An extraordinary collection of American military artifacts, spanning from the Civil War through Vietnam, will be showcased at Milestone’s Premier Military Auction on June 29.
The 700-lot event will feature remote and in-person bidding, and is led by a highly significant D-Day archive centered around a 48-star Ensign #10 American Battle Flag.
This flag, flown on LCI-538 during the “first wave” at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, symbolizes the largest military invasion in history.
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The flag was preserved as a memento by Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Frank R. Maratea, who served aboard LCI-538 during the Normandy landings.
Maratea’s archive also includes a WWII US Navy Commission streamer flag, his Honorable Discharge and military papers, original Omaha Beach photographs, and ephemera from the D-Day 50th Anniversary Reunion, featuring a photo with President Bill Clinton.
This unique collection is estimated to fetch between $40,000 and $60,000.
Significant items from the former American Armored Foundation Inc Tank and Ordnance Memorial Museum of Danville, Virginia, will also be up for auction.
Highlights include a WWII Nazi German Waffen SS general’s uniform worn by Fritz Kraemer, who was convicted of war crimes.
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This uniform, comprising a tunic, breeches, boots, and gloves, is estimated at $20,000-$30,000. Additionally, a uniform grouping of WWII Imperial Japanese Army Lt. General Tatsuji Ogura, who led the 127 Division in Manchuria, is expected to sell for $8,000-$10,000.
Other notable items include:
- A US Marine Corps M2-A1 flamethrower, an advanced variant of the WWII model, estimated at $20,000-$30,000.
- A 1940s 20mm Orlikon MK II “cutaway” cannon with a 55-inch barrel, used for troop instruction during WWII, estimated at $10,000-$15,000.
- A German WWII double-engraved Nazi Luftwaffe dagger with nickel silver fittings, estimated at $10,000-$15,000.
- A US Army 1st lieutenant’s dog tag belonging to the future General Douglas MacArthur, circa 1904-1906, estimated at $5,000-$10,000.
The auction will feature a wide range of military antiques, including edged weapons, headgear, uniforms, medals, insignia, photos, and flags.
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Milestone’s Premier Military Auction will take place at their gallery at 38198 Willoughby Parkway, Willoughby, OH 44094, starting at 10 a.m. ET.
Bidders can participate live online via Milestone’s bidding platform, LiveAuctioneers, or Invaluable. Visit www.milestoneauctions.com for details.
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