Collar Tabs of the NSDAP

Because of my interest in Political Leader (PL) tabs and because I am always advertising for them in DG, I have received many letters and inquiries about these items. Many collectors are not aquainted with this area of collecting and in their correspondence I have noticed numerous misconceptions, incorrect identifications etc. This is understandable because of the lack of reference material in this area. About the only good reference is a copy of the Organization Book or a couple of books by Kahl and Altmark Publications; the former is expensive and the latter are (I think) out of print and hard to find. For the interested collector I would like to offer a brief explanation of these items, and to keep it brief I will concentrate on the "late style tabs which are the more attractive and most sought after by collectors, these were the style which were worn during the war.

The Party was organized on four levels: Ortsgruppen or Local level; Kreisleitung, or District; Gauleitung or Regional; and Reichsleitung or National. The tabs of each level have their own color scheme: Orts is light brown tab with blue piping, Kreis is dark brown with white piping, Gau is red with wine red piping and Reich is carmine with gold piping. Ranks are indicated by pips and oak leaves and each tab has an eagle at the top, except for a Political Leader candidate who is not a party member, who wears a completely blank tab. Also within each rank grade there are what might be called "upper grades and these are indicated by cloth litze in the case of pip grades and a horozontal row of oakleaves in the case of oakleaf grades. Starting at the bottom of the ranks there is the PL candidate non-Party member with the blank tab, then when he joins the party he is entitled to wear an eagle at the top of the tab, when promoted again he becomes an "Assistant" and wears one litze with the eagle, then when he is a good Nazi he gets a second litze and becomes a "Senior Assistant". After this are the piped grades and as he goes up in rank he gains pips and litzes, finally he goes into the oakleaf grades and the big time.

There was a limit to how high a rank an individual could advance in the "Level in which he worked. The highest rank on the Orts level is Oberabschnittsleiter; the highest for Kreis level is Dienstleiter and on both Gau and Reich level he can rise to Hauptbefehlsleiter and then to Gauleiter or Reichsleiter respectively.

* The 1943 Organization Book shows the Gau level going only as high as Oberbefehlsleiter and then to Gauleiter, however examples of Hauptbefehlsleiter on Gau level have been observed.

THE RANKS

27. Politischer Leiter-Anwarter (Nicht Pg.) (Political leader candidate, not party-member).

28. Politischer Leiter-Anwarter (Pg.) (Political leader candidate, party-member).

29. Helfer (Assistant).

30. Oberhelfer (Upperassistant).

31. Arbeitsleiter (Work-leader).

32. Ober-Arbeilslelter (Upper work-leader).

33. Haupt-Arbeitsleiter (Senior work-leader).

34. Bereitschaftsleiter (Alert-leader).

35. Ober-Bereitschaftsleiter (Upper alert-leader).

36. Haupt-Bereitschaftsleiter (Senior alert-leader).

37. Einsatzleiter (Action-leader).

38. Ober-Einsatzleiter (Upper action-leader).

39. Haupt-Einsatzleiter (Senior action-leader).

40. Gemeinschaftsleiter (Community-leader).

41. Ober-Gemeinschaftsleiter (Upper community-leader).

42. Haupt-Gemeinschaftsleiter (Senior community-leader).

43. Abschnittsleiter (Section-leader).

44. Ober-Abschnittsleiter (Upper section-leader).

(Following ranks on district-level)

45. Haupt-Abschnittsleiter (Senior section-leader).

46. Bereichsleiter (Zone-leader).

47. Ober-Bereichsleiter (Upper zone-leader).

48. Haupt-Bereichsleiter (Senior zone-leader).

49. Dienstleiter (Service-leader).

(Following ranks only on province-level and higher)

50. Ober-Dienstleiter (Upper service-leader).

51. Haupt-Dienstleiter (Senior service-leader).

52. Befehlsleiter (Command-leader).

53. Ober-Befehlsleiter (Chief command-leader).

55. Gauleiter.

(Following ranks only on state-level).

