SS Foreign Volunteers - Estonia

The people who live on the Eastern shore of the Baltic Sea are no strangers to adversity. Historically plagued by invading armies and oppressors, from the Teutonic Knights to the Czars of Russia, the three Baltic nations struggled continuously to retain their autonomy. In 1918 it seemed that their hopes for permanent independence would be realized.

The armies of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia had heroically expelled both the Russians and the Germans from their homelands. By 1922 the Baltic people had won world-wide recogition for their independence. The Soviet Union signed several treaties acknowledging their sovereignty. Yet by 1940 they were no longer free.

During their brief period of independence the Baltic people gained a high degree of personal freedom and economic prosperity. Their standard of living was among the highest in Eastern Europe and illiteracy no longer existed. In addition the Baltic nations contributed fully to the world community through the League of Nations. The overall conditions that existed in Russia during this time were many years behind those in the Baltic States.

The ominous growth of the German and Russian superpowers, both militarily and politically, sealed the fate of the strategic Baltic area. In the German/Russian nonagression pact of 1939, Germany secretly ceded the Baltic Republics to Russia, on the condition that Germany would be allowed to process the extradition of ethnic Germans (Volksdeutsch) from those areas.

In the Autumn of 1939 the three Baltic governments were forced to permit the garrisoning of some 100 thousand Soviet troops in their countries. Starting with Estonia the Russians had lined their troops along the borders and blockaded the seaport of these nations until they were forced to concede. Finland, faced with similar ultimatums was in a posistion to resist. The result was the Winter War of 1939-40, in which tiny Finland sorely humiliated the victorious Russians.

The actual annexation of the Baltic States did not take place until June of 1940. Stalin, fearful of Germany's successes in Western Europe, decided to shore up his defenses. The Soviets merely had to link up with their "Trojan Horse" forces already stationed in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to complete their occupation. As a result several hundred thousand Russian troops poured into the Baltic States. Almost immediately the three republics found they had "voted" I themselves into the Soviet Union.

Although many Baltic statesmen wished to resist the soviets, the majority wanted to placate them at any cost to preserve a semblance of independence. Even this was not granted to them. Ironically the Russians introduced a "Trojan Horse' into their own midst by incorporating the Baltic armies intact into the Red Army. While many of the Baltic soldiers accepted this turn of events, others deserted. The deserters took their weapons into the forests to begin an unheralded guerilla struggle that would not cease for a dozen years.

On June 22, 1941 Germany launched the greatest military campaign ever attempted, Operation Barbarrossa, the invasion of Russia. Simultaneously the people of the Baltic States revolted. Soldiers mutinied and turned on the Red Army, creating a dangerous situation behind Russia's Western defenses.

The condition in the Baltic States shortly after June 22, 1941, was one of extreme chaos. Swift German advances enabled the Lithuanians to drive some of the Soviets from their country. The Latvians and Estonians eagerly awaited German assistance, which came rapidly.

ESTONIA

Estonia was the last of the Baltic States to be occupied by the Germans. The Russians had created a massive defensive zone around Tallin, the Estonian capital, in order to distract the Wehnmacht from Leningrad. Tallin was captured with only a minimal delay, but this diversion enabled the Soviets to strengthen the Leningrad front.

As the Wehrmacht swept through Estonia they encountered groups of regular Estonian troops. These troops had been carrying out guerilla warfare against the Soviets. Many of the Estonian partisans were professional soldiers and as such were of value to the Wehrmacht. Eight battalions of Estonians were quickly incorporated into the German Army. In most cases they wore Estonian national uniforms but were supplied with German arms.

The Estonians soon found themselves placed in a frontline capacity. During the Soviet Winter counter offensive of 1941-42, the Estonian battalions fought extremely well, but absorbed tremendous casualties. Although the Waffen-SS laid claim to these units, the Wehrmacht steadfastly refused to give them up. By 1944, more than 20 Estonian Battalions were in service with the Wehrmacht.

Estonian insignia worn with German uniforms consisted of a roundel cap badge displaying the national colors of blue, black and white and two varities of armshields. One Landshield depicted the Estonian crest of three black lions on a gold field with ESTLAND stitched in blue thread across the top. The other Landshield was a design of the national colors in a diagonal pattern, these insignias were worn only by Estonians serving with the Wehrmacht.

