Panzer, 27th Regiment, Original Art, October 23, 1943

4 leaves in folio, dedicated in gratitude to the officers of Panzer, Regiment 27. This item not only has a wonderful water color of panzers in battle formation but is signed by nine (presumably of those who survived as late as October 23, 1943). It is by Count Thilo von Werthern-Beichlingern Graf (1914-1986) and Princess Walpurgis von Stolberg-Wernigerode (1821-1992). The water color measures 8" x 11 1/2". Background: The Panzer-Regiment 27 was formed on October 18, 1941 and proceeded against Malojaroslawetz and after moving rapidly was ordered to advance along the road of Moscow as far as possible. The route would take the Regiment and the other lead elements of the 19th Panzer Division over the Protwa, Werabyi, and Nara rivers. It captured the two large bridges over the Protwa and continued its attack with Luftwaffe support. It was at that point that the commander Oberleutnant Freiherr von Werthern led them toward the river. There was a barrage of anti-tank gun fire and he ordered them to move full speed ahead, they reached the bridge and crossed. This regiment had preempted the establishment of a strong Soviet defensive line. The Regiment had advanced over 60 km on this day. Werthern would be awarded the Knight's Cross for the role he and his Komapnie had played in securing the bridge in an intact state. Some staining to front wrapper.