54. Haupt-Befehlsleiter (Senior command-leader).

56. Reichsleiter (State-leader).

The collar-patches were worn on both sides of the collar.

Leader candidates and Stammtiihrer (clan-leaders) of the Ordensburgen (political trainings centres for leader candidates of the NSDAP) wore shoulder-patches on both shoulders of brown or bronze wickwork on a yellow fabric surface, comparable with SA high leaders shoulderpatches. The clan-leaders wore the collar-patches of the party and stars on the shoulder-patches according to rank.

Bob Treend,"Collar Tabs of the NSDAP", Der Gauleiter", 1977

Introduction to Third Reich Documents

After several years of research I am able to introduce you to the companion volume (the 2nd Edition of the 1993 Forman's Guide Series (Bender, USA). The wealth of material found during European trips and received through the post has been enormous thanks I many individuals. Originally, my goal was to gather from 350-500 illustrations for this study but these figures more than doubled giving me an excellent grouping to choose from. These will illustrate not only this volume but also volume 2. Of all those received, only a small number were rejected as either fakes, copies, or at best, doubtful.

The reader will note, particularly in the Knight's Cross grades, what appear to be multiple duplications. In this case I felt that the rarity of the subject warranted as many examples as possible being illustrated, covering the Fuhrer's differing signatures in conjunction with the dates and years of award. Also, the more common certificates have been duplicated to show comparisons of official stamps and printing style, and original or facsimilie signatures in relation to date, plus, of course, the many variants in design, size, Unfortunately, some award sections have no illustrations reflecting the extreme rarity of some documents even though the award itself is scarce but not impossible to obtain. Whereas some of the rarer documents can be found in collections, others which are considered extremely rare have to this time been undiscovered. But then, out of the woodwork, a rarity will appear, either from the original recipient, his family or from a veteran's estate.

Traditionally, collecting documents from the Third Reich has been of interest to medal collectors worldwide. With an increasing number of German miitaria dealers offering single or groupings of documents on their lists or at shows, the reproduction artists have noted increased interest and are now actively filling the demand. One of their classic tactics is to add a reproduction central piece to an existing original document/certificate grouping. Those interested in this subject should search for any reference books, articles, illustrations of signatures, history of award winners, units, and orders-of-battle, to give a better overall picture when adding to a particular field of interest and also to check originality. In today's world, all signatures (identified ones), official stamps, units, etc. can be checked, and with a careful glance an educated eye should be able to determine if for example, the paper has been subject to aging with tea or if it has been newly folded.

Regarding the sizes of the documents/certificates covered, I have used the European size code for approximate dimensions (see chart). Where not standard size, very large presentation documents are not included in the chart, and very small examples are illusrated at approximate size.

As this work was designed as an identification of documents and certificates, and basic value guide, it was decided not to add the identification of every signature found) illustrated specimens. Obviously, famous signatures such as Rommel add to the value) piece, whereas certificates with well-known but not rare signatures are valued accordingly. It is possible that to the probable delight of autograph collectors, this will be added to future editions. Thanks to articles written by Mr. Karl Joss of Germany and the document book by Emilie Caldwell Stewart, we are now aware of the signatures and dates in regard to preliminary certificates of Knight's Cross grades, at least for the German Army.

After 25 years of collecting, handling, and dealing in documents ranging from rare to the common, I am confident with my coverage of this vast and sometimes complicated subject. But, the finished work will be assessed by you, the reader, and hopefully it will be embraced as a true basic reference and value guide. At the very least, it is a beginning which will hopefully inspire others to build on it and create ever better books on the subject.

At the time of this book going to press, and looking at a 700 page work, it was determined to break it into two approximately 350 page volumes which allowed me to include even more in each. Volume 2 will follow before the end of 1995.

