Original Items: One-Of-A-Kind. Along with being proclaimed the "Greatest Generation," the Soldiers of World War II may also qualify as the greatest souvenir hunters in history! This is a lovely pair of American soldier souvenir items! These were constructed of captured German insignia on what appears to be a leather wallet/pouch and a patch of some sorts.

Attics, basements, and garages across the United States have served as resting places for many of the objects American soldiers brought home with them from the war in Europe. Each item has a story, just like the GI’s who for varying reasons picked up a pistol from a German officer, took a flag from a town square or only took insignia to decorate items such as these two.

The Items Included:
- Leather Wallet/Pouch: This is a lovely personal item that was more than likely carried and used by a U.S. Soldier while in Europe. The front features a lovely Kriegsmarine Pith Helmet shield flanked by 2 single rank pips. The leather is cracked and worn, but this was an everyday used item, giving it a lovely touch!

- Leather Disc/Patch: Now we are not sure as to what this item is. It appears to have been a patch of sorts, perhaps for a jacket? The possibilities are endless with what this could have been for. The patch features a lovely array of what appears to be Imperial German items. The items featured are a small cap cockade, a single rank pip, “13” made from regimental markers from shoulder boards and the best is the Brunswick Totenkopf in the center!

Brunswick Totenkopf
In 1809 during the War of the Fifth Coalition, Frederick William, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel raised a force of volunteers to fight Napoleon Bonaparte, who had conquered the Duke's lands. The Brunswick corps was provided with black uniforms, giving rise to their nickname, the Black Brunswickers. Both hussar cavalry and infantry in the force wore a Totenkopf badge, either in mourning for the duke's father, Charles William Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, who had been killed at the Battle of Jena–Auerstedt in 1806, or according to some sources, as a sign of revenge against the French. After fighting their way through Germany, the Black Brunswickers entered British service and fought with them in the Peninsular War and at the Battle of Waterloo. The Brunswick corps was eventually incorporated into the Prussian Army in 1866.

Both items are lovely and come ready to be gently cleaned and displayed!