An incredibly rare piece… One of two known examples! These were given as gifts to high-ranking Waffen-SS-Division Leaders in recognition of their many hours of service. They were made to hold photographs of the recipient and his troops, in remembrance of their work. This specific box was gifted to Dr. Ernst Neumann (July 13, 1888 – May 19, 1955 | SS #323 035 | NSDAP # 7 140 600). Neumann was the SS Leader and NSDAP Politician in Memel (Führer der Memeldeutschen - Führer Memelsdeutschen Kulturbundes and Memeldeustchen Sportbundes). He was awarded the rank of SS-Obersturmbannführer d.R. in 1941. Given the rank and his career this piece can be accurately dated to 1941.
The rectangular box is created out of a dark stained engraved wood. The top lid has a carved relief design that outlines two rectangular frames. The left side displays: large “SS” runes, above “General-Kommando” and a Thurs (Thurisaz) rune. The right side has an oak leaf and laurel leaf cluster and “SS-Gebirgs-Korps” on a pebbled background. The sides feature a plain surface that are bordered, to the top and bottom, in a carved line ending in two Odal runes. The front has a large center hole and two smaller holes where a clasp is missing. The bottom is plain. The interior is in a lighter stain. The lid reads: “Dem Leiter der Abt. VI. im Kommando Amt der Waffen-SS SS-Obersturmbannführer Neumann zur Betrachtung in besinnlichen Stunden” to the center, and off to the right-hand side is the signature of the “SS-Obersturmbannführer Leiter der Abt. VI.”. Abt. VI (6. SS-Gebirgs-Division “Nord”, created February 1941). The inside base has a center wooden partition. There is a large crack running through the right interior hinge, it has not broken through. The box measures 5 9/16 inches tall by 8 5/8 inches deep by 12 ¼ inches wide.
Neumann was awarded the following:
For more information on Neumann follow these links:
The only other piece known is located in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum which was given to the General of the SS Police Friedrich Wilhelm Kruger.Rating: | Exc++/NM |
Item Number: | FG-31701 |
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