Visor Caps of the NSDAP

VISOR CAPS OF THE POLITICAL LEADERSHIP OF THE NSDAP

Prior to 1933, Political Leaders of the NSDAP wore the SA style kepi. The kepi was totally light brown with fixed turn-up sides, and a single round metal button at the lower front. Centered at the top front was a metal political style ational emblem. Affixed by two side buttons was a cap cord with one (centered) or two (off-set) cord knots. An identical kepi, but in blue-black was worn with the blue-black service uniform.

A visor cap was introduced in late 1933 for wear by Political Leaders of the NSDAP. It was identified as a "Wehrmacht-Schnitt (Armed Forces style) or as "Schirmmiitze" (visor cap). Regardless of the political level the top of the cap was light brown. The cap band was light brown at the Ortsgruppe level, and dark brown for Kreis, Gau, and Reich levels. The visor was made of black leather, but this was gradually changed to brown. The chin strap was made of twist cord in the same color as the collar insignia authorized for wear by the respective political leader, i.e., silver or gold. The strap was secured by metal side buttons of the same color. The insignia worn on this pattern visor cap initially consisted only of the early pattern (with pointed wings) silver metal national emblem as introduced in 1929. Early regulations prescribed that the national emblem be positioned in the front center bisected by the juncture of the cap top and cap band seam. This was soon repositioned at the top center of the cap top. Shortly thereafter, a cockade consisting of a black wool center surrounded by an aluminum ring, which in turn was surrounded by a red plastic or fiber ring, was introduced.

A system of cap piping about the cap top, and around the top and bottom of the cap band was introduced to identify the political level to which the respective political leader was assigned. The colors were as follows:

Blue (Blau): Ortsgruppe level Black (Schwarz): Kreis level Red (Rot): Gau level Red (Rot): Reich level Note that the first cap piping colors utilized red for both the Gau and Reich levels. However, sometime in 1936/37 the color for the Reichleitung was changed to match the color of the collar patch piping (golden-yellow).

The visor cap underwent minor changes in 1936 in that the national emblem of the 1929 pattern was replaced with a larger eagle with rounded wings, and the cockade was changed to the pattern with the black swastika in the center surrounded by a silver/aluminum rim with an outer rim of red plastic or fiber.

The chin cord and cap band remained the same, however the fabric of the cap band for Kreis level and above was changed to medium brown velvet. The visor was standardized in color to a brown leather or fiber material. The piping reflecting the political levels remained unchanged except that the Reich level was changed from red to golden-yellow (Goldgelb). However, personnel holding the title of "Reichleiter" utilized the gold piping rather than the golden-yellow.

A new style visor cap was introduced in 1938 with the introduction of the new form insignia. The cap bands at all levels were dark brown velvet. The visor was brown fiber material. The chinstrap was golden-yellow twist celleon. The national emblem was changed to the final larger form, and the cockade was surrounded by a gilt-colored metal oakleaf wreath. However, it was not uncommon for higher ranking political leaders to have the wreath done in hand-embroidered gold wire. The piping colors were revised for the final time as follows:

Light blue (Hellblau): Ortsgruppe level White (Weiss): Kreis level Dark Red (Dunkel Rot): Gau level Golden-yellow (Goldgelb): Reich level

This pattern visor cap remained in use until the end of the war.

J.R. Angolia: "Cloth Insignia of the NSDAP and SA", 1985, R. James Bender Publishing

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Tips on Detecting Fake Uniforms

A fake uniform is one which is simply not what it appears to be: It is not a uniform made for the Wehrmacht, Party etc. but is a modern made uniform made for the purpose of deceiving the collector. A made-up uniform is one which is put together from original and/or reproduction parts, with the insignia added after 1945 by a collector or dealer for the purpose of deceiving the collector.

It is almost impossible to write out a list of things to watch for in buying a uniform, but there are some guidelines which I would like to bring to the collectors attention. By using these and by applying some common sence a collector with little experience can guard himself from being swindled.

1. HAVE A REFERENCE LIBRARY: If you are going to collect SS uniforms, you should own some good books on the subject. How else are you going to learn and where can you go for quick information? No collector can have too many references.

2. IF YOU ARE NOT AN "EXPERT" YOU SHOULD KNOW ONE: When you are in doubt, ask. Get a second opinion before you spend your money.

3. KNOW YOUR SOURCE: If the item is coming from a "vet" then there is little to worry about. If it is being offered by a collector or dealer consider the reputation of the person. Is he known to be honest, or does he have a reputation of selling fakes and pulling tricks on unknowning collectors.

4. LOOK AT THE OVERALL APPEARANCE OF THE UNIFORM: Does it appear to be 30 years old? Even if in great condition it should not have that "brand new look and feel. Smell it! Strange as this may sound, your nose can detect age very well. Does the tayloring agree with what you find in your references? Is the style, cut and color correct? If your first impression is negative -- watch out!

5. INSPECT FOR LABELS: Remember, these can be fakes too, but a well marked tunic with correct labels is better than an unmarked one. Are the labels proper to this particular item? Are the RZM tags (if any) correct for this type of uniform? Did the person whos name appears inside the tunic, actually exist and did he hold this rank and belong to this unit? Use your references!

6. ARE ALL INSIGNIA PROPER TO THIS UNIFORM?: Check to make sure all the various insignia are correct. THIS CAN BE THE BIGGEST TIP-OFF TO A FAKE OR MADE-UP: First verify that the insignia is all original. Then check to see if they are all proper to this uniform. Do the collar tabs match the shoulder boards? Is the breast eagle proper to this type uniform? Are the buttons correct? Does the uniform have the proper size and color of piping around the collar?

7. LOOK FOR INSIGNIA ADDITIONS AND DELEATIONS: Check the way the insignia is sewn on the uniform, does it appear to be original or has it been changed? Is there evidence of any insignia being removed? Does the Waffen-SS tunic show signs of once having an Army breast eagle?? Does all the insignia look to be about the same age, or does the sleeve eagle look new while the tunic is well worn? Are the boards mint and the tabs shabby? Is the quality of all insignia about the same and is it the quality you would expect from a private or a general?

8. IS THE PRICE "TO GOOD TO BE TRUE?" If so--it probably is: No collector or dealer is going to offer you a $500. item for $200., unless there is something he knows about it that you don't: And what he probably knows is that the item is a fake. Beware of any "bargains". However, remember that some greedy crooks will hold out for an original price even though they are selling a fake.

9. CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS: I've stood by and wathced a collector (including myself) rationalize away all the flaws and signs of a fake simply because he "wants" to believe the item is real. If you have been looking for a certain item for years, it can be hard to have to tell yourself that the gem you just found is a beautiful fake. You want it to be real, so you convince yourself it is, regardless ofall evidence to the contrary.

I realize that the list is far from complete and that following these suggestions will not insure that you won't be fooled. But by using these guidelines your chances are greatly inproved over simply "taking the sellers word for it"!

Bob Treend, "Anything they could make then - They can make now", Der Gauleiter, 1976

Feldherrnhalle Helmet Decals

REPRODUCTIONS

The distinctions between the states of Reproduction and Restoration is a very thin line - discerned only by a very simple factor, that of motive. The problem for most collectors who encounter the reproduction and/or restored item is not simply one of recognizing a motive, but in being able to confidently identify the "good" from the "bad".

As most collectors are aware, transfer decals for German steel helmets have been around for years - and they have more or less been accepted at their face value, bona fide items of restoration. The original instigators behind the manufacture of the decals were film and theatrical companies. Naturally enough wellmeaning film companies wanting to recreate scenes from WVII have been increasingly enthusiastic in achieving technical perfection among their props - the intention being to enhance their film and TV productions - in principle, quite honorable.

So far, so good: The situation, however, becomes somewhat more complex.

Whilst the operation of putting new Army decals on helmets where the old Army ones had worn off (or Luftwaffe ones where the Luftwaffe ones had been) can clearly be recognised as restoration, the action of putting SS decals on an Army helmet alters the situation.-It becomes more properly a case of Reproduction or embellishment, than it does "restoring". All this, of course, is just another headache for the collector who continues to be bemused and confused by it all.

Just to give the collector a bit of an edge against the situation in which he increasingly finds himself, "Der GAULEITER" presents a guide to instant recognition of a particularly troublesome decal - the SA Feldherrnhalle decal. The troublesome part about it is that most collecotrs have never seen an original which they may compare against - and that is what makes it easy for the reproduction to move about undetected.

Firstly a short note about the originals:

Special helmet insignia for the SA Standarte Feldherrnhalle was apparently authorised in 1936, when the Standarte was officially consecrated. In principle the Feldherrnhalle was supposed to undertake special guard and protection duties for high officials of the Party and the SA that were not already being undertaken by the SS. In fact sometime before the official establishment of the Feldherrnhalle special SA elite guard units were in existence, and subsequently they had borne their own special insignia. The Feldherrnhalle had taken its name from the monument that stands in Munich, and which had been the scene of the famed illfated putsch of 1923. In commemoration of this the helmet decal as introduced in 1936 featuring a design this monument in silver on a dark magenta field, and this was featured on the left side of the helmet. On the right side the shield shaped decal featured a swastika on a silver field.

IDENTIFYING THE REPRODUCTION Generally speaking there is no hard and fast rule for identifying reproduction decals - especially when the printed images are copied from originals instead of artwork replicas, and when the reproduction technique involved uses the same matt base inks instead of the more commonly encountered gloss finish as featured on many of the Belgian copies. With the Feldherrnhalle pattern, however, the manufacturer was thoughtful enough to incorporate a specific design error, and this makes it impossible to completely mistake the reproduction for the original.

Left side Feldherrnhalle shield: The mistake on this is that the color of the base field (dark magenta) is too dark in color, and the detail to the lion statues at the sides of the steps, incorrect shaping to the archwawys and paneling of the roof line.

Right side shield: This features a most clearly recognisable flaw, in the coloring, and which can not be mistaken. The reproduction displays a black swastika with black and white edging on a white field within a pink/maroon circle in a silver shield; as opposed to the correct style of a black swastika with white edging in a dark grey field within a pink/maroon circle in a silver shield.

The color of the steel helmet (M1936 pattern) was a chocolate brown, except for those personnel who subsequently wore the normal Army grey/green helmet without decal. but with the distinctive Feldherrnhalle cuff title and shoulder strap insignia.

Editor's note: Mr. Stephens is the author of REPRODUCTION-RECOGNITION and HITLER YOUTH-History, Organization, Uniforms and Insignia. DG wishes to express our thanks to him for generously providing this information to our readers.

Frederick J. Stevens: "REPRODUCTIONS: THE FELDHERRNHALLE HElMET DECALS", 1977, "Der Gauleiter

N.S.D.A.P. Organizations

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SOME OF THE LARGER PARTY ORGANIZATIONS

NSDAP: The National Socialist German Worker's Party was the seat of all power of the Nazi Party. It had an elaborate hierarchy of central, regional, and local headquarters with departments for all its manifold interests at all levels. Through the octopus-like aparatus of the NSDAP a close watch on all aspects of German life and the activities of its citizens was possible. The NSDAP High Command in Munich included bureaus (Amter) which more or less paralleled the Ministries of the national government in Berlin.

The heads of the principal activities were called Reichleiter, numbering about 16 at the end of WWII. These, together with the Gauleiter who headed the 43 Party regions (Gaue), constituted the top leadership of the Party. Under them were vast numbers of Party functionaries known as political leaders (Politische Leiter) who had their own complicated system of ranks and uniforms and were well suited to organizing and guiding residents within Germany.

To train the corps of political leaders in Nazi ideology and methods the Party established a system of special schools, including four "castles of the order" (Ordensburgen) for highly select students and a large number of regional and district training "castles" (Gau- and Kreis-Schulungsburgen.) Besides its regular regional and functional subdivisions the Party included four special branches (Gliederungen) - the SA, SS, NSKK, and HJ - and a number of affiliated formations, each of which was a self-contained organization with its own particular mission, regional structure, ranks, uniforms and significance to the war effort of the nation.

SA (Sturmabteilunqen SA) Brownshirts: The SA was the oldest semi-military organization of the Party. It was designed as the Party's instrument for the training and indoctrination of its members and for supporting its domestic political aims in public. Many of its members were common thugs and criminals who were empoyed to attack all persons not in agreement with the Nazi scheme of things. The SA, after having served its purpose in ramming the Nazi Party into power, was itself purged in 1934. The SS under Himmler gradually took over SA functions which were left. Thereafter the SA sank into relative political unimportance.

SS (Schutzstaffel) The Protective Guard of the NSDAP: The SS was an independent branch (Gliederung) of the Nazi Party led by the notorious Heinrich Himmler. The SS gradually grew from a purely protective guard to an army in itself, with many subunits and resposibilities. It administered all police activities including courts of political justice, concentration camps, and internal security. The Waffen SS grew from the parent organization as a full-fledged fighting unit, and in the early days of the war, had the cream of German manhood in its ranks. The SS was responsible for the training of youth in the Hitler Youth organization, the storm troops (SA), and most of the other Party organizations and activities. The SS had the absolute power of life and death over every German and foreigner who lived under the flag of the Third Reich. No other organization in history has been more feared nor held in such awe by so many people. The SS insignia of skull and cross bones was a fitting symbol for this legion of terror.

RAD (Reicharbeitsdienst) The Reich Labor Service: This group arose from a Party organization set up in 1931 and known as the NS-Arbeitsdienst for the purpose of easing unemployment. It grew in importance and a law in 1935 made service in RAD, now separated from the Party and made into a State organization, compulsory for all young Germans. The peacetime mission of the RAD was to renew the interest in the dignity of manual labor, physical hardening, political indoctrination, and the performance of important public works projects.

ORGANIZATION TODT: OT was formed by Dr. Todt in 1938 to build the western defenses known in Germany as the Westwal1. In wartime its Einsatzgruppen (Work groups) were employed as construction units in almost all defensive construction works, especially those in France, Italy and the Low countries.

NSKK (Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrkorps): The National Socialist Motor Transport Corps was organized under this title in 1931 to increase the mobility of the SA storm troops. After 1933 the NSKK turned the mission of its members mostly to the training of drivers for the armed forces and assisted in the design of new types of vehicles for the Wehrmacht.

TN (Technische Nothilfe): The Technical Emergency Corps was often referred to as the TENO. TENO was a branch of the Order Police (Ordungspo1iezi) made up of engineers, technicians and skilled and semi-skilled specialists in construction work, public utilities operation, communications, metal salvage, and other related fields. Most members were men over military age.

General requirements were those of the SS and police. Founded in 1919 as a strikebreaking organization the TENO was retained after 1933 as a force of the state to cope with emergencies and dangers to the public. During WWII this force performed hercu1ear service cleaning up after Allied air raids.

HJ (Hitler Youth)(Hitler Jugend): All German youths between the ages of 10 and 18, if qualified physically and racially, were recruited for the Hitler Youth. The HJ was responsible for the pre-military training and political indoctrination of all future soldiers of the Reich. Girls belonged to a branch of the HJ known as the League of German Girls (Bund Deutscher Madel-BDM) and join the Party Women's Organization (NS-Frauenschaft) upon reaching the age of 21. The HJ for boys was divided into the Hitler Jugend proper (for boys from 14 to 18) and the Deutsches Jungvolk-DJ, for boys from 10 to 14.

NSF (NS Frauenschaft):National Socialist Women's League.
The NSF was organized to train other women in the Nazi female organizations in the fields of propaganda, press relations, personnel organization, office administration, welfare, nursing and red cross. Graduates of the NSF moved on to administer many important functions relating to the use of women in war production. The age group of the NSF ranged from 18 to 30 years.

NSFK (NS Flieqerkorps):National Socialist Flying Corps.
This organization incorporated all existing sport and commercial aviation interests into one Party-controlled organization in April 1937. The mission of the NSFK was the pre-military training of prospective members of the Luftwaffe (Air Force), post-military training of its reservists, and general furthering of air-mindedness among the German people. Its regional organization was like tha" of the SA, based on Gruppen and Standarten. Membership was voluntary but a new member could not be a member of the SS, SA, or NSKK at the same time.

OTHER NATIONAL SOCIALIST ORGANIZATIONS

NSDA; National Socialist German Doctor's League

NSBDT; N.S. League of German Technicians

NSL; National Socialist Teacher's League

DAV; National Union for German Elements Abroad

DRK; German Red Cross

NSBO; National Socialist Farmer's Organization

NSV; National Socialist People's Charities

DSDF; NS State League of German Nurses

NSD Studentenbund; NS Student's Bund

RDF; State League of German Families

DAF; German Labor Front

SD; Security Service

Unattributed (probably Rudolf Kahl): "The Military Press" c. 1968

Nazi Symbols

For the new collector the various symbols encountered in our hobby can be difficult to understand. Here are some of the ones every collector should know on sight. There are many others.... Bob

Images from: Ray R. Cowdery, "Nazi Militaria - Fake or Real?", USM Inc., 1993

Luftwaffe Gravity Knives

One of the best examples of German equipment designed for a specific purpose is the Luftwaffe Gravity Knife. This knife. also called a Paratrooper Knife, was issued to Luftwaffe personally as a general utility knife. Its primary designed function was to provide parachute troops, and other flying personel, with a heavy duty, reliable knife for a variety of functions.

These knives were made in two distinct types and finishes. They each consisted of a steel single edged blade which slid point frist out of the handle. The mechanism was operated with one hand by a lever and was practically infallable. Both types had a folding pick and large carrying ring on the end opposite the blade. Both types had wood grips as well. The sole difference in the two types of knife is that one could be taken apart by pressing a small square metal plate imbedded in the grip. This is the type generally issued to parachutists. There was also a variance in finished from blued steel to nickle plating.

Often you will find knives with makers marks on the blades. but not all, particularly the blued ones will have them. There is invariably a serial number on the base of the pick and I or one on the thumb lever. Often military acceptance proofs are stamped on the blade or pick base in the form of an eagle.

Unattributed: "LUFTWAFFE GRAVITY KNIVES", "Der Haren Kreuz" c. 1968

The Marine SA

Marine SA units were first formed in 1929 to provide pre- and post-military training to men designated for assignment to or leaving service with the navy and merchant marine. Each SA-Gruppe contained at least one SA-Marinestandarte without concern for the geographic proximity to sea ports. Inland sreams and waterways were the training grounds for such units. Prior to 1934, Naval SA units were merely a part of the regular SA, but with a specialized charter. In 1934, following a significant reorganization, Marine-SA units were given an independent status within the overall structure of the SA.

Even from the earliest days, the Marine-SA wore a distinctive uniform and insignia. The first uniform consisted of a dark blue visored cap (instead of the standard pattern SA kepi), dark blue breeches or straight pants, brown boots with breeches), and the standard pattern SA brown shirt. A completely distinct uniform was introduced for wear by members of the Marine-SA in 1934, the dark blue service tunic was introduced, and the color of the footwear was changed to black.

While most of the insignia worn by members of the Marine-SA remained consistent with those of the regular SA, the device worn on the navy-style visor cap was distinctive to the Marine-SA.

