Hitler's Gold Party Badges

The most valuable Golden Party Badges in the world changed hands in April in Hamburger, Germany, for more than $15,000 They were a 23.5 mm badge and a 30.5 mm badge belonging to Adolf Hitler and numbered "7". Their appearance solved a mystery regarding the numbering of Hiter's badges.

Oh, but you say you had read that Hitler gave Magda Geobbels his personal Golden Party Badge in the bunker just before the fall of Berlin. He did. And that one was made of solid gold, and it disappeared, probably forever, in the flames covering her body in the bunker yard.

These two recently surfaced badges belonged in the collection of Elfriede and Leo Raubal, the children of Angela Hitler, a daughter of the marriage of Alois Hitler (Adolf's father) with Franziska Merlelsberger. She kept house for her half brother Adolf until 1936. Her second daughter, Angela (Geli) was Hitler's great love, who committed suicide.

Before attempting to clarify the differences between real and fake Golden party badges, there are some other discrepancies that need our attention, referring to the number on Hitler's badge and, indeed, his ranking in the Party.

First, on page 236 of Volume l of "Mein Kampf", Hitler states; So I enrolled myself as a member of the German working class party and received provisional membership card with number "7".

The golden party badges belonging to Elfriede and Leo bear the number "7", and have been thoroughly authenticated. They came into the market with a large horde of very personal items belonging to the family, including Geli's personal photo album, itself extremely rare and valuable.

The appearance of these badges solves some puzzles.

In his excellent reference book for Fuhrer and Fatherland, Political and Civil Awards of the Third Reich, Ltc. Angolia points out that party members up to number 100,000 (who had uninteripted service from February 27, 1925 toNovember 9, 1933) received the Golden Party badges on that November 9, the 10th anniversary of the Munich Beer Hall putsch.

Hitler received these two badges. They are numbered "7" and are bronze with fire-gilding and enamelled center. On the plate of the pins is the marking ''Deschler & Son, Munich 9. GES. GESCH.'' and, of course, the number "7".

According to Geil's mother, Hitler donated these badges to the Party several years later (presumably he or Treasurer Schwarz actually gave them to Geli's mother as a memento), and in exchange Hitler received two new Golden Party badges of solid gold. These were almost certainly renumbered "7", one of which he gave to Magda Goebbels during the Golterdmmerung; the other to Frau Hess under far different circumstances, at the peak of his career in the late 1930's. (Frau Hess has sworn Hitler did give her his Golden Party Badge at that time and that it was definitely numbered "1" and not "7".)

These badges had not surfaced for some 43 years and Author Angolia almost certainly did not know of them when he wrote that Hiter never held Party number 7.

(As an interesting aside, Hitler's personal Blood Order badge had no number. It was thought Number 1 belonged to Rohm and Number 2 to Hess, and Himmler had number 3. All according to Patzwail's "Der Blutorden der NSDAP".)

But back to the Golden Party Badges. While most collectors know that Party members up to number 100,000 (who had the uninterupted service) received golden Party Badges on November 9, 1933, and that many other honorary Golden Party Badges were later awarded, the enigma of "real" versus ''fake'' has always been a struggle for them. While the comments below are not meant to be a definite dissertation on Golden Party Badge fakes, perhaps some of the more obvious differences will help you distinguish the genuine from the replica. A well made fake, particularly when you do not have a original with which to compare it, looks very real.

In the photo are three badges. One is fake. Can you identify it? It's the large one at the bottom.

Look very closely and I'll point out some discrepancies (always compare apples to apples... the large badge to the large badge in this instance.)

First, look at the "O" in Solialislische. The real one (in the large badge) is a circle, in the fake it's an oval. Now look at the swastika.Thin in the fake; stubby and fat in the real badge. Also obvious, when you look closely , are problems with the oakleaves. The real badge featured double lobed leaves, with the topmost of one leaf virtually lying over the stem and lower lobe of the leaf underit . (There were two versions of oak leaf patterns, one with pointed leaves and one with rounded ones.) At any rate, look for that overlay, much like a ''spread'' of a deck of cards, one lying over the bottom third of the one below in. In the fake badge the leaves not only look different, they do not appear to be ''overlaid'' with one another. They also appear to have a vein pattern and in fact a ''ridge'' down the center. On the real badge they are smooth. Finally, the fake badge has a ridged ''border'' all the way around it. The real one does not.

A myth exists about the pins on the backs of the badges in that all real badges should have safety type pins. This is not true. The early badges all had horizontal "safety pin" type catches. But these broke easily and later badges had the vertical stronger pin, as does this fake. Most of the honorary badges as illustrated in Angola's book, have the vertical pins.

We do not have a small fake pin for comparison in this photo, but the one in the picture is real. Its leaves are more like darts and they lie on a ridded partern like a closely-tied railroad track.

