Original WWII German KIA Steel Helmet Soldier Grave Photo Swastika Wreath 1. Batterie

Original WWII German photograph showing the decorated grave of a fallen German soldier, surrounded by large funeral wreaths and military memorial decorations.

The grave marker appears to identify the soldier as Gefr. (Gefreiter) Erich Stöckel/Stöckel. Above the name is a German steel helmet with an Iron Cross emblem beneath it.

Especially striking is the large funeral wreath in the foreground with a prominent swastika ribbon. The accompanying dedication appears to read:

“Ein letzter Gruß von seiner 1. Batterie”

Translation:

“A final greeting from his 1st Battery.”

This wording indicates that the wreath was presented by the fallen soldier’s comrades from his 1. Batterie, strongly suggesting service with an artillery, Flak, or another battery-organized military formation.

A second large wreath can be seen alongside the grave, making this an excellent period image documenting German military burial and remembrance customs during WWII.

The reverse bears an original photographer’s stamp:

“Photohaus D.I.L.G. 2806 Schwarzenberg i. Sa.”

This places the photographic studio in Schwarzenberg in Saxony (Schwarzenberg i. Sa.).

The photo is approximately 6 × 5 cm based on the ruler shown in the photographs. The reverse has remnants of old black album mounting paper at the corners as well as faint period handwriting. Please examine all photographs carefully for condition.

A particularly evocative original wartime photograph with strong visual details including the KIA grave, German helmet, Iron Cross, swastika funeral sash, military wreaths and 1st Battery dedication.

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