Adrian Forman: "Forman's Guide to Third Reich German Documents...And Their Values", Volume 1, R. James Bender Pubishing, 1995

Bender-Publishing.com

Uniforms of the Kriegsmarine

The everyday uniform of the Kreigsmarine officer was a blue, douple breasted tunic, blue trousers, and blue peaked cap. The tunic had 10 anchor embossed buttons which were gold in color, and the usual gold bullion eagle and swastika below the right shoulder. Rank was shown on this jacket through gold stripes which appeared on the lower sleeves. A white shirt and black tie was worn beneath the tunic and black shoes were also worn. The peaked cap which completed this uniform was slightly different than those worn by the Luftwaffe and Heer in that it was of a wider construction. A leather strap was worn in place of a cord. The cap insignia were made of gold bullion or yellow thread. The Kreigsmarine eagle and cockade insignia also differed from those worn by the other services, as the eagle was a bit shorter and the cockade rose higher.

The officer's summer or tropical uniform was a single breasted white tunic. It had four patch pockets and rank was shown on shoulder straps much like those worn by the army. It also had an open collar ana gold metal pin but sometimes a gold bullion eagle was substituted. Either blue or white trousers could be worn. The early jackets of this style; had a stand-up collar but in most respects the two styles were alike. A white peaked cap was worn with this uniform.

A frock coat was worn when full dress uniform was required. With this outfit rank was shown on both epilettes and sleeves. Blue trousers were worn, along with a cocked hat. For less formal occasions, this same frock was worn but epaulettes were replaced by shoulder straps. Buttons and other insignia were all in gold. Again black shoes were worn with a white shirt and black bow tie.

KREIGSMARINE SLEEVE RANK INSIGNIA: OFFICERS

Generaladmiral - Admiral 1 broad & 4 regular stripes.

Admiral - Admiral 1 broad & 3 regular stripes.

Vizeadmiral - Vice Admiral 1 broad & 2 regular stripes.

Konteradmiral-Rear Admiral 1 broad & 1 regular stripe.

Kapitian zur See - Captain 4 regular stripes.

Korvettenkapitian-Commander, 3 regular stripes

Kapitianleutnant - Lt. Commander 2 regular & 1 small stripe between.

Oberleutnant - Lieutenant 2 regular stripes

Leutnant - SubLieutenant 1 regular stripe.

N.C. MONDAY", "Uniforms of the Kriegsmarine", "Das Hakenkreuz", 1971

A Tribute to the Humor of Duane Pfister

I don't think Duane is in the hobby any more... too bad. His cartoons appeared in "Der Gauleiter" every month for quite a few years. It seems they are appreciated as much today as they were 30 years ago. Several collectors have asked to see them again, so I'll post more as time goes on. Bob Treend

The Hitler Youth Movement

"I want a Youth, a cruel unflinching Youth, as hard as Steel-Krupp's Steel" Adolf Hitler in an address to the Hitler Youth, Potsdam, 1936

These, the oft quoted words of a dictator, portray in a nutshell the value of the whole-hearted support that the youth of a nation can mean to a government.

Relatively few books have been written about the activities of the German Hitler Youth movement. Before World War 2 the German press made glowing statements about the quality of the Hitler-Jugend, emphasising the beneficial results to the health and personalities of the members, their cultural achievements, high educational standards, and their unanimous and single-minded support and enthusiasm for the directives and policy of National Socialism. In post-war years, the Hitler Youth movement has been almost universally portrayed as a breed of fanatical Nazis; deprived of mind and will, cold-blooded, ruthless, and the heartless tools of a dictatorship. Such contrasting attitudes reflect the change in the popular consensus of opinion brought about by the effects of World War 2 and the demise of German Nazism.