Mickey Huffman, "THE MOST VALUABLE GOLDEN PARTY BADGES AND THE MYSTERY THEY SOLVED", Der Gauleiter, 1988

Note: The photos above were taken from this article in "Der Gauleiter". Unfortunatley, 1988 was before we had digital photography and reproducing photos was alway a problem in printing the magazine. I did the best I could with them. If you want to see more you can search the net and find pictures of both original and fake badges. Bob

Keeping the War Alive

I have always been quite disappointed in thelack of quality material found in the state adopted list of textbooks pertaining to World War 2. Therefore, several years ago, I wrote my own curriculum on this fantastic subject and I thought the readers of DG might enjoy hearing how one Hoosier school teacher makes World War2 come alive for his students.

Family involvement is a vital key to teaching World War 2. Back in my day It was ''Dad'' who served in the armed forces and shared those wonderful and often hair-raising stories with us kids. And these stories usually made it to the classroom not only during our World War 2 history lessons, but all year round! Today those stories are told by ''Grandpa'' and to a lesser degree still passed around the classroom. Naturally, with the passing of time, Grandpa is not always around to share his adventures with eager and wide-eyed grandchildren.

This is where my WW2 unit comes in handy. I issue a WW2 data sheet to each child, to be taken home and filled out as accurately if possible by someone who remembers the war. The questionnaire is so arranged that the child may interview either grandparent on his or her activities during this vital era in history.I send the form home with the kids several weeks in advance of the due date, since several students find it necessary to mail the form. Also, some students have to look to other family members or older friends of their parents to interview. On occasion, the child finds some reluctance, but almost always finds someone to share memories.

The results are very interesting. Students come back with sheets covered with precious memories - sheets that many former students tell me they have kept. Many fine war souvenirs also pass into my classroom this way (I am a collector) and I'm always pleasantly surprised at what these kids dig up. The most common items are personal effects such as ration books, ribbons, insignia and uniforms, but my kids have also brought in early SA daggers, engraved Heer office's swords, fine Japanese swords and various types of German headgear. In fact, one of my former students, whose grandfather had an eye for German militania, still brings in his collection each year.

I also have six WW2 vets who break from their busy schedules to come to class and discuss the war. They include my Father who is a D-Day vet; my uncles who served in the Pacific, a fellow collector, who served in the 8th Air Force; a Navy vet and a warrant officer in the ETO. Another vet, also in the ETO gave me his belongings which include a near-mint, enlisted Fallschinn-Division cufftitle. Their talks and interaction with my students is great. I'm planning on taping them this year.

Although I present the ''facts'' through the vets, the kids are getting real hands on experiences, hearing eye-witness accounts, and seeing actual artifacts from the greatest event in history, and they realize that their grandparents were part of it. And as a bonus, I get to have some fun showing off my collection and seeing some really neat items brought in by the students. On occasion, Ihave bought some items from the grandparents (and have been fair in doing so). Also gratifying is the fact that some students have actually become collectors in their own right after having been exposed to this great hobby in my classroom!

Matthew S. Huber, "Keeping the War Alive", Der Gauleiter,1990

Militaria Show Jargon

Planning on attending some militaria collector shows this spring? Well, you've got to be ready lo tackle the jargon, so you know what everyone else is talking about. You know, forewarned is forearmed? Yep. That's right. Even if you're an old hand in this hobby there's lots of new slang and catch phrases out there. You don't want to seem behind the times, do you? And if you're a beginning collector, well, you could very easily be lost and confused, This jargon was collected at various militaria collector shows around the US, so you know, after you master these phrases, you'll be right in step with everyone else.

To Buy or Not To Buy

I already saw that. Translation: Saw it; passed on it 'cause it was too expensive.

I passed on it. (Tone of vote implies it is not original.) Translation; If it's too expensive for my collection, so it's too expensive for yours.

It's not sexy enough. Translation: If it's not from a combat general who personally blew up 20 enemy tanks using egg grenades, pulling the pins with his bare teeth, during the Battle for Berlin, I'm not interested.

I'm only collecting; German Paratrooper items pre-1933. Translation: I'll be saving lots of $s. This stuff's so rare, I'll never find anything, but it makes me sound like an advanced collector anyway.

I might be interested. Translation: Only if you give it away.

I might be interested, but I don't want to pay the going rate. Translation: I'm super cheap and will buy it only if you give it away.

I pay more than anybody else. Translation: I want to pay less than everybody else.

It's not like the one I had. Translation: I don't think it's real.

It's not what I thought it would be. Translation: I krow I couldn't sell it for triple your price, so I'm not buying it.

It's not the condition I like. (of an ultra rare, rarely encountered piece). Translation: I'm broke.

I'll wait till a better one comes along. (also of an ultra rare, rarely encountered piece.)Translation: I'm still broke.

I know I'll find one in my price range someday. Translation: When l do, it won't be the best condition, but I'll have to be happy with it.

