A highly coherent named group relating to Unteroffizier Julius Wilhelm Carl Johann Laßmann, born 13 November 1848 in Braunschweig, who entered the Herzoglich Braunschweigisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 92 on 2 January 1869 as an Einjährig-Freiwilliger. He was promoted Gefreiter on 1 September 1869 and Unteroffizier on 21 July 1870, immediately before active operations against France.
Serving with the 5th Company, II Battalion, IR 92, Laßmann's Militär-Pass records an extensive 1870–71 campaign including Gravelotte (18 August 1870), the investment of Metz, Noisseville, Ladonchamps and Charly, followed by operations in the Loire campaign, including Vendôme and the Le Mans sector. His II Battalion was subsequently awarded the battle distinction “Vendôme.”
Laßmann was decorated with the Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse) and the 1870–71 War Commemorative Medal for Combatants, both decorations being specifically recorded in his original Militär-Pass. He was released to the reserve on 25 November 1871, transferred to the Landwehr in 1875 and finally discharged in 1881.
Items included in the sale
1. Original cased 1870 Iron Cross 2nd Class, with combatant ribbon.
2. Laßmann's named Militär-Pass, recording his promotions, campaign service and Iron Cross.
3. Named Soldbuch for Laßmann, 5./IR 92.
4. Large illustrated 1870–71 Kriegsdenkmünze combatant certificate, issued to Unteroffizier Laßmann at Pfalzburg, 15 June 1872.
5. 1909 IR 92 centenary commemorative item, marking the regiment's 100th anniversary, 1809–1909. enamel pin plus scarce Totenkopf cap badge.
6. Period military portrait, associated with the group.
7. A booklet Ruhmreiche Regimenter Braunschweigs” commemorative print.
8. A superb cigar case showing Regimental markings
An unusually complete and well-documented Franco-Prussian War Brunswick group, with the particularly desirable feature that the recipient's entitlement to the 1870 Iron Cross is independently confirmed in his original military papers.
$2750
Numerous copies of 5 MAI 1915 were made throughout the UK. This example is not common being nonmagnetic white metal.
VF $135
The British having obtained an example of his first striking and knowing that the 5 MAI 1915 was two days prior to the actual sinking were quick to capitalize on this mistake by implying that the dreadful Germans had pre-empted the strike. For propaganda purposes and a way to raise funds for St. Dunstans Blinded Soldiers and the Red Cross, they proceeded to copy the medals for sale in an attractive box with an explanation leaflet. This outfit is complete.
VF $185
