beul E. Starr, general manufacturing manager of Pontiac Motors in 1942. The Army weapons were 40mm types. LEFT: Pontiac Motors’ war effort began on March 6, 1941 when the first U.S. government order for Oerlikon anti-aircraft cannon, like this one, was received.
26 Military Trader & Vehicles / November 2023 www.militarytrader.com Pontiac was making the anti-aircraft cannon, as well as Bofers automatic field guns, anti-aircraft torpedoes, tank axles, diesel engine parts and truck parts. High-volume production of aircraft-launched Naval torpedoes was one of Pontiac’s most crucial contributions to the World War II effort. Putting together torpedoes was a complex manufacturing operation, since each one had more than 1,200 individual sub-assemblies and 5,222 parts. In just a few short months, the auto workers had transitioned from building Pontiac Torpedo (fastback) cars to making the real thing. Not surprisingly, both of these jobs were accomplished with a high degree of skill and craftsmanship. The original blueprints for the Oerlikon 20mm anti-aircraft cannon came from Europe and were not entirely suitable for American mass production methods. Naval ordnance personnel and Pontiac technicians had to redesign the weapon to allow its manufacture in the volumes necessary for WWII use. The outcome was a greatly improved cannon that served as the U.S. Navy’s prime defense against air attacks at sea. The 40mm Bofors field gun was among Pontiac’s main war production assignments. It was an automatic cannon that could be in action within 25 seconds. The gun was capable of throwing shells into the air at the rate of 120 per minute or two per second. Bofors guns were built in a 217,000 sq.-ft. area in the former Pontiac sheet metal plant. These war machines were of a complex design requiring high precision manufacturing. Although the guns were difficult to make, Pontiac workers were said to have “taken the job in stride.” The Pontiac factory conducted training classes at the plant in Pontiac for the U.S. Navy to provide sailors with “factory” instruction on the maintenance of the 40mm M-1 anti-aircraft guns. The author’s father was a gunner on the U.S.S. Loy, a Naval destroyer escort. It is known that he manned 20mm antiaircraft guns, which led to the nickname “Gunner” that his son and grandson also adopted. His fleet was the first to capture a German U boat. Baseball legend Ted Williams was also in the same Naval fleet. Also around March 1941, Pontiac Motor Division began building GMC buses, which were essential people movers in civilian wartime markets. By late-1945, General Motors had turned out over 1,409,000,000 shells and shell casings; 180,000 cannons; 1,000,000 .30- and .50-caliber machine guns; 2,400,000 carbines; 21,000 tanks and a major part of all diesel engines produced for the United States fighting forces on land and at sea. This was a remarkable war time record and Pontiac had played a big role in the total corporate picture. By the time that the fighting was over, the GM division would win five Naval “E” stars and two Army-Navy pennants. The first Navy award was presented to Pontiac general manger Harry Klinger in person, by U.S. Navy Secretary Frank Knox. By the spring of 1945, Pontiac was beginning postwar preparations with ads promoting hiring war veterans. In May 1945, new Service Craftsmen had joined the company as part of the Mechanic Recruiting Campaign. That same month, Germany surrendered. By Sept. 13, 1945, Pontiac was producing civilian automobiles again. The “new” 1946 models were lightly disguised 1942s with mostly minor trim changes. Sheet metal parts were slightly changed, too, but there were few mechanical updates. A Pontiac artist named Campbell painted this scene of a Pontiac “Torpedo Fleet” supposedly driven to work by Naval shipyard workers.
28 Military Trader & Vehicles / November 2023 www.militarytrader.com ABOVE: One of Pontiac’s primary war production assignments was the manufacture of the Bofars 40mm field gun. LEFT: Testing the Otter amphibious cargo carrier in a river. The Pontiac-built Otter was designed to replace the Studebaker-built Weasel. Pontiac also manufactured parts for the M-5 high-speed tanks that Cadillac was making. Pontiac was responsible for the axles used in these war machines.
