M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private. . .
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
Learn MoreOSS Agent Personal Collection
- The rare collection offers an unprecedented glimpse into the secretive life of Eli Popovich
- Popovich was one of the nation's earliest OSS operatives and played a crucial role in war operations
- The collection includes Popovich’s military insignia, personal photographs and critical documents
- During World War II, Popovich was stationed on the Yugoslavian front
- Get complete item description here
To speak to one of our experts, call 1-888-711-8084
Popovich. . .
Popovich was one the nation's first OSS (Office of Strategic Services) members working in southern Europe. The OSS, the predecessor to the CIA, was a top-secret organization dedicated to undermining Axis powers through clandestine efforts. Through close coordination with Tito, Popovich was instrumental in crucial resistance operations in Yugoslavia between 1943 and 1945, including the arming and supplying of Yugoslav Partisan units, the tracking of German troop movements and the evacuation of Allied airmen. Popovich was also privy to top-secret meetings with Tito and other wartime leaders in the region, and his involvement in this pivotal Yugoslavian front undeniably diminished Axis strength in the region and shaped the post-war political landscape and humanitarian efforts.
Popovich's story was remarkable, with the unassuming engineer from Chicago remaining an active and distinguished member of the OSS and its successor, the CIA, until his retirement in 1969. Featured in multiple publications, including the 1975 bombshell Esquire article titled "Six Good Spies" by Lenn Davis and The Secret War by George C. Chalou, the details of his operative career remain largely unspoken, as Popovich was not one to disclose such information. Beyond his spike weapons cane from his estate going up for auction a few years ago, we can only speculate and continuously seek to uncover the depths of this important man’s bravery.
The collection contains:
Military-Issued Jacket: Featuring airborne patches and captain's bars
Patches and Pins:
Airborne patch
Master jump qualified patch
Jump qualified airborne parachutist patch
CBI, China, India Burma patch
US flag patch for left shoulder
Army Corps of Engineers pins (2)
U.S. Military pins (2)
Gold oak leaf pin denoting the rank of Major
Rank insignias
Campaign Ribbons
Military ID card (pink, indicating reserves)
ID card
Peking Club membership card (exclusive private society in Beijing, China) with a note indicating monthly membership was $2000/month
Training photo
Period: | 20th Century |
Origin: | America |
Type: | Historical Memorabilia |
Depth: | 4.88 in. (12.38 cm) |
Width: | 42.88 in. (108.9 cm) |
Height: | 32.13 in. (81.6 cm) |
The American Identity: Legacy of Art and Patriotism
Amidst the United States' numerous transformations, challenges and progress, artists played a crucial role in identifying, narrating and expressing the ever-evolving ideals of this grand experiment. The creative minds of these visionaries gave...
Read MoreAt M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
Learn More