Virtual Museum Other Items

 

<<< Back to Other Items

TANK MODEL, “Herrn Major Vester”

30B-2349, Not for Sale

 

Shortly after occupation by German forces an armored vehicle repair facility was established in Riga, Latvia. A major focus was to recover, and repair captured enemy (Russian) tanks and return them to service with the German army. The service life of these captured tanks was limited due to Spare parts and ammunition supply.
This subject model represents a Russian T-26, designated by the German army as Armored Battle Vehicle T-26 B 738 (r).
The model is all metal, machined parts as well as formed heavy sheet metal. There is a brass plate on the front that names it to a German Officer, “Herrn Major Vester”. Most likely the departing commander of the facility in 26, August 1942.
It was brought home as a souvenir, and purchased at a farm auction around 1980, in Oklahoma. It was found in the barn under the hay. Track links are missing from one side, they may still be on the barn floor, unrecognized. A souvenir that became a great toy for the veteran’s son.
(Research Continues)

Contact Us