Himmler's Pistols

Reprinted from "Auto Mag'' with the permission of The National Automatic Pistol Collector's Association

Some collectors are extraordinarily lucky to possess pistols that are documented pieces of history. Whether one of the classic engraved gifts that Gauleiter Fritz Sauckel distributed to friends and acquaintances during his reign in Thuringen, or one of the Walther family gifts such as the famous Adolf Hitler or Helmuth Gommlich PPs, these pistols enable the collector to touch the grim but fascinating history of the Third Reich and World War II.

We know that Sauckel was a prolific giver of fine pistols, but so also were members of the SS including RFSS Heinrich Himmler. The exquisitely engraved and gold-washed pistol surrendered by Ss-Obergruppenfuhrer Karl Wolff to Major General Paul Kendall, commander of the 88th Infantry Divisionis on display at the West Point Museum. The ivory grip plates are adorned on one side with a Party eagle and on the other with an inlaid SS badge and a silver plate on which is engraved"H. Himmler". The circumstances surrounding the gift of this pistol are not known.

Another documented presentation from Himmler is the pictured PPK gift to SS-Obergruppenfuhrer Fritz Weitzel received on the occasion of his 35th birthday. Weitzel was an early dynastic SS member who rose quickly in the officer ranks. The engraving of this PPK#1002912 is in an oakleaf and acorn pattern similar to the Wolff PP and the grip contains a silvered plate of similar shape to that on the Wolff gun on which is engraved "Meinen lieben Fritz Weitzelzum 27.4.1939 H. Himmler".

Fritz Weitzel was responsible for SS expansion in the Rhineland and became a close confidant of Himmler, but his career has cut short on June 19, 1940 when he died during an air raid on Dusseldorf. The close relationship of Himmler and Weitzel was reflected in the dedication- "To My Dear Fritz Weitzel on 27 April 1939 H. Himmler."

A small group of Himmler presentation PPKs is pictured and discussed in Volumes II and III of Rankin's Walther series. These pistols are late war production, 430 359 K and 430 360 K, still in the white, unproofed, oak leaf engraved and with an inscription in relief on the left side of the slide, "Dem Tapferen! vom Reichsfuhrer-SS Himmler 1944." Another has been reported with serial number 430 358 K. The three pistols have varying grips, both white and artificial walnut colors but are unembellished. The lack of finish and proofing would indicate that these were not ready for presentation. One was taken from the Walther factory.

First pictured in Whittington's Vol. II and later in Jim Cate's first volume on the Sauer company, an interesting group Sauer H pistols identified as Himmler presentation pieces. The unusual weapons are of a late war variety which apparently had been pulled from production and a thumb safety added to the slide. The J.P. Sauer legend was engraved on the right side of the slide,w hile the left side is finished with the inscription "Dem Scharfschutzen - H. Himmler."

Cate has identified five other identical pistols within a very tight serial range from 475 376 to 475 418 and dated the production to May through June 1944. They were presented in cases such as this example #475 412. Cate and Whittington estimate production to a few dozen or more.

The conjecture is that these pistols were awards from Himmler for a shooting contest of some kind. There is no doubt that in the never-never land of Nazi Germany, shooting contests continued through the summer of 1944 as evidenced by Tirolean shooting badges with 1944 dates. There were target shooting awards issued by the Hitler Youth, marked "Scharfschutzen" from the late 1930s until the early 1940s. But these pistols are odd in that there is no mention of any particular shooting contest, a date or a winner. And with no acknowledgment of such an important shooting event like the Gau Party or SA Championships that would warrant the impressive gift of a Sauer H, one is given to doubt that these were intended forHJ target shooters at a time when the Allies were pushing through France and starting on their inevitable drive to Berlin from the East.

Snipers had been an integral part of the German armed forces in WWI and they were no less so in the Second World War. In July 1943, the Army High Command initiated an effort to recognize snipers with a specialty patch. This objective was realized on August 20,1944 with an order from the Fuhrer creating "Das Scharfschiitzenabzeichen des Heeres" - The Sniper Badge of the Army, pictured below which was issued to successful snipers with confirmed kills of 20, 40 and 60 enemy troops. The three levels of accomplishment were indicated by respectively, no piping, silver piping on the oval and gold piping. Over the next several months, this decree was modified to include snipers from other branches of the German armed service.

