Did Soldiers loot in ww2?

When you hear the terms “World War II” and “looting” you usually think of the Axis powers taking anything they pleased from conquered nations. German troops certainly did rob their way across occupied Europe. Many of the greatest cultural treasures as well as gold, jewelry, and property were taken by them.

Are ww2 items valuable?

Rarity and circumstances can alter that value significantly. World War II letters, for example, carry little value and even letters from German prisoner-of-war camps are fairly plentiful. However, letters from Japanese-held POWs can fetch upwards of $500 thanks largely to the fact that they were incredibly rare.

What did ww2 soldiers carry?

The soldiers carried much of their kit around with them. They were supplied with clothes, boots, weapons and a personal kit. Soldiers carried a water-bottle, ammunition pouches, entrenching tool (spade), a groundsheet and a haversack containing; mess-tin, tinned rations, extra iron rations, spare socks and laces.

What happened to art in World War 2?

Countless pieces of art were stolen during the Holocaust and many were destroyed. The Nazis were relentless in their efforts to get rid of the Jewish people and their culture. Paintings that had been passed down from generation to generation were taken and destroyed.

What can I do with WWII memorabilia?

Basically it comes down to four choices: display the items in your home, donate them to a museum or historical institution, store them away or sell them. Before reaching a decision, find out exactly what you have and its value. Start by getting information from the veteran, if he or she is still around, then dig.

What is the most expensive civil war item?

“The rarest and most expensive Civil War collectibles are Confederate, particularly cloth flags,” said Tony Lemut, a consignments consultant for Milestone Auctions in Willoughby (suburban Cleveland), Ohio. “Owing to their delicate nature, not many Union flags survived,” he said.

What equipment was used in ww2?

Rifles

How much is military uniforms worth?

The total value of military uniform items for a newly enlisted service member ranges from about $1,600 to $2,400, depending on the military service. Over the course of their careers, service members must replace and maintain their uniforms.

Are war souvenirs legal?

War trophies or souvenirs taken from enemy military property are legal under the LOW. Confiscated enemy military property is property of the United States. The property becomes a war trophy, and capable of legal retention by an individual Soldier as a souvenir, only as authorized by higher authority.

What are some military souvenirs from World War II worth money?

American soldiers often brought German and Japanese military souvenirs home from the war as symbols of victory. Party flags. The typical Nazi Party flag from World War II is worth $50 to $350, depending on its size and condition.

What happened to the Axis powers in World War II?

In the early years of World War II, the Axis powers had the upper hand. The tide turned when the Axis leaders overreached and the Allies steered their more massive economies and populations into wartime mode.

How much is a World War II Luger worth?

A Luger from World War II typically is worth $750 to $2,000… a Walther P38, $500 to $2,000.

Are old letters from WW2 worth anything?

Most World War II soldiers’ letters have little monetary value, but a letter from a prisoner in a Japanese POW camp can bring $500 if it says something more than “I am well.” Letters from POWs in German camps are more common and typically less valuable. Painted flight jackets.