In early 1933, a special cap device consisting of an elongated oakleaf wreath with the political leader rosette (black swastika in the center of the red/silver/black rosette) was worn on the black mohair band of the visor cap· Enlisted personnel wore the insigne in gold metal, while officers had the insigne in gold hand embroidered wire.

Sometime in early 1934, the insigne was modified, with the political leader's rosette being replaced by a silver political-style national emblem with a 38mm wing span. The national emblem was placed in the center of the gold wreath, and the insigne moved from the center of the mohair band to the center front of the upper cap.

In mid-1934 the insigne was again moved back to the front center of the black mohair band, where it remained.

The third and final insignia pattern was introduced sometime in 1938 or 1939 and remained until the end of the war. The cockade was a gold oakleaf wreath with a round SA rosette in the center, and positioned at the front center of the mohair band. At the front center of the cap top was the late pattern national emblem.

J.R. Angolia: "Cloth Insignia of the NSDAP and SA", 1985. R.James Bender Publishing

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Just For Fun....

Requested by a member. I'll post more in the future....

Duane Pfister, "Really Rare Reich Relics Vol. 1, Self Published, 1977

Militaria Dealer Pricing

" The time has come, the Walrus said, to speak of many things, of sailing ships and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings. "

While reading through the 'Dealer Reports' I quite often come across the notation "Prices are too high" or "He charges too much." It was after thinking about this aspect of the reports that I decided to write a little paragraph or two about my pricing policies since I have been the subject of a number of similar complaints over the years and I believe my polices are probably typical although what follows is my personal and true method and philosophy about how I arrive at my prices for items which I offer for sale. While I can't speak for other dealers, I believe that this article might give the collector some insight into what goes into placing a sale or trade price on a piece.

I have been a collector of Imperial and Nazi militaria for over twenty years. I became interested in accumulating 'war relics' when a neigbor gave me two WWI helmets and a dagger. I was immediately hooked and began accumulating every single thing I could find. My personal approach to a piece was to then study the history behind it, so as to be able to learn the historic context in which it was placed. I found that this combined study of the history and the placing of a piece in its true context offered me a sense of fullfillment that was unmatched by other interests. Soon, however, a new problem developed. I began to duplicate material already in my collection and there was no way to avoid it. What would generally happen is someone would respond to my numerous ads which were scattered throughout the area I live in and offer me a bunch of stuff on which I would make him an offer. As often as not, when I got home and began thoroughly sorting the material, I would find one or two duplicates which were superfluous for my needs.

After a period of time during which similar scenes took place, I began selling off my excess and using the money to acquire new pieces. In this way, my personal collection grew substantially over a period of time and I found myself with more and more material which was unneeded. Gradually, I put together a 'Sale List' of items and sent them out to other collectors throughout the country. At this point, I was considered by other collectors as a dealer. But at this junction, two thoughts began to form in my mind and a decision had to be made very quickly. Was I to remain a 'Collector/Dealer' selling off my excess and continuing to look for other items or was I to try and become a full-time dealer, making all or the major part of my living selling militaria? A very detailed examination of these possibilities led me to an astounding discovery - if I tried to make a living by selling militaria full-time, I would have to begin to sell repros, since I could not guarantee a continuous supply of 'good' stuff and fluctuations in income could not be tolerated in a normal living enviroment. As an aside at this point, I would like to point out that this fact of life is still valid even today. If a dealer makes his total living from the sale of militaria, in the vast majority of cases he must also sell repros.

There are very few exceptions to this rule. This does not imply that the 'amateur' dealer doesn't sell repros, many of them do, but be especially wary of any dealer who makes his full-time living selling war relics. The chances are good that somewhere along the way he will try to move a bad piece on you.

(Editor's note: Please note that Bill has allowed that there are exceptions to the above and that he is not talking about the honest dealer who sells a repro as a repro.) Once I had decided not to become a full-time dealer, it was natural for me to begin to seriously consider where I wanted to go with my collecting. I decided that the common, everyday type of items that I was accumulating in boxes was not to my liking, so I began to specialise in the very rare and exotic pieces. When a call came through from a prospective seller, I would still rush out to find out what he had, but I would look more critically at his assortment and would buy only if one or two of the pieces were of an uncommon item. The remainder I would pass on or, if I were required to buy the lot to get the one piece I wanted, I would immediately call a few other collectors and sell them the remainders. In this manner, I slowly watched my collection change from a helter-skelter assortment of many similar items to a very refined, sophisticated collection of exotic pieces. Now I was faced with an entirely new problem - how to continue buying rare pieces which were rapidly escalating in value and still not deprive my family of a normal life. The answer was to begin to sell off some of my rarer pieces in order to re-cycle the money into new and more exotic items. The tone of my lists gradually under went a change towards the more expensive, exotic and one-of-a-kind items of interest to greatly advanced collectors (or those who wanted a single, fine, rare piece for the centerpiece of their own collections). It is, for the most part, this type of list which I currently send out to other collectors and this brings me to how I have established my prices.

Let's start with the simple basics. A man calls me to tell me that he has a number of pieces for sale. When I examine the items I find one or two that are of interest to me either as a collector or as a dealer willing to re-sell them. At this point, I must make an offer which is high enough for him to sell the item or items to me as opposed to calling in another dealer or collector. Once I arrive home with my find, I begin to sort and cull all the superfluous pieces out and grade them according to condition. Then I consult the lists of other dealers , throughout the world to see what similar pieces are selling for. I even consult the lists of the fraud merchants to see what they are getting for rip-off items.

Now I have an idea of what the gross profit on the entire transaction will be (selling prices less purchase price/gross). Let us assume for the sake of illustration that I have paid $100 for a collection of items that, when sold, will return me $400. This would indicate a gross profit of $300, which isn't a bad return. However, I am now faced with the selling of the items involved to make this profit. In order to accomplish this, I use two methods - I send out lists to subscribers and I attend militaria shows as a dealer. I charge $1.00 for a year's listings (generally three) of all the items which I am offering for sale.

This list consists of about eight pages of items and prices and costs me approximately $40.00 to print each issue. It currently costs me 20¢ per list to have our outstandingly efficient postal service send them to the subscribers, making a total cost per quarterly listing of $80.00. Since I mail a minimum of three lists per year, my yearly cost to tell potential buyers what I am offering is $240.00, which is $40.00 more than the subscribers pay for the lists. This amount also must be deducted from the Gross profit figure. Now, since no dealer ever sells every single item on his list, that means that he will carry items in stock for a period of time therefore keeping his original investment tied up longer. My own lists average about a 30% sale rate which is probably average. The unsold items are packed into cartons and loaded into my van and begin travelling with me on the week-ends to the gun and militaria shows throughout the area. It is not uncommon for me to drive 700 miles (round trip) to attend a major show and the cost of gasoline, food, and lodging plus the costs of tables must also be deducted from the rapidly dwindling gross profit figure mentioned earlier. For the past seven years that I have been keeping very accurate records, I find that I am actually losing money each year, but the loss is not nearly as great as it would be if I were not selling some pieces off to help defray my expenses. I would have enjoyed not having to sell off items from my own collection, but if I didn't, I wouldn't be able to continue this activity. I know that other collector/dealers must face the same problems, thus the temptation to deal in repros.

Another aspect of pricing which should be mentioned right here is the pricing established by the repro dealer. As an example, there are currently to be seen many ads offering so-called 'parts daggers' for sale in numerous collector's publications. No matter how you cut it, these daggers are phony. They were not assembled, let alone used, during the period they purport to belong to, and many have newly manufactured parts. If a phony dagger sells for $100 under these circumstances (and it will shortly become an"original" for a much higher price) how can anyone not justify a price of $150 for an undisputed original? The dealer knows, or should know, what his merchandise is worth on the open market. There is a very limited supply of good, original pieces and an ever-growing collector interest in them. This is the economic law of supply and demand in operation for all to see. The collectors are competing for the supply and are actually bidding against each other for the right of ownership. The dealer who bases his prices on what the market will bear is no different from any other merchant in any other business. If he is wrong the piece won't sell - if he is right someone will buy it. When someone complains to me that my prices are too high, I know immediately that he is willing to buy at a lower price but I can not readily shave my price that much and still cover the overhead that I am operating under. I can not lower my price (thereby increasing the over-all loss) just to be a nice guy. It is totally impractical to ask me to.

There is also the possibility that the buyer who would like a piece "if the price were lower" is actually thinking of buying the item as an investment rather than as an addition to his collection and, with the eventual thought of selling the piece, figures that few other collectors will buy it if he has to pay full price for it and then subsequently add a profit figure for himself before moving it. I personally am unable and unwilling to help him become a dealer at my expense.

In conclusion, I would like to state a rather pragmatic test to determine if a dealer's price is truly "too high"; does the item sell? If so, the price was not too high. If it doesn't sell (and the dealer doesn't lower the price) could that really mean that the dealer doesn't honestly want to part with the item and, in order for him to do so, the buyer will have to part with a pint of blood?

Good Collecting!

Editor's note: Many who are collectors only and do not 'deal' really do not know what a hassle it is to deal, especially through the mail. Many people get into dealing by being a collector. Dealing is a way to offset the cost of their own collections. Others simply enjoy the dealing itself and for those it would be the same if they were dealing in old car parts or antique horse shoe nails. For some it is a chosen profession. But whatever the motive behind a persons becoming a dealer, the aim is still the same - Profit!

If a dealer doesn't make a profit in some way, he can't continue to deal.As for prices, if you say that they are too high, don't buy. The prices will either go down or someone else will get the goodies. Personally, I would rather pay a little more for an item from a dealer that I can trust and know that I have a good item than to take a chance at a lower price and not know the dealer. William Ringler

William Ringler: "Dealer Pricing", "Military Collectors Association - Journal, 1975

Introduction to Luftwaffe Uniforms

Uniforms of the Luftwaffe

By Hitler's decree of February 26, 1935, the Luftwaffe was to be officially the third branch of the Wehrmacht as of March 1, 1935. The new Luftwaffe was faced with the problem of uniforms. .. . they wanted a distinctive uniform from those of the other two branches of the Wehrmacht (Heer and Kriegsmarine) and also wanted a clear separation in dress of military and civilian flyers.

Preceeding the March 1 date, all those in secret training for the Luftwaffe wore the basic Deutscher Luftsport- Verband uniform with minor variations. After carefull examination of production costs of an entirely new uniform it was decided to utilize the basic grey blue DLV uniform with newly designed Luftwaffe insignia. Among these were the Luftwaffe national emblem (a flying eagle clasping a swastika), a new and extensive use of Waffenfarben, some changes in the DLV collar rank insignia and the adoption of the Army's shoulder strap ranking system.

With the passage of time, a number of various uniforms evolved in cut and design which were designated to cover any occasion Luftwaffe personnel would encounter. Among these were:

(a) Flying Service Uniform for flying personnel
(b) Field Dress
(c) Service Dress
(d) Guard Uniform
(e) Undress Uniform for officers and NCOs which lead (on duty)
(f) Reporting Uniform
(g) Parade Dress
(h) Walking-Out Dress
(i) Informal Full Dress (day) for officers
(j) Formal Full Dress (day) for officers
(k) Informal Full Dress (evening) for officers
(l) Formal Full Dress (evening) for officers (m)Informal Full Dress for NCOs and men
(n) Formal Full Dress for NCOs and men
(0) Summer Uniform for officers
(p) Sports kit

Roger James Bender: "Air Organizations of the Third Reich-The Luftwaffe", 1972. R. James Bender Publishing

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SS Allach Collectibles

PORCELAIN ALLACH - INTRODUCTION

As one of the ever-increasing number of collectors of Allach porcelain, I have always been rather disappointed at the almost total lack of information available regarding the types of items produced at this factory, its history and development during the ten years of its existence. All that is generally known is that the porcelain is of an exceptionally high standard of design, and quality of manufacture. It is increasingly difficult to find, and that the only pieces known to me are those in private collections, and selected items that were chosen for illustration in the Allach factory advertisements found in various contemporary art catalogues and magazines.

The unique circumstances that prevailed in Germany from the time of the foundation of the factory at Allach, must be taken into consideration when attempting to evaluate the history, development and quality of porcelain produced.

Hitler, being the absolute dictator of Germany, since his successful election in 1933, had many 'interests', not the least of which was his obsession for all forms of German Culture. Reichsfuhrer S.S. Heinrich Himmler, whose mind ran along similar lines, made sure that his own personal interests in Ceramics were completely fulfilled by instructing his Personal Staff to organise the setting up and equipping of a porcelain factory at Allach.

It was these unique circumstances that made it possible for the very best Artists, Designers, Potters and all persons associated with the manufacture of fine porcelain to be taken from the many world-famous factories that existed in Germany at that time, such as Dresden, Berlin, Rosenthal, Nymphenburg, etc., and be employed at the previously virtually unknown factory at Allach.

It was the unique concentration of talent made available for its production that enabled Allach porcelain to be of such a high quality, and consequently extremely desirable. This, combined with the short period of its existence, will in due course, make the finer pieces extremely difficult to find, and command much higher prices than those currently being asked by dealers not astute enough to realise the potential of the items in their possession.

Approximately three years ago I began to collect any Allach porcelain factory advertisements (preferably illustrated), articles from present-day and contemporary magazines and any other relevant information that I was able to obtain, as well as having my own collection professionally photoqraphed. In the Summer of 1970 I decided that without my being able to obtain a copy the elusive factory catalogue (several copies are known to exist but are not available for inspection!), any additional material that might be added to the information already acquired was going to come so slowly that it would be many years hence before I would have sufficient reference available to enable me to embark on the comprehensive reference work that I had visualised. So the decision was made to compromise, and produce a small book, which I trust will in some way compensate for the total lack of reference material available on Allach porcelain. It is hoped that one day this may prove to be of assistance to some other enthusiast in producing the completely comprehensive work that the subject deserves.

It was at this time, approximately six months ago, that I was approached by my friend Michael Passmore, a fellow collector of Allach porcelain, who offered to write the text for the book. An offer, that due to my seeming to never have the time to 'sit and write', was eagerly accepted! All the information, photographs, cuttings, etc., were handed over to him, and true to his word, in due course, the completed text appeared on my desk, and with very few corrections it is as appears in this volume.

In laying out the basic format of this book, i.e. 'breaking down' the illustrations into subject groups, constructing an index, selecting which illustrations to use, length of captions, etc., I have attempted to avoid unnecessary 'padding', and tried to include only illustrations, information and comments that are relevant to the subject in hand.

The 1944 Julfest Plate, which although not believed to have been manufactured at Allach, is still worthy of illustration due to the dedication on its reverse, bearing the facsimile signature of S.S. GruppenfUhrer Oswold Pohl. The administrative interest that Pohl had in the Allach concern, was no doubt shared by his wife Elenore, a qualified designer in her own right, whose artistic advice was respected at Allach.

The Julfest Card, dated 1939, signed by S.S. GruppenfUhrer Oswold Pohl, see fig. No. 92, is of particular interest as it is most probable that it accompanied a Jul-Leuchter (fig. No. 104, p. 106), or a 1939 Julfest Plate. No Julfest Plates for that year, either coloured or white porcelain, have yet been seen by the author!

Many questions still remain unanswered regarding Allach porcelain. For example, the subjects of other existing pieces. Some of the pieces that were known to have existed.

Michael J. Passmore and Tony L. Oliver: "SS Porcelain Allach", 1972, T.L.O Publications

Introduction to German Edged Weapons

The venture of Adolf Hitler to become master of the world was executed with a symbolic flair. The effort being to spur his fanatical followers on to their maximum capabilities. Hitler traded the traditional brown uniform of his Nazi Party for the grey-green color of his conquering army and vowed before all Germany that he would not wear the brown uniform again until Germany was victorious over the mounting number of enemies. Fortunately for the world, the combined Allied powers did not permit Hitler to complete his symbolic transition.

The uniform change was but one symbolic act among the many that were effectively utilized by Hitler to gain growing support. In 1933, he instituted a wide range of dagger sidearms which were to reflect the intent and strength of the organizations which they represented. In many cases, the struggle for the right to wear the dagger became a means in itself. Hitler was able to get millions of people involved in his movement with such devices as uniforms and their trappings. The level of hysteria that he brought about in Germany was largely responsible for extending the war by at least one year.

Germany was on her way to total defeat when this author directed his attention to collecting German war souvenirs in 1944. Interest was spurred by the daily news coverage, the bond drives and other patriotic appeals to the war effort. Then, as the soldiers returned home, they brought with them a wide spectrum of war trophies.

It was not until 1955 that the first dagger was added to this author's general collection. There was an immediate appreciation for the craftsmanship contained in the daggers and swords of Nazi Germany. Blades of the era, more than any other category of relics, were considered to be art forms. It was this appreciation that brought about the concerted effort to acquire the wide range of patterns that were known to exist.

Due to the lack of available reference material, the collecting of blades by the general enthusiast was slow to gain momentum. The primary reference held by a few collectors was the Eickhorn Kundendienst. This initially scarce original sales catalogue was to prove a relatively reliable reference through the years. It was not until 1959 that the first in a series of dagger references was to enjoy national circulation. Armed with a degree of information, collector interest grew considerably.

As with any desirable commodity, the Law of Supply and Demand was imposed, and commercial values began their rapid increase. Some daggers that sold for $18 in the mid-1950's have increased to over $300. Prices in the thousands no longer draw a surprised reaction.

The first attempt at an authoritative reference was made in 1965. It was soon to gain the reputation of being the "bible" among collectors. For the first time, an effort was made to do more than just identify the various daggers.

A degree of newly founded information and rapidly rising values caused the appearance of specimens that had previously been unheard of. Armed with the knowledge that blade collecting held some new discoveries, interest was again stimulated. The introduction of a wide range of counterfeit daggers occured in 1964 when unscrupulous dealers attempted to capitalize on the rising values. The introduction of these pieces resulted in collecting becoming a task, and in some cases a very expensive gamble rather than an enjoyable pastime. It became apparent that more information was required by the general collector.

My serious gathering of research material began in 1960 in an attempt to sift out facts from the misconceptions and half-truths that existed. This book is the culmination of those efforts.

Archives of the United States, Great Britain and Germany have been exhausted, as have the original publications and sales material produced by the manufacturing firms during the subject period. These sources provide the regulations governing wear and the specifications for the manufacture and distribution of daggers, bayonets and fighting knives. It was also found that exceptions existed for every rule established by regulations.

Being cognisant of the regulations, and appreciating the various exceptions to those regulations, the collector can better understand the numerous variations currently at his disposal.

It is the purpose of this reference to provide factual information relating to the sidearms (excluding swords) which were utilized by the numerous military, political and governmental formations in Nazi Germany. An effort has also been made to provide a concise history of the organizations discussed. The one area that is necessary but sorely lacking, is the production figure for each specimen produced. Most of the records maintained by the manufacturers on their production were destroyed during the closing days of the war, and no central record facility was established to maintain such accountability. While some production figures were discovered among the tons of original documents, these figures would prove to be of little value without the total production figures to be used as a base. For any gaps that may exist, others are encouraged to fill them. Perhaps time will be the answer to the questions which still exist in the most interesting and challenging of collecting fields.

