Original Item: One of a Kind. The SS (Schutzstaffel - 'Protection Squadron') was originally formed in 1925, ostensibly to act as a small, loyal bodyguard unit to protect the Führer, Adolf AH. Under the direction of the Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, the SS grew to be the most ruthless and feared organization of the 20th century. They were the vanguard of the NSDAP and eventually controlled nearly every function of German life and much of Occupied Europe. When WWII began in earnest, the SS-Verfügungstruppe (SS-VT) (SS Dispositional Troops) became the Waffen-SS ("Armed SS"), an official military branch of the SS organization. Its formations included men from NSDAP ruled Germany, along with volunteers and conscripts from both occupied and unoccupied lands.

Here we have a very nice wooden wall plaque measuring 9 1/2" x 7 3/4", which has a lovely silvered bronze or brass sculpture of an infantry soldier attached. They are crouched on the ground, holding a K98k rifle in firing position. We can see that he has an M35 style stahlhelm on his head, with tall hobnailed boots, a 98K bayonet, and ammo pouches as one would see on the usual loadout. The sculpture measures 8"W by 5 3/4"H, and to the lower left is the ᛋᛋ doppelte Siegrune (Double Victory Rune) insignia of the SS. The reverse of the plaque has an old triangular hanger to attach it to the wall, with another more modern hanger above.

Condition is very good, with a lovely patina, showing some wear through on the plating applied to the sculpture and runes. Definitely an interesting piece of German WWII memorabilia!