When the SS moved into Estonia shortly after, the German occupation, large numbers of Estonians were sought for polIce and anti-partIsan dutIes. Under the dubious auspices of the SS and Security Police, a Selbstschutz, or Estonian self defense force was established. Unfortunately the Selbstschutz was given over to the SS-Einsatzgruppen and became involved in all types of criminal actions including the carring out of liquidations. The Selbschutz soon was replaced by Estonian Security Battalions (Schuma Battalions) which were used in a more legitimate manner.

The Schuma Battalions were filled with conscripts who were to serve for six months durations. Some of these units saw frontline action while others were used for anti-paitisan duties throughout the Ostland Reich Commissarlet (consisting of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and White Russia).Later on in the war, many of the Schuma Battalons transferred into the Waffen-SS.

Uniforms for the Selbstschutz and Schuma units were extremely varied. All types of military and police regalia were worn, including used, outdated black SS uniforms. By the end of the war uniforms had been standardized to Waffen-SS attire with various types of insignia.· After 1943 many of the Schuma formations wore Auxiliary Security Police insignia and badges of rank.

In 1942 a campaign began in Estonia for the creation of a truly national military force. The effort was lead by Estonian nationalists intent on securing autoniomy for their nation. Up until 1942 the Estonians serving with the Germans were doing so in a strictly subordinate role. Little concession was given to their national pride. Estonian nationalists felt that an armed force more closely identified with Estonia was necessary to keep their homeland from being totally merged into a larger Nazi province.

After being assured that large numbers of Estonian men would turn out for an Estonian Legion, Reichsfuhrer-SS Himmler authorized its creation in August 1942. Almost immediately a 900 man force consisting of ethnic Germans and Estonians was made available to the Waffe-SS. By January 1943 more than 6500 Estonians had volUnteered. Many of these volunteers were sent to a Waffen-SS training camp for foreign volunteers in Sennheim, Alsace. It was here that Himmler inspected a contingent of Estonians and was so impressed by their "Nordic" appearance that he begun to actively lobby for Baltic autonomy to insure the continuing flaw of recruits from the area.

Himmler's efforts to secure limited independence for the Baltic States were sabotaged by Martin Bormann, Head of the Nazi Party Chancellery who was often engaged in a power rivalry with Himmler. Bormann used his direct access w1th Hitler to effectively spike Himmler's proposals. Throughout the war however, local SS off1cials, on their own initiative, continued to promise autonomy to the Baltic people.

Spring of 1943 saw the incorporation of 3,000 Estonians into the Waffen-SS. At that time recruiting and training facilities were being overtaxed and only that number of Estonians could be processed. Some of these volunteers were combined with a cadre from the 1st SS Grenadier Brigade to form the 3rd Estniches SS Freiwilligen Brigade. By October of 1943 the Estonian Legion, at Brigade strength was at the front of Army Group Center engaged in defensive fighting. The Brigade's commander was an Estonian, SS-Oberfuhrer (Senior Colonel) Soodla.

Neary l0OO other Estonian volunteers had previously been formed into a special, well equipped battalion titled "Narwa". Narwa (Narva) is a city, region and river located in extreme Northeastern Estonia. During 1919 the Estonian Army held off 22 consecutive Russian assaults on the old medieval fortresses of Narwa. This was an event of considerable historic importance for Estonia.

The "Narwa" battalion was assigned to the 5th SS Panzergrenadier Division "Wiking" on the front of Army Group South. "Narwa" spent a year with the 'Wiking" Division, during which time it was nearly destroyed in the desperate battle of the Korsun-Cherkassey pocket. In July 1944, "Narwa" was transferred to the 20th Waffen Grenadier Division der SS (Estnische Nr. 1).

Estonia's Legion, the 3rd SS Brigade, was enlarged into the 20th SS Division during December 1943. By Spring of 1944 the Division was stationed in Estonia and participated in the efforts of Army Group North to hold the Narwa line against heavy Soviet attacks. The Germans were unable to hold Estonia and large forces of disorganized soldiers fled to the south and west.

The Russian Summer offensive of 1944 had totally shattered Army Group Center, annihilating 28 out of 38 employed German Divisions. Much of Army Group North was trapped in Western Latvia, wlile other portions of it, (including the Estonian Division), managed to escape to E. Prussia.

Autumn of 1944 saw the 20th SS Division undergo extensive refitting in Czechslovakia and Western Silesia. The Division at this time was composed of three Grenadier Regiments, one Artillary Regiment, four support Battalions and one company. The commander of the Division was SS-Brigadefuhrer (Major General) Franz Augsberger.

