Germany, Rad. A Pair Of Private Photo Albums Featuring West Wall Construction

(Reichsarbeitsdienst Fotoalbum Konvolut). A pair of private Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service/RAD) photo albums, including:

1. A unit-attributed album, constructed of a card stock binding with a light grey canvas exterior liner, the cover bearing an embossed and blackened inscription of “AUS MEINER DIENSTZEIT” (“FROM MY SERVICE”) in the lower right corner, with a similarly embossed and blackened RAD logo in the upper left corner, with an additional RAD Emsland unit Officer’s cuff title pasted onto the cover (a unit noted for involvement in construction of the West Wall), the spine perforated with four eyelets reinforced with magnetic metal grommets through which is looped a drawstring which maintains the album’s structural integrity, the interior content consisting of 16 black card stock pages separated by wax paper dividers to protect the images, the latter consisting of 64 black-and-white photos of uniformed RAD personnel training, drilling, and at leisure, including images of trench digging at what is likely the West Wall, completing with some shots of Wehrmacht personnel, supplemented by one large loose group photo of RAD personnel affixed to a card stock backer, all uncaptioned, measuring 27 cm (w) x 19 cm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. A non-attributed album, constructed of a card stock binding with a light grey canvas exterior liner, the cover bearing an embossed and blackened inscription of “AUS MEINER DIENSTZEIT” (“FROM MY SERVICE”) in the lower right corner, with a similarly embossed and blackened RAD logo in the upper left corner, the spine perforated with four eyelets reinforced with magnetic metal grommets through which is looped a drawstring which maintains the album’s structural integrity, the interior content consisting of 24 black card stock pages separated by wax paper dividers to protect the images, the latter consisting of 125 black-and-white photos of uniformed RAD on duty, many featuring images of trenches and fortifications being dug and erected, respectively, which are possibly components of the West Wall, followed by images of personnel in uniform and greatcoats assembling, all uncaptioned and measuring 26.5 cm (w) x 19 cm (h), demonstrating some exterior soiling, in extremely fine condition.