1409 A WWI GERMAN GROUP BEONGING TO ADOLF DURR.

CURRENT BID
0.00USD
ENTER YOUR MAXIMUM ABSENTEE BID[?]
You must bid at least
1,250.00USD
USD
1,250.00 x 1 unit = 1,250.00USDApplicable fees & taxes are added at checkout.
[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2025 May 08 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,250.00 USD
Estimated at 2,500.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Adolf Durr was born on August 25, 1891 and studied cabinet making until he joined the German military in 1915 for service during WWI. Shortly after he enlisted, he was captured by French forces and remained a prisoner of war in France until 1920, when the last of the German WWII prisoners were released. Many of the carved wooden items in this lot were made by Durr during his captivity, included the mandolin and case. This large lot includes a handmade mandolin measuring approx. 23 1/2" long and a corduroy-lined solid wood case, both made by Durr while a prisoner of war; four carved wooden items of unknown purpose; four small carved books; one large wooden book; one American mess kit knife; one brass letter opener; one German enlisted shoulder strap with the number "30" on top; two pairs of opera glasses; two cheroot holders; one carved pipe bowl of a man's head with goatee; one knitted item; one 1939 World's Fair token; one lock marked "GERMANY"; one German military knife and spoon combination tool; one leather purse and German dog tag; one German enlisted belt buckle; one carved pipe bowl; one silver Bavarian patriotic pin; one silver motoring pin; and one small cross with chain in a locket. The lot further includes two scrapbooks containing numerous ephemera pertaining to Adolf Durr, including military and civilian photographs, correspondence, military passes, identification books, certificates, stamped envelopes, his American citizenship papers, many Erie Railroad identification cards, and culminates with pictures of Mr. Durr at his 100th birthday party. Finally, the lot contains many copies of papers pertaining to a Adolf Durr and a handwritten narrative detailing the story of Durr's life. This fascinating archive gives true insight into the life of a WWI German soldier, prisoner, American immigrant, and successful family man. CONDITION: most items show light wear. The mandolin seems to play quite well. Ephemera condition varies from lightly used tattered with significant edge wear. Photographs are generally clear and well preserved. (02-23389/BF). $2,500-4,000.