SHAPES OF THE STAHLHELM IN THE THIRD REICH

There were many variations in each particular type of helmet. Also there were
different colors used and texture was changed for special purposes. With the
added amount of the large selection of insignias (early and late) used, presented
hundreds of different types of German helmets. Even though some ideas were
influenced into others, there were nine basic designs.

1. Transitional

From the WW I molds, equipped with new M31 liner and strap, correct paint and insignias.

2. M35

The completely new Stahlhelm, made for a newer type warfare. Stamped all one piece and with rolled edge.

3. M42

A revised idea from the earlier model. Almost identical except the edge is unrolled and more prominent.

4. Police

Still maintains Germanic Style except for square-dip along side. Has different vent holes, liner and rivet positions. Usually lighter in weight.

5. Fireman

Same as Police model but has the addition of a comb. Comb is made either of metal, aluminum or chrome.

6. Paratrooper

Stahlhelm without a neckguard and visor. Different liner (heavily padded) and strap. Rivets are unique and with different locations.

7. Luftschutz Combat Style

Also used with Luftwaffe. Standard design with "Bead" addition running completely around base of dome. Usually lighter in weight.

8. Luftschutz Late Model

Dome is more round and has bead feature. The visor and neck guard are larger. Has different liner and vents.

9. Luftschutz Early Model

Similar design as the late model but has no bead. Liner and rivet location different and usually light weight.

Floyd R. Tubbs, STAHLHELM, Author Published, 1971

Collector Basics - The Iron Cross

IRON CROSS
(EISERNES KREUZ)

The Iron Cross was first instituted by Friedrich—Wilhelm III of Prussiaon 10th March 1813 and remained a purely Prussian decoration until theend of the lst World War.

Originally there were three classes; 2nd Class, 1st Class and Grand Cross. A special grade in the form of a gold breast star with the cross in the centre, known as the Star of the Grand Cross, was awarded to Blucher after Waterloo and to Hindenburg in 1918.

The Iron Cross has to be reconstituted for each major war. Since 1813 this has happened three times, i. e. in 1870, 1914 and 1939. It was not revived for the German colonial campaigns or for the wars of 1864 and 1866 or the Spanish Civil War.

Until 1918, there was both a combatant and a non-combatant Iron Cross; the former had a black ribbon with two white stripes, the later a white ribbon with two black stripes.

On lst September 1939, Hitler reconstituted the Iron Cross but changed its grading, its design and its ribbon. The non-combatant Iron Cross was abolished and a new grade, the Knight's Cross (Ritterkreuz), was introduced to bridge the very considerable gap between the lst Class and the Grand Cross. As the war progressed, higher grades of the Knight's Cross had to be added. By the end of the war the grading was as follows: (the dates of institution of each are given in brackets)

2nd Class (1. 9. 39)
(lst Class (1. 9. 39)
(Knight's Cross (1. 9. 39)
(Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves (3. 6. 40)
(Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords (21. 6. 41)
(Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds (15. 7. 41)
(Knight's Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds (29.12. 44)
(Grand Cross of the Iron Cross (1. 9. 39)

The Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse), usually referred to by the Germans as E. K. 2, hangs from a red, white and black ribbon. Normally only the ribbon was worn, either on a medal ribbon bar ordiagonally from the second button hole.

The Iron Cross lst Class or E. K. l, is a pin-back cross with a plain reverse. Worn on the left breast pocket at all times.

The Knight’s Cross is larger than the lst and 2nd Class and the silver edges are of genuine silver, usually hall-marked on one of the arms with a tiny 800 or 900. The Knight's Cross was worn round the neck at all times; there was no provision for an "undress" version.

The Oak Leaves (Eichenlaub) are a silver cluster attached to the suspension loop. They were presented separately in a small black case. The first recipient of the Oak Leaves was General Dietl, who received them on 19th July 1940 for his successful conduct of the Battle of Narvik.

The Swords (Schwertern) are two silver crossed swords added to the suspension loop below the Oak Leaves. The first to receive Swords was Adolf Galland for his 70th aerial victory in the Battle of Britain.

The Diamonds (Brillanten) are numerous small brilliants studded over the oak leaf cluster and the hilts of the two swords. The fighter ace, Werner Molders was the first recipient of the Diamonds.

The Golden Oak Leaves (Goldenen Eichenlaub) were awarded only once; The recipient was the Stuka pilot, Col. Hans Ulrich Rudel who survived the war.

The Grand Cross (Grosskreuz) is larger than the Knight's Cross. It was worn from a 57mm wide ribbon round the neck and could be conferred only on officers of General rank for an action which had had a decisive effect on the course of a war. The only recipient in the 2nd World War was Goering who got it after the Battle of France. He had already received the Knight's Cross (on 30th Sept. 1939) and wore his Grand Cross above it. The original Grand Cross which the "Reichsmarschall" received on 19th July 1940 was lost when his Berlin home was destroyed in an air raid. He had a more elaborate copy made as a replacement and was wearing this on his uniform at the time of his capture, but the authors have not been able to trace its present location.