The object of this small study, however, is not to glamorise the Hitler Youth.
The social and cultural idiosyncrasies of Third Reich Germany have no true relative comparisons today, either in Western Germany or the rest of Europe. In its time the Hitler Youth was unique, brought about by a state of affairs that has been paralleled by no other nation. Some comparisons to the status of the Hitler Youth movement might only be drawn if compared to the Young Pioneers Organisation as it was in Stalin's Russia. It is necessary however, to introduce some aspects of the Nazi kultur into the confines of this book in order to give the reader an appreciation of the significance of the structure, growth, and organisation of the Hitler Youth movement, thus permitting some understanding as to how the ideology of the movement was reflected in its uniforms, ranks and insignia.

Development of the Hitler Youth

In April, 1933, a proclamation was issued stating that the Hitler-Jugend der NSDAP was recognised as an officially sponsored Government organisation. All other youth movements (such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, etc,) were to be incorporated into the HJ, or otherwise disbanded if not conforming to the ethnic regulations laid down by the new Government. All young persons between the ages of 10-18 (males) and 10-21 (females) were requested, if suitable, to join one of the Hitler Youth organisations.

The origin of the Hitler Youth goes back as early as 1923, when it was then known as the German Youth Organisation of the NSDAP. Organised on similar lines to its parent movement, the youth organisation sponsored both political and physical recreations for its member's interests. Recognising the usefulness of a prepared Youth for future years, the Nazi Party made elaborate preparations to cultivate and capture the willing support of the next generation and, in consequence, the future leadership of Germany. To achieve this ambition the ideals and policies of National Socialism were projected to the mass of German young people through numerous media, The younger members of the population were offered the patronage of 'Scouting' type activities, and in the higher age groups, particularly among the intelligentsia of the universities, contact was made through NSDAP-sponsored student's unions. It was in this latter category that the politically inspired Baldur von Schirach emerged, destined ten years later to become appointed as Reich's Youth leader of the NSDAP.

By 1928, when the factions of the NSDAP known as the SA and SS were becoming more stringently organised, and uniformed in distinct systematic style, the Hitler Youth, as the German Youth Organisation of the NSDAP had then become known, was subjected to the adoption of permissible forms of dress. Uniforms were devised, and insignia instituted, in a manner in keeping with the militaristic formation that the organisation was structured upon. Like the SA and SS, personnel in the Hitler Youth were designated forms of rank, and although stringent enforcement of styles was not totally achieved, a basic regularity became evident.

In 1933, when the NSDAP gained sufficient seats in the Reichstag to implement control, the Hitler Youth became governable under law. The financial support which the Nazis levied became available in quantity, and the development and expansion of the Party machine could be concentrated to absolute totality.

The following contemporary appraisal of the Reich's Hitler Youth Organisation has been translated from Der Reichsschulungsbrief, issue No 9, 1936. This will present to the reader a basic concept of the requirements, organisation, and activities of the HJ as seen through the eyes of National Socialism. It is accurate regarding objectives and statistics and structure only up to 1936; the events of later years created developments which implemented various changes.

"Created during the last years of the struggle of the National Socialist Movement, and enlarged during the early part of the Third Reich, the Hitler-Jugend is an expression of the will and the shape of the future generation. In addition to the political and physical education taught to the members, they are trained to be obedient and disciplinarian, thus creating a foundation for real leadership under the close collaboration of both the parents and the schools.

The Hitler-Jugend is concerned with all matters of youth interest between the ages of 10 and 21 years of age. Membership is open to all Arayans who are of pure-bred German stock, acceptance to membership usually being on April 20 each year. (This was Hitler's birthday),

Transfer from the DJ to the HJ, when the member reaches the age of fourteen years, is also enacted about April 20 each year. At the age of eighteen years the HJ member becomes eligible for application to join the NSDAP, which if deemed acceptable is enacted on November 9 annually. (This was the Anniversary of the Munich Putsch November 9, 1923). Transfer of the HJ members to the NSDAP is conditional upon the applicant having served in the HJ for at least four years, and in that time has proved himself to be a suitable person upon whom membership of the Party may be bestowed.