J.R. Angolia: "Daggers, Bayonets & Fighting Knives of Hitler's Germany, 1971, R.James Bender Publishing.

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Introduction to Medals and Badges

The Third Reich came into being on 30th January 1933, with Hitler's accension to power, and ended with the defeat of Germany in May 1945.

The number of new decorations, medals and badges of honour created during those twelve years may well appear prodigious, but it must be borne in mind that in the matter of national honours, the Nazis were obliged to start virtually from scratch.

The previous government, the ill-starred Weimar Republic, had at least in theory abolished all titles of nobility and awards of honour, although in practice the proscription was not absolute. The Order of St. John of Jerusalem (the Johanniter Orden) was permitted as was the civil grade of the Pour Ie Merite, at least to fill a vacancy in the permitted membership of 30. The decorations of the German Red Cross were not effected since awards in this case were made by the President of the German Red Cross and not the government. The various German states (Lander) still enjoyed a degree of autonomy under the Weimar Republic and could make awards of such things as Life-saving and Miner's or Fire Brigade medals within their own province. They even continued to do so for a short period under the 3rd Reich until the rigorous application of the Nazi "Gleichschaltung" policy swept away all such provincial awards and centralized them in the national government* .

This work deals only with official awards made at national (Reich) level. For this reason the long service awards of the National Food Estate Organization (Reichsniihrstand) have not been included. Although the organization itself was a national one, the awards were made on a regional basis. Also some interesting medallions awarded in connection with the battle of Stalingrad have been excluded as they were instituted only at regimental level ( piece of "private enterprise" on the part of a conscientious regimental commander).

With the exception of the Free City of Danzig, Nazi awards of German racial communities outside the Reich, such as the "Volksgruppe" in Roumania, have not been included. Similarly those of non-German Nazi movements, (for example Anton Mussert's Dutch Nazi Party) were by definition, precluded.

The well-known "Azad Hind" or "Free India" decoration, often found in Nazi collections, was instituted not by the Germans but by the Free India Committee in Germany and is, therefore, an Indian and not a German decoration.

"Day" badges issued to commemorate annual Party rallies, sporting or other events, of which there are vast numbers, have not been included except for those later granted the status of official Party awards (such as the Party Day badge for Nuremberg 1929).

The line between official and semi-official has not been easy to draw. On the whole, the authors have tried to be as comprehensive as possible even where this has involved slight violations of their own definitions. For example, rigid adherence to the "Reich-level-only" principle would have precluded all the Luftgaue plaques since these were instituted by the General Officers commanding the Luftgaue. Although they were awarded only within the limits of the Gau, they are of considerable interest and have been included. For basically the same reason the Lorient Shield, strictly speaking an un­official award, has been put on a par with official shield badges.

Quality and Markings

It has not been possible to indicate the quality of the metals used in the manufacture of the various awards described since a considerable diversity exists in this respect. On the whole, genuine silver or gold is rare.

*It is interesting to note that the present government of West Germany has reversed this policy and the German Lander once again award their own Life­saving and Fire Brigade, etc. medals.

Portable Nazi awards were never inscribed with the recipient's name. Where this is found, as on some war badges, it was certainly privately done. Even the numbering of badges or medals is unusual, which makes it very difficult to ascertain whether a particular item was ever issued or not.

All firms authorized to make official medals and badges had a manufacturer's mark (Herstellungszeichen). Those permitted to make Party awards (this included Youth badges) had an additional authorization number (Zulassungsnummer) which was prefaced by the letters R. Z. M. in a circle (standing for Reichszeugmeisterei or roughly translated Ministry of Supply). For example, the firm of Steinhauer & Luck of Ludenscheid who were large scale suppliers of medals and badges had the Herstellungszeichen L 16 and the Zulassungsnummer R. Z. M. M 11/1.
Some badges had the maker's name or initials on the reverse rather than a number. Medals and badges made in silver or silver-gilt carry the continental silvergrading number, usually a very small 800 or 900 which is sometimes found on the suspension loop.

Variants, Fakes and "Remakes"

1. Collectors may find that they have in their possession items which, although their authenticity is beyond doubt, vary slightly or even considerably from the descriptions given in these pages. This need not be regarded as remarkable. Unauthorized variations and "improvements" often appear in all countries during time of war. It was not uncommon for decorations to be produced in the field or even on board ship. It should also be remembered that there was no single Mint responsible for the production of all decorations. A number of private concerns contracted to supply medals and badges and their standards did vary. In the chaotic conditions which prevailed in Germany during the closing stages of the war, recourse had often to be made to improvisation, an example being the "Kurland" cuff band.

As many collectors are by now aware, Nazi awards have been remade in West Germany since the war on an ever increasing scale. It would not be strictly correct to term these as "fakes" since they come, in most instances, from the original dies and are made by firms formerly authorized to manufacture medals during the 3rd Reich era.

They are not, however, always accurate reproductions of the originals. The best word to describe these is "restrikes" or "remakes". Unfortunately, there is no easy rule of thumb by which the beginning collector can distinguish the genuine from the "remake". Experience is the only guide. The attitude that the collector should adopt towards "remakes" is a matter of personal choice.

Some may reject them all out of hand as worthless, while others may feel that they are useful in filling gaps where genuine examples would be very hard, if not impossible, to obtain. On the whole, collectors who do not wish to devalue their collections will probably want to avoid them. Where there is some doubt as to whether or not examples of a particular award were ever issued during the life-time of the 3rd Reich, has been made clear in the text. The authors do not wish to lend authority to badges, etc., which may have been produced since the end of the war.

Prestentation Cases and Citations

Citations actually signed by Hitler, although in some circumstances comparitively lowly awards were made personally by Hitler to special recipients.

Medal Ribbons

In view of the fact that many collectors specialize in medal ribbons only, some detailed remarks on this subject may be of use. The width of German ribbons varies, normally medals were issued on a 30mm or 35mm ribbon. When mounted for wearing, either singly or in a group, a 25mm ribbon could be employed. This was made up in a double length with the medal couched in the center*. Neck ribbons were usually 45mm wide, and in the case of certain long service awards such as the Police, Customs and SS.

Long service, a 50mm ribbon was used. Here it may be noted that originally these long service awards were mounted on the normal doubled 25mm ribbon with the Police (etc.) emblem on a separate piece of ribbon. This embroidered emblem, usually mounted on cardboard or metal backing, was attached to the center of the basic ribbon. Only later was the 50mm ribbon introduced and worn as such when mounted.

Ribbons without medals were worn on a metal bar mounting (Ordenschnalle) which is wider than the the usual Anglo-American type (17mm normally, although a narrower 9. 5mm bar was also, less commonly used. Two widths of ribbon could be used on a bar mounting, either full-sized (25mm) or halfsize (15mm). Actual full size, i. e. 30 or 35mm, was not used on the bar mounting. Where metal emblems were worn on the full sized ribbons, a reduced version was also worn on the half-size ribbons. In the medal ribbon chart, it has not been possible to show the diverse emblems which were worn on Nazi ribbons, but these have been described in the text.

*In Austria, the traditional Austrian "inverted triangle" style of mounting was sometimes used even for Reich awards. This style uses a 40mm wide ribbon.

When worn by ladies, medals were usually suspended from a bow, where this does not apply it is mentioned.

Miniatures have proportionally small ribbons, although it was more common to have miniature decorations attached to a fine chain without ribbons for evening wear (this is a normal continental practice). Miniature ribbons were made up in a variety of styles and could be worn in the button hole of civilian clothes. Metal tie-pin (Stecknadel) miniatures do not have ribbons.

Slight variations in the sizes and shades of ribbons are encountered, but collectors should note with caution that ribbons as well as medals and badges, etc., are being "remade" in modern Germany. Some of these are inaccurate not only as to quality and shade, but even in their proportions; others are perfectly accurate. It is entirely possible that some original ribbon stocks still exist.

The present-day West German style of wearing medal riboons is now similar to that employed in the Anglo-American forces. The above remarks apply only to the 3rd Reich period.

Littlejohn and Dodkins: "Orders, Decorations, Medals and Badges of the Third Reich", 1968.
R. James Bender Publishing.

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Flyer's Badges

AIRCREW BADGE (FLIEGERSCHAFTSABZEICHEN) This badge was initiated on January 19, 1935 and initially worn by members of the Deutscher Luftsport- Verband who held a flying license.
When the new Luftwaffe adopted it in early 1935, it was worn on the left breast pocket by pilots and observers. The horizontal oval wreath was in silver with a black eagle holding a silver swastika.

NOTE:
The following badges which had embroidered versions, were in aluminum or silver wire (where specified) for officers and the appropriate colored cotton thread for NCOs and enlisted men. It should be noted that these were purchased privately and not an awarded item.

PILOTS' BADGE I (FLUGZEUGFUHRERABZEICHEN)

On March 26, 1936, this newly designed badge was introduced and replaced the Aircrew Badge. The oval wreath was in silver with the raised portions of the design being polished. The eagle and swastika were either in a tarnished silver or a black finish. An embroidered version of this badge existed with the wreath in silver wire, the eagle in a dark-grey thread and the swastika in a matt-aluminum embroidery

The Pilot's Badge was worn in the middle of the left breast pocket of the tunic or in the approximate area of the Flying Blouse and Evening Full-Dress jacket. If the individual had been awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class, the badge was worn below it.

Luftwaffe Pilot's Badge Civilian (ZIVILES FLUGZEUGFUHRERABZEICHEN DER LUFTWAFFE) Civilian pilots in the Luftwaffe were also permitted a pilot's badge . . . . it was a pair of enameled blue wings with a slanted swastika in the middle. The wings were approximately 8cm wide and 1. 6cm high. The detail of the wings and feathers, the outline of the insignia and the swastika were in gold. It was also available in an embroidered form.

OBSERVERS' BADGE (BEOBACHTERABZEICHEN) The Observer's Badge, also introduced on March 26, 1936, was for observers, assistant observers, navigators and bombardiers. The oval wreath was in silver with the raised portions of the design being polished. The eagle, in an observing position, was either in a tarnished silver or black finish. An embroidered version of this badge existed with the wreath in silver wire, the eagle in a dark-grey thread and the swastika in a matt-aluminum wire, on a blue-grey base (officers').

COMBINED PILOT/OBSERVER BADGE (GEMEINSAMES FLUGZEUGFUHRER- UND BEOBACHTERABZEICHEN) This badge was initiated on March 26, 1936, and was for those who held the pilot's and observer's certificates for a minimum of one year.
The design of the badge is identical to that of the pilot's but with a gilt wreath, with the raised portions being polished, and a silver eagle and swastika. The embroidered version had the wreath in gold thread, the eagle in aluminum wire and the swastika in silver wire (officers').

AIR-GUNNER'S BADGE/WIRELESS-OPERATOR (FLIEGERSCHUTZEN-(BORDFUNKER) ABlEICHEN) This badge for Air-Gunner/Wireless-Operators was also instituted on March 26, 1936. The wreath was in silver with the raised portions of the design plus the swastika being polished. The eagle, holding the lightning flashes (symbolic of wireless), was in tarnished silver or black. The embroidered version had the wreath in aluminum wire and the eagle and lightning flashes in a grey thread (officer s').

AIR GUNNER'S AND FLIGHT ENGINEER'S BADGE (FLIEGERSCHUTlEN- (BORDSCHUTlEN- UND BORDMECHANIKER) ABlEICHEN) The Air Gunner's and Flight Engineer's Badge was instituted on June 22, 1942 and was identical in design to the Air-Gunner /Wireless-Operator' s Badge with the exception of the lightning flashes being omitted. Itwas worn by all air gunners (except combination wirelessoperator/air gunners) and flight engineers and flight meteorologists.

On April 25, 1944, a variation of the Air Gunners and Flight Engineer's Badge was introduced for unqualified air gunners without certificate. It was identical in design but with a black wreath and silver eagle (no lightning flashes). It was awarded for a minimum of ten combat flights. This number could be reduced if the unqualified air gunner was wounded during one of the flights.

FLYER'S COMMEMORATIVE BADGE (FLIEGERERINNERUNGS ABlEICHEN) This badge was awarded to all flying personnel (including parachute troops) who had been relieved of all air crew duties, World War I pilots with at least four years service, plus other personnel with at least fifteen years service time. This commemorative badge was also extended to those crippled by an air-associated accident and to the next-of-kin in case of a flying accident resulting in death. The oakleave wreath was in silver with a polished swastika and the eagle sitting on a boulder was in tarnished silver.

An embroidered version of the commemorative badge was also available, but only for officers. The wreath and swastika was in aluminum wire and the eagle and boulder was in a grey thread.

The metal version of this badge could be worn with civilian dress. A stickpin form was also permitted on the left collar. Disabled veterans were also allowed to wear a miniature air crew badge with their civilian 7 dress.

PARACHUTIST BADGE (FALLSCHRIMSCHIRM ABZEICHEN) The Parachutist Badge was initiated on November 5, 1936, for qualified parachutist in the Luftwaffe. The wreath was black with a gold diving eagle and swastika (the highlights of the eagle and swastika were polished). The embroidered version has the wreath in white thread for NCOs and men and in aluminum wire for officers. The eagle and swastika was in gold colored thread for NCOs and men and in gold wire for officers.

THE ARMY PARACHUTIST BADGE AT LEFT WAS INSTITUTED ON JUNE 15, 1937 AND WORN BY ARMY PARACHUTISTS UNTIL JANUARY 1, 1939, WHEN THEY CAME UNDER THE COMMAND OF THE LUFTWAFFE. THE ARMY EAGLE AND WREATH WERE IN GILT AND THE DIVING EAGLE IN SILVER.

NOTE:
An order dated October 19, 1939, gave the following regulations for the awarding of Flier's Badges for the duration of the war.

1. Pilot's Badge - after obtaining the pilot's certificate 2. Observer's Badge - after five combat flights or two months after obtaining the Observer's, Navigator's or Bombardier's certificate 3. Wireless-Operator/Flight Engineer/Air Gunner - after five combat flights or two months after obtaining the appropriate certificate

7Anzugordnung der die Luftwaffe, revised April 1, 1937, pp.149/150.

8 Luftwaffen- Verordnungsblatt, November 16, 1936. The order was numbered 1491 and dated November 5, 1936.

9 Luftwaffen- Verordnugsblatt, November 6, 1939. The order was numbered 314 and dated October 19, 1939.

GLIDER PILOTS' BADGE (LW-SEGELFLUGZEUGFUHRERABZEICHEN) The Glider Pilot's Badge was instituted on December 16, 1940, and awarded to those having obtained the military glider pilot's certificate.
The wreath and swastika were in silver and the, eagle was black or in tarnished silver. It could be worn only on a NSFK or Wehrmacht uniform. The embroidered version has the wreath in aluminum wire, the swastika in bright (silver) wire, and the eagle in grey for officers.

Roger James Bender: "Air Organizations of the Third Reich-The Luftwaffe", 1972. R. James Bender Publishing

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Organization Book of the N.S.D.A.P.

As a reference for collectors of Nazi militaria, the Organisationsbuch del' NSDAP is generally among the most valuable, both in information and in cost. Even for the collector with little or no knowledge of German its illustrations of uniforms and rank insignia make it a worthwhile purchase.

There are, however, several editions of the work available. The information in the 1936 edition, for example, is limited indeed when compared with the last or 1943 edition. As a rare book, however, the 1936 or first edition is more valuable.

Since no English language version of the NSDAP bibliography is available, this article is intended to serve as a checklist of the various versions of this book, both for contents and for value.

The 1936 Organisationsbuch der NSDAP

This is the first edition, and was written during the years 1934-35.
It is bound in red cloth with silver lettering. Unlike all later editions, this first edition has the words 'Organisationsbuch der' NSDAP' printed legnthwise on the spine. The front cover has the national eagle facing left and the title'. The title pase lists the publisher as 'Zentralverlag der' NSDAP., Franz Eher., Nachf., Munchen. It is dated 1936, but no quantity is listed. Records show the printing figure to be 50,000. The uniform illustrations are not professional. They are crude and without detail. The rank insignia, however, are well done. This is the only edition that illustrates the rank insignia of the Parteigericht or Party courts. These rank insignia were eliminated in late 1936. Later editions do, of course, list the organization of these courts, but the judges no longer had special insignia.

The 1937 Edition: (Second and Third Printings) The second edition is also bound in red cloth, but the title is printed horizontally on the spine. The 1937 exists in three printings. The first was a printing of 50,000 marked 2.nd Edition. The second was a variation of the 2.nd printing adding some peripheral information. It is rubberstamped with a 3 over the original printed ed. number. The third 1937 variety is the 3.rd printing, an issue of 50,000 copies. Uniform illustrations in the 2.nd and overstamped 3.rd are similar to the 1936 version. The 3.rd printing has more professional drawings which show greater detail.

The 1938 Edition: (Fourth and Fifth Printings) The fourth and fifth printings are almost identical in binding and content to the 3.rd edition of 1937. Total printing figures for the year were nearly 150,000 copies. (Note: While the 5.th printing is dated 1938, it was printed in early 1939)

The 1940 Edition: (Sixth printing) the sixth printing is bound in red cloth with silver printing as earlier editions. Like both 1938 printings, it illustrates the second style rank insignia for Politische Leiter. It is, however, of a larger format than earlier editions, containing more detailed orsanizational information. It runs slightly more than one-hundred pages longer than earlier editions.
Illustration quality is excellent. The 1940 Org. book was the first to illustrate NSFK uniforms and insignia.

The 1943 Edition: (7th printing) The last printing of the work, the 1943 edition is bound in red cardboard with a red cloth backstrip. It is the most complete edition, both in information and in illustrations. It is odd, however, that even at this late date the authors had not yet include the Waffen-SS, even though it was directly under party control as a branch of the SS. This is the most sought after edition.

The 1943 Edition: (Post-war Reprint) Bound in reddish-brown cloth with silver lettering, this reprint has the title printed lengthwise on the spine. On the original 1943 it was done horizontally. The reprint is a fair reference. But has little resale value. The color plates are somewhat disappointing since the colors have been inaccurately reproduced. The publishier also saw fit, for God know what reason, to add photos from various other books which have no relation to the text whatsoever. It is, at best, a poor substitute.

Thomas Reid: "The NSDAP Organization Book", "Der Gauleiter",1977

Treasure Hunt

Treasure Hunt for WWII Million Dollar Medals

"Kamerad, kamerad! Nicht schiessen!" (I surrender! Don't shoot!) 'This'was a'familiar phrase to countless thousands of victorious American and Allied GI's who fought across the hellish battlefields of Europe during WWI and WWII. It And this same frantic phrase has been uttered in their own Languages by'defeated Japanese, North Korean, Chinese and Viet Cong captives". Even before the bewildered prisoner has time to raise his arms above his head, 'the scrutinizing eyes of his captor rapidly shift from the Luger or Nambu pistol just removed from his defeated foe to the decorative medals worn on his uniform. Rather than leave such' choice "war booty" to his less deserving buddies in the rear area, who will further process the prisoner toward his ultimate destination in a POW camp, the GI immediately removes all medals and decorations and hastily puts them in the pocket of his field jacket. Days and often weeks after his unit is relieved from the combat zone and sent to an "R and R" camp, the proud captor mails his treasured war souvenirs home. Here they will probably remain forgotten, buried in obscurity in a battered GI footlocker, or perhaps later utilized as wall decorations for a den or family room. Often they are given to younger brothers and nephews as war souvenirs and traded off to admiring companions.

