Born in 1915, Wilhelm Von Maessenhausen joined the Kriegsmarine as a Cadet in 1935, and served his initial years on surface vessels before transferring to the submarine service. Assigned to command of U-258, Von Maessenhausen, along with the entire crew, was lost when the vessel was sunk with depth charges from a British Liberator bomber. Included with the lot are: 1) Horster Naval sword, 30 inch round spine blade with etched decoration, gold washed hilt with "W.v.M." inscribed folding guards and glass eyed lion pommel, and wire wrapped celluloid grip. Black leather scabbard, with an Iron Cross and "Kreuzer/"Emden"" on one side of the brass throat, "Wilhelm/von/Massenhausen" on the reverse. 2) Naval uniform coat and vest, with a bullion breast eagle, and Oberleutnant zur See rank on the sleeves. 3) Battleship Tirpitz sailor's cap, blue fabric with black ribbon and "Schlachtschiff Tirpitz" around the band. 4) Sword belt, black with silk front, brass fittings, and sword hangers. 5) Sword belt, blue fabric with leather fittings. 6) Hat band, marked "S.M.S. EMDEN". 7) Two 1939 Iron Cross medals (one pinback, one screwback), a High Seas Fleet badge and a Destroyer Badge. All inscribed to Von Maessenhausen. 8) Busch "Galilei" 4 1/2x50 binoculars, with leather case. 9) Four books, all in German, one related to the Cruiser Emden. 10) Two photo albums, one dated 4 November - 9 March 1939, the other 23 October 1935 to 12 June 1936 and marked to Emden. Both contain numerous photos of Kriegsmarine sailors and officers. Included with the lot are letters from LTC (Retired) Thomas Johnson, noted author and expert on German edged weapons, who is a former owner of this grouping.

The screwback base has detached from one of the medals, otherwise this group is entirely good or better, with the sword excellent.