Please take a look and give me your thoughts

[Nomadr]

Russian capture... That kills it as a collectable!

Only kidding! I have heard many stories of American and Russian confrontations at the end of the war. So the story does not surprise me.

I agree with the value at about $2500 plus. Nice heirloom!

Bob

[alanint]

Originally Posted by Nomadr

Russian capture... That kills it as a collectable!

Only kidding! I have heard many stories of American and Russian confrontations at the end of the war. So the story does not surprise me.

Bob

The inmediate post war era was much more complex and fascinating than most people realize. There were looters, bootleggers, organized gangsters, "Werewolfs", black marketeers, smugglers and goon squads. Old scores were being settled and more than one murder took place in those post war months that was never investigated or solved. Groups of soldiers from the various allied nations were competing for loot and war booty. Many made millions capitalizing on the chaos and comfusion. Confrontations like the one described were not that uncommon.
My Dad was a B24 gunner in the Eight Airforce, but was later transferred to Cherbourg, where he guarded German prisoners. He told me of one incident where Frenchmen tried to ambush them outside of a bar, (because of the Aircorps uniforms. Many French felt that the USAAC had bombed their towns indiscriminately). Only by pulling unauthorized, concealed .45s were he and his buddies able to walk away from the confrontation.