The oft-quoted axiom of war, "To the victor belongs the spoils" is highly appropriate when considering a topic of major interest to every soldier, regardless of nationality, who has ever seen combat. The topic? War souvenirs! It is a rare soldier indeed who fails to take advantage of every opportunity to acquire souvenirs of war and captured enemy equipment. Solders often take great personal risks in their attempts to gather souvenirs from the field of battle. In fact, the motivation is so intense that it has cost many GI's their lives, when they have thoughtlessly picked up a battlefield relic that has been booby trapped by a cunning foe.

The American soldier's obsessive seeking of war souvenirs has long been recognized by our enemies, who have demonstrated great skill in the art of rigging booby traps and explosive devices to tempting military items. During W.W. II, the Germans often wired explosive charges to the dead bodies of fallen German soldiers, whose uniforms were adorned with medals or other prized war booty such as binoculars or pistols. Large numbers of casualties resulted from unsuspecting troops eagerly attempting to remove these souvenirs.

Of course, not all such souvenirs are obtained at the risk of life and limb, nor are they all removed on the battlefield from captured high-ranking enemy officers. Often they are found in large quantities in storage depots and military camps which have been overrun or occupied after the fighting ceased.

Many intriguing tales can be told by ex-GI's who captured supply depots or quartermaster warehouses filled to the brim with unissued materials and equipment which included medals, daggers, firearms, and other highly desirable spoils of war. These items are not only sought after as souvenirs and conversation pieces, but also for trade or barter with servicemen who are not in combat and so cannot accumulate souvenirs. Frontline infantry soldiers learn early that their comrades assigned to rear areas will eagerly pay inflated prices for war trophies to send back home.

While most war souvenirs have much greater sentimental value than monetary worth, there are some items that are literally priceless treasures with historical or collector value placed at several thousand dollars. This fact is particularly characteristic of medals and rare decorations. Very few individuals, and even experienced collectors or dealers, possess a genuine knowledge of the value of foreign medals and decorations. One must have considerable background information before being capable of determining the difference between a common medal worth three or four dollars and a rare, presentation decoration or high order worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Practically every American veteran of W.W. I and W.W. II mailed home or brought back military medals and decorations awarded by a wide variety of European and Asiatic governments. German medals and orders comprise the greater portion of foreign decorations to be found today in the United States; however, numerous Japanese and Italian medals can be found in this country.

The hobby of collecting military medals, insignia, and other battlefield-related items has undergone unparalleled expansion in the past 10 years, with hundreds of new collectors joining the ranks of long-time collectors each year.

The increased demand from collectors seeking to buy pieces missing from their collections has driven prices higher and higher, particularly for the rare and finer quality specimens. The choice and most lucrative source for a collector to obtain foreign medals and decorations to fill gaps in his collection is by purchasing them directly from a veteran who no longer places sentimental value on his accumulation of war relics. Many ex-GI's have turned their war souvenirs into cash by selling them to dealers or collectors involved in this rapidly expanding field.

In addition to possible monetary value, there is also a highly fascinating, historical association with military medals and decorations. Since they are representative awards of a national government, the majority of them are exquisitely crafted, beautiful works of art, worthy of display in a private collection or public musuem. Most major museums, including the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., possess outstanding collections of military medals, orders, and decorations.

Unfortunately, many beautiful pieces remain forgotten, hidden away in attic trunks, closets, and cellars where warweary combat veterans stashed them after the initial interest and pride of possession faded away. Without question, many rare and quite valuable medals brought back to this country after the war could now be converted into cash if their owners were aware of their value.

While most of the medals and decorations taken from captured enemy soldiers are of the more common, less valuable types, opportunities did arise whereby some extraordinarily lucky GI stumbled across a rare cache of highly valuable decorations and orders belonging to a ranking general or senior government official. Such was the case in 1945 when a young American infantry captain discovered all of the personal medals and high decorations awarded to Joachim von Ribbentrop, the infamous Nazi Foreign Minister appointed by Hitler. It was during the last days of W.W. II, when the victorious Allied armies were steamrolling through Germany and Austria in an attempt to deal the death blow to what remained of one of the most inhuman dictatorships in history. As the 44th U.S. Infantry Division seized and occupied the picturesque Austrian village of Umhausen, the problem of finding sufficient billets and sleeping quarters for the exhausted soldiers became critical. One enterprising American company commander directed his troops to seek temporary shelter in the luxurious Krone Hotel. Upon entering the hotel, the company commander and his soldiers were met by the Austrian innkeeper, who hastily informed them that he was very sorry but it was forbidden for anyone to occupy any of the hotel rooms on the second floor, therefore, the victorious "Amies" would have to seek overnight accommodations elsewhere. This blunt assertion obviously didn't set well with the American troops and their commander, who had just spent the past several months fighting their way into the homeland of a vicious enemy. Overcoming his initial impulse to gun down the arrogant innkeeper in his tracks, the captain then pushed him aside and proceeded to the a second floor of the hotel, where he was startled to find that all the rooms were on filled almost to the ceiling with trunks, clothing, and a wide assortment of personal possessions. Closer examination revealed what turned out to be one of the one most fantastic discoveries of the war, millions of dollars worth of art loot he stolen by the Nazis from Parisian and other European museums, including in jewels and rare tapestries, and classic oil to paintings by such renowned masters as Renoir and Rubens. Investigation revealed that the innkeeper had been given the task of storing and safeguarding the personal possessions and war loot longing to Foreign Minister von Ribbentrop, who was occupied elsewhere desperately trying to evade capture. Apparently Ribbentrop had planned to escape over the Austrian Alps into Switzerland, hoping to take his stolen treasures with him. In addition to the art treasures, several file cases containing official German government records were found in the hotel and turned over to exuberant to American Intelligence agents. These docheuments were later used as evidence at the Nuremberg war trials.

While conducting a thorough examination of the contents of the hoard, the he captain was astounded to find a large, custom-made leather carrying case containing every medal and decoration that had ever been bestowed upon Herr Ribbentrop. There were nearly 100 separate decorations neatly packed away in individual felt-lined compartments. Since these medals were of no Intelligence interest to higher headquarters, the captain's request to retain them as legitimate war souvenirs was granted.

Many of the decorations were made of fine gold and silver, some were inlaid with diamonds and other precious stones. They had been awarded to von Ribbentrop by numerous foreign governments, including Hungary, Finland, Denmark, Japan, Italy, Egypt, and Spain. Unfortunately for von Ribbentrop, he was tried, convicted, and hung at Nuremberg in 1945 as one of the 12 major Nazi war criminals and had no further opportunity to outfit himself in his gala dress uniforms or decorative medals. The total value of this exceptionally rare collection is estimated at over $40,000 in today's market. One of the medals included in the lot was the ornate, solid gold, Italian Annunciation Order presented to von Ribbentrop for his efforts in successfully negotiating the "Pact of Steel" alliance between Germany and Italy in 1939. This decoration alone is worth over $8,000!

It was a proud young captain indeed who carefully packed his newly acquired war souvenirs, including the medals, an assortment of Ribbentrop's dress uniforms, dress dagger and personal pistol, and mailed them home to the U.S. where they would be admired for years to come by his family and friends.

Many veterans who acquired war souvenirs during their period of military service often sell or dispose of them, since their sentimental value usually diminishes over the years. Many are given away as "junk" to collector friends, while others donate their collections to museums such as the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Prior to disposing of any war relic, an attempt should first be made to determine the approximate value in the current marker. Prices fluctuate with supply and demand; however, the general price trend of military medals and relics has been escalating over the past several years. Occasionally, a widely popular "fad" associated with military relics mushrooms overnight, and prices for specific items soar with the increased demand. A classic example was the recent enthusiasm among teenagers for wearing German Iron Crosses as "surfers medallions." The Iron Cross, or Maltese Cross, became a status symbol for "hip" youngsters, and the supply of original Iron Crosses rapidly vanished, while enterprising U.S. manufacturers frantically labored to produce millions of reproductions and cheap copies in an attempt to satisfy the fantastic overnight demand.

Another fad evolved with the wearing of W.W. II German steel helmets by motorcycle enthusiasts. A recent Hollywood movie, "The Blue Max," which glamorized the story of W.W. I German fighter pilots seeking to earn the coveted Pour Le Merite medal (nicknamed the Blue Max because of its blue enamel finish), generated an intense interest among collectors, as well as non-collectors, in acquiring Pour Le Merite medals. The price of this medal nearly doubled overnight, and medal firms in Germany and Austria were hard-pressed making restrikes to meet the sudden demand.

It's often difficult to find a reliable individual who can give an accurate appraisal of military medals or other war souvenirs. While reference books exist, they offer very little with regard to valuation. Prices are controlled by what a relic dealer will pay for an item he intends to resell for a profit and by how much a collector is willing to pay for an item he is seeking to fill a missing gap in his collection.

The first step for any individual wishing to sell a war souvenir is to make an exact identification of what his relic is. This includes country of origin, period, and precise designation of whether it is a medal or decoration. Only after a war relic has been accurately identified can the value be established. Assistance may be obtained from reputable local collectors and dealers. Often, antique shops or historical societies can render assistance in locating a potential buyer. Military museums usually have a list of reputable national dealers in military artifacts and are normally most helpful.

Several factors are very critical in determining the value of any medal or decoration. Rarity, of course, is the most important aspect. Condition also weighs heavily on the market value, since most high orders are delicately handcrafted of enamel or other fragile materials and damage devalues a specimen considerably. Cased medals command higher prices than those without cases. Also, signed award papers or documents certifying presentation of a decoration not only authenticates a piece but also enhances its value. Medals awarded to important historical personalities, when verified by documentation, always command a high premium. When considering values, a potential buyer should always first determine that a piece is genuine and not a reproduction or recent restrike. A word of caution at this point might prove to be invaluable to new collectors. Increased demand by collectors for foreign military orders and decorations has created a situation whereby many reproductions, as well as restrikes produced from original dies, are being turned out. Only an expert or experienced collector has the background and know ledge required to differentiate between an original piece and a reproduction, and even the experts often experience difficulry. Obviously, an original Pour Le Merite awarded to a German Air Ace in 1917 is worth much more to a collector than a recent reproduction. Reproductions of many rare, as well as most of the common medals and orders are being encountered with increasing frequency, and only years of experience or the expert guidance of a reputable dealer can preclude a novice or inexperienced collector from being misled. There is absolutely no objection to a collector buying a reproduction or restruck medal as a representative specimen for one that he can never expect to acquire in original form, providing he is informed by the seller prior to purchase that the medal is a restrike and not an original presentation award.

Condition also weighs heavily on the market value, since most high orders are delicately handcrafted of enamel or other fragile materials and damage devalues a specimen considerably. Cased medals command higher prices than those without cases. Also, signed award papers or documents certifying presentation of a decoration not only authenticates a piece but also enhances its value. Medals awarded to important historical personalities, when verified by documentation, always command a high premium. When considering values, a potential buyer should always first determine that a piece is genuine and not a reproduction or recent restrike. A word of caution at this point might prove to be invaluable to new collectors. Increased demand by collectors for foreign military orders and decorations has created a situation whereby many reproductions, as well as restrikes produced from original dies, are being turned out. Only an expert or experienced collector has the background and know ledge required to differentiate between an original piece and a reproduction, and even the experts often experience difficulry. Obviously, an original Por Le Merite awarded to a German Air Ace in 1917 is worth much more to a collector than a recent reproduction. Reproductions of many rare, as well as most of the common medals and orders are being encountered with increasing frequency, and only years of experience or the expert guidance of a reputable dealer can preclude a novice or inexperienced collector from being misled. There is absolutely no objection to a collector buying a reproduction or restruck medal as a representative specimen for one that he can never expect to acquire in original form, providing he is informed by the seller prior to purchase that the medal is a restrike and not an original presentation award.

For the purpose of clarity, it might be helpful to define the various categories of medals, decorations and orders. Medals are presented primarily to members of the armed forces for participating in a specific theater of operations or campaign, for wounds received or good conduce. Decorations are usually awarded as recognition for a specific brave or valorous ace. The Medal of Honor and the Silver Star are two examples of U.S. decorations awarded for single acts of extraordinary heroism in battle. Orders are bestowed upon a wide variety of individuals-heads of state, diplomats, royalty, senior members of the armed forces and scientists in recognition of performance of long and meritorious service.

In view of the fact that the majority of the medals brought back to this country by W.W. I and W.W. II veterans are of German origin, it might be worthwhile to briefly discuss the history of German military decorations.

During the period between 1871 and 1918, Germany formed a federation of states known as the Second Empire, and although vast quantities of medals and decorations were awarded during this era, none originated from the Empire but rather from the numerous separate principalities, kingdoms and dukedoms. Many variations from this period exist and a wide field is open for collectors.

Germany was a republic between 1918 and 1933 and no national decorations or orders were awarded; however, with the rise of Adolf Hitler to power, radical changes were made in the national policy of awarding decorations. In his new Third Reich, which was to last 1,000 years (it lasted 12), he initiated an intensive award program and created an entire new series of decorations and combat medals. Hitler realized that the citizens of the Fatherland rallied much more enthusiastically to a nationalistic cause when provided with splendorous uniforms and individual recognition through awards and decorations. On the first day that the war began, September 1, 1939, Hitler again re-established Germany's most renowned medal, the Iron Cross, which had its origin in" 1813. This symbol of German military involvement throughout the course of modern history had been modified in 1870 and again in 1914; therefore, tradi tion demanded that it be reborn with the creation of a new Nazi Germany. In fact, Hitler was personally decorated with the Iron Cross on two separate occasions while serving as a Corporal in W.W. I.

The Iron Cross is the most widely known of all German decorations, and likewise the most common. The Second Class, or lowest grade, is worth about $ 5 in today's market. The highest class of the Iron Cross, with oak leaves, swords, and diamonds set in gold, would be worth approximately $5,000 to a collector.

With the onset of the war, Germany created a vast new series of combat decorations and medals for all branches of the armed forces, in addition to proficiency awards and faithful service medals for non-military members of the Nazi Party. In 1938, Hiter founded the now famous "Mother's Cross" for the purpose of honoring German mothers who bore four or more children for the Fatherland. Women who had eight or more children were awarded the medal in the First Class, in gold. The combat badges, which were awarded by the millions, are quite plentiful even today, and only a very few are worth more than a couple of dollars.

As a service for the readers of SAGA, a member of the widely recognized Orders and Medals Society of America, who is also a reputable dealer in foreign military decorations and war souvenirs, has agreed to appraise, with out charge, the medals, decorations, or other war souvenirs of any reader who might wish to cake advantage of this opportunity.
See page 11 for complete details.

Undoubtedly, untold hundreds of GI's stumbled across rare finds of valuable enemy medals and war souvenirs, which were mailed back home and have lain forgotten for many years. Somewhere in this country, the jeweled decorations of Nazi Reichsmarshal Hermann Goering and other senior Nazi and Japanese military leaders are perhaps stored in the corner of a footlocker. Only recently the complete von Ribbentrop collection of decorations and uniforms was located and purchased for a very sizable sum.

While readers should keep in mind that about 95 percent of the foreign military medals they might have are not worth more than a couple of dollars, it is inevitable that numerous veterans still have in their possession captured decorations that could be sold for a small fortune. Now-take another look in those dusty attic footlockers, and desk drawers that haven't been opened in years. You might be surprised to discover that you own a rare war souvenir that can be converted into cash. These items are very much in demand, and dealers and collectors are always available, with money in hand, seeking to acquire your war souvenirs. While most have much greater sentimental than cash value, they should never be regarded as worrhless junk.

These medals and decorations represent a nation's highest recognition of valorous deeds or faithful service performed while exposed to great danger or stress. They are a very significant parr of history and grim reminders of the horrible tragedy of war.

Jim Atwood: "The Hunt for WWII Million Dollar Medals", "SAGA" 1967

Kriegsmarine Daggers

The U-boat Dagger

The Kriegsmarine dagger was closely modelled on earlier weapons of the Kaiser's Navy and the Reichsmarine. Featuring a long narrow stilleto-style blade which was available either plain or more commonly etched with naval motifs, the dagger had gilded brass fittings with an anchor motif on the crosspiece and a pommel in the shape of a Wehrmacht style eagle with folded wings. The handle was generally of wood with a covering of white cellulose and featured a spiralled twist, the depths of which contained a twisted gold wire thread. Extra cost versions were available with genuine solid ivory handles.

The dagger was contained in a gilded-brass scabbard with twin band carrying rings for the suspension straps. The standard scabbard featured a decorative etched design but here again a range of extra cost options were available providing much more elaborate features, the scabbard with an overall hammered finish being the most popular alternative.

The vast majority of naval daggers carried a basic, standard etch pattern to the blade, but occasionally examples will be found with special dedications or other features on the blades which identify them as having belonged to members of the U-Boat arm. Such examples are highly sought after by collectors. Other examples may be encountered with names, coats of arms or initials, etc., engraved on the scabbard which the dedicated collector may be able to link to a specific individual.

The dagger was suspended by two separate hanging straps, made from black moire silk and with gilt spring-clip fastenings and lion head buckles. The dagger could be worn by junior NCOs without a portepee and by senior NCO ranks and officers with portepee.

The portepee was made from silver or aluminium wire (the silver version often age-toning to a gold-like hue) with a large ball pommel. The cord of the portepee was tied first around the pommel of the dagger, passing down the length of the handle to be wrapped in a complex knot pattern around the crossguard.

Although officers were also entitled to wear the sword on occasion, photographs of U-Boat officers wearing edged weapons on formal occasions such as the commissioning of a boat, will predominantly show the dagger being worn.

The Honor Dagger

A small number of particularly successful V-Boat commanders received the Honor Dagger (Ehrendolch) of the Navy. This beautifully crafted weapon displayed a number of deluxe features.

The Carl Eickhorn firm in Solingen was contracted by the Kriegsmarine to produce this special dagger as a special presentation piece to be awarded by the Oberbefehlshaber der Kriegsmarine. The scabbard was richly embossed with a decorative oakleaf design and a fouled anchor between the scabbard bands. It featured a genuine ivory handle with, instead of the normal gold wire, a wrap of intricate oakleave design. The blade was crafted from genuine damascus steel and most impressivley, set within the swastika grasped by the eagle on the pommel, were 17 tiny rose-cut diamonds.