US VEHICLES & HEAVY WEAPONS OF THE VIETNAM WAR, by David Doyle Through archival images, the arsenal of the US Army and USMC is shown, from the iconic M113 APC to the M48A3 tank, M551 Armored Reconnaissance/Airborne Assault Vehicle, M151 and M54 trucks, M50 Ontos, M107 and M109 artillery, and M42 Duster. 250+ color and b/w photos; 248 pages .... $36.95. SALE PRICE: $31.99 THE BIG MACKS: MACK WHEELED PRIME MOVERS IN U.S. ARMY SERVICE, 1940-1958 This volume covers the Mack artillery prime movers of WWII and the 1950s, the NO and the M125. 128 pages, over 180 color and b&w photos. ................................SALE PRICE: $23.95 THE GMC CCKW TRUCK IN US SERVICE The massive book describes development, production, and U.S. use of the CCKW, ACKW, AFKWX, and CCW in WWII and Korea with an in-depth narrative of more than 100,000 words, illustrated by over 1,200 vintage color and black-and-white photos most never before been published; 504 pp, hardbound....................$74.95. SALE: $69.95 US HALF-TRACKS OF WWII The US half-track combined cross-country ability of a fully tracked vehicle with road performance of a medium truck. This volume covers Autocar, Diamond T, and White as well as the similar International Harvester–built, Lend-Lease vehicles. More than 200 vintage photos, line drawings and color SURÀOHV +DUGFRYHU SDJHV .........................................SALE PRICE: $18.50 SS UNIFORMS, INSIGNIA AND ACCOUTREMENTS: A STUDY IN PHOTOGRAPHS. This new work explores in detailed color the complex subject of Allgemeine and Waffen-SS uniforms, insignia, and accoutrements. Hundreds of authentic items are photographed in close-up to enable the reader to examine and study. Hardcover, 248 pages, more than 800 color and b/w photographs. .....................Originally $79.99. NOW: $54.99 MAUSER RIFLES, VOL. 1: 1870–1918. Starting with the Gewehr 71. the book explores each variant, then follows with detailed discussions of the models 1871/84, 88, and 98. The rare *ffifl VQLSHU DQG 0ffifl DQWLWDQN ULÁHV DUH DOVR shown. Details include close-up views of markings, a serial numbers list, and accessories such as ammunition, ammo pouches, bayonets, magazines, scopes, and cleaning kits. Hardcover, 80 pages...................$24.94. SALE: $22.99 Many new titles arriving. Check our web site for these and hundreds of additional titles: www.DavidDoyleBooks.com THE M1 GARAND: VARIANTS, MARKINGS, AMMUNITION, ACCESSORIES, by Jean Huon. 7KH FDOLEHU 0 *DUDQG VHPLDXWRPDWLF ULÁH ZDV WKH VWDQGDUG 86 VHUYLFH ULÁH LQ ::,, DQG Korea. Its design, construction, and variants are shown in period photography and clear, up-close color images as are ammunition, belts, bandoleers, and cleaning kits. Hardcover. 80 pages, fully illustrated in color and b/w photos. ............................................$24.99. SALE: $22.99 THE PACIFIC. VOLUME 1: PEARL HARBOR TO GUADALCANAL (WAR STORIES: WORLD WAR II FIRSTHAND), by Jay Wertz. This powerful volume includes eyewitness accounts of the attack on Pearl Harbor, by defenders of Bataan and Corregidor, participants in Battle of Midway, Marines at Guadalcanal, and many others. In-depth analysis, timeline, 3-D maps, and full color throughout. ..............Originally $39.95. SALE PRICE: $29.99 THE PACIFIC. VOLUME 2: THE SOLOMONS TO SAIPAN (WAR STORIES: WORLD WAR II FIRSTHAND), by Jay Wertz. Anchored on the experiences of 100 Marines, soldiers, sailors, airmen, and other frontline personnel, this volume presents blow-by-blow descriptions of some of the most destructive naval and air battles of the war. In-depth analysis, timeline, maps, and full color throughout. ...............Originally $49.95. SALE PRICE: $37.99 NOTE NEW ADDRESS! iiiiiiiii Snap our QRCode to visit Web Store iii Free shipping to US addresses on orders over $15.00. Visit DavidDoyleBooks.com for thousands of military, aviation, and nautical books. Internet or mail orders only (check or M.O.). Sorry, NO telephone orders. 'DYLG'R\OH%RRNVFRP 32%R[-0LODQ71flfl THE COLT M1911 .45 AUTOMATIC PISTOL: M1911, M1911A1, MARKINGS, VARIANTS, AMMUNITION, ACCESSORIES, by Jean Huon. From its design, manufacturing, and testing, through combat use in WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, this book includes close-up views of markings, a serial numbers list, and accessories such as magazines, ammunition, holsters, and cleaning kits. Hardcover, 80 pp, 370+ photographs........$24.99. SALE: $22.99 WWII JEEP IN ACTION A photographic history of the development and deployment of the ¼-ton [ WDFWLFDO YHKLFOH DV ÀHOGHG E\ WKH US during WWII. Illustrated with numerous vintage photos, 80 pages, soft cover.....................SALE PRICE: $18.99 Prices good through 30 November 2023 while supplies last
30 Military Trader & Vehicles / November 2023 www.militarytrader.com ABOVE: Official data sheets say that assemblies of postwar Pontiacs began Sept. 13, 1945, but this publicity photo says the first ’46 Pontiac rolled off an assembly line Oct. 4, 1945. ABOVE: The production of cannon shells was another of Pontiac’s wartime assignments. A Pontiac-built Bofars field gun owned by the late Chet Krause of Wisconsin.
