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Original WWII German Sterbebild (death card) commemorating Johann Schreiner, an officer in a Flak Regiment from Söblarn, parish Andorf, who served as a teacher in Gärdling. Schreiner died in early 1945 at the age of 35 after a severe illness while held in a Soviet POW camp in the Ural region.
The card includes his uniformed portrait and a heartfelt poem mourning his loss, alongside printed prayers for the deceased. The reverse bears a devotional image of Christ crowned with thorns, accompanied by the inscription “Mein Jesus, Verzeihung und Barmherzigkeit – durch die Verdienste deiner heiligen Wunden” (“My Jesus, forgiveness and mercy — through the merits of your holy wounds”). Printed by Oppitz, Andorf in 1946.
As Soviet forces advanced in late 1944, many Luftwaffe anti-aircraft units were overrun or captured during retreats from Ukraine into Poland. Prisoners sent to Ural labor camps endured extreme cold, hunger, and disease, with countless perishing before repatriation. Schreiner’s card typifies postwar memorials to those who never returned from captivity in the East.
Excellent overall condition with mild edge wear. Print, photograph, and devotional artwork remain clear and well preserved.
ALL ITEMS ARE GUARANTEED ORIGINAL PERIOD PIECES.
Did a lot of comparing before buying and ended up here. Item turned up exactly as pictured, which honestly is all I ask for these days. Packaging was solid too. Would buy again.
You can tell this is someone who actually handles and studies the pieces. I respect that.
Not my first militaria purchase, but probably the first time I didn’t feel like I had to “decode” the listing. Straightforward, clear photos, realistic condition notes. That alone earns trust.
What I liked most was the way the history was presented. Factual and clearly written for collectors instead of glorifying anything. That matters to me.
Bought one piece initially just to test the waters. Ended up placing another order a week later. That should say enough.
Everything arrived on time and matched the listing. No drama, no excuses, no surprises. That’s increasingly uncommon with online militaria.
First time ordering from overseas and I was a bit hesitant. Communication was great, shipping was fast and the item arrived in the condition shown. Very good!
I collect mainly German pieces and I was pleasantly surprised by how accurate the description was. Nothing overstated, nothing hidden. Kind of rare now. Very happy with the purchase.
I don’t usually leave reviews, but this one felt deserved. Honest listing, fair price, no nonsense. The piece now sits proudly in my collection. Thanks Mr. Taylor
An introduction to the methods used to distinguish genuine period items from post-war reproductions and modern copies.
Original militaria is defined by materials, construction techniques, markings, and age-consistent wear. Understanding these indicators is essential for assessing authenticity and historical integrity.
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