The Estonian Division, which had achieved a reputation for reliability, spent the rest of 1944 engaged in the defense of Lower Silesia. Since the reconquest of Estonia by the Russians however, a feeling of depression gripped the Estonian soldiers. Far away from their homeland, they began to feel that they were fighting Germany's war and not their own.

Rumors circulated through the Division that the Germans were planning to move them westward to engage the Western Allies, which was the last thing the Estonians wanted to do. A growing sense of alienation and hostility towards the Germans came to a climax in January 1945.

The Division was ordered to stop a strong Russian advance on Breslau in Southwestern Silesia. Shortly after being committed to combat late in January, the Division fell to pieces. Groups of Estonians deserted en masse while others mutinied. The combat capability of the formation was lost for two months. After another extensive bout of refitting, the Division again participated in action duning March 1945.

Hitler had heard of the January incident however and wanted to implement the disarming of Himmler's foreign legions and distribute the equipment to German forces. Only two foreign units, the Indian Legion'and the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division der SS (Galizische Nr. l), the Ukraine Division, were affected by Hitler's disarmament proposal.

The Estonian Division was used only sparingly for the rest of the war. It finally surrendered to the Russians in Bohemia on May 7, 1945. All survivors were packed up and shipped to Siberian Labor Camps, from which they were never heard from again. The German personel in the Division were probably segregated and sent elsewhere.

Estonians serving in the Waffen-SS were given identifying insignia in the form of collar tabs and armshields. At first members of the Estonian Legion wore the SS "'Sig-rune" collar patch. This was later replaced with a double-swastika collar tab. This insignia was designed so that each angle of the swastika formed a letter "E" With the formation of the Estonian Division the collar patch insignia again changed. The second collar tab worn by the Estonians displayed a mailed arm holding a short sword framing a stylized letter 'E'.

The Estonian SS troops also wore two armsields. One Landshield, worn by the Estonians serving in the "Narwa" Battalion and by a handful of Estonians who served with the 11th SS Freiwilligen Panzergrenadier Division "Nordland", showed three black lions on a gold field, the national crest. The other Landshield worn by members of the Estonian Brigade and Division, displayed the national colors, blue, black and white in horizontal bars.

The Estonian Division also used a vehicle identification shield shewing a large circular "E" being diagonally crossed by a short sword. It is possible that a cuffband with the title "Estland' may have been issued to the Brigade and Division.

Richard Landwehr, "Sunburst and Swastika", Military Collectors' News, 1972

First Model Army Tunic

The first tropical tunic developed for the German army is what is known as the M40. The tunic was made of a high quality ribbed cotton twill material of a medium weight. It was single breasted with five front buttons, two patch style breast and two lower pleated bellows type side pockets. These were referred to as the bellows type as they grew out from the sides as they became full. All buttons seen were pebbled and were of an olive (dark green), grey or tan color, tan being the exception.

The original tunic color was an olive drab, which litterly means the green color of an olive. However, as with all dying runs, even today, there was consistency with the color on the original run, but could differ slightly, up or down, on later runs. Add to this the different manufactures. Also as with any cloth that is constantly worn, washed and exposed to a searing sun, the tunic would fade to a lighter shade.

The tunic is the most frequently seen on photos with Afrika troops, though it was used in other theatres. It had an open collar and was flared from the waist down. This gave it a smarter appearance. The front buttons were removable as they were held in place by small "S" configuration spring steel clips.

On the inside, the tunic was reinforced around the armpits and behind the top corners of the pockets. The sleeves were cuffless and had two small composite fiber buttons inside a reinforced concealed flap. The belt was held up by the help of side belt hooks which were supported by cloth straps. They were sewn inside the tunic below the armpits.

The collar tabs consisted of elongated woven patches that flared at both ends and contained three golden tan colored stripes on a light blue-grey background. The breast eagle was woven in a blue thread on a tan background. It was sewn above the right breast eagle with the lower part of the swastika stitched over the top of the pocket flap.

The following uniform is that of an officer that was slightly changed. From indications it was an officer posted to the rear and who saw no need for belt hooks and wanted to present a smarter appearance with the addition of shoulder pads. Yet it is classically a 1 st model tunic.

Front view: A 1 st model tunic with officers insignia. This tunic does not differ from the enlisted mans tunic since period officer's tunics were altered government issued tunics. Issued insignia was removed and replaced with officer quality insignia. However, officers could and did obtain tunics where insignia had not been appiied and had their private purchase insignia added. Private tailor made tunics are not included in this reference.

