Mounted Anti Aircraft Desk Ornament

Product Description: A finely rendered wartime commemorative, this Mounted Anti Aircraft Desk Ornament – Kriegsweihnachten 1942, 2. schw. Flak-Abt. 405 embodies the intersection of martial function and personal sentiment during the Second World War. Associated with the 2nd Company of schwere Flak-Abteilung 405, a German heavy anti-aircraft unit, the piece reflects the tradition of issuing or commissioning keepsakes to mark the Christmas season (Kriegsweihnachten) while in service.

The sculptural element is mounted upon a 3 by 3 inch marble base, providing a stable and elegant foundation that enhances its presentation. The ornament remains in excellent overall condition, preserving its original character and visual appeal.

As both a decorative object and a historical artifact, the Mounted Anti Aircraft Desk Ornament offers a tangible connection to the experiences of anti-aircraft personnel during the winter of 1942, capturing a moment of reflection amid the broader context of wartime service.

Historical Description:  During the Second World War, German desk ornaments and small statues often reflected a blend of craftsmanship, propaganda, and personal sentiment. Produced both officially and informally, these items ranged from finely cast metal figures of soldiers, aircraft, and artillery to more improvised pieces fashioned in the field. Many were intended as commemorative objects, marking unit service, campaigns, or seasonal observances such as Kriegsweihnachten (war Christmas). Officially sanctioned examples sometimes incorporated national symbols and idealized imagery aligned with the aesthetics of the period, while privately acquired or commissioned pieces were more varied, serving as souvenirs or tokens of identity for soldiers and officers alike.

Alongside these were “trench art” style objects, created from spent or repurposed munitions and battlefield materials. Shell casings, bullet components, and scrap metal were transformed into miniature sculptures, desk pieces, or decorative items, often engraved with unit designations, dates, or locations. These objects conveyed a more personal dimension of wartime experience, reflecting ingenuity under constraint and the desire to create meaning or preserve memory amid conflict. Today, such desk ornaments and statues are valued as historical artifacts that offer insight into both the formal culture and individual expression within the German military during WWII.

We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.

Epic Artifacts offers free evaluations and the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates.

Click the link here to learn more: Free Evaluation or Inquiries 

or feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com