In theory no distinction of rank was made for an award of any grade of theIron Cross (except the Grand Cross), but in practice the Knight's Cross was conferred much more frequently upon officers than other ranks

Some two and a half million awards of the Iron Cross 2nd Class and about 300, 000 of the 1st Class are said to have been made, but complete figures will certainly never be available.

The Knight's Cross can not be compared with the V. C. (of which 182 were awarded in World War II) since the V. C. was awarded only for acts of heroism in battle and not, like the Knight's Cross, "for military leadership".

The Knight's Cross citation has the following wording "ln the name ofthe German people I award (rank and name of recipient) the Knight's Cross of the lr0n Cross". Beneath is Hitler's signature and date. The citation is enclosed in a red or white morocco folder on which in gilt tooling (sometimes in gilt metal) is the national eagle and swastika.

It was necessary to hold the 2nd Class before the lst Class could be awarded, but, in exceptional circumstances both could be conferred together. Each grade awarded presumes possession of the previous lower grade or grades.

The original 1939 Grand Cross had gold instead of silver outer edges but this "gold frame" version was never issued.

Circumstances of investiture varied with the course of the war, but generally those awarded the Oak Leaves (and above) were personally invested by Hitler. Other grades could be conferred by local commanders in the field.

At the end of the war,U.S. intelligence officers found, in Austria, an example of a projected "Star" of the Grand Cross(1939). This is made in silver gilt and measures 87mm across. The accompanying photograph of this projected award was kindly supplied bythe Museum of the U. S.Military Academy at West Point (where it is now located).

1939 BAR TO 1914 IRON CROSS
((SPANGE 1939 ZUM EISERNEN KREUZ 1914)

With the reconstitution of the Iron Cross in September 1939, a "Bar" was instituted for those who had received the Cross in the lst World War and were again awarded the same grade in the Second.

The 1st Class bar is silver coloured and measures 45mm. It was worn above the 1914 Iron Cross lst Class on the left breast pocket, sometimes actually attached to the upper arm of the cross.

The 2nd Class bar is also silver coloured, but is slightly smaller (normally 31mm but there is also a 24mm version). It was worn on the black and white ribbon of the 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class when worn from the second button hole. When the ribbon was on a medal ribbon bar, a small replica of the 1939 Bar was worn on it (measuring 15mm on the full-size ribbon or 11mm on the half-size ribbon). Over 100, 000 of these "bars" (lst and 2nd Class) were awarded during the Second World War.

ROLL OF HONOUR CLASPS
((EHRENBLATT-SPANGEN)

In July 1941, a "Roll of Honour of the German Army" (Ehrenblatt des Deutschen Heeres) was started in which were recorded accounts of heroic deeds performed by German soldiers.

In February 1943, the German Navy initiated a similar Roll (or table) of Honour (Ehrentafel der deutschen Kriegsmarine).

The Luftwaffe also had its own Roll (or List) of Honour (Ehrenliste der Deutschen Luftwaffe), but it was not until 1944 that those whose names appeared in these Rolls of Honour received any visible token of the fact.

The Roll of Honour Clasp of the Army (Ehrenblatt Spange des Heeres) was instituted on 30th January 1944, the clasp for the Navy (Ehrentafel). Women as well as men were eligible, but an award to a woman was extremely rare. Hannah Reitsch, the distinguished woman pilot, was awarded both the 1st and 2nd Class. She was the first woman to receive the Iron Cross in the 1939-45 war and was invested with the 2nd class in March 1941, and the 1st Class in October 1942, both personally by Hitler. This was in recognition of her great courage and skill as a test pilot of military aircraft and aerial combat devices. Some Front-line nurses were also recipients of the Iron Cross but their number was small.

The Iron Cross could also be conferred on foreigners (even Britons have been among the recipients, these being in 1870-71). The Knight's Cross was not frequently given to non-Germans, but a few commanders of foreign volunteer legions and also some Italian submarine commanders received it.

Awards of the Iron Cross were also made to boys of the Hitler Youth fighting in the defence of Berlin in 1945.

The Iron Cross could be awarded "en masse" to an entire ship's crew. This happened on lst April 1941, when the whole complement of the"Admiral Scheer" (some 1, 300 men) got it; similar awards went to the crews of the Auxiliary Cruiser "Kormoran" and the U 47 which sank the "Royal Oak" (October 1939).

In the Luftwaffe, the Iron Cross was awarded on a "points" basis. One point was given for the shooting down of a single engined fighter, two for a twin engined plane and three for a four engined bomber. Night victories counted as double, thus the pilot who brought down a "Lancaster" got six points. Usually about 20 points were needed for the Knight's Cross, but the requirements varied at different times during the war and the difficulties of the front were taken into consideration.

Commanders of U Boats had to sink about 50, 000 tons of enemy shipping to get the lst Class, about 100, 000 to get the Knight's Cross and about 200, 000 to get the Oak Leaves, but again these figures were subject to considerable variation.

