Volkssturm Instructor Uniform With Volkssturm Gewher 2

As allied forces pushed and broke through into Germany in the fall of 1944 it became clear desperate measures needed to be taken to defend Germany, including the establishment of a home guard comprised of those too old or otherwise unfit for standard military service. On September 25, Hitler announced the formation of the Volkssturm or "peoples assault". It was determined several million rifles and pistols would be needed to arm the irregular troops, a daunting task for the crumbling Reich and a number of simplified "last ditch" weapons were developed. The Walther Volksgewehr, the VG1, was initially selected in December 1944 although despite its simple design was eventually determined to be too difficult to produce by some. The VG2 designed by Deutsche-Industrie-Werke AG of Berlin was also approved for limited production and issue in January of 1945.

This rather early example is marked on the right side of the receiver with a partial chd ordnance code for Deutsche-Industrie-Werke as well as a boxed "56", possibly an acceptance stamp. As is correct on these early guns there is no VG2 designation stamp. The receiver is constructed of blued steel stamped and welded in place. The simplified bolt action with matching numbered bolt feeds from detachable K.43 magazines, this example with ordnance manufacturer code "aye". The blued 1941 dated "cky" Krupp code Luftwaffe machine gun barrel is correctly counterbored and turned down at the muzzle to accept a grenade launcher. Blade front sight with pinned sheet steel hood. 2-piece drift adjustable u-notch rear sight. Plain 2-piece wood stocks with cupped butt plate. Rifle is currently fitted with an original "L&F" marked leather sling. PROVENANCE: Ex Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess Collection. This example is also pictured and described on page 178 of "Desperate Measures" by W. Darrin Weaver. This fine Volksturmgewher is accompanied by a Volkssturm uniform and accouterments.

The Volkssturm Gewehr Tunic belonged former Feldwebel Klaus Edenbacher of the 246th Inf Division. During late 1943 Feldwebel Edenbacher was wounded during the fighting outside and around the Kiev Region and sent to a military hospital for the majority of 1944. Following the formation of the Volkssturm he was assigned as a Zugführer and an instructor. During his time with the Wermacht and 246th Infantry he was awarded the Iron Cross Second Class, Infantry Assault Badge, Black and Silver Wound Badges, and the Combat Clasp in Bronze. The Tunic is the only piece attributed to Klaus Edenbacher directly and exhibits Zugfuhrer rank insignia. The remainder of this set includes all original military issue components including M40 Field Trousers, Jackboots with the original soles and hobnailing, M43 Heer Field Cap (stamped “54” with faint maker stamping), M31 Mess Kit, M31 Breadbag, M31 Canteen, 2 G43 Magazine Pouches, WWII Issued German Wermacht Belt Buckle and Belt, Volkssturm Armband, Iron Cross Second Class, Infantry Assault Badge, Black and Silver Wound Badges (Silver is marked “L/13” for Meybauer), and Combat Clasp in Bronze. The uniform set was assembled by Archival Arms, and the Iron Cross has a small scanned piece of newspaper with it attributing it to Ernst Albat. CONDITION: Fine. Barrel retains nearly all of its original blue with scattered marks. Receiver likewise retains approximately 90% blue with some high edge wear and older oxidation spotting, especially on the left side. Stocks have a few impressions and a small 1/2" hairline split on the forend, but are otherwise very fine. Crisp, bright bore. Fine mechanics. The various pieces of uniform and insignia exhibit scattered blemishes and patina. An outstanding example of a very scarce and desirable last ditch World War II German rifle offered here with a great Volkssturm uniform grouping to display with it.

This collection will be up for auction on May 13 - 15, 2025 via Morphy Auctions.