Krimshield document signed by von Manstein

[Giel VW]

Did this type of krimshield documents existed, is this one an original? It's signed by Erich von Manstein. I'd like to know what you guys think of it.
Best Regards Giel

[Hank C.]

Hi Giel,
Yes, this is one of many types of the Krimschild doc. I believe there are more variations of this document than any other shield document, as it was also awarded to more soldiers than any of the other armshields.
Hope that helps.

[V. J. Kursietis]

Hi!

I'm no documents expert, but the date of this doc raises a question - the 11. Army was redesignated Heeresgruppe Don in Nov. 1942 and Hg Don further redesignated Hg Sud in Feb. 1943. As such, the Army didn't exist on 15. Feb. 1943.

Regards,

VJK

[Giel VW]

Where do you see 11.army?

Hi!

I'm no documents expert, but the date of this doc raises a question - the 11. Army was redesignated Heeresgruppe Don in Nov. 1942 and Hg Don further redesignated Hg Sud in Feb. 1943. As such, the Army didn't exist on 15. Feb. 1943.

Regards,

VJK

[Giel VW]

I really need some more input

[V. J. Kursietis]

Hi!

If you look on the stamp, you'll see A. Ob. Kdo. 11 which stands for Armeeoberkommando 11.

Regards,

VJK

[Simon O.]

This doc is correct IMHO. The stamp is the standard one used for all Krim docs and this particular style, with the stamped date, H.Qu. and facsimile Manstein signature are all consistent with those awards made to the 170 ID.


For examples look at Forman's book on German documents, volume 1 pages 256-262

[Tom Yanacek]

Hello Giel,

I agree with Simon. This Krim Shield document is original, and a very nice example having the shield facsimile at the top.
Best regards! Tom

[Giel VW]

Oh, I'm glad to hear that I am going to buy a grouping with this award doc. One more question, is the document worth more if it's signed by this general? (von Manstein)

[Tom Yanacek]

Hello Giel,
To the best of my knowledge, all Krim Shield documents have the facsimile Manstein signature stamp. It is not his real signature. I would not buy one if it didn't have the Manstein facsimile, or if it was signed by someone other than Manstein.
Best regards! Tom

[Simon O.]

I would hope the seller of the group you're interested is not claiming this to be hand signed? A facsimile Manstein sig does not or should not increase the value of this type of doc. The style, ie. picture of the badge, does.

[Giel VW]

It's in a grouping with a ostfront doc, his wehrpass with other awards in it, and his death notice at the krim.

[Edward]

Oh, I'm glad to hear that I am going to buy a grouping with this award doc. One more question, is the document worth more if it's signed by this general? (von Manstein)

Hello Giel,

Yep, standard 170 Div issue Krim doc. Doc is facsimile as stated by Simon and Tyanacek. Yes, an originaly signed Manstein Krim doc would bring more. Overwhelming majority that you will find are all facsimile, or Manstein would still be signing them.

Regards