The number of awards of the various grades of the Knight's Cross was as follows:

Knight's Cross alone... 6,973
(K. C. and Oak Leaves ... 853
(K. C. and Oak Leavesand Swords ......... 150
(K. C. and Oak Leaves Swords, Diamonds ... 27
( K. C. with Golden Oak Leaves, etc. ... 1

The above figures apply only to German recipients and do not include the small number of non-Germans to receive the Knight's Cross and very small number to receive the K. C. and Oak Leaves.

David Littlejohn and Col. C.M. Dodkins, ORDERS, DECORATIONS, MADALS AND BADGES OF THE THIRD REICH (INCLUDING THE FREE CITY OF DANZIG), R. James Bender Publishing, 1968

bender-publishing.com

Fakes & Frauds - Committee Report

Attention all MCA members and friends!

Below is reproduced in full the chapter on Fake Nazi Daggers from Major Thomas M. Johnson's forth coming book. This is the firstin a long series of fakes and frauds reports to the MCA membershipfrom the FAKES and FRAUDS COMMITTEE of the MCA. This article is of such importance and so well written that it has not been edited. Any member who has even the slightest interest in Nazi daggers is greatly encouraged to buy Major Johnson's book as soon as possible. It may save you a great deal of money and grief in the long run. MCA wishes to thank Major Johnson for his kind permission in sending us this chapter from his book for publication in the JOURNAL prior to public dissemination. His support of the efforts of the Fakes and Frauds Committee is most gratifying.

CHAPTER 12

REPRODUCTION NAZI EDGED WEAPONS AND HOW TO SPOT THEM

"You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all ofthe people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the peopleall the time." — Abraham Lincoln

The response to an early request for suggested subject matter for this reference has been gratifying. Siphoning through the plethora of requests and comments, one subject stands out-reproduction Nazi edged weapons and how to spot them! Any collector who has undergone the unfortunate experience of spending hard-earned dollars for a 'super rare' Third Reich edged weapon which subsequently turned out to be a phony is understandably anxious to preclude making the same mistake again. Unfortunately, unscrupulous dealers and collectors abound and very few sizeable collections are completely void of any phony pieces.

This chapter will not delve into specific reproduction mistakes made for each particular model Third Reich edged weapon. This subject area is vast and warrants a separate reference book in itself. Two preliminary efforts dealing specifically with reproduction Nazie dged weapon models are a paperback pamphlet published in England by R. McFarlane in July, 1969, entitled, Bluebook of Identification of Reproduction Nazi Edged Weapons, and a section devoted to the subject in Major Jack Angolia s latest book on edged weapons entitled, Edged Weaponry of the Third Reich.

Page 16 Vol.1,No.4

The theme of this chapter will be to provide the researcher/collector with some general guidelines which will serve him well in attempting to identify counterfeit pieces. Albeit, there is absolutely no substitute for experience in examining edged weapons,there do exist several reproduction indicators that will serve even the beginner well. Usually the individual with the inherent facility to never be 'taken' by a reproduction edged weapon is the same individual who has been an ardent collector and researcher for many years. The correlation between years of experience and probability of being duped is obviously not due to chance alone. The reproduction indicators discussed below will be referred to as 'red flags' because, hopefully, each will serve to mentally raise a red flag in the collector's mind prior to engaging in a bad purchase. Once one or more red flags listed below have been identified, it is recommended that the particular piece in question not be purchased. Although not necessarily a certainty, the item is more than likely a reproduction. In this field of collecting, it is much better to be too cautious than not cautious enough!

1. New Appearance. The vast majority of edged weapon reproductions. on the market today appear to have been manufactured within the past few weeks (and might well have been!). Quite frankly, thirty years of age will tend to leave some telltale signs, regardless of the care and storage means utilized. When examining a piece, look at the screw heads. Are they bright, shiny, and completely free of any dirt or corrosion? Inspect the small leather washer under the crossguard (if one is available). If it appears as new as the leather on a belt that you just purchased, proceed with caution. Take a flashlight and have a close look at the inside of the scabbard throat. If all the internal parts appear to have been made earlier in the month, they probably were! Unfortunately, this new appearance indicator will not stand alone, as some unscrupulous individuals have discovered such devious means as burying, soaking in urine, etc., to purposely "age"reproduction pieces. Keep in mind that old appearance alone is no guarantee of authenticity.

2. Misfitting Parts. To state that German quality control is usually superior would probably be the understatement of the year. The meticulous quality control exercised by the Germans in the manufacture of automobiles, cameras, etc., is held in esteem the world over. The fact that Third Reich weapon quality control was superior is evidenced by the recent reproductions manufactured in the United States, Spain,England, etc., being no match for the originals. Thus, be wary of any misfitting parts. For example, if an SA dagger wooden grip bears large gaps between the handle and the crossguard, rest assured that it never would have left the factory. Likewise, an SA eagle and swastika grip insignia that rests in an indentation much too large to accommodate it should definitely raise a red flag. In general, be on the lookout for crudeness in manufacture and/or fit of component parts. