1) Nazi Sniper Badge, First Class, awarded for 20 confirmed sniper kills. Measures 2 1/4" wide and 3" tall, field gray backing with embroidered eagle and leaf design. (These are extremely rare as captured with one guaranteed an immediate death sentence!) 2) A Nazi soldier's Soldbuch (Pay Book), made out to one Heinrich Rave, who enlisted on 28 August 1939. Among the records included in the book are multiple promotions, merit awards, equipment issued (including a 98k sniper rifle with accoutrements) and medical records, along with the proper post-1944 photograph inside the front cover. Also includes original documents associated with Rave's death. During the winter of 1941-1942, Rave's unit (Second Bicycle Company Reserve Reconnaissance Battalion 216) was transferred from occupation duty of France to the Eastern Front, and for his participation in the winter campaign he received the Eastern Front Winter Campaign Medal. In 1943 Rave survived many short range confrontations with the Soviets and was awarded the Black Wound Badge and Iron Cross Second Class. By early 1944, Rave suffered a severe combat wound and was placed on leave. After a full recovery Rave was posted to the XI Wehrkries sniper school where he was issued a Model K98 rifle (SN 34526, this is most likely a Mauser high turret rifle) and other sniper accouterments such a camouflage smock, cased binoculars, winter trigger guard, rifle muzzle cap, rifle cleaning kit, and mosquito net. (Sniper gear similar to the type Rave received are offered in the next two lots.) Rave was assigned to the Third Company of the 272nd Fusilier Battalion and would participate in action in Normandy starting on July 25, 1944 until the collapse in late August 1944. For his participation he would receive Infantry Assault and Close Combat Badges. By December 1944, Rave was fighting in the Hurtgen Forest and before he could be awarded the Iron Cross First Class, Rave was killed on January 5, 1945. He was one of an estimated 20 German soldiers killed in Bunker 24 when it was destroyed by American forces. Heinrich Rave is buried in the German Military Cemetery near Gemund in the Eifel. (Documents and official history of Rave accompany this lot.)

1) In excellent condition, with a small amount of staining. 2) In good condition, with some foxing and staining. Rust is showing on the staples, and markings are clear. The ultimate accoutrement for a Nazi sniper rifle collection.