WWII Nazi German Third Reich Fallen Soldiers 1940 Memorial Wreath Photos – Swastika Eagle Funeral Sashes– Lot of 2

Original pair of WWII-era German photographs showing a 1940 memorial/funeral display with large wreaths and period political organization ribbons bearing swastika emblems.

Both photographs appear to show the same stone memorial or cemetery wall from different viewpoints. Large evergreen wreaths have been placed beneath individual memorial plaques, with several long ceremonial mourning ribbons attached. The ribbons display swastikas and other period insignia, along with German dedication inscriptions.

The memorial plaques appear to commemorate individuals and include dates ending in 1940, making these particularly interesting photographs for researching German wartime memorial and funeral customs.

The handwritten inscription on the reverse of both photographs reads approximately:

“Heldentrauerfeier im Herbst 1940”

Translation:

“Heroes’ memorial/mourning ceremony in autumn 1940.”

“Heldentrauerfeier” was period terminology for a commemorative mourning ceremony honoring the dead.

Photograph Details

Photo 1 – Close View

• Close-up of one of the memorial plaques and a large evergreen wreath.
• Two prominent ceremonial ribbons hang from the wreath.
• Clearly visible swastika emblems on both ribbons.
• One ribbon also displays an additional period organizational emblem.
• German dedication lettering is visible on the ribbons.
• Stone memorial plaque behind the wreath bears German lettering and a 1940 date.

Photo 2 – Wider View

• Wider photograph showing several memorial plaques along the stone wall.
• Multiple large wreaths arranged beneath the plaques.
• Numerous ceremonial mourning ribbons are visible.
• Several ribbons prominently display swastika emblems.
• Provides an excellent overall view of the memorial ceremony display and surrounding structure.

Both photographs have attractive deckle/scalloped edges, typical of privately produced German photographs of the period.

An unusual matched pair documenting an actual 1940 German wartime memorial ceremony, rather than ordinary military portrait photography. The wreaths, memorial plaques, inscriptions, political symbols, and handwritten identification on the backs provide considerable historical context.

Condition: Original vintage photographs showing normal age, handling, surface wear and toning. Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition. Sold exactly as shown.

Excellent historical material for collectors of WWII German photographs, Third Reich funeral and memorial material, German home-front history, wartime ceremonies, political organization memorabilia, and original period photography.

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YB6 series