Typical characteristics are pleated scalloped pockets. The tunic has officer quality eagle and tabs. The shoulder boards are the sewn or type and it has a five button front. The tunics were made to be worn with an open collar and therefore, no hook and eye were attached at the collar.

J.R. Figueroa: "Tropical Uniforms of the German Army and Airforce in W.W.II", 1983. J.R. Figueroa

Beware the Burgdorf

Wilhelm Burgdorf was born February 15, 1895 in Furstenwalde/Spree. He served as an officer in both WWI and in the Reichswehr. He was promoted to Oberstleutnant August 1, 1938; to Oberst September 1, 1940; to Generalmajor October 1, 1942; to Generalleutnant October 1, 1943; to General der Infanterie November 1, 1944. Most of his military career was spent in administrative positions. So, why would any collector today care about a paper pusher? Burgdorf's signature appears most frequently on Knight's Cross preliminary documents for Army recipients.

As of late, there has been a rash of "bad" Burgdorf signatures appearing on supposed original Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, Knight's Cross of the War Merit Cross, Oakleaves to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and other high award documents that were awarded by the Heerespersonalamt. There has even been a Burgdorf signature spotted on a Luftwaffe recipient's Knight's Cross preliminary document. Every knowledgeable collector knows the Army Personnel Office never made Air Force awards. If a collector is forewarned and knowledgeable about the specific signers on preliminary Knight's Cross award documents, then he won't be fooled by an altered or fake document.

Fortunately, whoever has attempted to imitate Burgdorf's signature on award documents has not done his homework (isn't that almost always the case?). One document dated September 1943 has a bold Burgdorf signature with "Generalieutnant" preprinted on the document, beneath his signature. Burgdorf became a Generalleutnant on October 1, 1943. At the time of this signature he was a Generalmajor. The only Generalleutnant in the Heerespersonalamt in September 1943, was Rudolf Schmundt. Another preliminary document for the Knight's Cross has a 1941 date and also a Burgdorf signature as a Generalleutnant. In 1941 Burgdorf was an Oberst and was not even working in the Army Personnel office! That document should have been signed by Bodewin Keitel, who at the time was the only Generalleutnant working in the Heerespersonalamt. Burgdorf didn't come to Army Personnel until May 1, 1942.

Burgdorf's rank and position should always be correct for the date on the award document. Even if the award was made postumously, it wouldn't effect Burgdorf's signature or position. (Nor would it have any effect on the document itself. There is no such thing as a special form for a posthumous award of the Knight's Cross.)

This June 23, 1944 Burgdorf signature appears' on an award of the Oakleaves to the KC of the IC preliminary document. At that time he was a Generalleutnant and still an assistant to Rudolf Schmundt.

This September 15, 1944 Burgdorf signature appears on a posthumous Iron Cross First Class award document. At the time he was still a Gereralleutnant and 16 days away from assuming the position of the Chief of Army Personnel. The signature is a little less open than others, but the letters are still readable, the tail of the "g" remains a straight line and the "u" remains over the "U".

Aside from the rank and position, the signature itself should be scrutinized. The newly done signatures are easily recognizable as "Burgdorf'. However, that's where the similarities end. Wilhelm Burgdorf signed in black ink and with a fine point pen. Most of the newly done Burgdorf signatures have been done with a wide point (felt-tip looking) black pen. Original signatures have distinct open characters. A collector can easily read each letter. The newly done signatures have closed letters, which makes it a little difficult to discern each letter. The tail of the "g" is almost always a straight horizontal line on original signatures. It is almost always arched on the new ones. And, the biggest give-away? Burgdorf always put a "U" shaped line over the "u" in his name. It's a straight line on all the newly done signatures.

Could Burgdorf have signed these after the war, perhaps as an old man? Nope! He died in May of 1945. Armed with a little knowledge, the collector who wants to buy a Knight's Cross preliminary document should not be apprehensive. There are still original, unaltered documents to be found.

Emilie Caldwell Stewart, "Beware the Burgdorf", Der Gauleiter, 1993

The Collector as Curator

Care and preservation of wool

An essential facet of collecting militaria is the custodial care and preservation of the specimen and certainly the challenge is formidable with woolen textile items. The category includes uniforms, headgear, insignia, flags and banners to name but a few.

