Original German WWII Nymphenburg Porcelain SS-Jungschütze "Young SS Soldier" Sculpture by Turi Weinmann

Original Item: Only One Available. The SS (Schutzstaffel - 'Protection Squadron') was originally formed in 1925, ostensibly to act as a small, loyal bodyguard unit to protect the Führer, Adolf H. Under the direction of the Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, the SS grew to be the most ruthless and feared organization of the 20th century. They were the vanguard of NSDAP and eventually controlled nearly every function of German life and much of Occupied Europe.

When WWII began in earnest, the SS-Verfügungstruppe (SS-VT) (SS Dispositional Troops) became the Waffen-SS ("Armed SS"), an official military branch of the SS organization. Its formations included men from NSDAP ruled Germany, along with volunteers and conscripts from both occupied and unoccupied lands. They were issued the same type field gear as the regular Heer Army, however they were marked specifically for the SS.

Here we have a lovely example of German WWII Era SS porcelain, which were often pieces designed to match Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler misguided attempts to glorify his version of Germanic history. He would later go so far as to take over a porcelain factory to manufacture these specific items. This piece is from before that period, and was produced by the famed Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory in Munich, home of the NSDAP movement. Designed by Turi Weinmann, the sculpture is titled SS-Jungschütze (Young SS Soldier), and depicts what looks like a teenager in a German military uniform, standing at ease. The figure measures 10 1/8" tall on a base about 3" across, and is made from fine glazed white porcelain.

The base is marked with the Royal Bavarian coat of arms over Nymphenburg in green, and there is also a stamped coat of arms over 898 / 0, which looks to be the model or mold number for this figure. This design seems to be quite rare, and we have only been able to find two other examples that were on the market in the recent years. It is in very good condition, showing some checking and crazing in the glaze due to age, and as with other examples we have seen, the bottom of the knife / bayonet on the rear left is broken off. There is also a small chip off the edge of the base, but no other discrepancies we can see.

Ready to be a part of your German porcelain collection!

Porzellanmanufaktur Nymphenburg (Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory) was founded in 1747 and produces artistically high-quality porcelain. Located in Munich, it is named after the nearby Nymphenburg Palace, and was originally founded as part of Bavarian Elector Maximilian III Joseph's plans to improve state finances. It experienced a decline in the mid 19th century, but was revived towards the turn of the century, and by the WWI era it was once again producing find porcelain. It survived the end of the war, but as with all industry in Germany, particularly in Munich, the "home" of the NSDAP, it was made to produce porcelain items that glorified the new "reich".