In particular, RFSS Heinrich Himmler was involved in all aspects of German sniper development, both in his capacity as Commander of the Waffen-SS, and later as Chief of Army Procurement and Commander of the Reserve Army, posts to which he was appointed in 1944 after the abortive July 20 Putsch. His involvement included the procurement of newly designed weapons and the rewarding of deserving Scharfschlitzen (Snipers). In a letter to Reichsminister Speer on November 29, 1944, Himmler discussed his own efforts to expand sniper activities with in military units under his authority. He noted his efforts to increase the success of the Scharfschiitzen by awarding more material things: a watch for 50 kills, a hunting rifle for 100 kills and a hunting expedition for 150 kills. Thus we have evidence that Himmler privately was directly rewarding Scharfschiitzen with gifts including firearms.

In the National Archives can be found schedules of the RFSS for many dates from 1938 through early 1945, though far from complete. Eleven instances arecited from December 7, 1944 through February 1945 where Himmler received reports, entertained, dined with or distinguished in some manner Scharfschutzen. The reproduced page in this article details Himmler's reception of five Snipers (Scharfschutzen) from different Volks-Grenadier Divisions at 1:30 pm on January 17, 1945 and lunch with them at 2:00pm."Dem Scharfschiitzen" means "To the sniper's." Scharfschiitzen was a term used at this period in the war to denote snipers. The word was recognized in official German records and was used as such by Himmler in his correspondence. All of these pistols are identical in manufacturing characteristics and markings.The engravings are all the same, to unknown Snipers, which would seem to belie the conjecture that they were for target shooting contests in mid to late 1944. We have documentation that Himmler provided private rewards for deserving Scharfschutzen, but apart from the very, very few scarce Scharfschutzenabzeichen in private collections such as the one pictured in this article, no material objects designating or rewarding Snipers have survived in collections. No private hunting rifles mentioned in Himmler's letter to Speer are known. But these pistols do exist. They have direct association with Himmler by the inscription on the slide and the eye witness testimony of the veteran who found his example in Himmler's residence in the last days of the war in Germany. So Himmler was still in possession of these presentation pistols as late in the war as his meetings with the Scharfschutzen, even though he had written Speer at the end of November that he was personally rewarding the Snipers with firearms.

The evidence is circumstantial but very compelling that these pistols are examples of the special rewards Himmler presented to worthy Scharfschutzen.That he had examples in his possession ready for awarding is evidenced by the recovery of one from his residence. The provenance of the other examples in collections is not known, so we can not say whether they had been awarded to Scharfschutzen or whether they were taken from storage before presentation.

They remain extraordinary examples of the personalty of war and the last efforts by Himmler to exhort German troops to victory with material rewards.

Joe Wotka, "Some Presentation Pistols From Heinrich Himmler", The Military Advisor, 2004

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German Helmet Identifier

This chart appeared in "Der Gauleiter" back in 1990. It was sent in by Don Falk of Denver, Colorado. Don did not know the origin of the chart but he thought it was pretty good and wanted to share it with his fellow German helmet collectors. We hope you will all find it useful. If you click on the pictures they will enlarge. Bob

Reproduction? Recognition!

Preface

During the three decades since the endof World War II there has been growing interest in the military technology of Hitler's Germany. This is especially true of the edged weaponry of the Third Reich.The unparalleled enthusiasm expressed by collectors for German WWII edged weapons continues to reach new heights. Scarcity and increased demand by collectors and investors have produced greater interest in this field of collecting than in any time in the past. Unfortunately,this increase in demand and subsequent increase in value has surfaced a real culprit to intimidate collectors- the reproduction Third Reich edged weapon.

As mentioned in my own text on Third Reich edged weapons, the one subject which collectors request information on more than any other is the subject of reproductions and how to accurately identify them. Indeed, finding a collector who has never purchased or traded for a reproduction or "parts" edged weapon is harder to find than a chained SA dagger! I know of no more disheartening experience in this hobby than to learn that oneself has squandered a sizeable sum of money on what later turns out to be a reproduction. It definitely behooves every collector to become an expert indistinguishing spurious pieces.

To date only the mere surface has been scratched on this vital subject. What is sorely needed, and has been needed for years, is a separate definitive study on reproductions.

Reproduction Nazi daggers first made their appearance immediately following World War II. Enterprising Solingen manufacturers recognised the souvenir demand for their edged weapons and hastily assembled the first "parts" daggers out of war-time surplus part sand, where needed, post-war parts. However, the major deluge of reproductions was not witnessed until the values of authentic pieces had escalated to a high enough plateau to make the manufacture of reproductions economical. Although the establishment of an exact date when the plateau was reached is an exercise in futility, the majority of collectors will place this date during the early sixties. During that time frame, the values of many authentic Third Reich edged weapons had reached the critical point making reproductions a very profitable venture. The floodgates were opened and bogus pieces were soon to be manufactured in England, Spain, and the United states, as well as in Germany. Several of the original WorldWar II Waffenfabriken (arms factories) resorted to assembling and manufacturing spurious edged weapons as a source of additional income.