The first such dagger awarded to a U-Boat commander went to Gunther Prien. The blade ricasso featured, in raised gilded letters, the inscription "Dem UbootsiegeTiRaeder/31 December 1939." This inscription remained, with only the date of the award changing, until Raeder's resignation and his replacement by Karl Donitz. The dagger awarded by Donitz carried the inscription "Dem Tapferen U-Bootskommandant/Donitz/Date."

It is believed that only six such daggers were made for V-Boat commanders, these being:
Gunther Prien, Otto Kretschmer, Erich Topp, Reinhard Suhren, Wolfgang Luth, Albrecht Brandi, With literally only a handful ever awarded, originals of the Ehrendolch are of the utmost rarity and command huge sums on the rare occasions that one may come onto the market.

Gordon Willaimson: "Torpedo Los! The Fascinating World of U-boat Collectibles, R. James Bender Publishing, 2006

www.bender-publishing.com

Eastern Territories Visor Cap

Ministry for the Occupied Eastern Territories Ministerium Fur Die Besetzten Ostgebiete

PERSONNEL ATTACHED to the Ministerium fur die Besetzten Ostgebiete used a distinctive service visor cap in the traditional "saddle" form.

The cap was worn in the 1942 to 1944 period and was of orange-brown cloth with a dark brown cap band. Piping was of gilt or silver wire cord for higher ranks and of brownish-orange thread for lower ranking officials. The coloration of the caps was roughly identical to the SA color, in that much of the material used came from surplus SA clothing depot stocks.

A black polished leather or fiber visor was worn with the service cap and chin cords were dependent upon rank: higher officials of the Ministry wore gilt wire embroidered cap cords with pebbled gilt side buttons; middle ranking personnel utilized silver wire embroidered cap cords with silver pebbled side buttons, and lower ranking officials wore a brown leather chinstrap which was secured by brown enameled metal side buttons.

Cap piping matched the cap cords and was graded accordingly. Official's hat insignia consisted of a diplomatic eagle in gilt or glossy silver wire embroidery mounted on the front of the crown over the vertical seam ofthe cap. An embroidered (wire) national cockade of black-white-red flanked by a stylized oak wreath having "wings" or horizontal oak leaves was attached to the band. Diplomatic insignia was worn because of the close association of this Ministry with the Diplomatic Corps.

Lower ministerial ranks wore metallic insignia in natural-colored finish.

ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL SERVICE CAP

Administrative personnel attached to the Ministry for Occupied Regions wore a visor cap similar to that of ministerial officials for the Eastern Regions.

This saddle-formed visor cap, worn from 1939 until 1941 (and thereafter only to be worn by highest level officials), was made of field-grey cloth. The dark blue cap band was piped with silver wire, as was the leading edge of the cap's crown. A black fiber visor similar to the Army style was worn.

Chin cords were of interwoven silver wire material and were secured to the sides of the cap by pebbled aluminum buttons.

Cap insignia consisted of a silver wire embroidered or silver metal diplomatic eagle mounted under the leading edge of the crown.

A national cockade within a stylized oak wreath and flanked by horizontal "wings" of four oak leaves each was secured to the cap band. This insignia too existed in glossy wire (silver) embroidery or in silver-colored metal, depending on the rank of the wearer.

Following 1940 a variant of this service cap was issued to high ranking officials who were permitted to wear it in conjunction with their dark blue service uniforms. Fittings and insignia remained as before, though the cap body was of dark blue woolen doe-skin with a dark blue cap band. Insignia was silver embroidered with a glossy finish.

Tom Shutt: "Dress and Field Service Hats of the Third Reich", H.S.M. Publications, 1981

Early Nazi Party Rallies

THE EARLY "REICHSPARTEITAGS - GERMAN PARTY DAYS

What was the Reichsparteitags & what was its purpose? In this article. and preposed future articles; we hope to answer this question.

Little has been written about the mammoth celebrations held each year from 1933 to 1938. We believe these rallys played an important role in gaining and retaining support for the Nazis. This article will deal with the rallys before 1933.

The 1st party congress, or Reichs-Party-Day was held on Jan. 27 & 28 1923 in Munich. Hitler called together 5000 SA men to demonstrate the strength of the party to win popular support and to attract other groups of similar political inclinations. Little was done at this 1st congress and nothing indicated that it would be the 1st of a long series of rallys, There were however several traditions started at this 1st rally.
The Fahnenweihe ceremony (consecration of the flags) became a lasting ritual of the party. The ceremony always began with an address by Hitler. The flags were consecrated by Hitler" who touched each new flag, or standard to the original flag of the party. The SA vowed at this time, never to abandon their banners under any circumstances.

Next came the traditional "march past" by all the Storm Troopers. The next day there were various meetings, and Hitler presented all the extremist ideas of the party, and told what they planned to do.

Because the Nat. Socialists thought the Jan. 1923 rally a complete success, a second rally was held in Sept. 1923, at Nurnberg the city that had once been host to the pageantries of the Old Roman Empire. This 2nd rally was an even larger success, which won many supporters & new members. A memorial service for the dead of WWI was introduced and held each year. In this, and all other rallys, the many speakers denounced the Jews andd blamed the Versailles treaty for the Nations problems .

As we known Hitler was soon sent to prison after the Nov. 9th Munich Putsh, and the party was banned. Hitler was released in Dec. 1924 and reassembled his followers. In Jan. of 1925 the ban on the party was partially lifted.

In 1926 the party once again felt strong enough to hold a rally. The city of Weimar was chosen, because Thuringia was one of the few states in which Hitler was permitted to speak at that time. At this time, Hitler spoke of the purpose of the rally as a mass demonstration, a show of unity and strength to the movement.

To subsidize the rally, each participant was obliged to purchase a party day medal, which cost 50 pfennigs. I do not know of a pin for the 1926 rally.

Party membership jumped from 17,000 in 1926 to 40,000 in 1927, therefore, the 3 day rally of 1927, at Nurmburg was the largest show of strength thus far. Approx. 160,000 people attended. Highlights include the SA's torchlight parade, consecration of 12 new standards and the 2 hour parade of 30,000 SA men & the SS.

No rally was held in 1928 due to a decline of popularity. But in 1929, Hitler found. supporters in Germany's big industry, and won over such political groups as the Stahlelm. Soon the party once again felt strong enough for another party congress. The 1929 rally began on Aug. 2nd, in Nurmberg. The highlight of Aug. 3rd was the fireworks displplay at night. Its finale consisted of a swastika in the evening sky, surrounded by a green wreath, and crowned by a huge eagle. Five bands accompanied the 150,000 strong crowd, as it sang the national anthum. The 1st event of Aug. 4th was the National Celebration of the dead of WWI. Twentyfive new standards and eleven new storm flags were carried by the SA in the Munich putsch, which was stained with the blood of the men wounded in the street fighting. The rally concluded on Aug. 5th.

The next rally was not held until 1933. The party concentrated on gaining power during these years. When Hitler came to power in 1933, the rallys grew into national events of great significance.

Unattributed: "THE EARLY "REICHSPARTEITAGS - GERMAN PARTY DAYS", Das Hakenkreuz", 1968

Allgemeine SS Headgear

General SS (Allgemeine SS) Headgear

THE EARLIEST official headdress of the Allgemeine SS consisted of a black SA style "coffee can" cap (Tuchmutze). Three versions of this cap exist, the fittings dependent upon the rank of the wearer.

The basic cap, including visor, was covered in black wool and possessed a set of stylized, non-serviceable ear flaps which were cut or scalloped in the front. Insignia consisted of an early pattern M-29 Party eagle in silver metal which closely resembled the early SA style "pointed wing" eagle. The skull was the pattern associated with the 1st and 2nd Leib-Hussar squadrons of the Imperial Army, i.e. a silver metal form with a jawless skull resting on crossed bones. The eagle was affixed to the hat front above the scalloped edge of the side panels; the skull was mounted where buttons would have existed had the side panels been functional.

The enlisted versions of this cap (SS-Mann to Obertruppfuhrer) lacked piping. The chinstrap was of black leather with black painted buckles and fittings, and was secured to the sides of the cap by two black painted plain buttons.

SS ranks from Sturmfiihrer to Obersturmfiuhrer wore the same style cap, though the crown of the hat was piped in interwoven black and white cloth cords.

SS leaders from the rank of Standartenfuhrer to the highest levels wore the same style cap, though the crown was piped in twisted silver cord to indicate rank.

Fittings (i. e. chinstrap, side buttons) on the early "coffee can" cap remained the same for all grades. Officer caps generally were of better quality than those issued to lower ranks.

SS VISOR CAPS

During the period 1933-34, the distinctive SA style cap was phased out of the Allgmeine SS and a general purpose visor cap was introduced. This cap confored style to Army patterns and indicated rank by the use of piping and chincord straps.

The earliest of these visor caps appeared about 1933 and were issued to enlisted personnel from the rank of SS-Mann to Obertruppfuhrer. The crown of this particular cap was of black woolen cloth with black cap band and polished black leather visor. Fittings included a black leather chinstrap (SA style), black enameled or lacquered buckles and plain side bottons.

Insignia consisted of the early pattern SS/SA visor cap eagle which was positioned on the front central seam of the cap below the crown. Mounted to the band was the Hussar-style skull. Insignia was of natural aluminum metal and secured by the use of pins or prongs to the cap.

The leather or fiber visor had a raised convex border along, its leading edge for strength. The cap crown was piped in white as were also the top and bottom edges of the hat band.

In 1936 a "saddle" formed SS visor cap was introduced and was soon worn with the dress and undress uniform by all ranks. This field service hat differed in some particulars from the earlier visor cap, notably in its use of piping, band material, and insignia.

The enlisted style SS service cap, worn from 1936 to 1945, was of black cloth with the crown and leading edges of the cap band piped in white cotton. The cap was issued with a black leather chinstrap secured to the body of the cap by black painted metal side buttons; buckles and fittings were of black painted or enameled metal. The insignia consisted of the M-36 pattern SS eagle which had a full body, wide, outstretched wings, and which stood on a wreath enclosing a swastika. This eagle was mounted below the crown on the central seam of the visor cap by the use of prongs or pins.

The skull was also altered during this period. Instead of the old style Hussar skull, the new emblem consisted of a full-jawed skull resting on crossed bones. The skull displayed a three-quarters view to the right and was secured to the cap's band by prongs.

The visor was of black leather or fiber reinforced by the convex ridge along its leading edge, and finally it became the standard SS visor cap worn by all ranks from SS-Mann to Hauptscharfuhrer.

Officer service caps differed only in those qualities which were reserved to indicate officer rank. Officer cap bands were of black velvet instead of cloth. Allgemeine SS personnel from Untersturmfuhrer to Standartenfuhrer utilized white piping on the cap body. However, in place of the leather chinstrap, one of twisted aluminum braid was worn which was secured to the cap body by the use of pebbled aluminum buttons sewn or affixed on to the cap.

The insignia remained the same as that for lower ranks though finished in matte silver.

Allgemeine SS ranks from Oberfuhrer to Reichsfuhrer wore the same style officer cap but piped in silver wire and with braided aluminum chincord. Buttons were pebbled aluminum and the insignia was matte silver.

During the war all Allgemeine SS personnel wore a visor hat with a field-grey wool top (identical to the Waffen SS model). All other aspects were the same as the regular black topped version.

ALLGEMEINE SS WHITE VISOR CAP

SS personnel with the rank of Untersturmfuhrer and up were permitted to wear a white-topped visor cap with the summer service uniform. The white linen top of the The earliest pattern "fatigue" cap worn by units of the Allgemeine SS consisted an Imperial style Feldmutze patterned after the undress caps of enlisted ranks in Imperial Army.

Made of black woolen cloth, this cap was piped in white along its crown and the edges of the lower band and possessed an early style metal SS-SA "pointed wing, eagle and a Hussar style skull. The cap was cylinderical in form and was worn for fatigue duty.

Initial Allgemeine SS overseas caps were worn by the SS-Verfugungstruppen who would later evolve into the Waffen SS. This cap was brown or earth-grey in appearance and made of wool with a button mounted on the front. The side of the cap bore an embroidered early M-29 "pointed wing" eagle which was sewn to the panel.

A new pattern of the SS overseas cap was introduced about 1934 which consisted black wool on cloth and bore a button of silver-colored metal on the front bearing the traditional SS skull in raised relief; A cloth embroidered eagle mounted on triangular black patch was sewn to the left side of the cap. After 1938 the eagle was altered to the later SS pattern. This hat was worn only by enlisted ranks, and later, in a grey version, served the Waffen SS as one form of an overseas cap.

ALLGEMEINE SS TRADITIONAL CAP

A special SS "coffee can" cap was retained for commemorative and traditional occasions and was patterned after the early 1932 cloth cap. It differed only in its use of M-36 SS insignia.

Tom Shutt: "Dress and Field Service Hats of the Third Reich", H.S.M. Publications, 1981

Postcards of Hitler's Germany

This ten-year study was produced because of an early fascination with the colorful and historical propaganda postcards of the Third Reich era. Studying them and the events they portrayed created a hunger for more knowledge about the German postal system and its function. I soon learned there was much more to this hobby than just propaganda cards. Cards flooded the postal system carrying their blatant, and sometimes subtle, messages alongside equally interesting "official issue" postcards (Amtliche Ausgaben) and the "printed to private order" postcards. It is these three categories of Third Reich postcards that I have addressed in this work.

The "official issues" were available at all post offices or at special counters at exhibitions. Their issuance was ordered by the postal authorities. They are the most common of the postcards encountered because of their numerous distribution outlets. Postage stamps are imprinted.
The "printed to private order" postcards were produced to commemorate special events, from local postal exhibitions to city and district commemorations. Some are common because of their profuse usage over a long period of time (sometimes months), and some are very rare as they may have been produced in limited numbers for a week-end event. On this wide range of subject cards, the postage stamps are also imprinted.

The third category covered in this study is that of "propaganda" postcards. These are the most colorful of the three and are generally political in nature. They required a postage stamp.

As I observed the thousands of cards available to me I noted that all three catagories, in their own way, depicted a mini-history of Germany during the Third Reich period.
When I put the three groupings of cards together in a chronological order, I not only saw most every event that was important to the German populace portrayed, but also the complex latticework of Gerinan culture and society. Not only did they portray the frustrations with the Versailles Treaty, but at the other end of the spectrum, the status of females in the "new order" to the love of nature. It was with this enlightenment that the format you are about to view was developed.

For a purely philatelic approach to the subject of "official issues" and "printed to private order" postcards there are no better references than Michel's "Ganzsachen-Katalog Deutschland," "Privatpostkarten-Katalog Deutschland: Deutsches Reich 1873-1945," "Bildpostkarten-Katalog Deutschland," and Borek's "Ganzsachen-Spezial-Katalog Deutschland ab 1933." Although they are in German, they go into much greater detail on not only postcards but also special cancels. They were my bibles when cross-referencing or confirming details I had gathered from the numerous international collections I was permitted to study and photograph.

What has developed from my years of research are three volumes on the above subject. They are as follows:

Vol. 1: 1923-1936. Only Party struggle cards from 1923 to 1933, and from 1934 to 1936, any dated card in a chronological order.

Vol. 2: 1937-1939. Any dated card in a chronological order.

Vol. 3: 1940-1945. Any dated card in a chronological order plus the postal stationery of annexed and occupied territories.

It should be noted that as extensive as my search was for appropriate cards for this series, I know that I have only scratched the surface and welcome contact from fellow collectors who hold hidden "gems" in their collections which are unknown to me. With their assistance I would like photos of such postcards, special cancels, and publishers' details, which can make up an expanded series in the future.

Format Examples

This volume on Third Reich era postcards illustrates any card that can be dated or tied to a particular event, which in reality, presents a mini-chronological history of Hitler's Gennany. Postcards without a double border or separate stamp (indicating imprinted) is a privately published card. These cards are in the greatest numbers of variations and are classified as "Propaganda Cards." Most often these cards are of a political nature and always require a postage stamp.
Cards with a double border and separate stamp indicates "Official Postal Stationery" with imprinted stanlp. These official issues (Amtliche Ausgaben) are quite common as they were available at all post offices or at special counters at exhibitions and events.

Cards without the double border, but with a separately illustrated stamp, indicate "Printed to Private Order" postcards with imprinted stamps. These issues were printed to commemorate special events.


R. James Bender: "Postcards of Hitler's Germany, Volume 3, R. James Bender Publishing, 2003

www.bender-publishing.com

Introduction to Gorgets

The gorget, or 'ringkragen', comprising a metal shield hung by a chain around the neck, was worn during the Third Reich by selected members of uniformed organisations to denote special service or duty.
Two distinct styles of gorget existed, the heart-shaped and crescent-shaped (see Fig 15). both descended from similar regalia used by the Imperial German army. The obverse of each shield bore an appropriate badge and/or inscription, while the reverse was covered in cloth or stiff card and featured a protruding central prong. This prong was hooked through a convenient buttonhole in the tunic during wear, thereby holding the gorget plate firmly in position.

The first official Nazi gorgets wrere produced in the late 1920s for SA standard bearers. It took the form of a heart-shaped nickel-plated shield, sporting a gilded brass sunburst on which was superimposed a disc enclosing an eagle holding a sonnenrad swastika (the same motif as that seen on early SA belt buckles - see Plate 161). The neck-chain was made from tight-fitting nickel-plated wire links, and the backing cloth was of dark-co loured wool. Post-1935 examples were RZM stamped. This gorget was used only when the wearer was actually engaged in the specific function of carrying his regimental feldzeichen or battalion flag. Individually-designed ringkragen were subsequently created and manufactured for standard bearers of the SS, NSKK, NSFK, RAD, HJ, Political Leadership, RLB, TeNo, Polizei, Reichsbahn, DRK, Army, Luftwaffe and ex-servicemen's associations. Each bore insignia relevant to its own organisation.

By 1945, gorgets were being worn as badges of office by numerous categories of uniformed personnel, including military policemen ('Feldgendarmerie' - see Plate 165). train guards ('Zugwache') and those on paramilitary street patrol service ('Streifendienst'). All told, more than 40 different patterns existed in a variety of sizes. Metals used in their construction ranged from tombak bronze to zinc, with finishes ranging from fine enamel to rough paintwork. Indeed, limited resources meant that some gorgets, like those for the Bahnhofswache, were eventually withdrawn completely and replaced by armbands.

Nazi gorgets are not widely collected in their own right, normally being sought merely to supplement other exhibits. The 'Feldgendarmerie' pattern, for instance, can often be found amongst displays of military or police uniform items. Nevertheless various gorgets have been reproduced. Fortunately, copies are easily spotted by virtue of the fact that their quality is nowhere near that of even the latest originals. The following comparison between genuine and fake 'Feldgendarmerie' ringkragen should provide the reader with a general idea of what to look for.

Originals:

(i) The gorget plates were stamped from hard sheet steel or zinc alloy, with smooth semi-rolled edges.
(ii) The National Emblems were each affixed by three round pins or flat prongs.
(iii) Details were crisp.
(iv) The backings were offield-grey wool or stiff card.
(v) The pieces were usually completely devoid of makers' marks. Only a few early originals had their central rear prongs stamped with one of a small selection of company trademarks, the most common being' A' and an "M" inside a diamond.