Application forms for membership of the Party must be issued and passed by the Reichsleitung via the Orstgruppen. No entry fee is charged to HJ members.

Although the HJ is maintained under the constant supervision of the NSDAP, its operation and function remains completely independent of the Party.

Organisation of the HJ

The HJ consists of:

(i) The Hitler-Jugend (Males, 14-18 years);

(ii) The Deutsche Jungvolk in the HJ (Males, 10-14 years);

(iii) The Jungmadel in the HJ (Females, 10-14 years);

(iv) The Bund Deutscher Madel in the HJ (Females, 14-21 years).

'For the further education and development of the HJ membership, the organisation is provided with its own Reichsfuhrer Schools, District Schools, Hostels, and Youth Hostels."

F.J. Stevens: Hitler Youth" 1973, Almark Publications

The SS Proficiency Badge

The Germanic Proficiency Badge (Germanische Leistungsrune)

This badge was founded on 15 August, 1943, by Reichsfiihrer-SS Himmler. It was instituted in two classes; bronze and silver, and consisted of two victory runes superimposed on a convex mobile swastika (46mm in diameter). The badge is of copper-plated zinc with an olive-bronze or silver wash.The runes are die-struck tombac with black enamelling and silver-plated edges.

Close examination of period photos and original badges would indicate that there were at least two slight variations of the badge. Type A (illustrations from original press photos) has the sun wheel arms flat or with a very slight curve and the pins are cut short. It should be noted that the holes for the pins are a perfect size and fit. The short round pins extend only a few millimeters from the holes and are slightly flattened from the bend, as if from a jeweler's hammer. The reverse is perfectly smooth whereas reproductions tend to have a more unfinished look. It is totally unmarked. Type B is thinner than Type A, the sun wheel arms are more concave, the pins are longer and the illustrated example has a bubbled appearance on the reverse. It is also unmarked.

After Himmler had decided on the institution of this award, he gave Gottlob Berber and his SS-Hauptamt the task of establishing the badge's attainment rules and regulations. In a parallel development with ultranationalistic movements in Germany and Italy, most European countries in the 1930s possessed their own right wing political groups based to one degree or another on the German National Socialist movement. After many of these "Nordic" countries were occupied by the Germans after 1940, various groups in Germany, most especially the SS, sought to exploit these splinter movements. Active collaboration with the occupying authority was encouraged and imitation of German forms was also strongly suggested.

After a long struggle, Himmler's SS gained control over these groups in 1943, raising or taking over token military units under German Army control. These "Legions" were, with a few exceptions, taken into the Waffen-SS.

The Germanic Proficiency Runic Badge was intended to emphasize the Germanic character of the satellite nations as well as to symbolize their connection with the SS.

In an 11 February 1944 issue of the Dutch "Stonn-SS - Weekblad der Germanische SS in Nederland," This decoration was to be "an incentive for physical conditioning and military education in the spirit of National Socialist world outlook and a confirmation of voluntary acknowledgment of the Germanic communal destiny."

The award was to be made by the Chief of the SS-Hauptamt after consultation with Reichsfiihrer-SS Himmler. Those who wished to compete for the Germanic Proficiency Runes Badge, and were not members of the Germanic SS or aspirants in the organization, had to hold a political leaders card issued by a Germanic SS service center. Testing for the badge required three weeks of preparation before applicants could take part in the course which had been layed out. An alternative was to complete 120 hours of training which could not extend more than six consecutive months. The test was to be supervised by a qualified representative of the SS-Hauptamt, and the instruction center had to be assisted by two members of the Germanic SS service center.

The following criteria were required:

1. Single or individual athletic proficiency tests.

2. Team or group athletic proficiency tests.

3. Individual political aptitude tests.

Under the first category, the requirements were:

In bronze

1. Run 400 meters in 72.5 seconds.

2. Broadjump four meters.

3. Swim 300 meters in twelve minutes.

4. Demonstrate proficiency in a selected sport such as skiing, with an acceptable good rating.
Note: To pass the above unspecified sport test the applicant had to fulfill the requirements for award of the National Sports Badge (Reichssportabzeichen), or hold a certificate for solo flying, or riding, motor sports, winter sports, etc.

