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