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34 Military Trader & Vehicles / November 2023 www.militarytrader.com WITH CHRIS WILLIAM When Adolf Hitler and the “Nationalsozialisitische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei” (NSDAP – Nazi Party) came to power in 1933, Germany had a disorganized variety of regional police organizations whose authority and power often overlapped and conflicted with one another. Hermann Goering, the World War I aviation ace and Nazi “old-time fighter”, established the “Geheime Staatspolizei” (Secret State Police – “Gestapo”) to cement the Nazis’ grip of terror over the citizens of the Third Reich. On April 20, 1934, Hitler selected Heinrich Himmler (Reich’s Leader of the “Schutzstaffel” – SS - Hitler’s ideal Black Knights and personal army) as head of Goering’s newly formed secret police. Then, in 1936, Himmler received the additional appointment as chief of the entire national German police forces. After this, he wielded immense power in the Reich, becoming subordinate only to the Fuhrer himself. As the new police leader, Himmler restructured all national forces into the “Ordnungspolizei” (“ORPO” – order police), which was all uniformed and municipal officers and the “Sicherheitspolizei” (“SIPO” - security police) made up of the “Kriminalpolizei” (“KRIPO” - criminal police) and the Gestapo. While the ORPO carried out the routine duties of dealing with traffic control, small thefts and other minor crimes, the KRIPO was responsible for investigating murders, arsons, rapes, air-raid related burglaries and other more serious wrongdoings carried out against citizens of the “Volksgemeinschaft” (National Community). Crimes committed against people considered non-citizens (such as those during “Kristallnacht”: the destruction of Jewish property and outright murders of Jews committed in 1938) were often ignored by the police, who even, in some cases, went as far as to defend the perpetrators and blame the victims. When the “Final Solution” (the extermination of Jews and other Nazi tarUncovering the Third Reich Arresting Artifacts Police warrent discs of Nazi Germany are a tough collecting challenge A crisp example of a silver-toned Gestapo disc showing the eagle and swastika on one side and the Gestapo wordage and member’s ID number on the other.