I'll be back. Translation: To see if you are ready to give it away at the end of the show.

I might be back. Translation: If I don't find one cheaper, either real or not, from someone else.

Would you take less ? Translation: Even if you say ''yes,'' I still have to think about it.

I'll have to think about it. Translation: It's sure fun to pretend to be interested, even if I have no intention of buying.

I don't need to get your list because I don't buy by mail order. Translation: I'm too cheap to pay a few bucks for your list. And besides, I hardly buy anything anyway.

There's a guy in the other row selling his for less. Translation: It's comparing apples & oranges, but I'm hopeful this ploy might work.

There 's a chip / scratch / dent / nick / moth nip / hole here. Translation: it's the best one I've ever seen, but I've got to get the price down.

Appraisal Service

I'm taking offers. Translation; I want a free appraisal and I have no intention of selling.

If you make a good offer... Translation; You'll never buy it; someone will always pay 5 cents more at the next show.

Well, I had a better offer. Translation: Someone paid 5 cents more.

I already have someone who is interested. Translation; But if you'll pay more, it's yours.

I brought it for a friend... to find out what it's worth. Translation: It belongs to this guy, but he's either too clever or too ashamed to admit it.

I'm just here to find out what it's worth for a friend. Translation: It's really mine and I'm hoping for a big hit.

Selling Jargon

I don't need the money. Translation: I don't need the money, so I'll charge twice what it's worth because I'm greedy.

Well I really need the money. Translation: I really need the money so I'll charge you twice what it's worth and pretend to give you a bargain.

Well, if you want a real one.. Translation: Be prepared to pay double the going price.

The last one sold for $$$ in auction 3 years ago. Translation: I want $$$ plus inflation coverage for those last 3 years.

I'll put it in auction, I'll get a lot more. Translation: l don't know what it is or what it's worth, but I'm hopeful.

I don't know exactly what it's worth, but I want X$. Translation: Knows down-to-the-penny the value.

I'll sell you this for half what I paid. Translation: Sells everything for half, but makes it up in volume.

I just want to get my money out of it. Translation: ...and make a huge profit.

All I want is what I have in it. Translation: If you believe that, I'll tell you another one.

I'm thinning out my collection. Translation #1: Because I want to fatten up my wallet at your expence. Translation #2: Maybe I can get some sucker to buy my mistakes.

Took it off a body myself. Translation: Never even been in the military. but it sounds good and sells a lot of worthless crap.

Had it made in a Saigon tailor shop back in .69. Translation: Wife made it yesterday on her Singer sewing machine and then dipped it in some oriental tea.

Brought it back myself from the ''Big One. Translation: Made it myself while serving two years on a morals charge in the state pen.

You can trust me. Translation: I'm the biggest crook in the show and I'll screw you out of your last penny.

Authentication

I don 't know What do you think? (Asked of 30 collectors at one show.) Translation: I wouldn't know a real one if it fell on me and besides, I've already made up my mind and just want you to verify I'm right.

Sure its real. Translation #1: It's as good as my word. Translation #2: You can see, touch, feel and smell it, so it has to be "real".

Nobody believes it. but I know it's real. Translation: Worst piece of crap you have ever seen.

I don 't think I've ever seen another one like that. Translation: Kiss of death. Once words gets around, real or not, you can't give that piece away.

I don't think I have ever seen a real one. Translation: And wouldn't know it if he had.

Well, it might be real... Translation #1: I want you to pass on it. so I can buy it. Translation #2: I want you to pass on that one, so I can sell you one of mine.

Gee. I'm not sure. Translation: I want you to pass on it, so I can buy it.

Would you look at this piece and tell me what you think? Translation #1 : I'd never spend a dime with you, but I highly value your free opinion. Translation #2: I'd never pay your slightly higher price for what appears to be the same item, when I might get what could be a real one cheaper from someone else and get your free opinion as well.

Justification Jargon

It's a great investment. Translation: In 5 years. you might get your money back... if you're lucky.

I save money on books so I can buy more for my collection. Translation: It gives me more money to spend on fakes.

I need it for my collection. Translation: I'll steal it if I have to.

I guarantee it. Translation: But you don't have my real name, telephone or address, so try finding me again!

I have a double your money back guarantee you're not satisfied with the piece. Translation: But you'll never see me again.

I traded for it. Translation: That was my mistake, now it can be your mistake.

I know a guy who'll pay more. Translation: You're my last straw and I'll do anything to make sure you buy it.

Name Dropping

___________said it's real. Translation: I'm asking your opinion for conversation's sake, but what you say really doesn't matter because I believe every thing __________ tells me.

I bought it from ___________. Translation: I'm proud to have paid too much.

I sold it to ______________. Translation: I'm proud to have given it away.

