Original Items: One-of-a-kind Set. Hasso Eccard Freiherr von Manteuffel (14 January 1897 – 24 September 1978) was a German baron born to the Prussian noble von Manteuffel family and was a general during World War II who commanded the 5th Panzer Army. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds of NSDAP Germany. This is the 4th Grade of the award, given to only 27 people in total during WWII.

After the war, he was elected to the Bundestag (West German legislature) and was the defense-policy spokesman of the Free Democratic Party. A proponent of West German rearmament, he was responsible for coining the new name for the post-World War II West German armed forces, the Bundeswehr.

As a figure of great importance in West Germany during the post war period, he had numerous close friends, associates, and acquaintances around the world, many of whom kept correspondence as mementos, until they themselves were ready to move these items into the collectors market.

This is a lovely 4 1/8" x 5 7/8" signed WWII Period photograph of von Manteuffel, which came from the collection of John D. Spangler, along with a very nice 4 1/2" x 2 1/4" BeVO embroidered Wehrmachtadler breast eagle, which is in the 1935-1939 green and white colors.

The picture itself shows von Manteuffel sitting in his uniform, and has the following written on it in marker:

Many thanks to Mr. Spangler

H v Manteuffel

May 1944 / 1972

We assume that the photo is a reprint of one taken in May 1944, and that he signed it for Spangler in 1972, possibly in May of that year. Also included is a letter from Spangler regarding the photo:

German commander of the armor units in the
Ardennnes Offensive, (Battle of the Bulge),
in W.W.2. Previous to that time, served on
the Russian Front, and had the distinction,
of getting closer to the gates of Moscow,
than any other German commander. This
gentleman also served with honor during
the African Campaign, under Field Marshal
Rommel. Gen. Von. Manteuffel, for many
years, had been a close friend, and associate,
of mine, and had resided for many years, in
Diessen/Ammersee, in Bavaria, Germany.
8918 Maria-Hilf-Str.
   On Sept. 8, 1978, Gen. Von Manteuffel,
passed from this life, after a lengty
illness. I, offer, at this time, a limited
amount of this gentlemans correspondence,
and an autographed picture, of himself,
to the serious collector.
John D. Spangler.

A lovely set that would look perfect framed. Ready to research and display!