An original World War II German Kriegsmarine portrait photograph depicting a sailor wearing the traditional naval uniform and “Kriegsmarine” tally cap while smoking a pipe.
This attractive studio-style portrait captures a Kriegsmarine enlisted sailor seated in uniform, with the cap tally clearly displaying the Kriegsmarine designation beneath the national eagle and cockade. The pipe lends the photograph a distinctive and relaxed character rarely encountered in formal military portraits.
The reverse bears a Soviet censorship stamp and handwritten inventory number, indicating the photograph was processed after capture by Soviet authorities.
Condition
Very good original condition with light age toning and minor handling wear. Reverse displaying Soviet censorship markings and handwritten inventory notation.
Specifications
Period: Third Reich (1933–1945)
Country: Germany
Branch: Kriegsmarine
Type: Original Period Photograph
Subject: Kriegsmarine Sailor Portrait with Pipe
Material: Photographic Paper
Dimensions: 9 × 13 cm
Reverse: Soviet censorship stamp and handwritten inventory number
Originality: Original period photograph
Historical Note
The Kriegsmarine cap tally (“Kriegsmarine”) was worn by enlisted sailors throughout the Second World War and remains one of the most recognizable features of German naval uniforms. Informal portraits such as this were commonly exchanged with family and friends and today provide an authentic glimpse into the daily lives of German naval personnel.