___________ has one in his collection. Translation: Wouldn't own it if you paid him.

_____________ has told it belonged to ____________. Translation: Made yesterday.

______________ says it's a fake. Translation: But I want it to be real, so please tell me it is.

__________________sells them for $X's. Translation: I want to get the same amount for this piece as he does for his.

I brought it to sell to _________________. Translation: But if you'll pay more, it's yours.

I bought it for _____________ and now he doesn't have the money. Translation: Knows nothing about it and wouldn't touch it if he did.

________________ only sells fakes. Translation: has great real pieces, but I'm jealous.

________________ only has real stuff. Translation: A true believer...

Let's show it to ______________ and see what he has to say. Translation: Hey, I can show it to ______________, get an authentication and free appraisal all in one shot.

Origins

It came from the family. Translation: Every faker has a family!

It came from a vet. Translation: It came from anybody who was never in the military.

My uncle/father/ grandfather/dog brought it back. Translation: I bought it, found out it's a fake and now want to push it off on you.

I have one just like it in my collection. Translation: Mine is real, this one's fake... but they do look somewhat alike.

Anonymous. Translation: I don't care to sign my name to this....

http://www.germanmilitariacollectibles.com/

Iron Cross Second Class Award Documents

The Iron Cross, (Eisernes Kreuz), is probably the mostly widely recognizedand well known award of Germany. It isalso the most commonly encountered award from WW2. No matter how much of a novice a collector is, he still knows that Germany awarded the Iron Cross in large numbers for bravery. And for that matter, the Iron Cross is usually one of the first medals a new collector acquires. The same is true for award documents. Iron Cross documents are probably in every document collection and are some of the most sought after. It was an award not merely for service but for bravery - a single brave act in combat. The Iron Cross First Class, or EKI, was usually awarded for multiple acts of bravery beyond the Second Class. All branches of service, including Red Cross nurses and Hitler Youth kids were eligible for these awards.

It is estimated that between 5 million (The Iron Cross - A History 1813-1957, by Williamson) and 2,300,000 (For Fuhrer & Fatherland, by Angolia, Auszeichenungen des Deutschen Reichs, by Kleitmnnn) EK2's were awarded. This lends itself not only to the actual medal but also to the award document. However, a soldier could have received more than one copy of a document for the same award. It was not unusual to receive a preliminary award document in the field; often done on a crude form with a field typewriter and at a later date receive an official printed award. The printed formal award was also sometimes mailed to the recipient's home for safe keeping.

The standard size for an Iron Cross award document is 14 cm by 20 cm and vertical in format.The paper varies with the particular award. It is heavier than a sheet of typing paper thought lighter than a postcard, and may be watermarked, but frequently not. Its smooth, almost slick to the touch but is neither a coated nor glossy stock. Documents were most commonly letter press printed although a few were lithographed, none were offset printed. A field made award can be done on almost anything.

All EKII awards included the recipient'srank and name typewritten onto the award. (somewere handwritten) and they usually contain his unit. It seems that the Kriegsmarine did not include a sailor's ship or unit. Also typewritten onto the document was the place and date the award was made. Note that this was not necessarily the place were the soldier earned the award and was basically never the date that he earned it. The paper work was usually months behind. Each award was signed by a commander including his rank and position. It was then rubber stamped in the lower left corner of the document. This stamp corresponds to the commander's position or unit, instead of the recipient's. The posthumous EK2 document is the exception to this. It was a unique award, done in its own style and presented to the recipient's survivors. These are rarely encountered.

The value of EKII award documents depend on several factors. A base price is about $35. That would be for a document to an ''unknown'' soldier, in a common unit, bestowed by a commander who was not a Knight's Cross holder, or famous. Price increases as the unit becomes more interesting. Any Waffen-SS recipient's award should sell for over $100. The same is true for Fallschirmjager. Should the award be to someone who later won the Knight'sCross, the price could be several hundred dollars. The signature of the bestowed can also greatly affect the price, such as an EKII document with Rommel's signature. Also of great interest and value is the posthumous EKII award document - a tough one to find. If you locate one, my advise is... buy it!

Emilie Caldwell Stewart, "Iron Cross Second Class Award Documents", Der Gauleiter, 1989

All About our Blog

In our Blog you will find a series of articles on the various aspects of Third Reich militaria collecting. These are intended to introduce the new collector to a particular area of our hobby and to provide the experienced collector with a refresher course, or perhaps some new info. They are not intended to replace reference books in one's library, but are here to "wet the appetite" of the collectors, and encourage them to aquire the books or magazines they were taken from. Many of these sources are currently available from book dealers, or the publisher, and some are long out of print. In the case of the later, it might take some hunting to aquire them. Militaria shows, other collectors and this web site might be good sources.

Most of this info was aquired by scanning pages and running them through an optical character recognition (OCR) program. While this is the most efficient way of aquiring the text, it is not fool-proof and errors are encountered. We have proof read all of these articles and made the corrections we found. However, don't be surprised if you find a mis-spelled word or other error here and there. We could only do so much.... In the case of the photos that accompany the articles, some are from the article itself, while others are photos I added from other sources as I thought appropriate.