Reproductions:

(i) The gorget plates are of very thin lightweight aluminium, which can easily be bent by hand. The edges are poorly finished.
(ii) The National Emblems are often glued into position.
(iii) Details are blurred in places.
(iv) The backings are of shiny black PVC-type paper or black felt.
(v) The central rear prongs usually bear spurious RZM or DRGM marks.

Robin Lumsden: "A Collector's Guide to Third Reich Militaria", Ian Allan Ltd., 1987

German Police Service Dress

Service Dress: This form of dress was worn for street service (Strassendienst), major inspection service (Grosser Aufsichtsdienst), guard service (Wachtdienst) and reporting dress (Meldeanzug),

Shako (Tschako): Prior to the introduction of the 1936 pattern uniform, and the shako in particular, personnel of the Ord- nungspolizei wore the distinctive shako carried over from the Landespolizei. The body was black vulcan fiber (Vulkanfiber) with a black lacquered flat top, and front and back visor with pressed rim. The base of the shako body was with a 18/19mm wide black trim. A 16mm black leather chin strap (enlisted) with matte-white aluminum metal fittings or aluminum metal "scales" (officers) rested on the front visor. Positioned at the front was a large aluminum police national emblem with open wreath at the top. It was affixed to the shako by means of two screw posts, which passed through responding openings with black metal reinforcement in the shako body. The shako shield had a 155mm wingspan, and was cumd to conform to the bend in the body. Centered above the shield was an oval tri-color cockade slotted in a groove, and held in place by an aluminum wire. The cockade measured approximately 62mm high and 36mm wide, and took the form of concentric ovals of rope, five aluminum at the base, one black on top of this, and one aluminum at the very top. The center opening was painted red. The reverse plate was commonly stamped with the manufacturer's code and date of manufacture. Personnel in the rank of Obermeister and above were authorized to wear this cockade made in the same color pattern, but of aluminum wire. The interior top of the shako was usually marked with the manufacturer's logo and size.

A new shako was introduced with the 1936 pattern uniform. It retained the same style and characteristics, but had a police-green uniform cloth covering over the head body. The officer's shield could now be more three-dimensional and highly polished.

Shakos of general officers will be discussed in volume 2.

During the war years, wear of the steel helmet was permitted, especially near the front line, and the shako was worn less.

Tunic (Waffenrock): The Waffenrock was of police-green wool fabric, and dark brown badge cloth collar and cuffs. The collar, top of the cuff, down the left front of the closure, and about the tail panels were piped in light green. The front was secured by eight pebbled aluminum-colored 18mm diameter buttons. The collar was secured by two or three black hooks-and-eyes. Mirror image collar patches, with the background indicating the service branch (light green for Schutzpolizei), were positioned with the leading edge 3mm back from the front collar edge. The two angled pleated patch breast pockets and two hip unpleated straight patch pockets were with scalloped flaps buttoned by 18mm diameter pebbled aluminum-colored buttons. The rear tail panels were with two 18mm diameter pebbled aluminum-colored buttons, the top two serving as belt ramps. The shoulder boards were of the sew-in or slip-on variety, and were secured by 16mm diameter buttons. In the event the shoulder boards were of the slip-on type, there was a strip of tunic fabric sewn horizontal to the sleeve headseam. The police national emblem was worn on the upper left sleeve, while anyone specialty insigne was worn on the lower left. Two parallel aluminum rings, each 10 mm wide, worn above the top of the cuffs, indicated NCOs appointed to the position of company first sergeant (nicknamed "der Spiess"). For details of other insignia, see the respective chapter. The cuffs were normally sewn closed at the rear seam, but tailor preference allowed for an open seam secured by the cuff buttons. With secured cuffs two 18mm pebbled aluminum-colored buttons were positioned at the rear of the front cuff panel. However, when the rear seam was open, the rear of the front panel was with two buttonholes, and the buttons were sewn to the rear of the rear panel. There was a concealed interior pocket on the left breast, and a concealed pocket at each tail panel. Size markings and possible tailor or control marks were commonly found stamped on either the right or left front interior lining.

Wartime tunics could have the side straps fitted with metal hooks passing through the side-seam opening to serve as belt ramps. A light-weight Waffenrock was also authorized for wear.

Neck tie (Halsbinde): Black worn with white collar.

Breeches (Stiefelhose): Standard pattern police green breeches. Riding breeches with reinforced leather seat (Reithose) for mounted personnel.

Gloves (Handschuhe): Grey-green.

Boots (Schaftstiefel): Black leather. Riding boots for mounted personnel.

Spurs (Sporen): Worn by officers only in the rank of Hauptmann and above, and by all mounted officers.

Greatcoat (Mantel): The same pattern greatcoat was worn by all ranks. Rank shoulder boards were of the sew-in variety. No collar patches or police national sleeve insigne were worn. It was of the police-green uniform cloth with brown collar piped in light green. The double-breasted coat was with two vertical rows of six pebbled aluminum-colored (gold for general officers) buttons. The concealed hip pockets were angled-slashed and had rounded unbuttoned flaps. At the left side is a slash for the sword hanger. The sleeve cuffs were indicated by a stitched seam only on privately tailored coats, and by turned-up (un-piped) cuff on issue coats. The collar was closed by a single hook-and-eye, normally backed by a piece of protective cloth. Under the left collar is a cloth tab with buttonhole, and held in place by a single green button. On the right collar was a single green button for securing the opposite tab when the collar was worn closed. At the back was a two-part cloth belt with two pebbled aluminum buttons on the horizontal. A seam ran down the center back, and with a slash from the bottom of the cloth belt down. The slash opening was secured by four evenly spaced buttons. The interior'of the coat was with a concealed slash breast pocket on the left side. A large green button was sewn to the left side to secure the right side of the coat. It was quite common to find size markings and even tailor data stamped inside on the left lining fabric.

Persons authorized to wear a neck decoration were permitted to wear the greatcoat with the top two buttons unbuttoned, and the lapels folded back in order to display the decoration.

Raincoats could be worn in place of greatcoats in wet weather.

Belt (Leibriemen): Black leather with double open-claw silvercolored pebble buckle and shoulder strap for officers. Black leather with aluminum-colored box buckle and rifle three-compartment ammunition pouch on the left side, and black pistol holster on the right side. Mounted personnel were authorized to wear the mounted bandoleer. For details, see coverage of belt buckles in a later volume in this series.

Sidearm: Sword with portepee (for details, see chapter dealing with blade sidearms in a future volume in this series). Pistol with holster (all ranks) worn on the right side.

Medal Bar/Ribbon Bar (Grosse und Kleine Ordensschnalle):
Neck orders and breast stars were also authorized for wear.

Adjutant's Cord (Adjutantenabzeichen): The grey-aluminum cord was authorized for wear by adjutants only. The pattern was identical to that of the police officer's shoulder cord (in turn, identical to the army adjutant's cord), but without the two top cords and with two aluminum cords measuring 15 and 18cm, and with silver-colored metal ferrules at each end. It was worn on the right shoulder of the tunic or greatcoat with the ferrules hanging down at the sleeve seam.

Whistle (Signalpfeife): Worn by all ranks

Handcuffs (Handfessel): Carried only by EM/NCOs

John R. Angolia and Hugh Page Taylor: "Uniforms, Organization & History of the German Police", Volume 1, R. James Bender Pulishing, 2004

www.bender-publishing.com

Collecting on a Budget

Somewhere there is a line between "getting a good buy" and "ripping off the rube". Where that line lies is beyond the scope of this article. I'll let you decide, and determine which side you want to stay on....

I wrote this article 30 years ago. Times have changed, but I think most of the ideas are valid today. It would be interesting to see a follow-up on this written by one of you. If interested, just email me.


COLLECTING ON A BUDGET

Although most of us build our collections by trading with collectors and dealers, there are many in our fraternity who have been able to put together a very fine grouping of Nazi items by purchasing from noncollectors. Even at this late date there is a vast quantity of all types of militaria in the hands of vets, their families and friends. If you have never made any attempt to contact any of these people, you are perhaps missing out on some very good opportunities. There are many ways to go about finding the goodies.

First, and most obvious, is by asking around amoung your friends, relatives, co-workers etc. This won't take long to do, and before long you will know if there is anything out there, after that, it takes a little more work and effort. The best bet is to advertize in some of the local newspapers and neighborhood publications such as the trade sheets. I've been at this for quite some time and have met with some successes, and I can assure you that it has very definately been worthwhile. Over the years I have learned a couple of things about this type of collecting and I would like to pass on some tips to any of you who want to try it.

First and formost, NEVER NEVER use the word "NAZI" in an advertisement! That will guarantee some calls from screwballs and weird-o's! Also, I suggest you "buffer" your ad by requesting other types of militaria, whether you collect it or not. A good example is WANTED: War Souvenirs from Japan, Germany and Italy" or "U.S., Japanese and German war relics of all types wanted". By including the other countries you appear to be a military collector and not a "Nazi sympathizer". When you receive a phone call try to get as much information about the items as possible. Ask about where the caller got them and verify that they didn't come from the flea market, caus' if they did - they're probably going to be junk or fakes: Remember that you are talking to someone who probably knows nothing about this type of thing, so when the old lady on the phone tells you she has a "Nazi Colonel's cross with "Der Deutschen Mutter" on it, don't break into hilarious laughter. You are going to find that people have some strange ideas about these things and the best way to handle it is to take them seriously now and laugh later when you have the goodies.. After you have got enough information to determine that they have something worth going after, try to make an appointment to see it. It is very important to make the appointment as soon as possible, don't waste a lot of time on the phone getting more details, get them to let you come see it, and if it can be that same day, all the better. As the saying goes--strike while the iron is hot-- the longer you wait the less your chances. Many people will ask you about the value of items on the phone. My advise is NEVER EVER price an item before you have seen it, because the chances of misidentification are too great and that can blow it for you. If you thought it was a Knight's cross and its only a 2nd class IC, then you've made a fool of yourself and have to try to explain your "slight" error, which is almost impossible. When you visit the person with the goodies, be patient and if they want to tell war stories, let them, this will get you on a friendly basis. Offer NO information about the items, but if they ask, answer the questions with a minimum of info.. The more you tell them, the more they are going to think the stuff is worth, and I presume you will want to try to buy it as cheaply as possible. If there are several items, try to avoid priceing them individually and make an offer for the group. Of course it is better if you can get them to tell you what they want for the stuff, but you will find that they usually will tell you that they don't know anything about it and want you to make an offer. Naturally, I suggest you make that offer as low as possible, but try to make it high enough so they will accept your first offer. It is very bad to have to raise the offer because this will give them the idea that you are holding out on them and can make it even more difficult for you to pry the items loose. IF THEY EVER GET THE IDEA THAT THE ITEMS ARE WORTH SOME "REAL" MONEY" you're sunk. I don't wish to sound like a con-man but thats the way it works.

Some final thoughts: Always take cash, not checks, and when I make an offer I take the cash out of my wallet so they can see it (you sly devil you). Never show a special interest in any one particular item, look at all of them equally, if you stare too hard at one piece, they might decide to let you have the rest and keep the one you really want. If you are going to run a "display ad" the sports section is the best. Never mention another collector to them, try to give the impression that you're the only source of cash around. And finally, prepare yourself for a lot of useless phone calls. If you're lucky, you might get something good from one in every ten calls and something great in one in a hundred. Patience is what it takes, but if you hang in there and keep trying, something will eventually turn up and it will all have been worth it....

Bob Treend: "Collecting on a Budget". 1977, Der Gauleiter

Buckles and their Manufacture

The manufacture of the Koppelschloss, or belt buckle is a simple process. So simple in fact, that many of the companies certified by the RZM were family or one-man or­ganizations. Many companies had the master dies cut by a larger concern, thus eliminating the need for the most expensive labor and equipment. Because of the availability of government (RZM) contracts to small companies, financial aid was more accessable than any time before.

Buckles during the period in question were stamped from a number of stocks or metals. The most common was brass, an alloy of copper and tin. This popularity was due to its low price and its similarity in color to gold. The stock was usually c.2.5mm thick, although some thicker var­ieties were used in the 1919-1933 period. A metal which first came into use for buckles after 1933 was an alloy of aluminum. The color of this alloy varies from silver-white to grey depending upon the amount of base metal added. In the case of alloys approved by the RZM, the purer white is prevalent. The most attractive metal, used almost always for leader's buckles was nickel-silver. The name is mislead­ing since the alloy contains nickel, zinc, and copper. This alloy takes a high polish and looks very much like silver. Iron was used (not steel) for many buckles which were to be plated or painted. The last of the metals was a base alloy called pot metal. It is made of some copper and much lead, and was used in buckles which were cast or injection molded.

The metal was cut into sheets of the proper size and placed in a die. These dies consisted of one into which the design had been engraved, and one upon which the design was cut in relief, or standing out. The lat­ter die pushed the metal into the incised areas of the engraved die, thus the finished buckle has a raised re­lief on the outside and a reversed (mirror image) on the inside. Naturally the quality and age of the dies have considerable effect on the strike or image on the finish­ed product. Like coins, some buckles are weak or indis­tinct due to die deficiencies. These are seldom worthy of the collector's attention.

A few buckles approved by the RZM late in the war were injection molded using pot metal. They are easily recognized by their slate grey color. Usually these were spray painted with silver paint. They will not lighten in color if cleaned or polished, but rather acquire a dull gloss. They are also discernable by their flat reverse side, on which no image of the design appears. Usually four circular areas will show where the hot metal entered the die. Their intrest lies not in their quality, but in their post 1942 production. The commonest pot metal buckles found are the Hitler Jugend, the Hitler Jugend Leader, and the Politische Leiter 60mm.

Four types of catches were used on the rectangular (enlisted type) buckle. Type I is used only in conjunction with a soldered inset. It is simply a depressed slot in the metal. Type II is the commonest, and is a ([) shaped bar secured to the reverse of the buckle by brazing,or in the case of Type IIa, by spotwelding. Type III is found on aluminum and pot metal buckles, and is a protuberance in the metal with a slot drilled for the catch. Type IV is not often encountered. It is a notched bar which fits into two holes in the sides of the buckle. Although it appears to be a 'home made' variety, some RZM proofed DAF buckles are seen with this catch. They are usually made by C. Th. Dicke Co. (M4/22). It is surprising the RZM would have approved such a departure from the norm.

The post and prongs used to attach the buckle to the belt are by their nature highly standardized. Only two varieties exist. The earlier type chronologically is more difficult to produce, and was discontinued around 1930. The prongs are a single piece of metal brazed to a tube, through which the bar passes. The other type attaches the prongs, once again a single piece of metal, to the bar by means of a loose fitting mechanism of pre-formed sheet stock. This type of construction was introduced c.19l6 to aid in mass production. The transition was not rapid, however, many SA buckles manufactured during the late 20's used the earlier style of construction. This is one positive way to identify earlier pieces. The latest use of the brazed prong mechanism was on round leader's buckles made of nickel silver
alloy c.1936. It was last used on rectangular buckles in the late 20's or very early 30's.

The attachment of insets to buckles follows a similar genesis. Very early c.1871 buckles have insets soldered to the buckle through four holes. By the time of the First World War, the number of holes had decreased to two. SA buckles with silver insets are attached in this way. The attach­ment of insets with solder declined with the advent of the aluminum alloy buckle. Many companies in addition to solid stamped aluminum buckles offered at a lower price buckles with paper-thin insets attached by tabs. These tabs were a part of the inset and passed through slots in the buckle to be bradded or simply bent over. No buckle approved by the RZM was manufactured in this way. The difference in the wholesale price was often as little as 15pf (US 4¢), and why anyone would have been tempted to forego quality for such an amount escapes the modern observer. Buckles of the Luftwaffe and the Reichsheer are frequently of this type. As a method of manufacture, this lends itself particularly well to mass production, since all buckle blanks could be made the same. The late Type III Reichs Luftschutz Bund buckle was produced this way exclusively.

Round leader's buckles fall into three major manufac­ture varieties. The first type encompasses the period 1870 to 1945. Type I buckles are stamped or cast and the catch and prong-bar keeper added by brazing. This method is not particularly well suited for mass production, but is seen in very late pieces nevertheless. The second and most prevalent type was manufactured in two parts. The face of the buckle was stamped with a wide flange around the outer edge. This flange was crimped around a perforated disc which served as the catch and as a keeper for the prong-bar. The third method was used with pot metal. The catch and keeper was fitted into a depression on the flat reverse of the buckle and attached by solder. All three methods were approved by the RZM at one time or another. Types I and III are the favorites of reproducers since they require less sophisticated equipment.

Officer's buckles exist without prongs on either side of the buckle. They are designed for use on brocade belts. The right hand side of the catch (the removable side) is sewn onto the belt. The buckle is attached to the other side by means of a loop in the belt. This loop terminates in a hook which can be secured to several grommets on the inside of the belt, thus making it adjustable.Frequent examples of this are Reichsheer, Luftwaffe, and RLB buckles.
It was not a method approved by the RZM.

All officer's belts, both leather and brocade, were fitted with two runners, one slightly larger than the other. Since these fittings are loose on the belt, they frequently are missing. All leader's belts approved by the RZM were marked L5/.The first two numbers are the manufacturer code, the second, the year of manufacture. Other markings found on belts are 'KERNSTUCK', '90', and '95-115'. The first is indicitive of high quality leather. The second and third are belt sizes, and may range from 75(cm) to 115. They are often noted from the smallest to the largest possible adjust-
ment, e.g., 95-115.

There are a multitude of finishes found on buckles. In the order of their quality, they are gold plating, silver plating, nickel plating, silver or gold wash, silver paint, and various enamel painted finishes. There was too much variation among companies to pin point anything about this.

Thomas Reid and John Nauer:"German Belt Buckles 1919-1945", The Montrose Press, 1974

Hitler Youth Dagger

The Hitler Youth (Hitlerjugend) was one of the first Party organizations to acquire an edged weapon in the form of a camping knife (HJ-Fahrtenmesser). During the first heady days of the Nazi Party, uniforms, equipment, and insignia were in great demand and many variations were manufactured and sold without restriction. This same phenomenon occurred with the HJ knife. Before the RZM established quality benchmarks and licensed manufacturers, a number of variation HJFahrtenmesser were produced. Some of these knives (Messer) were made up of old stocks of existing hilts and blades which simply had the enameled HJ diamond, or other HJ insignia, placed on the grip, pommel, or scabbard. Some of these knives were made up with bayonet style hilts which had an inoperative press button, but no lug slot, which were left over from Weimar times. These hilts had either double-edged or slab-sided knife blades attached to them and they were sold to HJ members to fulfill the pressing demand. These Messer are simply early variations of the HJ-Fahrtenmesser, and should not be confused with Seitengewehre.

