{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-veteran-signed-photograph-grouping-with-knight-s-cross-recipients-and-rochus-misch-four-post-war-signed-prints","title":"Original German WWII Veteran Signed Photograph Grouping with Knight’s Cross Recipients and Rochus Misch - Four Post War Signed Prints","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Items: One of a Kind Set. This is a very interesting group of four post war signed photographs of notable German WWII veterans, including three Knight’s Cross recipients and \u003cstrong\u003eRochus Misch\u003c\/strong\u003e, who served for much of the war in the Führer’s personal bodyguard and communications staff.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollecting signed photographs of prominent military figures became increasingly popular after WWII. Many German veterans attended reunions, military history gatherings, and collector events during the post war decades, where they gave talks and signed photographs, books, and other memorabilia. These four photographs appear consistent with that type of post war autograph collecting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first photograph measures approximately \u003cstrong\u003e3 3\/8 x 4 3\/4 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e and is signed by \u003cstrong\u003eKapitänleutnant Rudolf Heinz Franke\u003c\/strong\u003e, a Knight’s Cross recipient and U boat commander. Franke commanded \u003cstrong\u003eU 262\u003c\/strong\u003e for five patrols during WWII.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second photograph measures approximately \u003cstrong\u003e4 x 6 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e and is signed by \u003cstrong\u003eSS Obersturmbannführer Fritz Darges\u003c\/strong\u003e, a Knight’s Cross recipient who served as an adjutant to Martin Bormann and later as one of the Führer’s personal adjutants. Darges fell out of favor shortly before the July 20, 1944 assassination attempt and was transferred to the Eastern Front. He later commanded \u003cstrong\u003eSS Panzer Regiment 5\u003c\/strong\u003e of the 5th SS Panzer Division “Wiking” and received the Knight’s Cross near the end of the war.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third photograph measures approximately \u003cstrong\u003e3 5\/8 x 5 3\/4 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e and is signed by \u003cstrong\u003eSS Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen SS Otto Kumm\u003c\/strong\u003e, recipient of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. Kumm commanded both the \u003cstrong\u003e7th SS Volunteer Mountain Division “Prinz Eugen”\u003c\/strong\u003e and later the \u003cstrong\u003e1st SS Panzer Division Leibstandarte\u003c\/strong\u003e during the later stages of the war. After the war, he became one of the founders of \u003cstrong\u003eHIAG\u003c\/strong\u003e, a Waffen SS veterans organization that promoted a revisionist interpretation of the Waffen SS and its wartime record.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fourth photograph measures approximately \u003cstrong\u003e5 7\/8 x 4 1\/8 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e and is signed by \u003cstrong\u003eSS Oberscharführer Rochus Misch\u003c\/strong\u003e. Misch served in the \u003cstrong\u003e1st SS Panzer Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf H\u003c\/strong\u003e and was severely wounded during the Polish campaign. After recovering, he became part of the \u003cem\u003eFührerbegleitkommando\u003c\/em\u003e, or Führer Escort Command, serving as a bodyguard, courier, and telephone operator for the Führer for much of the war.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll four photographs appear to be post war prints bearing post war signatures rather than wartime signed photographs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTogether, the group represents several very different aspects of the German war effort, including the Kriegsmarine U boat service, Waffen SS armored formations, senior command, and the Führer’s personal headquarters staff.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very nice grouping for an advanced German WWII autograph collection, particularly with three Knight’s Cross recipients represented alongside Rochus Misch.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44870623395909,"sku":"ONSV26PCS107","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26PCS107.jpg?v=1776265524","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-veteran-signed-photograph-grouping-with-knight-s-cross-recipients-and-rochus-misch-four-post-war-signed-prints","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}