This feature of germanmilitariacollecibles.com will be an ongoing project. I will add more material as often as it is available and I have time to do so. One thing you will notice is that when you open the link you will see several articles listed one after the other. These are not the only articles we have posted. Near the top of the page on the right you will see "Previous Posts". Look at the list and you will see the other articles available. Just click on them to view. Below "Previous Posts" you will see "Archives" listed by month. I suggest you look at all three places; the opening page list, the previous posts and the archives to see everything. Have fun!

We need material for this feature. If you are an author who has written something about German militaria collecting, and would like to share it with our readers, we would like to see it. You can email a copy to us. A photo copy or scan is also ok. If we use it, and we will try to, you will receive full credit. Be sure you tell us your name, the title, where or who published it (if it was) and the date published. Also, if you have something in your reference collection you think the other collectors would like to see, please let me know and we'll see if we can publish it. Older material from the 60s thru 80s would be especially welcome. Items that come from other that the standard reference books would be great. Again, if we can use it we will give you full credit for your contribution.

Finally, I would like to express my thanks to Roger Bender, of R. James Bender Publishing, for his interest and support of this project. Bob

The Reich Ministries

The uniform for officials of the ministries of the Reich was awarded, by an edict of the Fuhrer, on March 30, 1933. The officials of the highest Reichs and State administration were obliged to appear in uniform when they were present during state occasions or similar events at which they would serve as representatives of their office. One exception to this was that officials who belonged to Party organizations were permitted to wear the N.S.D.A.P. uniform, upon permission being granted by the Deputy Fuhrer through the Ministry of the Interior. Officials could also appear in uniform on non-official occasions such as during private or social events. The highest Reichs administration, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Finance, determined exactly which officials would be permitted to purchase a uniform. The officials of the following departments here to receive a uniform:

I. Highest departments of the Reich. Prussian State Ministry, Prussian Rnance Ministry: Reich Ministers and chiefs who were equal to them, state secretaries, ministerial directors,ministerial section heads, ministerial councilors personal sides of the Reichs Ministers and state secretaries. Prussian Ministry of Finance, and also the Prussian Ministry of State were distinguished from other ministerial officials by the use of silver twisted cord piping around the collar of their tunics and greatcoats.

II. State governments (state ministries) except Prussia: State secretaries (state councilors), ministerial directors, ministerial councilors as heads of independent subdivisions.

III. Governmental departments under the jurisdiction of the Reichs Ministry of the Interior:

1. President and vice president of the Reich Department of HeaIth.

2. President of the Reichs Department for Land Survey.

3. Director of the Reichs Archives.

4. Director of the Central Locator Office for War Casualties and Graves.

5. Presidents and vice presidents of the highest administrative courts of the states.

6. Chief presidents and the city President of the Reichs Capital Berlin.

7. State Attorney Generals at the highest administrative courts of state.

8. State governors.

9. President of the Prussian Construction and Finance Agency.

10. Vice presidents of the Supreme Pressia.

11. Vice president in the office of the City President of the Reichs Capital Berlin.

12. Lieutenant state governors.

13. Vice president of the Prussian Construction and Finance Agency.

14. Provincial governors.

b) Reichs Finance Ministry:

1 . President and vice president of the Reichs Fiscal Court.

2. Chief President of Finances.

3. Presidents for Finances.

4. Heads of the Reich Schools for Finances.

5. Head of the Academy for Finances.

6. Superintendents of Revenue and Customs Offices.

c) Reich Ministry of Justice:

1. Presidents and, as far as they existed, vice presidents of the Reichs Court, the Peoples Court, the Supreme Court and Court for Patents in Vienna, the Reichs Patent Office, the State Court for Hereditary Farms in Celle and the State Supreme Courts.

2. Chief Reich Attorneys at the Reichs Court and thePeoples Court.

3. The Procurator General in Vienna.

4. Seat: Attorney General (in Austria: Chief State Attorneys)at the Supreme Coups.

5. Presidents of the State Courts.

6. Chief State Attorneys (in Austria: Leading State Attorneys)at the State Courts.

7. State Attorney General at the State Court in Berlin.

d) Reichs Ministry of Economics:

1. President and vice president of the Reichs Office of Statistics.

2. President and vice president of the Reichs Court for Economic Affairs.

3. President of the Control Beard for Private Insurance Companies.

e) Reichs Ministry for Nutrition and Agriculture:

1. President and vice president of the Reichs Court for Hereditary Farms.

2. Chief State Representative of the Ministry.

f) Reichs Ministry of Labor:

1. President and vice president of the Reichs Insurance Agency.

2. Presidents and vice presidents of the State Employment Agencies.

g) Reichs Ministry of Sclence, Education and Culture:

1. Presidents and vice president of the Reichs Institutefor Physlcs and Technology.

2. President of the Reichs Institute for Chemical Technology.

3. Curators of the universities.

4. President of the Bureau for the Testlng Of Materials.

5. Director General of the Prussian State Library.

6. Director General of the State Museums in Berlin.

7. Director of the state castles and gardens in Berlin.

8. President of the Academy of Fine Arts.

h) Reichs Ministry of Transportation:

1. Presidents and vice presidents of the Reichs Rallroad Directorates, the Reichs Railroad Construction Directorates and the Reichs Railroad Central Offices.