Initially, the quality of these edged weapon reproductions was definitely substandard, and even the novice collector/researcher had little difficulty in segrigating the "wheat from the chaff". Unfortunately, the reproduction manufacturers refined their processes to where a highly experienced eye is now required to identify their wares.

Little has been done to turn the tide against the unscrupulous occupation of marketing spurious collectibles. It is doubtful that any future international legal restraints will hamper this operation, and reproductions will continue to be dumped into the market place in ever increasing numbers. Thus, the only rational course of action is to identify reproductions in their true relationship to the original pieces rather than ignore and, subsequently, mistake them for originals. The only defence against the reproduction onslaught is to arm oneself with full knowledge of reproduction manufacture, types, etc.

In sum, an erudite reference devoted solely to the subject of reproduction Third Reich edged weapons is long overdue, and, in my opinion, my good friend Fred Stephens is the most qualified individual on either side of the Atlantic to author such a text. This reference, which has been compiled over the past several years should more than fill the void in this all-important area.

Thomas M, Johnson,LTC, US Army.

Author's Forward

This book has been designed to serve as an identification handbook covering the basic range of reproductions of German Third Reich blades. It does not, of course, cover every reproduction - let alone every variation of reproduction -but I hope that it will equip the interested collector with enough facts and information to be able to approach the subject with some degree of confidence and competence, and that he can probe the far dark corners of this arcane subject without the unpleasant experience of getting his fingers burnt.

I have not undertaken this work in a crusading spirit - hell-bent upon destroying the market in reproduction daggers. Such an ideal would not only be impossible, but also impracticable. The moral and ethical considerations of the subject are beyond the scope of this books. The emotive in researching it has been to note that there are differences between original and reproduction daggers and because there are such differences it is worthy that they be identified and annotated.

The most important consideration that arose whilst researching this book (over a period of some ten years), was that there has never been a more propitious time at which to undertake such a study. The mass-production of reproductions has evolved through a period in which the originals have been becoming scarcer. Having had an opportunity to study the originals under conditions which held no doubts regarding authenticity, it has been an advantageous position to hold whilst sorting out reproductions to study for comparison. If this book had not been attempted now there would have been less likelihood in the future of having had the best opportunity to study with complete assuredness. In the more distant future, say 50 years hence, such a study would have been for the most part conjecture, and for the lesser part provable facts.

It is for the collectors and researchers of future years that I have really written this book - hopeful that I will give them a source of information upon which they can rely and a solid base from which to extend. It is the collectors of the present age, however, who have made the compilation of this book possible and I am indebted to a great many people for their time, effort, and sincere interest in helping me bring this work to fruition. It has been their interest, and genuinec oncern for the recording of true facts and worthwhile information that has maintained the stimulus to keep on at this work until it has emerged as a useful work of reference.

Apart from being a work of reference, this book is also something of a tribute to my dear friend, Andrew S. Walker. It was Andy who originally promoted the idea of the book to me, and whose superb photographs are to be noted in this work. Unfortunately, Andy will not see this completed book, having died in a tragic accident in June, 1975. His contributions, however, have remained valuable inclusions.

Gordon J. Whlte of Rugby, Warwickshire, has had the problem of coping with hundreds of my ham-fisted negatives, and producing the vast volume of prints from which the final selection was made.

My good colleague, and noted authority, Lt. Col. Thomas M. Johnson, US Army, responded immediately to my request for photos and information at a time when he was immersed in his own outstanding work. Tom has been an unending source of encouragement, and was kind enough to write the Preface for this work.

Andy Southern Jr., an outstanding photographer from California generously contributed his time and photographs, and they are superb.

Many other people have contributed generously to this work, and I would particularly like to single out for thanks : Thomas W. Pooler ; Joseph P. Curry; Herman A. Maeurer; Hugh Page Taylor; Andrew Mollo ; David J. Hemmings ;Mike Bassett; Peter G. Grane ; David Delich ; Leslie Cox; Lt. Col. John R. Angolia ; Carl Fermor; John Cash; Sgt. James G. Selcan USAF ; Eric Campion; Dr: Julien Milestone ; R. Moses ; Roy Butler and staff of Wallis and Wallis; Doug Nie and staff of Weller and Dufty; Wolfgang Herrman of Count Kleman Ltd. and John Lindop.

Apart from the above, a great many other people also contributed generously to this work, but elected to do so under the proviso of remaining anonymous. To all who have given me help and encouragement, I extend my warmest thanks and gratitude.