In silver

1. Run 400 meters in 68 seconds.

2. Broadjump 4.75 meters.

3. Swim 300 meters in nine minutes

4. Demonstrate proficiency in a selected sport such a skiing, with a superior rating.


Individual military proficiency: (Not required for military personnel with a minimum of six months active service.)

In bronze

1. Rifle fire, prone position, target at 50 meters. 40 points, Note: Two test shots were permitted with a time limit of ten minutes.


2. Military tactics test covering such topics as field camouflage, map reading, forward observation, etc., with an acceptable good rating. Note: The above two tests would be performed at a respective SS school.

In silver

1. Rifle fire, prone position, target at 50 meters, 60 points, 2. Military tactics test covering such topics as field camouflage, map reading, forward observation, etc. with a superior rating.

Under the second category, the requirements were:
In bronze

1. Complete a 100 meter relay race in seventeen seconds.

2. Complete a rope climb in twelve seconds, 3. Complete a 110 meter assault course run with a hand grenade throw in 60 seconds.

4. Complete a 2000 meter cross-country run in ten minutes.

5. Complete a 30 kilometer march in full march order in 9 1/2 hours.

In silver

1. Complete a 100 meter relay race in 14.5 seconds.

2. Complete a rope climb in nine seconds.

3. Complete a 110 meter assault course run with a hand grenade throw in 50 seconds,

4. Complete a 2000 meter cross-country run in eight minutes, 5. Complete a 30 kilometer march in full march order in 9 1/2 hours.

Under the third category, the requirements were:

In bronze

1. Complete a written and oral examination on National-Socialist theory with an acceptable good rating.

In silver 1. Complete a written and oral examination on National-Socialist theory with a superior rating.
Note: The time limit for the written examination was two hours. At the Dutch SS School at Avegoor the choice of subjects was: 1. "Our Enemies," 2. "Being a Germanic and becoming one," 3. "People and Fatherland." The oral examination consisted of the same subjects as for the written one.

Participation in the competitions for this award was not limited to German nationals or members of the SS but all participants had to be approved by the issuing authority.

The first awards were made by Himmler on I February, 1944 when he visited the Dutch SS School at Avegoor, near Arnheim. Also in attendance were the Higher SS and Police Leader in Holland, SS-Obergruppenfiihrer Rauter, Reichskommissar Seyss-lnquart, leader of the N.S.B. Mussert, and Chief of the SS-Hauptamt, SS-Obergruppenfhrer und General der Waffen-SS Berger. Himmler gave a speech praising the achievements of the Dutch SS (and the "Westland" Regiment in particular) and then presented the badges personally. He also took this opportunity to announce the expansion of the Dutch Volunteer Legion to a grenadier brigade (SS Grenadier-Brigade "Nederland").

Subsequent awards were made in Denmark on June 2, 1944 by SS-Obergruppenfiihrer Berger, and in Norway on August 16, 1944 by the Higher SS and Police Leader in Norway, SS-Obergruppenfuhrer Rediess. It has been reported that exams were held in the Beneshau/Prague area of Czechoslovakia, but it is not known if official award ceremonies were held.

The decoration was worn on the left breast.

These badges were reportedly only made by the firm of Kremnitz in the Protectorate, and this raises the question of the two variations for which no answer is available at this time. These badges had no markings of any kind on the reverse, and had a semi-broad standard pin.

The enameled runes were fastened to the badge with two pins per rune, flattened over on the reverse.