2. Chief Director for Construction and Directors of Constructionas heads of the chief construction administrations of the Reichs Autobahnen.

i) Reichs Postal Ministry:

1. Presidents and vice presidents of the Reichs PostalDirectorates,

2. President of the Reichs Central Postal Administration.

IV. General Accounting Office of the German Empire:President and vice president.

V. Presidium of the Reichs Parliment Director.

VI. Governor of Prussia: Director of the State Archives.

Two forms of dress could be worn by ministerial officials, and it was the responsibility of each person to inquire at the appropriate high administrative department in order to insure that all officials would be correctly dressed. For example, if an official were to attend an event sponsored by the Party, he would inquire at the highest Party office. Officials who retired from service could obtain permission from their superior department to continue wearing their uniform, but no special insignia denoted their retired status. The ministerial officials were provided with two uniforms: 1) a dark navy blue uniform, which has often been confused with the black uniform of the Foreign Office. A field grey uniform, which was also similar to the field grey uniform worn by Foreign Office officials.

The manner in which the uniform was worn denoted whether it was for a formal occasion (Service Dress 1), or an informal occasion (Service Dress 11). Service Dress I consisted of:

a) Tunic,

b) appropriate trousers,

c) greatcoat or cloak,

d) visored hat,

e) white shirt with long black tie,

f) grey or white suede gloves,

g) brocade belt,

h) dagger.

The dark navy blue uniform had a double-breasted tunic which had two rows of four embossed silver buttons. The tunic exhibited French cuffs and a pocket to each side. The flaps of the pockets were not secured by buttons, but had a loose flap. The status of the wearer was denoted by the use of sleeve insignia, collar piping, and for a time, shoulder straps. Officials of the highest state offices, the Prussian Ministry of Finance, and also the Prussian Ministry of State were distinguished from other ministerial officials by the use of silver twisted cord piping around the collar of their tunics and greatcoats.

Jill Halcomb, Uniforms and Insignia of the German Foreign Office and Government Ministries 1938-1945, Agincourt Publishers, 1984

Just for fun....

Panzer Assault Badges

After years of attending gun and militaria shows and years of reviewing lists of militaria for sale, I have concluded that among Army war badges the Panzer Assault Badge (Panzerkampf-Abzeichen) is second only to the Infantry Assault Badge in availability. Another indicator of availability might emerge from a comparison of the number of different maker marks found on the two badges. With Infantry Assault Badges l've found 37 different maker marks versus 17 for the Panzer Assault Badges. Additionally, seven maker marks appear in common on both type badges in my collection. I'm sure there must be more.

The maker marks on Panzer Assault Badges maybe found in a great variety of positions on the backs as shown in the illustrations. I have drawn the maker marks as close as possible to their actual location and size in relation to the size of the barge. For example, Fig.A1, the Assmann hollow back badge has the logo placed above the Panzer's road wheels to the extreme right on the back. The Assmann hollow back badges are of excellent quality and these were sold by one dealer in the 1970's in large numbers for $10 each. If the back of the Assmann badge has oxidized or darkened a bit with age the logo can be difficult to see.

At a show a few years ago, I picked up a badge, turned it over saw the faint logo and remarked to the dealer ''it's an Assmann badge." He looked surprised asking me how I knew. I showed him the faint logo. He then said I could have it for the tagged price but if I didn't want it the next person would have to pay more because of the logo.

I have examples of the ''Hermann Aurich'' badge, Fig. A4, with the presentation box in both silver and bronze. At a show in 1975 a fellow had a large container flled with bronze ''HA'' badges, including boxes. He wanted $18 for one or $12 each in quantities of five or more. I bought just one... a poor decision.

Like the Infantry Assault Badges, the Panzer Assault Badges usually come in three styles of manufacture.

Hollow back Assmann or unmarked, fig. A1..
Solid back Fig. B2 and 3.
Scoop back: Fig. B4 and 5

Solid back and scoop back badges in unmarked versions are common. The ''screwback'' badge in Fig. B1 is a wartime ''Rudolf Souval'' (the R.S. logo is more angular and smaller than the ''R S '' on postwar Souval badges). Although the badge has a ''post'' in its center to receive the fluted backing piece it still has raised boundaries to guide the attachment of the pin and catch assemblies (not illustrated in this case).