The Hitlerjugend did wear an authorized Seitengewehr which was simply a standard KS 98 which had an enameled HJ diamond inset into the obverse grip. The bayonet was officially termed Seitenwaffe der Wachgefolgschaft. The bayonet first appeared in the 1943 edition of the yearly Party organization book, "Organisationsbuch der NSDAP," but there is no mention of the duties of the Wachgefolgschaft. As its name implies, the group was a security or guard unit of the HJ. The HJ was, by then, supplying older personnel to the military to serve as flakhelpers, laborers, air raid helpers, etc. By the end of the war HJ members were under arms and serving in self defense units as the front closed in upon their towns and cities.

HI Seitenwaffe hilt. This Hitler Youth Seitengewehr has an unmarked blade with a wide fuller.
It is a late bayonet with a white metal hilt that has a plated finish which is proper for these bayonets. The enamel HJ insignia is properly inset into the black plastic grip as it should be.
The reverse of an HJ grip insignia with two pins is shown to illustrate the proper method of attachment.

The HJ Wachgefolgschaft Seitengewehr was a late model KS 98 which had the enameled HJ diamond inset into the obverse black checkered plastic grips of the bayonet in exactly the same manner as on the HJ-Fahrtenmesser. The only known official illustration of the bayonet shows it with a 20cm blade, but examples with 25cm blades have been observed. As with all bayonets with grip insignia, the insignia should be properly mounted to the grip with pins. In this instance, the insignia should be inset into the grip, just as on the HJ knife. Reproductions of this rare bayonet have been made for many years.

Original examples of the bayonet have late white metal hilts which have been nickel-plated. Since the bayonet was not authorized until 1943, early steel-hilted examples should be viewed with suspicion. Examples which evidence removed rivets or surface-mounted insignia should also arouse suspicion. The blades on observed original examples all have wide fullers (on both 20cm and 25cm blades) and no maker markings. The scabbard is black-painted steel, as normally found on all KS 98s. The bayonet was worn in a black leather frog and had a Portepee attached in the old Imperial manner, by threading it through the belt. The Portepee has a black leather strap with three aluminum stripes. The slide is black leather and the stem, crown, and ball are aluminum. The insert of this generic knot is black.

George T. Wheeler: "Seitengewehr: History of the German Bayonet 1919-1945", R. James Bender Publishing, 1999

www.bender-publishing.com

Third Reich Glossary

This glossary does not pretend to be exhaustive. It has been included as a ready reference to the English equivalents of some of those German terms and abbreviations most often encountered by collectors.

* * *

Abzeichen - insignia; badge

Achselband - aiguillette

a.D.: ausser Dienst - out of service, retired (eg Oberst a.D.)

'Alles fiir Deutschland' - 'Everything for Germany', motto of the SA and NSKK Allgemeine-SS - the general body of the SS, composed of part-time, full-time and inactive or honorary members, distinct from the Waffen-SS

Amt - office; bureau Ambord - on board; at sea

Anzug - uniform

'ArbeitAdelt' -'Work Enobles', motto of .
the RAD

Armelband - cuff title

Armelraute - sleeve diamond

Armelschild - arm shield; campaign shield

Artillerie - artillery

Ausfiihrung - execution; production

Auszeichnung - award; decoration

Bahnhofswache - Railway Station Guard

Band - ribbon

BDM: Bund Deutscher Miidel- League of German Girls, female equivalent of the HJ

Bedruckt - printed

Bekleidung - clothing

Bergmutze - mountain cap

Beschliige - fittings; mountings

BEV0: Bandfabrik Ewald V orsteher - the principal manufacturer of woven badges. The acronym BEVo (often erroneously written as BEVO, BeVo or' Bevo) has come to be used generally by collectors when referring to all machine-woven insignia

Blanke waffen - edged weapons

Blech - tin

'Blut and Ehre' - 'Blood and Honour', motto ofthe HJ
Blutorden - Blood Order; a senior NSDAP award for Party members who had participated in the Munich Putsch, or who had rendered outstanding service or been killed whilst engaged in political activities

Bordmutze - boarding cap

Brillanten - diamonds

Brustklappe -lapel

Cie./Co.: Compagnie - (commerical) company

DAF: Deutsche Arbeitsfront- German Labour Front. Comprised all trade guilds, corporations and professional associations

DAK: Deutsches Afrikakorps - German Africa Corps

DBGM: Deutsches Bundesgebrauchsmuster - Nationally Used Pattern (post-1945). See also 'DRGM'

Degen - sword

'Deutschland Erwache!' - 'Germany Awake!' An early NSDAP slogan, later incorporated into the designs for propaganda badges and the feldzeichen flag cloth

Dienstanzug - service uniform

Dienstgrad - service grade; rank

Dienstmutze - service cap; kepi

Dienststellungsabzeichen - proficiency badge

Diplomatisches Korps - Diplomatic Corps

DJ: Deutsche Jagerschaft - German Hunting Association : Deutsches Jungvolk - German Young People,junior section of the HJ

DK: Deutsches Kreuz- War Order of the German Cross

DLV: Deutscher Luftsport Verband - German Air Sports Association, forerunner of the Luftwaffe

Dolch - dagger

Dolchgehange - dagger hangers

d.R.: der Reserve - (officer of) the reserve

Draht - wire

DRGM: Deutsches Reichsgebrauchsmuster - Nationally Used Pattern (pre-1945). Uniform accessories such as buttons, dagger hangers, peaked cap sweatbands and so on came in many alternative styles to satisfy differing customer requirements. The government officially approved a few ofthe better quality and more regular of these variants and commended them for use nationwide. Such pieces were marked 'DRGM', frequently accompanied by a model number and/or maker's symbol.
See also 'DBGM'

Drillich - denim

DRK: Deutsches Rotes Kreuz - German Red Cross

DRL: Deutscher Reichsbund fUr Leibesiibungen - German National Physical Training Union DRP:

Deutsches Reichspatent- German National Patent. Once a patent was granted to a manufacturer in respect of any new design of badge, buckle or whatever, pieces of that design were marked 'DRP' indicating that they could be made only by the patentee

Deutsches Reichspost - German National Post Office

D.Sch.V.: Deutscher Schiitzen Verband - German Rifle Association

Durchbrochen - pierced out; silhouetted

Echt - genuine

Ehrenzeichen - decoration

Einheit - unit

Einheitsfeldmiitze - standard field cap

EK: Eisernes Kreuz - Iron Cross

EL: Eichenlaub - oakleaves (symbolic of strength)

Email- enamel

Entwurf - design

Erinnerungsmedaille - commemorative medal

Erinnerungsband - commemorative cuff title

Ersatz - substitute

Etui- case; box

Fa: Firma - firm Fahne - flag

Fahnenspitze - finial

Fahnentriiger - standard-bearer

Fahnentuch - flag cloth

Fallschirmjager- paratroops

Fiilschung - fake; reproduction

Feldbindenschloss - officer-pattern circular belt buckle

Feldanzug - field uniform

Feldbluse - field blouse; combat tunic

Feldgendarmerie - Military Police

Feldherrnhalle - military monument in Munich, revered by the Nazis; gave its name to an elite SA regiment and associated army units

Feldjiigerkorps - a shock formation of the SA: later name given to military police units detailed to round up deserters and defeatists

Feld-Kommandostelle - field headquarters

Feldmiitze - field cap

Feldzeichen - SA/SS regimental standard of the vexillum type

Feuerwehr - Fire Brigade; controlled by the Orpo

Flak: Flugabwehrkanone - anti-aircraft gun

Fliegerbluse - flight blouse

Fliegermiitze - airman's cap

Flott - fleet

Fliigelrad - winged wheel, emblem of the Reichsbahn

Fransen - fringe

Freikorps - Free Corps; right-wing paramilitary units of the early 1920s, usually composed of nationalist ex-soldiers. Many later joined the SA and SS

Freiwilliger - volunteer

Fiihrer -leader

Gau - Nazi province. There were 42 throughout the Reich

Gauleiter - the highest ranking local NSDAP official, responsible for political, economic and civil defence matters in his Gau

Gautag - Province Day; an annual provincial NSDAP celebration with rallies, parades, etc

Gebirgsjager/Gebirgstruppen - mountain riflemen/mountain troops

Gebr: Gebriider - brothers

Gekreuzte schwerter - crossed swords

Gendarmerie - Rural Police

Geschwader - a Luftwaffe Wing (approximately 100 aircraft)

Ges. Gesch: Gesetzlich GeschiitztLegally Protected. When manufacturing firms created new 'designs or design variations for badges, buckles, etc, patents were normally applied for in respect of these. During the time that such patents were pending, which might amount to several months or even years, the pieces in question were marked 'Ges. Gesch.', indicating that they were the copyright of the original producer. Other firms could not manufacture them without first obtaining the original producer's permission

Gestickt - embroidered

Gewebt - woven

G.m.b.H.: Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung - company with limited liabili ty

Grabenpanzer - trench armour

Graviert - engraved

Grenadier - infantryman

Griffe - grip; handle

Grosskreuz - Grand Cross

Gruppe - Group; a territorial command of a military or paramilitary formation

Hagelrune - hail rune; the nordic symbol ofreplenishment and new life. Featured on several SS ceremonial accoutrements and was also a Waffen-SS divisional emblem

Hakenkreuz - swastika
Halsband - neck ribbon

Heer - army

Hersteller- maker; manufacturer

Herstellungszeichen - maker's mark

Hilfs-Krankentrager - auxiliary stretcherbearer

HJ: Hitlerjugend - Hitler Youth

Hoheitsabzeichen - National Emblem; the eagle and swastika of the NSDAP and, later, of Nazi Germany. Generally speaking, the Party eagle faced to the left and the State eagle to the right

Hohl- hollow-backed

iA.: im Auf trag - by order of I1m Dienst der Deutschen Wehrmacht' 'In the Service of the German Armed Forces'

"Im Dienste der Waffen-SS' - 'In the Service of the Waffen-SS'

Infanterie - infantry

Innenausstattung -liner; sweatband

Jacke - jacket

Jager- rifleman

Jagerverbanden - hunting associations

JG: Jagdgeschwader - Luftwaffe Fighter Wing

JM: Jungmadel- Young Girls, the junior section of the BDM

Kampfabzeichen - see 'Kriegsabzeichen'

Kampfbinde - swastika armband

Kampfgruppe - battle group

Kampfrune - see 'Tyr-rune'

Kastenschloss - box buckle; the standard NCOs' rectangular belt buckle

Kavallerie - cavalry

Kettengehange - chain hangers

KG: Kampfgeschwader - Luftwaffe Bomber Wing

Kinnriemen - chinstrap

Klinge - blade

Knopf - button; pommel

Kokarde - cockade

Koppel- belt

Koppelschloss - belt buckle

Koppelschnalle - 'open claw' or 'open face' belt buckle

Kragenspiegel- collar patches

Kranz - wreath

Kreis - a Nazi district; the principal sub-division of a Gau

Kreistag - District Day; annual celebrations in an NSDAP Kreis

Kriegsabzeichen - war badge; also known as the 'kampfabzeichen' or 'battle badge'

Kriegsmarine - navy

Kriegsmetall- war metal; a poor quality alloy of zinc, copper and lead commonly called 'pot metal' by collectors

Kunstseide - artificial silk; rayon

Kupfer - copper

KVK: Kriegsverdienstkreuz - War Merit Cross

KVM: Kriegsverdienstmedaille - War Merit Medal

LAH: Leibstandarte SS 'Adolf Hitler' - the showpiece regiment of the SS; Hitler's ceremonial bodyguard. Formed the nucleus of a wartime panzer division of the same name

Landzolldienst- Land Customs Service

Laufbahnabzeichen - trade or speciality badge

LDO: Leistungsgemeinschaft der Deutschen Ordenhersteller - Administration of German Orders Manufacturers; issued approved firms with permits to produce national orders and decorations. Each firm also received a manufacturer's number, or 'L'-number, as a visible sign of LDO approval. From March, 1941, 'L'-numbers were required to be stamped on certain decorations in place of the maker's trademark or address. This requirement was not rigidly enforced however, so many later decorations retained the old markings while others were completely devoid of any sort of maker's mark.

Lebensrune -life rune; the old norse symbol of life. Used by various Nazi women's and social welfare organisations. Also featured on SS documents and grave markers to show date of birth

Lederwiderhalt -leather tab attached to some belt buckles to prevent slippage

Leichtmetall-lightweight alloy

Litzen - cording; the name generally given to army-style

collar patches

Lorbeerkranz -laurel wreath (symbolic of victory)

Lowenkopf -lion-head

LSSAH - see 'LAB'

Luftschutz - see 'RLB'

Luftwaffe - air force

Massiv - solid

M.d.R.: Mitglied des Reichstags Member of Parliament

Medaille - medal
'Mehr sein als Scheinen' - 'Be more than you appear to be', motto of the NPEA

'Meine Ehre Heisst Treue' - 'My Honour is Loyalty', motto of the SS

Messer - knife

Messing - brass

MG: Maschinengewehr - machine gun

MP: Maschinenpistole - machine pistol; sub-machine gun

NPEA: Nationalpolitische Erziehungsanstalten - National Political Educational Institutes;trained selected HJ members for future political leadership

NSBO: Nationalsozialistische Betriebsorganisation - National Socialist Factory Organisation;
forerunner of the DAF

NSDAP: Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei - National Socialist German Workers' Party; the full title of the Nazi Party

NSFK: Nationalsozialistisches Fliegerkorps - National Socialist Flying Corps; functioned as a civilian reserve pool for the Luftwaffe

NSKK: Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrkorps - National Socialist Motor Corps; originally motorised SA, became an independent NSDAP formation responsible for the premilitary training of recruits for the army's transport and armoured units

NSRK: Nationalsozialistisches Reiterkorps - National Socialist Riding Corps; fostered general interest in equestrian events and, during the war, assisted in the local training of Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS cavalrymen

NS-Studentenbund - National Socialist Students

League 'Nur Empfanger zu Offnen', or 'Nur von dem Beliehenen zu Offnen' - 'Only to be opened by the recipient'; usually printed on the small cardboard boxes in which decorations and their presentation cases were delivered

Oberstbefehlshaber - Supreme Commander

Odalrune - Norse symbol of kinship or family. Featured on various Nazi badges, particularly those associated with the bringing together of ethnic Germans

Oflag: Offizierlager - prisoner-of-war camp for officers

OKH: Oberkommando des Heeres - High Command of the Army .
OKL: Oberkommando der Luftwaffe - High Command of the Air Force

OKM: Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine - High Command of the Navy

OKW: Oberkommando de rWehrmacht - High Command of the Armed Forces

Orden - order

Ordensschnalle - ribbon bar

Orpo: Ordnungspolizei - Order Police; the regular uniformed police comprising the Schupo, Gendarmerie and Feuerwehr

Ortsgruppe - a village or small town grouping; the principal organisational sub-division of an NSDAP Kreis

Ostmedaille - East Medal; medal for the winter campaign in Russia, 1941-42

OT: Organisation Todt - government agency responsible for the construction of strategic highways and military installations

Pak: Panzerabwehrkanone - anti-tank gun

Panzer - armour; tank

Panzergrenadier - tank-supporting infantryman

Panzerjacke - tank crew jacket

Panzerschiff - pocket battleship

Paradeanzug - dress uniform

Parierstange - crossguard

Parteiabzeichen der NSDAP - NSDAP membership badge

Pauke - drum

Pg: Parteigenosse - Party member

Pickelhaube - spiked helmet

Pionier- engineer; sapper

Poliert - polished

Politische Leiter - Political Leader; one of the hierarchy of NSDAP officials

Polizei - police

Portepee - sidearm knot

Postschutz - Postal Protection Force; maintained security of post offices and communications installations. Absorbed into the SS in 1942

RAD: Reichsarbeitsdienst - National Labour Service; compulsory for both young men (prior to military service) and women. Built roads, assisted with farm work, etc

Radiert - etched

Rang - rank

RB-Nr: Reichsbetriebsnummer - National Factory Code Number; replaced manufacturer's name and address on Wehrmacht-issue uniform clothing after 1942 Reichsbahn - National Railway Service Reichsbahnschutz - National Railway Protection Force, with the status of auxiliary police. Transferred to the SS in 1942

Reichsdienstflagge - National Service Flag

Reichsfarben - the national colours of black, white and red

Reichsforstdienst - National Forestry Service

Reichsheer - see 'Heer'

Reichskriegsflagge - National War Flag

Reichsparteitag - national NSDAP celebrations held each September in Nurnberg

Reichswehr- army of the Weimar Republic

Ringkragen - gorget

RK: Ritterkreuz - Knight's Cross (usually the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross)

RL: Reichsleiter - Ministerial NSDAP official

RLB: Reichsluftschutzbund - National Air Raid Protection Force

Rock - tunic

RZM: Reichszeugmeisterei - National Material Control; a body set up on 1 April 1929 to supervise the manufacture, quality and pricing of Nazi Party uniform items. The basic functions of the RZM were to see that NSDAP contracts went to Aryan firms, and to ensure that final products were of a high standard yet priced to 'suit the pocket' of the average Party member. On 16 March 1935 contract numbers were introduced and awarded to every RZM-approved company. After that date, RZM numbers replaced makers' marks on all NSDAP accoutrements

SA: Sturmabteilung - Assault Detachment; the original streetfighters of the NSDAP, eclipsed politically by the SS after 1934. From 1939, responsible for the pre-military training of all able-bodied males

Sabel- sabre

Samt - velvet

Scheide - scabbard

Schiffchen - boarding cap; literally 'little ship'

Schirmmutze - peaked cap

Schnur - cord

(mit) Schraube und Platte - screw-backed

Schulterklappen - shoulder straps; epaulettes

Schupo: Schutzpolizei - Town Police

Schutze - rifleman

Schutzmutze - protective cap; usually refers to the reinforced beret worn by panzer crews

Schutzzeichen - proof mark; trade mark

Schwert - sword

SD - see 'SS-SD'

Seitengewehr - bayonet

Seitenhaken - belt hook

Siegrunen - victory runes; the' double-S' flashes worn by the SS . The old Norse'S' rune was symbolic of victory, hence the name

Soldbuch - pay book

Sonnenrad - sunwheel; an ancient Nordic device representing the sun. Widely used on insignia by the Nazis, either in its traditional form or as a 'sunwheel swastika'

Soutache - chevron of waffenfarbe worn above the cockade on field caps

Spange - clasp; bar

SS: Schutzstaffel- Protection Squad; originally Hitler's bodyguard, expanded to control the police, the concentration camps and a vast army

SS-BW: SS-Bekleidungswerk - SS clothing factory; a firm contracted to produce Waffen-SS uniform clothing

SS-SD: SS-Sicherheitsdienst- SS Security Service; later responsible for national security, espionage and counterespionage

SS-TV: SS-Totenkopfverbande - SS Death's Head Units; concentration camp guards. In 1939, formed the nucleus of the SS- Totenkopf- Division, one of the first SS field formations

SS- VT: SS- Verfiigungstruppe - SS Special Purpose Troops; the militarised formations of the SS renamed Waffen-SS in the winter of 1939-40

Staatsamt - Government Administration Office; the higher echelons of the civil service

