MSWilhelmGustloff

I don't think it necessarily means that Hamburg America Line made them, I think it just means they were made in Germany - at least that's what I took from it. The markings are on the pin clasp and not the back of the ship wheel itself. I just found it interesting that after many said they could not find markings on the backs of these, I had one that was clearly stamped.

Morning all, Every so often, I check back here to see if anyone is posting these for sale. As Mr. Hoffman does, I am also seeking out Wilhelm Gustloff and Robert Ley pins, tallies, etc for the online museum collection. The KdF version of the Robert Ley pin is one I am still missing. To answer another questions I saw, these ship specific ones were sold onboard the Gustloff and Ley in their gift shops before WWII broke out. In regards to makers marks however, I went to look at the backs of my pins and I have one with the HAPAG flag and HAPAG underneath it. The back is marked - GES, GESCH. A quick search found this: Ges. Gesch as an abbreviation of Gesetzlich Geschutzt, some several other markings or stamps can verify a piece as being of German origin. If anyone was interested, my souvenir collection for the Gustloff is linked below. Regards, Eddie https://www.wilhelmgustloffmuseum.com/souvenirs.html

Good Evening, I just wanted to let everyone know I have been updating the Wilhelm Gustloff Museum site online and made some big changes to it in the past few weeks. If you're interested in research, documentation, or photographs of the Wilhelm Gustloff, they can be found here. I also keep updates posted on Facebook. Regards, Eddie www.wilhelmgustloffmuseum.com

Thanks for the reply. This is what led me to the last statement: http://www.historyforsale.com/html/prodetails.asp?bw=0&documentid=44916 and http://www.cowansauctions.com/auctions/item.aspx?ItemId=62451

From what I have looked up, it may be a fascimile with the original of Otto Meissner. Thoughts?

Greetings to All, I was out at an antique store and I came across this document and Hitler signature on it: Im Namen Des Deutschen Volkes Verleihe Ich Das Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2.Klasse Berlin, dem 30.1.1944. Der Fuhrer (Signature) In The Name Of German National Express I The War Merit Cross 2nd Berlin, 30.1.1944. The Fuhrer (Signature) I would greatly appreciate if anyone can tell me if they believe this to be a fake or authentic piece? The seller wants $150.00 for it and the description has no mention of Hitler at all. If it is a fake, is it worth $150.00 as a conversation piece? Many thanks in advance! Eddie

I have seen these arm bands around once in a blue moon. I know they are reproduction and have nothing to do with the Wilhelm Gustloff ship herself. (At least as far as I am aware). There have been many other items named for the man, a school, factory, etc. Does anyone know what this is in reference to?

Very nice photo! Thanks for sharing!

I also saw that one sell at auction that you posted. It went for 100 Euro, which still seems like a good deal to me.

Exactly 68 years ago to the minute (running on Eastern time) the Wilhelm Gustloff sank beneath the waves in the Baltic Sea nearly killing 10,000 people.

Original photo of the crew onboard I found when I was researching some tallies. Makes you wonder how many you would try to nab if you were the photographer knowing what you know now.

The only other information with the stamp is "Command post office box number 25251 M" Full photos are on http://www.wilhelmgustloffmuseum.com/wreck_artifacts.html

While I am still researching them, my newest acquisitions are under the Sinking & Wreck page at the top. Two original boarding passes from the Gustloff's last voyage - January 31st, 1945. The full story can be read there as well.

Can anyone identify this signature? From Gotenhafen, February 2nd, 1945. Regards! Eddie

I began collecting in 2007, so only a few years.