World War II Military History
The World War II collection encompasses artifacts from the most consequential global conflict of the modern era. Gary Hendershott has handled Supreme Allied Commander Eisenhower's Five Star General's M-1 helmet worn during the Liberation of Europe in 1944, Eisenhower's five-star uniform from 1945, Adolf Hitler's gold-inlaid presentation Walther pistol made in 1939, and the captured contents of Hitler's desk at the Reich Chancellery in Berlin — including medals recovered in 1945.
The collection extends across all theaters and combatants: the Joltin' Josie aircraft nose art, General Hermann Goering's jade and diamond bookmark, Stalin's signed book, a US Navy submarine deck cannon (Model 1917 MK 21), General Patton's Third Army flag, the uniform of Admiral Mineichi Koga (Commander of Japan's Navy, ca. 1944), and General Yamashita's presentation sword from the Emperor of Japan. Gary also handled Field Marshal Foch's French Army kepi, US Marines General and Commandant Holcomb's uniform, and a gold victory baton.
Featured in a multi-part 2018 catalog series, this collection was assembled with the same exacting standards of provenance and authenticity that distinguish Gary's Civil War and frontier collections. From Hitler's two-volume set of Mein Kampf to the 10-karat gold pocket watch given by Hitler to Emil Maurice, these are the physical remnants of a conflict whose lessons remain as vital today as they were eight decades ago.
Eisenhower's General's Helmet & Uniform
The Five Star General's M-1 helmet worn by Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower during the Liberation of Europe in 1944, along with his five-star uniform from 1945 and his Supreme Allied Commander headquarters flag. These represent the personal effects of the man who led the Allied victory in Europe.
Hitler's Gold-Inlaid Presentation Pistol
Adolf Hitler's gold-inlaid presentation Walther pistol, manufactured by the Walther Gun Factory in 1939. Gary also handled the captured contents of Hitler's desk at the Reich Chancellery in Berlin, including medals recovered in 1945, and a 10-karat gold pocket watch Hitler gave to Emil Maurice on his rise to power in January 1933.
Joltin' Josie & Aircraft Artifacts
The Joltin' Josie aircraft nose art and associated material from the air war over Europe and the Pacific. These artifacts represent the dangerous missions flown by Allied bomber crews, whose losses were among the highest of any branch of service during the war.
General Goering & Axis Leader Items
Reichsmarschall Hermann Goering's jade and diamond bookmark, General Yamashita's presentation sword from the Emperor of Japan, the uniform of Admiral Mineichi Koga (Commander of Japan's Navy, ca. 1944), and other artifacts from the highest-ranking Axis leaders. These objects document the leadership of the opposing forces.
Stalin's Signed Book & Allied Leader Material
A book signed by Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin, General Patton's Third Army flag, US Marines General and Commandant Holcomb's uniform, Field Marshal Foch's French Army kepi, and a gold victory baton. These artifacts represent the Allied leadership that shaped the course of the war across all theaters.
Submarine Deck Cannon & Naval Artifacts
A US Navy submarine deck cannon (Model 1917 MK 21), representing the naval dimension of the global conflict. Gary also handled WWII MASH unit material and rare wartime documentary film from the Nazi death camps, preserving the full scope of the war's impact on land and sea.
Related Collections
Historic Firearms
Colts, Winchesters, and firearms that shaped the American frontier and battlefield.
Documents & Manuscripts
Military correspondence, commissions, and documents of enduring significance.
Swords & Flags
The greatest American swords and battle flags ever collected.
Interested in World War II Material?
Gary Hendershott brings the same exacting standards to WWII artifacts that have made him a leader in Civil War and frontier material. If you are seeking specific pieces or wish to discuss your collection, a private inquiry is welcome.
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