March 15-17, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/17/2022
Clarence J. Laushell was born in 1922 and resided in Pennsylvania. When World War II broke out, he enlisted in the Army in Altoona, Pennsylvania on September 4, 1942. Clarence completed his training at Camp Lee, Virginia and was assigned as a truck driver in the 3712th Quartermaster Truck Company. He is listed as a corporal in England in January 1944 with overseas service from November 17, 1943-November 13, 1945. Although it is not a notable unit, the 3712 Quartermaster Truck Company played a crucial role in the movement of supplies and even participated in the Normandy landings on June 6 and 7, 1944. Quartermaster units and personnel were in the English Channel and landed on Omaha and Utah beach during the invasion when allied forces hit the beach. Truck companies participated in continuous operations during the assault at Normandy, and the following breakouts especially at St. Lo, and the rapid advances and pursuit of Axis forces across France in the summer of 1944. The lot consists of: (A) German World War II Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery Officer’s Tunic produced by “August Kuster & Sohne”. The tunic is a fine example which is made from quality early war feldgrau wool with only 1 small moth nip on the wearer's left elbow area, otherwise no other damage or staining can be seen. 5 brass Kriegsmarine buttons are originally affixed to the front closure flap of the tunic, and still retain some of their original gold wash. Above the wearers upper right pocket is a nicely hand embroidered gold bullion Coastal Artillery Kriegsmarine eagle with moss green backing. The eagle has a very light patina throughout and is originally attached to the tunic by hand stitching. All four front pockets retain their original buttons, and are without any visible damage. The tunic’s collar was period upgraded to an dark green M36 officer collar. The collar’s bullion officer litzen are with no wear or patina, and are attached to the collar by means of machine stitching. The collar tabs appear to be originally attached and not replaced. 2 shoulder boards, for the rank of “Leutnant”, with winged cyphers indicating anti-aircraft, are attached through the tunic’s shoulder board loops and mounted with 2 Kriegsmarine buttons. The boards appear original to the tunic and match it very nicely The tunic is lined with a fine early war cotton twill lining, which is stamped on the wearers left side with the tunics sizes, as well as the maker of the tunic. Near the collar is a what appears to be a depot stamp of “B.A.W.” with the date of “16.6.40”. There is one interior pocket, as well as a medical bandage pocket which remains loosely sewn shut from the tailor who produced the tunic. 2 sets of 3 eyelets for belt hook adjustment are nicely reinforced. The tunic appears to possibly be unissued, and if anything hardly worn. A very nice example. CONDITION: Near mint. (B) World War II ephemera and personal effects of Clarence Laushell who captured this Coastal Artillery Tunic, most likely shortly after he landed on the beaches of Normandy. His personal effects include a piece of one of the coastal defense bunkers which is correctly camouflaged in RAL-green. The tunic and bunker fragment were most likely prized possessions of Laushell. The personal items also include over 100 photo negatives from Laushell, subject matter includes his family, friends, various photos of Laushell in uniform, and much more. There is also an incredible photo of Laushell with his son wearing the captured coastal artillery tunic and holding a massive German flag. 1 of his dog tags, and various other pieces of his US insignia are included. There are also various pieces of ephemera that he picked up during his travels through Europe. 2 of the highlight pieces are a map of the First Army's movements throughout Europe, and a November 1944 Thanksgiving Day menu which was handed out to the men for their Thanksgiving celebration while they were in Belgium. Laushell is listed on the roster as a Private. This is an excellent German Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery Tunic that is complemented by the ephemera of the veteran who captured it. CONDITION: The ephemera and photos exhibit blemishes which are typical of old paper. Overall fair-very good. DMW/JLD
Item Dimensions: 26" X 16"