www.militarytrader.com November 2023 / Military Trader & Vehicles 35 A Gestapo disc mounted on a chain for easy carry. This heavily cleaned tag was dug from the site of a former Third Reich police station. One wonders how many times it instilled fear when shown to a potential arrestee. geted “undesirables”) began its path of death across Europe led by the “Einsatzgruppen” (organized killing squads), hundreds of KRIPO and ORPO officers were called to assist in the arrests and murders of millions of people in eastern Europe. As vicious as the KRIPO and ORPO police could be in meting out deadly force, the Gestapo proved just as diabolical in other ways concerning the daily lives of Germans and non-Germans living in the Reich and its territories. The organization as a whole was relatively small — there were only 32,000 Gestapo members at the end of 1944 — and relied heavily on fear-filled citizens turning in their associates and neighbors for real or perceived crimes in their communities. Anti-Nazi sympathizers, suspected partisans, career criminals, clergy men and women, Jews, homosexuals, Gypsies and handicapped individuals were frequently arrested and thrown into dark prison cells. On the whims of the agents involved, prisoners could be held for several days, weeks or months, thoroughly interrogated and/or tortured, then sent home with the warning that they may be arrested again at any time if they were suspected of “breaking the law”. In more serious instances, prisoners would utterly vanish after being picked up, unseen or heard from again by their relatives and friends. Citizens living in Hitler’s totalitarian state were never sure of their possible fates. Police could knock at their doors and haul them away in the dead of night. KRIPO and Gestapo officers usually presented no paper identification to their arrestees during their raids, but rather uniquely designed warrant discs. Showing one of these meant that they were entitled to unrestricted search and seizure of anything or anyone that they chose. Discs were designed to identify which of the organizations that the carrier belonged to and were formed of 1.5 x 2.0-inch oval shaped metal with varied finishes and wording. Gestapo tags were silver colored with an open-winged eagle perched on a wreath enclosed canted swastika on one side, and the words “Geheime Staatspolizei” over the holder’s identification number on the reverse. State criminal police discs were formed from bronze with the same eagle and swastika, but with “StaatlicheKriminalpolizei and the holder’s identification number on the reverse. A third disc was produced for local community detectives. These were made of brownish plated or anodized iron with the eagle, wreath, swastika, and “Gemeindekriminalpolizei” with identification number stamped into the surfaces. All discs could be carried with or without a chain, depending on the officer’s preference. After the 12 brutal years of the Third Reich, most members of the secret police organizations tried to disappear once the war had ended, and the hunt for these instigators of terror had begun by the conquering Allies and vengeful victims. Secret police members quickly discarded their discs, destroyed their records if they could and melted into the crowds and countryside. If finally brought to justice, many were imprisoned or executed for the atrocities that they had committed in the name of Hitler’s unjustjustice system, participating in the deaths of countless victims and years of destruction throughout the countries of Europe. Original discs and, even more so, paper identification documents for criminal police and Gestapo agents are very difficult to find in today’s market. Because genuine pieces command very high prices, and are often faked, it is best to purchase discs only from well-versed dealers you know and trust. (Thanks to Mark Pulaski for sharing his collection and knowledge with the collecting community.) Grenadier Military Antiques Auctions Actively Seeking Consignments for Future Auctions. go to www.grenadierauctions.com to register Grenadier Military Antiques Auctions, Inc. 32565 B Golden Lantern Street, Suite 361 Dana Point, CA 92629 USA [email protected] (626) 390-4958 Grenadier Military Antiques Auctions is a full service auction company with a worldwide audience. Please visit our website and sign up for our mailing list to be kept up to date on coming auctions. Grenadier Military Antiques Auctions is always accepting quality consignments, whether it be one piece or an entire collection. We are also interested in outright purchases. Please contact us for further details. • 30+ years experience--Worldwide exposure--Fully Insured.
36 Military Trader & Vehicles / November 2023 www.militarytrader.com A disc used by a communal detective of the criminal police. This example was found in the 1970s, lying flat in a water drain pipe, which explains the corrosion on one side. People who were arrested and did not want to cooperate could be brutally beaten with a metal spring baton such as this one, complete with leather carrying strap. Below, heavy handcuffs were typically used during transportation rather than at the time of arrest.
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38 Military Trader & Vehicles / November 2023 www.militarytrader.com The disc of a state criminal policeman which was stamped in bronze. This example was fixed to a bronze-colored chain. While not presented during arrests, paper “ausweis” (ID documents) were issued to the secret police members. They were typically only shown to other officials such as those at Third Reich government buildings. Alfred Fockler, a criminal police officer, worked in the Vienna, Austria area. “Come alongs” were easily carried and applied to weary victims as they were taken into custody.