In Fig. C1 is another screwback badge; this one unmarked. The other two badges in Fig. C are also unmarked and have most unusual pins. In Fig. C2 the pin and catch assemblies are similar to those found on an Iron Cross First Class. The pin is flat tapering from the middle towards the top and bottom. The second badge is even more unusual in that it was obviously designed to accommodate the large ''tinny type'' pin attached to its center Fig. C3. could this possibly be a late war modification forced upon the manufacturer due to non-availability of the usual pin/catch attachments? Note: This Panzer Assault Badge is the only one I've come across where the swastika is ''cut out''

In recent years, tho bronze panzer assault badge in Fig. D2 has been the one most commonly encountered. At recant shows in Los Angeles, I'vc seen the asking price on this badge range from $39 to $90. How can the price vary that much on the exact same badge in the same condition at the same show? Possibly because of the size of the show. A theory is that the average collector won't have enough time and stamina to ferret out all these badges for comparison.

I have two examples of Panzer Assault badges produced from very unusual materials, both unmarked. The first is a scoop back badge, very heavy, very bight and appears to be made of solid brass. The second is a solid back badge,very light, perhaps made of aluminum, and tinted a dark brown. Of all the panzer assault badges I have examined, I have never seen any others made of these materials.

In Fig. E3 is another unmarked, solid back, bronze, Panzer Assault Badge, that is massively constructed. I have shown it in partial profile. It is about fifty percent thicker than what is normally encountered and quite heavy. Fig. E1 is a drawing of a "25'' Panzer Assault Badge in silver. The "25'' and its border are in gold. This example is unmarked. If it were a marked example, it would have the watermark of ''JFS'' or ''GB''. In Fig.E2 note the flat, tapered pin and the two finely done rivets.

Finally, I've noticed that the grass detail beneath the tank on Panzer Assault Badges varies from barely visible to highly pronounced. These variations can be subtle or marked, depending on the manufacturer.

Tim Curey, "Panzer Assauly Badges", Der Gauleiter, 1993

Banners of the German Police

A little over a year after being placed under the control of the SS, the German Police was finally considered ideologically pure enough to fully participate in the Reichsparteitag (Reichs Party Day) 1937. Only a year before, a small contingent of police marched in the parade at Nurnberg and even those men were only Blood Order and Golden Party Badge recipients. But at the Reichs Party Day 1937 festivities, the German Police were honored with a special ceremony during the Tag der Politischen Leiters on Friday, September 10, 1937 at which they received new Party-style flags for their troops, with a Deutschland Erwache Standarte to be consecrated and presented to them the following Sunday.

During the Friday event, speeches by Himmler and Hitler noted that the awarding of flags and the Standarte symbolized the philosophical union, a living connection, of the national police with the NSDAP, which had occurred since the merger of the police into the SS in June 1936. After the speeches, twenty-three Fahnen (flags) for Police garrisons across Germany were presented after consecration with the Blood Flag. To receive these flags, all the Inspectors of the Ordnungspolizei (senior SS/Police commanders within the Wehrkreis) were present at the ceremony. These flags were called Standartfahen and described as being identical to the Allegemeine-SS Sturmbannfahnen (General SS battalion flags) with the exception of the police insignia on the corner black square instead of the SS identification. Each flag was finished with a spike-type finial as used by the SS. In the months following the Reichs Party Day, these twenty-three flags were distributed to police garrisons across Germany in elaborate ceremonies for use in future parades and events such as the swearing-in of police recruits.

The Polizei Deutschland Erwache Standarte was discussed in Ulric of England's superlative work "Deutschland Elwache." The Polizei Standarte was consecrated and presented to the Police on Sunday, September 12 1937 along with Standarten for other Party formations. The construction was identical to those Standarten of the Allgemeine-SS, except for the placement of the police insignia and swastikas on the black front panel of the Standarte box. The rear was identical: the letters NSDAP in silver color, contrasting the black.The German Police were an integral part of the Reichs Party Day in 1938, though they were not honored with a special ceremony. The Ordnungspolizei received an additional thirty-eight more flags consecrated with the Blood Flag by Hitler on September 11, 1938. The September 20, 1938 edition of the magazine "Die Deutsche Polizei" described the ceremony and enumerated the flags as "...35 neue Standortfahnen und drei Stander der Motorisierte Gendarmerie..." (35 new garrison flags and three Stander of the motorized Rural Police). The term Stander is an unusual term and translates literally as a pennant. As used in the "Organizationsbuch d. NSDAP," the NSKK Sturm-Stander was a pennant flag awarded to NSKK companies. The pictures with the article in the police magazine were nothing other than the garrison flags.

