SS-Ostuf. Gerhard Lotze Komp Chef 11./SS-Pz Gren. Rgt 10 "Westland"

[Dan P]

most of this stuff was snatched and taken by force by the glorious allies

Yes indeed, just the way it should've been . . . . I couldn't have said it better myself

[John Pic]

One should just be happy its in the hands of a serious collector who will appreciate it and preserve it. As seen in other threads the stuff in Museums was allowed to be messed around with and destroyed. Im glad we were great "looters" because otherwise much of the items wouldve been burned in trash heaps...there are relatively few groupings like this surviving.

[Obergruppen2]

One should just be happy its in the hands of a serious collector who will appreciate it and preserve it. As seen in other threads the stuff in Museums was allowed to be messed around with and destroyed. Im glad we were great "looters" because otherwise much of the items wouldve been burned in trash heaps...there are relatively few groupings like this surviving.

Ok, you have a point there as well !

[jacquesf]

The best grouping I have seen and handled, which was a priviledge. It could not have ended up in a better place. Jacques

[John Pic]

Thank you Obergruppen, and please understand that your respect for the German culture and the individual soildier is completely understood. War is ugly and just seeing this tunic attests to the sacrifice this man had to make for his nation..unimaginable to some degree by those never experiencing it..he earned the right to have the uniform he wore..we just buy it and preserve it..hopefully wit some degree of consideration other than monetary value.

[Obergruppen2]

Thank you Obergruppen, and please understand that your respect for the German culture and the individual soildier is completely understood. War is ugly and just seeing this tunic attests to the sacrifice this man had to make for his nation..unimaginable to some degree by those never experiencing it..he earned the right to have the uniform he wore..we just buy it and preserve it..hopefully wit some degree of consideration other than monetary value.

I just gave my opinion but of course any collector that can and will preserve and present a beautiful W-SS grouping as this one is just fine with me

[DougB]

To be the caretaker of this combat grouping is an honour and privilege.

When you read his history, the notes written in the margins of the newspaper clippings about him, his Hitler Youth and RAD passbooks, his photos, his archived history which I had researched, the documents, you really get a sense that you know the young war hero and there is a sense of sadness and poignancy about grouping because of his death in combat. You really feel that you know the soldier who was an honourable man. I think both Roy and Jacques who have both handled this grouping in detail will attest and agree to that statement.

When I have guests into my "museum" I always finish the "tour" with this grouping and tell his story, that of a young man fighting honourably for his country who died leading his men in a desperate battle.

The fact that this stayed together and will stay together under my care is a testament to the powerful nature of this grouping. I don't think it will ever be sold, it holds a place to near to my heart.

Cheers
Doug

--Edit - you will note a Knights Cross on my uniform display, this is a real attributed Knights Cross not the Lotze display. I do not wish to use his posthumous Knights Cross on anything but a glass case display (see below) so I use this one for the display. It is not a part of the Lotze grouping.

[DougB]

Here is the rest of his grouping under glass case with his posthumously awarded Knights Cross.
Below is the tunic display with his unique Heer EM visor upgraded to Officer and insignia to SS.

[Sjking]

.

Stunning, congratulations , it doesn't get any better than this and may I add stunning display

[Obergruppen2]

[BenVK]

Breathtaking display, you really have done him proud!

I'm a bit puzzled why no one really has said much about his visor cap. It's the only Heer cap with period applied SS insignia that I know of that came direct from the family and is unquestionable.

It's very very unique.

[Max Wünsche]

I cant believe it was sold on so quickly... must have set you back a house in dollar terms... But what is money when you see something as amazing as this.

The fact that this grouping has been kept together is fantastic!

[John Pic]

Wonderful display set up for this grouping !

[besslein]

congrats! simply fantastic!

[stonemint]

SSTK, if there was and is one person who could and would do true justice to this set, it is you. Just fantastic.