PRE-WWI / WWI / WWII / KOREAN WAR / VIETNAM WAR / DESERT STORM / PRESENT U.S. / GERMAN / JAPANESE / VIETNAMESE / IRAQI CONTACT: CRAIG T. LUTHER - 414-522-0033 WE BUY COLLECTIONS - CONTACT US TODAY! • COME SEE OUR LARGE INVENTORY OF QUALITY ORIGINAL MILITARY RELICS. • BRING IN YOUR WAR RELICS FOR FREE APPRAISAL AND POSSIBLE SALE. • SHOP WITH US ONLINE: http/militaryconnectionstore.com • CHECK US OUT ON EBAY UNDER SELLER ID: GWHISTORIAN. MILITARYCONNECTIONL.L.C.-WARRELICSHOP&MUSEUM 723 MILWAUKEE AVENUE, SOUTH MILWAUKEE, WI 53172 BUY - SELL - TRADE MILITARY WAR RELICS ALL COUNTRIES ALL PERIODS SHOP ONLINE: militaryconnectionstore.com Üëòó Ñòøõö Öòñçäü 12pm-6pm • Ýøèöçäü Ýëøõöçäü 10am-4pm Ïõìçäü Üä÷øõçäü By Appointment Öøöèøð Ýòøõö Please Call Ahead to Schedule a Tour
FOR SALE: Collection of WWII GERMAN MILITARIA 1. Rare bronze head on marble German soldier with helmet. Almost full size, very heavy. Swastika with wreath on the front marble base. Superb display, signed, PAUL BIRR. Hard to find. .......................... $3600 2. RAD general belt buckle, near m int. OLC. Gold finish. ....................................... $395 3. Police general belt buckle, gold finish. OLC, near mint. ................................ $525 4. Railroad officer belt buckle, early gold finish. Assman, DRGM. Near mint. ............... $285 5. Police officer rank belt buckle, SS proof marked. DRGM. Rare........................ $350 6. Dressing officer belt and buckle, ASSMANN. Near mint. ...................... $400 7. Dress RAD officer belt and buckle. ASSMANN, DRGM. Near mint............ $450 8. DJ belt buckle, single rune on the front. RZM. ............................................... $150 9. HJ aluminum belt buckle. Rare D catch. ....................................................... $185 10. HJ steel belt buckle, rare crank catch. ....................................................... $190 11. HJ nickel belt buckle, early. RZM 1. Rare. ....................................................... $195 12. SS/NSDAP 1st pattern silver belt buckle. Pre RZM........................................... $250 13. FAD early nickel belt buckle. Assmann. Rare. ............................................... $350 14. NSBO brass early belt buckle. .......... $226 15. Combat Kriegsmarine enlisted belt buckle. Dark blue painted. Steel. 43 dated...... $149 16. Gold Kriegsmarine alu belt buckle, RSS marked. ........................................... $276 17. Red cross first pattern enlisted. Nickel belt buckle................................................ $82 18. Red cross 2nd pattern enlisted belt buckle, OLC................................................. $240 19. REICHSBAHN railroad enlisted belt buckle. Early nickel. Rare. ............................. $360 20. Wartime fire fighter enlisted belt buckle, heavy brass and silver center............... $91 21. DER STAHLHELM veteran belt buckle, steel painted. Rare............................ $250 22. LUFTSCHUTZ enlisted belt buckle, early 1st pattern................... $160 –2nd Pattern. $250 and 3rd pattern......................... $276 23. Police city of Hamburg, enlisted belt buckle, brown leather tab. Heavy construction. Rare. ........................................ $125 24. SWASTIKA flag pole top, nickel finish and multipiece construction..................... $365 25. Collar tabs for customs enlisted man. Mint matching............................................ $65 26. Wartime bakelite box for combat backpack. Multiple usage, brown red color. . $31 27. Leather chin straps for combat helmet, nice leather and complete with metal.... $62 28. Police dress cartridge box with silver shoulder straps, maker marked and dated. Near mint. ........................................ $400 29. Red cross first aid leather case, small size and nice brown leather. Well-marked and near full of content............................ $149 30. Red cross black leather first aid case, well-marked and near full of content... $145 31. Panzer Luftwaffe breast eagle, black/gray eagle. .............................................. $125 32. Army panzer EM post card, bleak wrap around. Dated with writing on the back... $35 33. SS enlisted shoulder boards, brown piping. Matching set.......................... $250 34. Hitler youth overseas hat, brown body/red piping. Enamel front insignia.............. $310 35. Hitler youth enamel membership, maker marked. ............................................. $54 36. SA sports badge set, gold/silver/bronze. All 3 for. ........................................... $325 37. Silver wound badge, 92 maker -marked. Nice................................................... $92 38. DLRG silver badge, heavy quality. Rare. ....................................................... $125 39. Infantry assault badge silver, C W marked. ....................................................... $160 40. Hitler youth life rune patch, Bevo. RZM tag..................................................... $64 41. NSDAP life rune medic patch, Bevo. RZM tag..................................................... $60 42. Kriegsmarine officer’s hanger for the dagger............................................. $350 43. Luftwaffe transport enlisted collar tabs, light blue............................................ $66 44. Luftwaffe medic enlisted collar tabs, blue. .................................................. $75 45. Luftwaffe signals enlisted collar tabs, light brown. ............................................... $90 46. Hitler youth shoulder boards, yellow piping. ............................................. $110 47. Hitler youth shoulder boards, red piping. ....................................................... $100 48. NSDAP political leader collar tabs, gold brown body, blue piping. RZM tag........ $92 49. Rare Luftwaffe official collar tabs, green body and silver embroidery.................. $84 50. SA sports shirt emblem, district WA-$176 KP-$180 NS ..................................... $184 51. YAGER mountain troop officer embroi- dered sleeve patch. Rare................... $226 52. SKI-YAGER enlisted Bevo sleeve patch. ......................................................... $48 53. SKI-YAGER officer embroidered sleeve patch, Rare. ..................................... $260 54. Iron cross 2nd class, nice ribbon....... $129 55. Combat medic armband, Bevo. .......... $54 56. Wartime veteran armband. ................. $74 57. Hitler youth leather knot to tie the scarf, RZM tag........................................... $100
JEAN-PIERRE P.O. Box 331, Exton, PA 19341 (610) 420-0236 (P.M. Please) TWO-WEEK RETURN POLICY Catalogue: Send $7 Now Accepting: and Will Travel in US This Fall We are always buyers of original pieces and collections of German and U.S. militaria. Will travel in the US. Call me to set up an appointment to sell your un-wanted collections or individual items. 7KDQN \RX IRU \RXU EXVLQHVV NEW WEB SITE: www.pierreww2.com New Email: [email protected] 58. Officer dog tag with neck rope and matching shoulder boards, great set. . $250 59. Jager dog tag with neck rope............ $136 60. Kriegsmarine officer medic dog tag, rare. .................................................. $90 61. ORGANIZATION TODT dog tag. ........ $110 62. BAVARIAN dog tag, 1923 dated with neck rope................................................... $86 63. BADEN dog tag, WWII style................. $76 64. Luftwaffe night combat company. ....... $89 65. Late war VET-KOMP dog tag, aluminum. ......................................................... $87 66. Police enlisted 4 pocket combat tunic, 1944 dated. Complete and near mint......... $1100 67. Luftwaffe flak 4 pocket enlisted man tunic, complete 2 pictures in the pocket of the owner. Nice condition. ...................... $900 68. Army dress tunic officer rank, yellow piping. Complete and great condition. Loops for badges and owners name on the tag in the pocket.......................... $885 69. Luftwaffe pilot jacket, “CHANNEL” type. Complete and not damaged. Dark fur collar and gray body. Rare........................ $1250 70. Senior forestry dagger by WKC. Double etched blade, ivory grip with 3 acorns. Superb........................................... $1150 71. Combat K98 bayonet matching, mint. Leather frog and knot. Rare in this condition.................................................. $350 72. DJ knife, mint condition. No marking, as it should be. Rare. ............................... $600 73. K98 dress bayonet stag grip by EICKHORN. Black leather frog and knot. Superb............................................. $310 74. K98 dress bayonet stag grip, E.F. HORSTER. ....................................... $280 75. K98 dress bayonet by EICKHORN, 8” long blade. .............................................. $140 76. K98 dress bayonet. WKC, 10” long blade. Black frog. ....................................... $131 77. K98 dress bayonet. WKC, 10” long blade, black frog and knot. .......................... $180 78. K98 dress bayonet by EICKHORB, 8” long blade, brown leather frog and knot..... $241 79. K98 dress bayonet, ST.A.L 62 marked on the blade. 