Wehrmacht Eagle
Cast iron sculpture originating from the German Wehrmacht‘s military headquarters in Paris, requisitioned by an American G.I. upon the city’s capture in August 1944. Made to commemorate of the successful conclusion of the Norwegian campaign (Unternehmen Weserübung) of 1940, and an infantry company (inscribed on the base) which took part in the operation.
This eagle, with its vertical wing arrangement amongst other distinguishing features, was modeled on the unique helmet decal that adorned all standard-issue German Army (Heer) helmets during the Second World War. Distinct from the state-sanctioned Reichsadler design used by all other organizations in Nazi Germany, it reflects the prestige and high level of autonomy the Heer enjoyed as one of the oldest and most trusted institutions within the Reich.
At the time of its capture, the regional headquarters of the German military command in Paris was stationed at the opulent Hotel Le Meurice, from which this trophy was taken. The hotel served as the headquarters of General Dietrich von Choltitz, the German military governor of Paris, remembered for having famously disobeyed Hitler’s orders to level the city before it fell into Allied hands.
Inscribed on the base reads:
IN MEMORIAM | of the 9/140 Infantry Company | NORWAY 1940.
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Cast iron sculpture originating from the German Wehrmacht‘s military headquarters in Paris, requisitioned by an American G.I. upon the city’s capture in August 1944. Made to commemorate of the successful conclusion of the Norwegian campaign (Unternehmen Weserübung) of 1940, and an infantry company (inscribed on the base) which took part in the operation.
This eagle, with its vertical wing arrangement amongst other distinguishing features, was modeled on the unique helmet decal that adorned all standard-issue German Army (Heer) helmets during the Second World War. Distinct from the state-sanctioned Reichsadler design used by all other organizations in Nazi Germany, it reflects the prestige and high level of autonomy the Heer enjoyed as one of the oldest and most trusted institutions within the Reich.
At the time of its capture, the regional headquarters of the German military command in Paris was stationed at the opulent Hotel Le Meurice, from which this trophy was taken. The hotel served as the headquarters of General Dietrich von Choltitz, the German military governor of Paris, remembered for having famously disobeyed Hitler’s orders to level the city before it fell into Allied hands.
Inscribed on the base reads:
IN MEMORIAM | of the 9/140 Infantry Company | NORWAY 1940.
