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ANTIQUE ARMS, ARMOR AND MILITARY DECORATIONS
Lot 182:
A very rarer Nazi Germany complete Schellenbaum of the SS "Der Fuhrer" Regiment АКА а "bell tree", often called in English a "Turkish crescent" or "Jingling Johnny". This percussion instrument is traditionally used by military bands. In some contexts, it also serves as a battle trophy or object of veneration. This extravagant example led the regimental band of the 4th SS Panzer-Grenadier Regiment "Der Führer" and is so identified from an engraving on one section. Assembled from several parts, this Schellenbaum is topped with an 18" wide cast national eagle with a swastika emblem. There follows beneath two circular polished aluminum decorative pieces and a 13 1/2" diameter two-sided brass "sunburst". One side of this piece bears an attachment of black-painted SS runes encircled by silver oak leaves. The reverse bears a cast swastika in relief on a stippled background. The next piece is a decorative traditional "crescent" immediately following. The polished aluminum crescent, 33" wide, bears a "DF" monogram engraved at the front. Both ends (tips) are carefully hammered hollow 6-inch eagle’s heads which each support 37-inch lengths of horse hair dyed in the national colors of black, red, and white. The crescent itself supports six bells and six small stars. Beneath the crescent is an 8 1/2" tall and 10" wide bell from which is suspended an additional eight gilt stars and eight bells.
Dimensions: H: 105 in., (267 cm.) including base.
Condition: Overall good, minor chips, and scratches, signs of expected wear. Minor loss of chrome, the SS enamel pain symbol has been restored.
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