Original Item: Only One Available. The German Instrument of Surrender was the legal document that affected the extinction of NSDAP Germany and ended World War II in Europe. The definitive text was signed in Karlshorst, Berlin, on the night of 8 May 1945 by representatives of the three armed services of the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW) and the Allied Expeditionary Force together with the Supreme High Command of the Soviet Red Army, with further French and US representatives signing as witnesses. The signing took place 9 May 1945 at 21:20 local time.

This is a lovely cast brass plate depicting the building in which the surrender took place, with CAPITULATION DU REICH underneath. It is also surrounded with the following text on small banners around it: LITTLE RED SCHOOL HOUSE MAY 8TH 1945 FRANCE REIMS 1945. The plate measures a 5½” diameter, and is in very good condition, with a lovely oxidized patina. The rear has a small hanger loop at the top with some wire attached, and the bottom is marked DÉPOSÉ, which means it is a protected design in France. While France was still recovering from the occupation, they were still able to make these souvenir items for USGIs to take home, which they did in large numbers.

A great Reims surrender plaque from the end of WWII in Europe, ready to display!