10” long blade. Rare. ......... $180 80. SA sports ring, 800 marked and silver. ....................................................... $190 81. Mountain troop large ring, EDELWEISS on the front........................................... $200 82. AK silver ring, tank on the front and palm trees on the sides. ............................ $226 83. NSDAP pennant, double sided and not damaged, ropes. ................................ $90 84. DLV pennant, blue and double side. Early and rare. .......................................... $375 85. NSKK leader car pennant, double sided, leather trim and near mint.................. $385 86. Water police enlisted M43 hat. Blue wool and gold buttons............................... $385 87. WWI iron cross 2nd class, nice ribbon.. $69 88. WWI naval officer belt buckle............. $126 89. WEIMAR army combat enlisted belt buckle. Heavy quality. Rare................ $110 90. WWI WURTTENBERG, belt buckle. .... $110 91. Enlisted police shako, black leather/green wool. Near mint and maker marked. ... $575 92. RAD M41 cap, HBT material and factory sewn front insignia. Marked. .............. $350 93. Silver achievement wall plaque/wood frame period. 88 flak gun in action pointing to the sky. Rare................................. $400 94. Postcard 1937RICHPARTEITAG propaganda Nurnberg. Mint condition........... $42 95. Luftwaffe MOLDERS propaganda postcard, postage 1942 stamped. Superb... $50 96. Army panzer tank postcard 1944 stamped. Not damaged. .................................... $47 97. Feldmarshall KEITEL early propaganda post card............................................ $48 ***MISCELLANEOUS*** 98. US - WWII chemical warfare service, felt 2-piece construction sleeve patch. Rare. ......................................................... $42 99. US - WWII 20th air force officer sleeve patch, Bullion. .................................. $100 100. US - WWII 35th division headquarter sleeve patch. Felt and multipiece construction....................................... $60 101. US - WWII 10th division felt sleeve patch, square multipiece construction. Rare. .. $62 102. US - WWII 1st cavalry, 1st brigade motorized felt sleeve patch. Multipiece construction.................................................... $55 103. US - WWII 103rd division medical felt sleeve patch, multipiece construction... $51 104. JAPAN - 10x13 silk flag with ropes..... $43 105. JAPAN - 28x39 silk flag with ropes... $112
42 Military Trader & Vehicles / November 2023 www.militarytrader.com MAX’ing out in York Collecting is alive and well at military hobby’s biggest event BY PETER SUCIU & ENID BURNS F all was very much in the air at this year’s Military Antiques Xtravaganza (MAX) – the third at its new home in York, PA. Cooler temperatures were clearly on the way, but numerous dealers and collectors were happy to say that the hobby has remained as red hot as ever. From the minute the large overhead doors opened on Thursday morning, it was down to business, and the Ohio Valley Military Society once again put on one very best military collectible shows. Seen and overheard at the MAX: “It is hard not to look forward to the MAX. It was very good as usual, and I had good luck selling loads of helmets and smalls this year.” — Dan Liptak of Transit Valley Military “Gotta love the MAX, and I was quickly on track to have a good show. The dealers and collectors are great, and the promoters at the OVMS are really the best around.” — Dante Gambino of SMG War Relics “We look forward to this show every year. It really brings out the most knowledgeable experts, and attracts collectors who are always looking for that special something. This year the MAX didn’t disappoint.” — John Castorina of JAS Militaria “Buying has been a bit of challenge at this show, but I mean that in a good way. Everyone is really on their game at the MAX, and especially this year. I’m just happy for the fall and the start of another great year of shows. It starts with the MAX.” – Josh Alberry The annual MAX Show in York, PA., remains a show that is all about quality militaria.
www.militarytrader.com November 2023 / Military Trader & Vehicles 43 Items from lesser known conflicts, such as the Boxer Rebellion of 1900 are present. This “China Marine” uniform is as nice as anything in some museums. A Canadian battledress tunic and Pattern 1908 web gear – it looks straight from the Western Front. This could have been at Battle of Passchendaele. A great example of the Mitragliatrice Breda calibro 8 modello 37 – Breda Model 37 – heavy machine gun. Chambered for the 8x59mm RB Breda round, the weapon was the heaviest World War II rifle-caliber machine gun. Though noted for being unnecessarily complex to use and deploy, it saw significant use in North Africa and later during the Italian Campaign.
