Rare! Original German WWII Occupation of France Champagne Bottle By Pol Roger (Wehrmacht Issue)
An exceptional and historically significant example of a German occupation-period champagne bottle, produced by the renowned French house Pol Roger of Épernay and bearing clear Third Reich control markings.
The bottle retains its original wartime label marked “Französisches Erzeugnis” (French Product), a designation commonly applied during the German occupation of France to identify goods originating from occupied territories. The main label further displays “Champagne – Pol Roger – Épernay,” along with “Brut 1928,” indicating the vintage base and prestigious pre-war production lineage.
Of particular historical importance is the red overprint notice applied across the label, presented in both German and French. The German text reads “Wehrmachts-Marketenderware – Verkauf im freien Handel verboten,” while the French states “Réservé à la Wehrmacht – Achat et revente interdits.” Translated, this indicates the bottle was strictly reserved for Wehrmacht use, with sale in civilian trade prohibited. Such markings are strongly associated with controlled distribution to German military personnel stationed in occupied France, making surviving examples highly desirable.
The bottle itself remains intact, with no chips or cracks observed. The label shows expected aging, including staining, edge wear, and areas of loss, all consistent with long-term storage and wartime handling. Remnants of the original foil capsule remain around the neck, further supporting its untouched, period appearance.
Occupation-marked champagne bottles of this type represent a unique crossover between luxury goods and military history, illustrating the appropriation and controlled distribution of fine French products for German forces. Authentic examples, especially from well-known houses such as Pol Roger, are increasingly difficult to source on today’s market.
A scarce and display-worthy artifact combining both historical significance and visual appeal.