The presentation of these three banners was recognized in an article on the Police Standarte and flags in a 1970 dated collector's magazine "Militaria," which noted that "Units of the NSKK and Motorized Police had a like banner (SA-Standarte) but with a different pole and hanging arrangement." The authors evidently had both written and photographic references but confused the design of the Stander with that of the Standarten of mounted and motorized units. Brian Davis in his book "Flags of the Third Reich: Party & Police Flags," notes that besides the DE Standarte, the police were presented fifty-eight different colors and three cavalry standards for the Motorized Gendarmerie. Davis evidently used only textual references in his book, as his description of the police banners evidences a mistranslation of the German text. He has no pictorial references to substantiate the description of "cavalry standards." In "Deutschland Erwache," Ulric describes an "Intermediate-Standard" of the police which was presented at the 1938 Reichsparteitag. A photo of this standard during presentation and a photo of one known in a private collection were included in the book.

From additional information found in issues of the police magazine, "Die Deutsche Polizei" and from private photographs of the Reichsparteitag parade of the police DE and flags and a Munich celebration, an explanation of this Police Stander can be made. Shown in the accompanying photo of the 1938 Reichsparteitag parade are three horizontally affixed flags leading the block of Police flag-bearers, but behind at some distance from the Police DE Standard. These must be the three Stander (Pennants) of the Motorized Gendarmerie mentioned in the article. They were equivalent to the Standortfahnen as they are paraded in the same group. While the configuration is similar to the standards of the motorized/cavalry SS, SA and NSKK units, the pennants can in no way be considered standards, Intermediate or otherwise as written by other authors. The Police Stander do not contain the magic words "Deutschland Erwache" as do the standards of motorized/cavalry units of the SS, SA and NSKK. The Stander was not surmounted with the Party eagle and was not paraded with the same seniority of the Police DE standard.

In the months following the Reichsparteitag 1938, the police magazine reported the consecration and transfer of two of these Standers to the Motorized Gendarmerie commands in Austria and Potsdam. On November 9, 1938, the Inspector of the Order Police for the Province of Brandenburg officiated the transfer ceremony of one of the Standers of the Reichsparteitag 1938 to the Motorized Gendarmerie Detachment Potsdam. A photo included in the article shows the Stander being carried in one of the unit's cars. In a February 1939 issue of "Die Deutsche Polizei," a photo and summary described the transfer of another of the Stander from the 1938 Reichsparteitag to the Motorized Gendarmerie of Ostmark. The Stander was received by the detachment in Purkersdorf. From an album in a private collection, the following photo of Freiherr v. Eberstein, Police President of Munich was taken in Munich in late 1938 and shows the presentation ceremony of the third 1938 Reichsparteitag Police Stander to the Motorized Gendarmerie detachment in Munich. The Standers were transferred to Motorized Gendarmerie garrisons responsible for the counties surrounding three major population centers: Berlin, Vienna and Munich. It is not known if any more of the Standers were created for other Motorized Gendarmerie units. No evidence has been found in subsequent issues of "Die Deutsche Polizei."

But according to Ulric's book, a similar Stander was made and presented in 1935, three years before the police version. Ulric also describes this flag as an Intermediate-Standard for the Signals Battalion of the SS- VT. Andrew Mollo published a drawing of the flag in his Vol. III of the "Uniforms of the SS" series some thirty years ago. The pictured flag was described as a standard of the SS Signals Sturmbann (Battalion) of the SS- Velfiigungstruppe. Now it is obvious that the construction of the Police Stander is identical to the earlier SS "Intermediate-Standard." Numerous collectors refer to it as the SS-Signals Standarte. But like the later Polizei Stander, it does not have the magic words "Deutschland Erwache". Nor is it surmounted with the Party eagle. Even the NSFK Standartes that were awarded in 1938, but lacked the words "Deutschland Erwache," were surmounted by the Party eagle. So why consider either the Police Stander or the identical SS flag the equivalent of a Deutschland Erwache Standarte?

From what we know of the Signals detachment of the SS- Verfiigungstruppe, it was established on March I, 1935 from SS trainees who had completed a two-month course in communication skills. In addition, the trainees learned military equestrian techniques in February 1935 at an old Police barracks in Berlin as was required at that time by signals troops. The battalion established in 1935 contained two companies of both motorized and horse-drawn platoons. The SS signals unit was intended to be mobile, as were military communications troops at the time. Thus, the banner given to the Signals Battalion would have been appropriate for mounted units and the Stander was created for that unit, suitable for carry on horse or in a vehicle. The cloth was fixed to a horizontal pole to prevent excessive movement and the entire arrangment was smaller in size than the normal Sturmbann Fahne to facilitate handling on horse or in a vehicle. Thus, a Stander instead of a Polizei Standortfahne was presented to a motorized Police unit of battalion size, like the Mot. Gendarmerie Abteilung.

Joseph Wotka, "Flags and Banners of the German Police 1933-1945 (The Banner of the SS-Signals Batallion of the SS-VT)", The Military Advisor, 2003

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