44 Military Trader & Vehicles / November 2023 www.militarytrader.com A child-sized French cuirassier helmet and breast plate (cuirass). Not actually a toy, this would have been produced for the son of a high-ranking officer or other important political figure. It can be all fun and games at the MAX, as noted by this table from a retired U.S. Navy warship. A signed game ball from the 1962 Army-Navy football clash – one of the most traditional and enduring rivalries in the NCAA. Clearly the Navy Midshipmen had a good game back in ’62. This show has items that you’re likely not to see even in the best military museums! “The show’s move to York has been really good. My sales have even outperformed SOS, and the MAX has always been about a good group of dealers who bring out the best in the hobby.” — Mike Willey “The MAX isn’t just about the collectibles. It’s great to be around good friends. This show is about sharing our passion with other collectors.” — Joshua Segal of Lost Legions Militaria “It’s nice to see the people as much as the stuff. It really makes it worth coming from Arizona. But of course there is always great stuff too!” — Kenneth Price of Ironclad Militaria
AntiqueMilitaria International Reputation for AUTHENTICITY & HONESTY Buy • Sell • Appraise Wittmann More than 50 Years of Experience in German Militaria! Thomas T. Wittmann P.O. Box 350 ~ Moorestown, NJ 08057-0350 Phone: (856) 866-8733 or (856) 231-0323 Fax: (856) 235-4954 E-mail: [email protected] World’s Largest On-Line Catalog Offering Collectors the World’s Foremost Inventory of Fine German Imperial & WWII Third Reich Militaria www.wwiidaggers.com Expertise in Estates and Consignment Collections
You could “ying” while others “yanged” at theMAX with this helmet from the famed 29th Infantry Division – the “Blue and Gray Division.” A Suisse Brero (Swiss) leather tanker helmet from the 1990s. This style helmet was used by the crews of the German-made Leopard 1 main battle tank (MBTs). A morion cabasset helmet circa the late 15th century. Imagine the travels this item had to get to York, PA. The weather might have been cooler, but this complete M2A1 flame thrower was ready to heat it up. It is the pattern introduced during World War II and then updated for use in Korea and the early stages of Vietnam. 46 Military Trader & Vehicles / November 2023 www.militarytrader.com
Tennessee Military Collectors Association Our 47th Y E A R Our 47th Y E A R NOVEMBER 24—25, 2023 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH Special Members Hours 9AM – ϭϮ Noon/Public AdmiƩed Noon–ϱPM SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25TH Members/Public 8AM – 3PM &KHFN WKH ZHEVLWH IRU VSHFLDO /LIH0HPEHU SULYLOHJHV Table ReservaƟons : 6 Ft Tables, Members (only) $55 Sales / Display Tables TMCA P. O. Box 1006 Brentwood, TN 37024 For more info call: TMCA͛s Hotline (615) 661-9379 Email: [email protected] — TMCA Online: www.tmcaonline.org FUTURE DATES: MARCH 29-30, 2024 Always the Friday & Saturday BEFORE Easter and the Friday & Saturday AFTER Thanksgiving! * BUY * * SELL * * TRADE * * DISPLAY * *APPRAISALS* I-65, Exit 68-A 700 Cool Springs Blvd. Franklin, TN 37067 MILITARIA RELICS SHOW All JROTC/Scouts in Uniform AND Active Duty Military, Fire and Police ARE ADMITTED FREE NASHVILLE $5.00 Admission
At the MAX you can buy “off the rack.” There are always plenty of great finds. The ultimate war art? A portrait of Comrade Stalin was among the more unusual items seen at this year’s MAX Show. A French Model 1926 helmet that was used by the Nationalist Forces during the Second World War and in the Chinese Civil War. Among the standout items was a German East Asian Expeditionary Corps 1900 Bortfeldt Helmet. 48 Military Trader & Vehicles / November 2023 www.militarytrader.com
JohnsonReferenceBooks.com 403 Chatham Square Office Park Fredericksburg, VA 22405 540-373-9150 [email protected] We have thousands of items of original German Imperial and Third Reich edged weapons, parts and accoutrements, as well as out-ofprint and current militaria reference books. The mosttrusted name in militaria collectibles. Family owned for over 50 years. Shop securely onlinewithVisa,Mastercard, and American Express. We also accept personalchecks, andwire transfers.
50 Military Trader & Vehicles / November 2023 www.militarytrader.com A unique and colorful “Army blanket.” The actual U-47 sank 31 enemy vessels, including the British battleship HMS Royal Oak, and damaged nine more. The boat disappeared during her 10th and last patrol in February 1941.