Stab - staff; baton

Staffel- Luftwaffe Squadron (approximately 10 aircraft)

Stahl helm - steel helmet; also the name given to a nationalist ex-servicemen's organisation absorbed by the SA in 1933

Stalag: Stammlager - prisoner-of-war camp for non-commissioned ranks

Standarte - Nazi paramilitary unit of regimental size

Stern - star; rank 'pip'

Stielgranate - stick grenade

Stoff - cloth

Streifendienst - patrol service; responsible for the internal policing of the various NSDAP paramilitary formations. Each formation had its own Streifendienst

Stuka: Sturzkampfflugzeug - dive-bomber (usually the Junkers 87)

Sturm - Nazi paramilitary unit of company size

Sturmbann - Nazi paramilitary unit of battalion size

Sturzhelm - crash helmet

Tarbusch - fez

Tarnmutze - camouflage cap

Tarnuberzug - camouflage cover for the steel helmet

TeNo: Technische Nothilfe - Technical Emergency Service; an auxiliary technical force of the Orpo largely engaged on air raid damage. Also employed as field units in the army, air force and Waffen-SS

Tigerjacke - 'tiger jacket'; the SS camouflage smock

TN - see 'TeNo'

Totenkopf - death's head; skull-andcrossbones. Worn in several forms by a number of elite imperial German regiments, the type used by the 1st and 2nd Prussian Life Guards was adopted by the SS at its inception. When, in 1934, the same type began to be used by the new Heer panzer arm, the SS devised its own, unique, totenkopf, with lower jaw, which it wore thereafter

Totenrune - death rune; the old Norse symbol of death. Featured on SS documents and grave markers to show date of death

Trager- holder; bearer (eg Ritterkreuztrager)

Tresse - braid

Tropenbluse - tropical tunic

Tropenhelm - sun helmet

Tschako - shako

Tuchrock - (Luftwaffe) service tunic

Tyr-rune - the ancient Nordic 'T' rune. symbolic ofthe Norse god Tyr and of leadership in battle. Also known as the 'kampfrune' or 'battle rune'. Formed the basic design of several Nazi badges, including the Hitler Youth Proficiency Badge and the insignia worn by graduates and staff of paramilitary officer schools. SS soldiers killed in action had their graves marked by Tyr-runes rather than crosses

Uberzieher - reefer Urkunde - award document; citation

USchlA: Untersuchungs-und Schlichtungs-Ausschuss - Committee for Investigation and Settlement; the internal NSDAP court

Verbotzeit- 'forbidden time'; Nazi term for the period between 1923 and 1925 when the NSDAP and its uniforms and insignia were prohibited

Verg.: Vergoldet- gilded

Vers.: Versilbert - silvered

Versuchsmodell- experimental model

Verliehungstute - award packet

'Volkischer Beobachter' - 'People's Observer'; the principal daily newspaper of the NSDAP

Volkssturm - home guard

Vorstossen - piping

Vulkanfiber - vulcanised fibre; a brittle plastic similar in texture to glass fibre. Widely used in the manufacture of headgear, particularly cap peaks and lightweight helmets

Waffen-SS: Bewaffnete-SS - armed SS; the combat formations of the SS comprised initially of the SS-TV and the SS-VT. Put nearly 40 divisions into the field during World War 2

Waffenamt- Ordnance Office; inspected and controlled the quality of Wehrmacht equipment

Waffenfarbe: Waffengattungsfarbe - branch of service colour

Waffenrock - (army) dress tunic or (Luftwaffe) uniform tunic

Wappen: Wappenschild - heraldic shield, or decal, worn on the steel helmet

Wasserschutzpolizei - Water Protection Police; patrolled Germany's harbours, canals and waterways

Wasserzolldienst - Water Customs Service

WBA: WehrmachtbekleidungsamtArmed Forces Clothing Office;controlled production of government issue Wehrmacht uniform clothing

Wehrmacht - the armed forces, comprising the Heer, Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe

Wehrmachtadler- the armed forcespattern eagle, with folded wings

Wehrpass - military identity/personal record book

WHW: Winterhilfswerk - Winter Charity; a Nazi charitable organisation for poor relief not, in fact, restricted to winter. During the war it also collected items of clothing donated by the civil populace for wear by soldiers at the front

Wimpel - pennant

Winkel - chevron

Wolfsangel- wolf hook; a mystical Germanic symbol traditionally supposed to ward off werewolves Used in various forms on Third Reich insignia

Wolle - wool

Zahnrad - cog-wheel; the emblem of the DAF and TeNo

Zeltbahn - shelter quarter; poncho

Zestorer - destroyer

Zolldienst - Customs Service

Zugwache - military troop train or supply train guard

Roben Lumsden: "A Collector's Guide to Third Reich Militaria" Ian Allan Ltd., 1987

Flag Terminology

When describing the details of a flag it is assumed that the flag to be described is flying from a staff held in the right hand of a bearer who is facing the observer with the flag flying over the head of the bearer towards his left. The side of the flag which faces the observer is called the 'obverse' and the other side 'reverse'. (Fig. A).

However, it should be noted that this method employed to 'read' a flag does not apply in the case of regimental flags and standards used by the German armed forces. Traditionally the German military have always referred to the obverse and reverse of their colours as the 'left side' and the 'right side'. This practice is the result of the position in which the flag or standard is held in relation to the bearer.

For the purpose of describing either face of a German military flag or standard it is assumed that the staff is held in front of the bearer with the flag flying over his head towards the rear. The right side of the flag (normally referred to as the reverse) is on the bearer's right side, and the flag's left side (the obverse) is on the bearer's left side.

Throughout this book all German unit flags and standards-which were those carried by a bearer-will be referred to, in keeping with the German practice, by either their right or left sides. Those flags which were normally flown from a flag pole, on a ship or building will be referred to in the accepted manner as having an obverse and a reverse.

It should be further noted that on the colour plates in this book illustrating regimental flags and standards the emblem (the finial) on top of the staff faces either towards or away from the observer depending on whether the left or the right side of the flag or standard is being shown. This is deliberate. It was considered important to show these items in detail and to their best advantage. This method corresponds to that used in official German military handbooks which feature flags and standards of this type.

In practice these emblems faced forward away from the flag itself. When the flag or standard was viewed from either the left or right side the emblem on top of the staff was only seen from its left or right side, and in many cases if illustrated in this way only a very narrow side view of the emblem would be visible.

Streamers were normally illustrated in official German handbooks as lying against the left side of the flag or standard. in many cases this practice has been continued throughout this book.

Below are listed some of the more commonplace terms, with explanations, employed in the language of flags. Although they apply primarily to describing flags in the English language they can be used even when describing German national and military flags.

Active; Normally refers to the rays of a star or sun symbol, the rays of which are illustrated with undulating curves in an 'active' fashion (see also 'inactive'), Refer to 'Flag for Navy land units and Schools'.

Banner; By definition a banner is a square or rectangular heraldic flag with a design usually painted or embroidered; it is carried suspended from a cross bar flxed to an upright pole. Originally used as a standard in time of war. No banners were used in the German armed forces. Refer to 'The political-SA 'Feldherrnhalle' Standard for use by Army Infantry Regiment 271' as the nearest equivalent to a banner.

Canton; The portion of a flag, generally rectangular in shape, occupying the upper corner nearest the hoist. The canton often, but not necessarily, covered an area a quarter of the flag's size (see also 'in-canton ').
Refer to 'The National War Flag' and 'The Reich Service Flag'.

Charge; An heraldic term meaning to superimpose a device, emblem, badge etc. on a fleld of a flag.

Charged with; Means 'having placed upon it',

Collar; Thc neck chain of an order. When depicted on a flag it is often used to encircle the shield of a coat-of-arms. Refer to 'The Austrian "Hoch-und Deutschmeister" Flag for Grenadier-Regiment 134.'

Colour(s); In its singular or collective sense refers to the ceremonial flags and standards of the armed forces. In the plural can also signify the whole suite of flags worn by a ship or warship's 'Colours' are its ensign, jack and pennant. Not to be confused with colour as primary and secondary hues such as red, green, yellow, blue etc.

Colour pike; Short staff used to carry a personal field standard. Refer to 'Personal Standard for Hermann Goring as Reichsmarschall of the Greater German Reich (1st pattern)'.

Command flags; These were used by the German military in all three branches of the armed forces. In varying regulated sizes they were used on road vehicles, aircraft, ships, buildings and as field emblems to indicate the presence of scnior officers.

Device; An emblematic or heraldic drawing, design or figure.

Emblem; State or national. A design of heraldic or other symbols used by some States or nations to fulfil the function of a coat-of-arms, i.e. to epitomise the spirit or individuality of the State and to distinguish it from others. Refer to 'The National and Mercantile Flag.'

Ensign; The principal flag in a warship's suite of Colours. Flown from the ensign staff at the stern of the vessel, or when at sea from the gaff or other part of the after rigging. Sometimes refers to a personal flag or standard used as a mark of office.

Escutcheon; A shield with armorial bearings.
Refer to 'The Austrian "Hoch-und Deutschmeister" flag for Grenadier-Regiment 134' and 'The Honour Standard of the Legion Condor.'

Ferrule; A metal cap or shoe fitted over the lower end of a staff to strengthen or protect it.

Field; The basic area of a flag. It also applies to the basic colour of a flag.

Finial; A special cast or carved ornament, such as a spearhead, placed at the top of a staff.

Flag; In general any piece of cloth attached along one side to a staff or halyard, intended to fly freely in the wind and, by displaying its colours or the insignia on it, to act as a rallying-point, mark of identity, or signal. Flags are divided by their shape into several categories: rectangular or square flags, swallow-tailed, triangular flags, pennants. Flags which are intended for general use in all weathers are made of bunting which originally was a loose woven, light woollen cloth (now usually re-inforced with manmade flbre). Unit flags-and standards-intended for ceremonial use are generally made of silk. The proportions of a flag are described as the ratio of the length to the breadth; for German flags whose length was twice the breadth it was shown as I :2. In German military usage unit flags (Fahnen) were square in shape and were in general carried by foot troops.

Fly, the; The part of a flag farthest from the flag mast.

Hoist, the; The part of the flag nearest to the flag mast as opposed to the fly.

Inactive; The rays of a star or sun symbol illustrated in a stiff and inactive manner (see also 'active'). Refer to 'Command Flag for the Reich Minister for Air Travel (1st and 2nd patterns)' as well as Luftwaffe unit flags.

In Canton; Means 'in the top left-hand corner' of a flag or shield (see also 'Canton').
Refer to 'Southern Cross Emblem'.

Inescutcheon; Smaller type of heraldic shield superimposed in the centre of the fleld.
An heraldic term.

Jack; The flag flown on the jackstaff in the bows of a naval vessel. Used in this role only when the ship is at anchor or in port. In some countries it is also flown by merchant vessels. The German word for Jack is 'Gosch'.

Motto; A word or a phrase, sometimes in a classical language, inscribed on a scroll accompanying a coat-of-arms or State emblem, expressing an appropriate sentiment. Has the same purpose as a'legend'. Refer to 'Land Police Group "General Goring" Flags' and 'The Honour Standard of the Legion Condor'.

Pole, flag; A wooden or metal upright to which is attached, or from which is flown, a flag. Term used in this work to refer to non-portable flag poles.

Scroll; A long narrow riband normally displayed above or below an emblem and inscribed with a motto, slogan, legend or sentiment (see also 'Motto').

Staff, flag or standard; A wooden upright to which is attached the flag- or standardcloth. Term used in this work to refer to a portable item.

Standard; Strictly speaking a standard is a flag which 'stands by itself'. In modern usage standard has come to mean practically the same as 'banner'. In German Army usage a standard (Standarte) referred to the swallow-tailed flag carried by cavalry and motorized troops and certain motorized detachments of foot troops. The SA formation 'Standarte' is what would normally be referred to in English as a banner.

Swallow-tailed flags; Flags which have a triangular section cut out of the fly in order to make them 'forked'. Can be referred to as a 'burgee'. German Army standards had a 25cm-deep section cut out of the fly of the standard-cloth in a special shape known as a 'hussar cut'.

Truck; The disc or knob at the top of a flag pole containing the pulley over which the halyard passes allowing the flag to be raised or lowered.

Brian Leigh Davis: "Flags & Standards of the Third Reich - Army,Navy & Air Force" Arco Publishing, 1975

Early Rank Insignia of the SS

The SS badges of rank were quite equal to those of the SA because the SS originally was an organization within the SA. Therefore the only real difference between the early SA and SS badges of rank was the fact that all SS collar patches were black and all double-coloured SS cords and piping were black/white. But this stands for the SS rank insignia up to 1934 only. After the political degradation of the SA in that year the badges of rank of both organizations have gone their own way. From 1934 until 1942 the SS badges of rank remained quite unchanged. In 1942 a new pattern of oak-leaf emblems was introduced and the rank of 'OberstGruppenfuhrer' was added to the list of ranks. It was about the same year or a little later when completely new SS collar patches appeared to pull one line with the 'Waffen-SS' ones, although there remained slight differences.

1933 SS COLLAR PATCHES

Features

black cloth for men: SS.-Obersturmbannfuhrer', black velvet from 'Standartenfuhrer' upwards. Silver coloured, resp. matt aluminium braids and stars. Silver coloured metal, resp. silver embroidered rank badges.

The piping according to rank:

'SS.-Mann' - 'Obertruppfuhrer' - no piping when worn on the brown Blouse and white twisted cord (not always because of difference in manufacture) on black Service Tunic.

'SS.-Haupttruppfuhrer' - 'Obersturmfhrer' - black/white twisted cord in any case.

'SS.-Sturmhauptfuhrer' - 'SS.-Reichsfuhrer' - silver twisted cord.

The Ranks

1. 'SS.-Mann'

2. 'SS.-Sturmmann'

3. 'SS.-Rottenfuhrer'

4. 'SS.-Scharfuhrer'

5. 'SS.-Oberscharfuhrer'

6. 'SS.-Truppfuhrer'

7. 'SS.-Obertruppfuhrer'

8. 'SS.-Sturmfuhrer'

9. 'SS.-Obersturmfuhrer'

10. 'SS.-Sturmhauptfuhrer'

11. 'SS.-Sturmbannfuhrer'

12. 'SS.-Obersturmbannfuhrer'

13. 'SS.-Standartenfuhrer'

14. 'SS.-Oberfuhrer'

15. 'SS.-Brigadefuhrer'

16. 'SS.-Gruppenfuhrer'

17. 'SS.-Reichsfuhrer' in the rank of 'SS. -Obergruppenfuhrer'

1934 SS COLLAR PATCHES - Features

The material of the collar patches remained unchanged.
Members of the 'SS.-Stammabteilungen' wore grey collar patches (material according to rank) with bronzed stars and black braids with silver stripes.

Piping according to rank

'SS.-Mann' - 'Stabsscharfuhrer' (aluminium) twisted cord.
black/silver (black/

'SS.-Untersturmfuhrer' - 'ReichsWhrer-SS' - silver (aluminium) twisted cord.

18. 'SS.-Mann'

19. 'SS.-Sturmmann'

20. 'SS.-Rottentuhrer'

21. 'SS.-Unterscharfuhrer'

22. 'SS.-Scharfuhrer'

23. 'SS.-Oberscharfuhrer'

24. 'SS.-Hauptscharfuhrer'

25. 'SS.-Stabsscharfuhrer'

26. 'SS.-Unterfuhrer'

27. 'SS.-Obersturmfuhrer'

28. 'SS.-Hauptsturmfuhrer'

29. 'SS.-Sturmbannfuhrer'

30. 'SS.-Obersturmbannfuhrer'

31. 'SS.-Standartenfuhrer'

32. 'SS.-Oberfuhrer'

33. 'SS.-Brigadefuhrer'

34. 'SS.-Gruppenfuhrer'

35. 'SS.-Obergruppenfuhrer'

36. 'Reichsfuhrer-SS'

37. 1929 collar patch for Hitler's adjutants - black velvet with silver embroidered or white metal emblem and silver twisted cord piping. Right and left collar patch were identical.

38. 1934 additional collar patch of Reserve Battalions worn on both sides of the collar above the regular collar patches.

39.
1934 collar patch of 'SS.-Ehrenfuhrer' (Honorary Leader) in the rank of 'SS.-Standartenfuhrer'.

'SS.-Bewerber' (applicants) wore no collar patches.

'SS.-Anwarter' (candidates) wore plain collar patches without cord edging.

40. 1934 Chevron for 'Stabsscharfuhrer' worn on the right lower sleeve above the cuff.

Rudolf Kahl: "Uniforms and Badges of the Third Reich", Volume II, Military Collectors Service, C. 1968

Collecting Documents and Photographs

Collecting autogrophs is not a new hobby or vocation by any means and it is hard to estimate how many people collect them.

Collecting signatures of WW II Axis and Allied personalities is not uncommon. However the number who collect only Third Reich signatures is relatively small. Autographed letters, books, photos, postcards and documents signed by political or military figures are in abundence and are quite inexpesive at this time.

Autographed letters and documents of historical significance generally run from $75. up depending on the contents, signer, the condition, whether it is on letterhead ect. A great variety of documents of lesser importance run anywhere from $8.00 up. Signed photos are of course less expensive than documents or letters. Signed photos of certain Generals and Admirals. and other officers can be had for approximately $15. and up.

Signed NSDAP and SS photos usually command higher prices. Signed Hitler photos are not terribly scarce particularly in New York City where they are not difficult to locate and at the present time they usually sell for $175. and up. Signed documents often sell for almost twice as much, depending again upon the contents.

One of the things the collector does not have to worry too much about is forged signatures, at least as for as the lesser known Reich Officials. One of the problems often encountered is signed photos with an undecipherable signature. Postcards usually have printed either on the front or back the name of the individual, whereas photos do not. The collar tabs and other insignia help greatly in determining the rank and branch, but unfortunately, can not tell you who the individual is. As is sometimes the case you may not be able to determine who the person is, but it, pays to hang onto the photo especially if it is a high ranking official, on the chance of perhaps identifying it in the future.

Many personalities of the Reich are still alive and sometimes will send out autagraphs, photos and perhaps a short letter if requested in a polite manner. The trick is to find out where they now live, and when you do be courteous and go to a translator if you can not write in German; it leaves a much better impression.

It is possible to tell many things by a sample of handwriting" though handwriting analysis is almost a science in itself. Himmlers pre-occupation with ancient runic letters can be seen in his signature, which with its straight lines is extremely similar to runes as written in the 9th century. Hitler's signatures are unusual because of the fact he used two different styles of signatures. The reason for signing his name in a different style later on, is not known.

Autographs are a sound investment, they steadily rise in value, year after year, and they never depreciate as stocks do, although it will take a good while for a autograph to double in value, but on the other hand there is little risk involved, which cannot be said for stocks, also in its favor is that its inexpesive, and takes up very little space. Those who are interested in autographs should endeavor to pick up a few samples, for they enhance any callection of 3rd Reich relics, particularly when framed.

Jay A. Robbins: "Autographs", "Military Collectors' News", 1972