COMBAT KNIFE, PHOTO, RELIC AND INSIGNIA GROUPING OF SGT. ROLLO G. RICE, CO. E, 506 P.I.R. "THE BAND OF BROTHERS"

COMBAT KNIFE, PHOTO, RELIC AND INSIGNIA GROUPING OF SGT. ROLLO G. RICE, CO. E, 506 P.I.R. "THE BAND OF BROTHERS"

An outstanding grouping of items from the service of Sgt. Rollo G. Rice, Co. E, 506th P.I.R.,101st Airborne, a late 1944 replacement and apparently attached to a headquarters company. Co. E is one of the most famous groups of soldiers of World War II, made famous in the book "A Band of Brothers" and the television series of the same name. Of special interest is a reworked German DLV dagger which we believe Rice acquired during the war and wore as a combat knife. The blade, just shy of 6.5 in. in length, bears the early maker mark of Gebr. Heller. It appears to have been media-blasted to dull the original highly-polished surface: this would be understandable considering Rice's threat-filled position in the 101st. The crossguard was likewise blasted, but to a lesser degree. The original blue leather-covered grip has been replaced with leather washer-type grip affixed to a period deep-red epoxy core which cannot be removed from the tang. Rice carried the weapon in a repurposed USM8A bayonet scabbard with (replaced) leather tie (it should be noted that two photos in this group show what appear to be a lanyard tied about Rice's leg). The scabbard bears Rice's name etched onto the reverse. Also included is: Rice's canteen and web belt (fair condition); his cased Army issue eyeglasses; steel cigarette case with engraved map of France and containing a small German patriotic song book; European�African�Middle Eastern Campaign ribbon with five stars; a non-regulation brass cased compass; a replacement Good Conduct medal; his "U.S." collar disc; a flexible wrist bracelet, well-worn, possibly war-date; a "blue star" photo frame; and Rice's 12 x 15 x 4 in. wood Signal Corps "EQUIPMENT BOX TYPE BE-48", used with radiotelegraph sets. Of special interest is 25 original photographs included with the lot, three clearly taken at Berchtesgaden, the balance showing the men in transports, posing while on leave, examining wrecked aircraft, etc. One image also shows Rice standing before a Dakota, with an additional ten 4 x 6 in. copies of other wartime images and two photos of Rice postwar. One of the copy photos shows identifies Rice in an image of Co. E, 506 PIR.