German WWII SS “Deutschland” Photograph Album

A magnificent and historically significant Waffen-SS photograph album measuring 31 x 23 cm, attributed to a member of SS Regiment “Deutschland.” The album features an imposing cover design with large, raised SS runes and a closing leather tab fitted with a metal clip bearing a swastika. Below the clasp, silver script reads “War Memories.”

The album contains 171 original photographs, all relating to a single individual believed to be Hans Becker, identified as a Hauptsturmführer in the 2nd SS Panzer Regiment, Das Reich. A loose photograph inside the front cover shows Becker on his wedding day in 1939, dressed in his Allgemeine-SS uniform with SS dagger in hand. The reverse is inscribed with personal details.

The first mounted image is a studio portrait of Becker in full Allgemeine-SS dress, including hat and “Deutschland” cuffband. The album progresses chronologically, beginning with the Poland campaign in 1939, showing front-line scenes: SS troops in camouflaged smocks and crusher caps, Polish vehicles destroyed in battle, mortars in action, radio operators, tanks, aircraft supply drops, ruined infrastructure, and intimate glimpses of daily wartime life—such as two SS soldiers shaving in the field.

Each photograph is clearly annotated, offering valuable context. Notable scenes include:

• Helmet close-ups with SS runes

• SS troops boarding ships

• High-ranking SS officer in white summer tunic

• Parade formations in field-grey uniforms

• Groups of Polish prisoners, and war-ravaged towns

• Camouflaged Waffen-SS motorcycle units

• Coastal views along the English Channel

• Downed aircraft (German, French, and British)

• Graves marked by helmets atop crosses

• Exceptional action shots, including SS troops manning an MG34 in an anti-aircraft role

The narrative continues into the 1940 campaign in France, with photographs showing captured prisoners—both British and French—destroyed enemy positions, and camouflaged SS operations in the field.

This is a hugely comprehensive album with extraordinary visual documentation of early SS combat operations, filled with intimate, front-line views rarely captured in such depth. The outstanding condition of the album, combined with its content, attributed ownership, and iconic cover design, makes it a highly desirable artefact for serious collectors and historians.

Ref; 85347