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Ostfront Cigarette Case

Discussion in 'Uniforms, Personal Gear (Kit) and Accessories' started by Martin Bull, Jun 24, 2002.

  1. Martin Bull

    Martin Bull Acting Wg. Cdr

    Joined:
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    Location:
    London, England.
    Some years ago I bought from a London dealer a small, very battered and worn white metal cigarette case. The front is engraved with the following : -
    'Erinnerung An den Winterkrieg, 1942-43 - in Russland'
    --------
    Charkow
    Woroschilowgrad
    Slawyanoserbsk
    Lyssyschansk
    Jekaterinowka
    Woroschilowsk
    Nowotrotzkoje
    Debalzewo
    --------

    In the top left is engraved a very ornate crest with intitals I cannot read ( HHT? HHE? ).
    Bottom right is a carefully engraved outline of a German steel helmet with a well-detailed 'shield' badge eagle/swastika.
    This looks very much like the Grossdeutschland divisonal badge.
    It's not a fake - the engraving is very worn and the dealer didn't charge me too much for it !
    Any ideas, anyone ? I've checked all my books to find these battle areas & which unit may have fought in them all - and I don't think GD did. :confused:
     
  2. C.Evans

    C.Evans Expert

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    Its a POW made piece for sure--ive seen tons of POW made cases Chess sets picture frames etc. I have no doubt its real. Ive also seen many symbols used including civilian scenes--battle scenes etc. You have a nice piece.
     

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