Wool is severely effected by heat and high humidity.

Because wool is an organic material it is subject to photochemical and biodegtration and it is here where the problems of conservation present themselves. Wool is primarily a protein substance. Its composition is that of amino acids, the majority of which are keratin. Keratin contains sulfur which is the attractive feature for those insects that thrive on wool.

The photodegration of wool, an irreversible process initiated by all forms of light, is attributed to decreases in amino acid content and consequently a loss of strength in the fabric. In addition, wool is severely effected by heat and high humidity.

Fortunately for collectors of WWII militaria, age and antiquity of the specimen are not already against us. Most WWII period specimens are at best 50 years old and are generally constructed of superior materials and workmanship. This is particularly true of most woolen items produced by the Third Reich. Most examples can be found in good if not excellent condition and require little or no restorative attention. Perhaps because of their sentimental value most WWII collectibles have been well cared for over the years and the collector needs only to employ some simple conservation techniques. Happily, our job is often an easy one.

It's critical that the collector carefully examine every piece in his collection for evidence of infestation. Such clues indicating an infestation problem are usually cocoons, the presence of moth larvae and actual damage to the fabric. If a specimen exhibits damage from moth larvae then there's a good chance that more eggs

It's critical that the collector carefully examine each article for evideuce of insect infestation.

remain. Moths usually deposit their eggs in secluded places so thoroughly check seams, piping, along pocket edges and under collars. Evidence of moth infestation in headgear can generally be found under the sweatband, along the piping, under the chinstrap and inside the liner folds and pleats.

It is recommended that the collector maintain a record of the condition of each collectible with particular attention to insect damage. This can be done on a 4x5 card for each article, noting the location and extent of all mothing. While it may seen a tiresome exercise, this procedure can save you the distress of discovering existing damage not noted before and also avert serious damage should moth larvae become active.

It is generally agree by museum curators that all woolen articles be cleaned of accumulated dirt and dust. Dirt contains very abrasive particles that wear on the fabric and over time

It is generally agreed by museum curators that all woolen articles be cleaned...

cause considerable weakening of woolen materials. Dirt and grime can also accelerate the fading of textile dyes.

The collector can remove 50 years of filth and grime simply by going over the article with a hand-held vacuum cleaner (a household carpet vacuum with brush attachment can also be used but with much greater care). It's advised that a piece of fiberglas screen be placed over the fabric and that low suction be used so as not to pull the fabric into the vacuum. Use particular care when vacuuming frayed areas or with fragile pieces such as cloth insignia.

This very effective method of cleaning an antique textile is extensively used by museums. It is the safest for the article, particularly those in poor condition, and surprisingly restores the brightness and color of dyed materials. This method also removes moth eggs from seams, piping, pleats and other hidden areas.

Commercial dry-cleaning in not recommended for aged woolen textiles. It is a harsh process that abuses the fabric, removes moisture and natural oils, and leaves the material

Dry-cleaning is not recommended for aged woolen textiles.

with a dry "hand" or feel. Most commercial dry-cleaners are not set up to do museum quality cleaning. Nor are they often sensitive to the historical value of the object.

Once the specimen has been vacuumed clean of dirt and abrasives it must be rendered resistant to moth attacks. Museums typically fumigate their woolen collectibles in chambers containing paradichlorobenzene or diluted ethylene oxide gas. But the collector can accomplish an effective fumigation process at home.

Put the article inside a slightly larger cardboard or corrugated box and liberally place commercial mothballs (naphthalene) inside. Be certain to put enough mothballs inside the pockets, cuffs and sleeves of a uniform or inside the folded layers of a flag. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the ratio of weight and mass for the article versus the quantity of naphthalene used. Cover the entire box with a plastic trash bag and secure for an airtight closure. Leave undisturbed for at least two weeks.

The one significant caution to be noted is that leather products can be harmed by prolonged direct contact with naphthalene and other insect fumigation materials. So be certain that

Leather proucts can be harmed by prolonged direct contact with naphthalene and other insect fumigation materials.

mothballs are not actually in contact with leather parts. In addition, it should be noted that mothball products can degrade plastic garment and utility bags; never place mothballs in direct contact with plastic materials.

Vacuuming and fumigation should render the article safe from insect infestation.

Despite some manufacture's claims, mothballs do not kill all species of moth larvae under all circumstances. But rest assured that naphthalene does create a hostile environment extremely unpleasant for any insect. The effects of vacuuming and fumigating should render the article safe from insect infestation.

