Interesting EK1 on a plaque

[Military Trader]

This is an interesting little trench art piece. I originally bought it for $35 then traded it off then got it back. On the back is a signature. To me it looked like either Ch Herbert or Th Herbert Generalmajor. There is only one person, that I could find, who fits this signature, Luftwaffe Generalmajor Theodr Herbert. Herbert started the war as a colonel then fought in Africa. Later he took over various units on the Russian front. In 1945
He took over the 15th Flak Division made up of pieces of survivors of other units. He fought his way into Romania then made it back to Germany to give up to the Americans. This cross could likely have been given to a guard of his while interned. Herbert died in the 1980s. It could, of course, be mocked up but

1. Why go to all the trouble and sell it for $35?

2. If you are going to add a name why a somewhat obscure Luft. Flak General -- why not someone
with more appeal? I guarantee the lady (a flea market type) I got from wouldn't know Herbert.


I know it says "Germany" not "Deutchland" But my theory is that the US soldier (jailer, interpretor, whatever) made friends with his captive ( Herbert) and the general gave the American his iron cross. Then the American might of made the wooden shield in remembrance of his stay and asked the general for his signature which he applied to the back. Or not. Who knows?

[Military Trader]

2

[AUSGANG]

I think that you have a post VE Day souvenir. Once the GIs got to Occupied Germany there were all sorts of souvenirs available to them that were made by German citizens. It is an interesting field of collectibles since a lot of the souvenirs were made with tools and machines that had been used to make weapons and such.

This Iron Cross is part of such a souvenir and it is one piece and one sided. It is also from a plaque...Perhaps yours is made the same way?

[AUSGANG]

Here is a plaque that has a real EK2 on it...

[AUSGANG]

...

[blutundehre]

Whatever the story, I think these plaques are really great items.
Looks really nice. yours too AUSGANG

[AUSGANG]

Occupation souvenirs are a great overlooked field of collectibles.

[Patrick W]

the piece of paper stuck on the back appears to be an original calling card from the man you mentioned. These were given to servants etc when visiting well to do houses. The bottom corner being folded means something but I can't recall what, there was a whole etiquette surrounding these things that dates back to the 1800s.

And yes the plaque is a souvenier piece specifically made for the GIs. A better look at the EK would tell us if its a real one.

[fabri-online]

The cross in post # 1 seems an original Zimmermann/Godet EKI..
do someone see the same ??

[streptile]

The cross in post # 1 seems an original Zimmermann/Godet EKI..
do someone see the same ??

Hmmm, good eye, if it's true. Can we see a closer shot of just the EK please?

[Military Trader]

The card is actually not really a card but pretty thin paper. I found this about the folds.

In the Victorian day, the design, style, and even color border of a card actually carried a meaning to the receiver. A folded top left corner meant the visitor had come in person; an unfolded card meant a servant was sent. A folded right top corner meant congratulations, and the lower right fold expressed sympathy.

Here is a closer view.

[fabri-online]

Hmmm, good eye, if it's true. Can we see a closer shot of just the EK please?

eh eh this time I have had a good eye, that is a nice and original EKI, Zimmermann or Godet.

[Military Trader]

Interesting -- The signature (or calling card) is odd. I guess there's no way to prove they came together. But why stick a litlle piece of paper to the back with a name?

[streptile]

eh eh this time I have had a good eye...

You sure did

[Military Trader]

So what is likley -- that the guy found the paper 9signature in a house or something??