An exam record book was given to applicants which contained the certificate for the founding of the award, the regulations for the award, regulations on all categories including all sports which the candidate had to fulfill, and the application for the three-week course for the Germanische Leistungsrune. Pages 14-22 listed the grades earned on the various exams and sports. Page 23 was the application form for the Germanische Leistungsrune in Bronze, and page 25 was the final document for earning/possessing the award. Page 26 contains additional regulations which explained that the award could be recinded if the recipient was required to re-do the tests in the future, and then failed them. This is also mentioned in the last part of the "Bestimmungen" on page 8.

Postwar copies of this piece bear various spurious markings including "RZM" and "MOll." This latter number, alleged to represent an official contractor's number, did not exist. Postwar reproductions have the runes affixed with epoxy cement, a compound unknown during the Third Reich, or have the runes soldered or rivetted to the badge. Both are certain signs of a reproduction.

The publisher welcomes additional input on this elusive badge and hopes to produce a second part to this article based on this new information. Special thanks go to Steve Till, Fernando de Soeten, Otto Spronk, Alex Yordt and Yuri Desyatnik for their valued guidance and assistance.

Sources:
Deutsche Uniformen-Zeitschrift, August 1944, p. 4. "Die Germanische Leistungsrune fur die SS"

Gregory Douglas: "The Germanic Proficiency Badge (Germanische Leistungsrune)", "The Military Advisor", Volume 12, Number 2" R.James Bender Publishing, 2001

Bender-Publishing.com

(A tip from germanmilitariacollectibles.com. I would say that 99% of these I have seen are fakes. Be careful!)

The TENO Dagger

Technical Emergency Corps - (Technische Nothilfe) TENO or TN

Organizational Facts. The Technical Emergency Corps (TENO) was formed on September 30, 1919, to assist the German population during times of crisis and disaster resulting from natural catastrophies. It functioned under the pre-Nazi Weimar Republic as a society of technical volunteers who were called to duty in the event of a public disaster. The Corps provided essential services during emergencies with its personnel being highly trained in fire fighting, decontamination, etc.

TENO men were distributed throughout the cities, industrial centers, and major traffic hubs for the repair and maintenance of public utilities. The Nazis realized the potential value of the TENO and reorganized the Corps in 1939 as one of the main Party formations under the auspices of the German Police. The commander of the TENO prior to World War II was SS Gruppenfuehrer Schmelcher.

Subsequently, he was placed in charge of technical affairs of the SS and was succeeded by SS Gruppenfuehrer Weinreich. The services of the Corps were required extensively after the outbreak of war in army rear areas and occupied territories, thus freeing army engineers and personnel for other tasks. During the conduct of the war the TENO became an almost integral part of the Waffen SS.

Type. Subordinate Hewer. Awarded to selected full-time subordinate members of the TN. The hewer could only be purchased through official TN channels.Year Adopted. 1938.

Description. This massive sidearm was intended for actual use in emergencies as an axe or hacking knife. The sole manufacturer of the TENO sidearms was the Carl Eickhom firm of Solingen. The hilt and scabbard metal fittings are nickel plated. The two white or orange celluloid grips, each marked on the inside with a small Eickhorm squirrel trademark (note: the reproductions are missing this feature), are retained in place by two countersunk bolts. The TENO cogwheel device is incorporated into the pommel, and the TENO eagle and swastika emblem appear on the crossguard. The heavy steel blade is bolo-shaped and intended for field use. A shallow fuller appears on each side of the blade. The large metal scabbard is painted lacquer. Each hewer was numbered for issue, with the number appearing on the blade underneath the langet and the corresponding number on the upper lip of the scabbard throat.

Length. 40 cms (15.8").

Blade Motto. None.

Accouterments

a. Hanger, a black leather frog permanently attached or clipped to the top of the scabbard fitting.

b. Portepee: a series of portepees were available for wear with the hewer, depending upon the type of duty. The most common TN portepee being a silver acorn with purple top and orange stem, indicating stand-by service.

Collector Availability. Rare

Johnson & Ormsby: "Daggers of WWII Germany", Clay Communications Group, 1980