Proper storage of antique wool items is equally important. Prolonged residence in an airtight cabinet is not recommended as stagnant air encourages insect activity and accelerated

Larvae are most active in darkness and where air flow is minimal.

fiber deterioration. If storing woolen materials in a closet, frequently leave the door open so as to promote fresh air circulation. Moth larvae are most active in darkness and where air flow is minimal. Museums advise a natural and steady but slight circulation.

For uniform items use wooden hangers. Metal hangers can rust and corrode in the presence of high humidity and permanently stain a fabric. Many collectors prefer to cover uniforms and headgear items with plastic garment bags. If this is to be done, and the practice is generally sound, make certain not to create a stagnant environment. Again, undisturbed and stagnant sir encourages insect activity. And use care when storing woolen articles in contact with each other; insect infestation can spread from one contaminated article to another.

Flags and banners should be stored flat and those of a large size rolled up. The practice of hanging flags for display is not encouraged, especially with larger examples. since the weight of the material distorts its shape and weakens the fabric. Tacks and nails should never be used in contact with material because of permanent holes in the fabric and staining from corrosion.

Woolen fabrics degrade faster when exposed to diffused light.

All types of light can cause photochemical degradation of textile fibers and dyes. Extensive tests by museums have shown that woolen fabrics degrade faster when exposed to diffused light than when in complete darkness at the same temperature. Particularly harmful are ultraviolet and infrared rays which are both emitted by sunlight; UV by fluorescent lighting and IR by incandescent bulbs. Rays generate heat (especially the IR Jight) and accelerate the aging process. Even brief exposure can irreversibly fade textile dies.

Wool textiles should never come in contact with direct sunlight. In the ideal condition windows should be UV filtered, but heavy opaque (blackout) drapes are considered

Wool textiles should never come in contact with direct sunlight.

adequate. Light fixtures ought to be positioned so as not to be beamed directly on a woolen item and ought to be turned off when the room or storage area is not in use. The devastating effects of all types of light on wool can not be overstated.

Wool fibers react to temperature and humidity changes which cause them to swell or shrink depending on ambient conditions. As a result the fibers rub against one another; an action whose consequences are compounded by the presence of dirt (razor-sharp silica particles), and if repeated often can cause excessive wear.

Absolute museum conditions are not practical for the collector's residence, nor are they desirable to those who wish to display their collections. The perfect museum condition - one that even museums fail to attain -- has been described as total darkness with a relative humidity value of 45/55% and a constant temperature of 60 degrees F. A practical condition for a private residence ought to be a temperature range of 68 to 75% and a RH value of not greater than 70%. It is known that a temperature above 80 degrees F. promotes and accelerates insect infestation. And RH values above 70% will cause mold and fungus growth on wool.

As a final precaution, be certain to inspect and treat accessories and accouterments of wool construction or with a wool backing. Such items include cloth insignia, marksman's lanyards, gorgets, medal and ribbon bars, brocade and parade dress belts, etc. Usually these exhibit some prior insect damage and can harm the uniform display article if the accouterments are not cleared of insects and their larvae. Likewise, display mannequins should be thoroughly cleaned before use.

Never press a woolen textile item.

The harmful effects of tobacco smoke on woolen specimens should not be regarded casually. Tobacco smoke permanently stains and discolors dyed materials.

Never press a woolen textile item. The process will force dirt particles into the fabric; it can also scorch or permanently gloss the surface. Also stain and spot removers are not recommended for use on aged wool. Most commercial spot removers are extremely

Spot removers are not recommended for use on aged wool.

caustic and can cause the yarn to weaken where applied. Some textile dyes will fade when exposed to commercial stain removers. As difficult as it may be to accept an unsightly stain most museums recommend to leave it. A mild facial soap with warm water may yield results at best, but even this must be approached cautiously.

Author's Note

Several notable researchers of Third Reich militaria have addressed the subject of conservation. Tom Johnson's "Collecting the Edged Weapons of the Third Reich", volume 2, presents a well-researched case study of the restoration of an Imperial edged weapon. And Tom Shutt illuminated the care methods for headgear in his "Dress and Field Service Hats of the Third Reich". Likewise, Goodapple et al, discuss proper preservation techniques "German Helmets" volume 2. These works are recommended for the collector's reference.

Alden W. Hamilton, The Collector as Curator No. 2, Der Gauleiter, 1991