Frederick J. Stephens, 1976

Frederick J. Stephens, "Reproduction? Recogintion!", Published by the author, 1976

The Speakers Organization of the NSDAP

A large number of sub-organizetionswere under the command of the Reichspropagandaleiter. This article will concentrate on one ofthose organizations...the Speakers Corps of the Party. This sub-organization waspart of the Amtsleitung "Aktive Propaganda". The following is taken directlyfrom the 1937 "Organisationsbuch der NSDAP'' and is the most complete description of the Corps. The "Organisationsbuch'' for the years 1936, 1938, 1940 and 1943 have only minor differences in text.

Amtsleitung Active Propaganda:

The Active Propaganda had the duty of organizing all direct propaganda at mass meetings with their huge architectural settings, to the small meetings of the Ortsgruppen, and even the smaller Stutzpunkte. This put the complete propaganda speakers organization of the Party, plus their sub-sections and adjacent organizations, under the control ofthe Amtsleitung Active Propaganda. As well as the constant problems of current political questions, the organization had to indoctrinate the speakers staff with information and distribute the monthly publication, "Unsere Wille und Weg" to all propagandists in the Reich.

The activities of the speakers also called for the design and circulation of posters and leaflets, as well as keeping notes on the meetings as related to the speakers and the propaganda offices. Thus, a total overview of propaganda was known based on the statistics in all the reports from the Kreisen and Gauen.

Hauptstelle Rednerwesen:

The Hauptstelle Rednerwesen, with its sub-section "Rednerorganisation"was in charge of the total Reichs-, Gau and Kreisrednet of the NSDAP, as well as all professional speakers of the sub Party organizations and all adjacent ones as well.

This staff of speakers for the movement was to be supplied with all materials necessary. But it was stressed that the Party material was only to go to valid speakers.

The Rednervermittlung, which was the booking agency for the Reichsredner, Stosstrupprednern of the Anwarter for the Stosstrupp, was the only office authorized to perform that duty. This office also had the responsibility for the Rednerschulung section, whose duties included the education of the incoming political and professional speakers, as well as the continued education of all active speakers. Therefore, a special Reichsrednerschule (Reichs speakers school) was established for this purpose.

Die Parteiredner:

The Speakers Corps consisted of the following:

* Reichsredner

* Stosstruppredner - Anwiirter

* Gauredner

* Kreisredner

* Fachredner (professional speakers) Upon the announcement of a meeting, the description and activities had to be listed. The theme would be: a. The proficiency principle. b. Based on the reputation of the "OldFighters."

Basically there was a difference between the political speaker and the profession alone. The political speaker had the obligation, in public meetings and gatherings, to stress National Socialistideology as well bringing announcements from the government to the German people by way of the spoken word. Political speakers could only be chosen from Party members who had been a member of the NSDAP prior to January 1933, and who were already active speakers or were a Party Leader or were in the SA, SS or the HJ.

Reichs- and Stosstruppredner could only be Party members who had been active for a certain amount of time as Anwarter in the Rednerstosstrupp, and had been a student who had passed his exams in an ideology course at a Gaueducational school.

Party speakers were also "on call" to teach educational courses for the NSDAP.

Party speakers could, if they did not hold a higher rank in another Party organization, be listed by rank based on activity and seniority as follows:

Reichsredner: Hilfsstellenleiter to Hauptstellenleiter of the Reichsleitung.

Stosstruppredner: Mitarbeiter to Stellenleiter of the Reichsleitung.

Gauredner: a. Those who had been active before 14.9.1930 and since then had performed as a speaker or had a special qualification and was a Stellenleiter der Gauleitung. b. Those who could prove they had been active in the Party and had the ability as a speaker and was a Hauptstellenleiter of a Kreisleitung of the NSDAP.

Kreisredner: Had to be a Stellenleiter of a Kreisleitung of the NSDAP.

Fachredner: These were Reichs-,Gau- and Kreis professional speakers. Those of adjacent organizations and sub-organizations of the Party who were active speakers also came under the auspices of the Reichspropagandaleitung. They did not, however, hold a Party rank such as Party Leader. To remain under the auspices of the Reichspropagandaleitung one had to be proficient, have merit, and be a member of the Party.

Ausweise:

Speakers were issued special identification cards by the Reichspropagandaleitung. Illustrated is a rare card of Dr.Albeit Jaeger, who was a Party speaker of the Munich Gauleitunk. He received his card on January 1, 1935. This identification card was valid for either a quarter or half of a year. As shown on the dated stamps, they became valid with the rubber stamp overprint. It is believed that this is the first time such a card has been illustrated in a publication.

Otto Spronk, "The Speakers Organization of the NSDAP", The Military Advisor, 2002

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