Original Items. Only One Pair Available. This is an excellent pair of WWII and immediate postwar brass commemorative plaques relating to two of the most famous closing episodes of the war in Europe: the 101st Airborne Division’s defense of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge and the German surrender at Reims in May 1945. Both are period European-made souvenir types closely associated with American servicemen and the commemoration of Allied victory.

They include:

- WWII U.S. 101st Airborne Battle of the Bulge Brass NUTS Plaque. This is a fascinating original WWII commemorative brass plaque associated with the 101st Airborne Division and the Siege of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. The plaque was most likely produced in Belgium, possibly by a foundry in Couvin, although the exact maker has not been confirmed. It measures approximately 5 ⅜ x 5 ⅜ inches and remains in very good overall condition with minor surface scratches and some cracking in the base material along the back. 

- WWII Reims Capitulation German Surrender Commemorative Brass Plate marked DÉPOSÉ. 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, 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.

Together, these two plaques present a particularly strong pairing of Battle of the Bulge and VE-Day commemorative material, linking McAuliffe’s “NUTS!” response at Bastogne with the formal German surrender at Reims only a few months later. The Belgian Bastogne plaque remains in very good condition with minor scratches and cracking to the reverse material, while the Reims plate retains its original hanger, DÉPOSÉ marking, and well-developed patina.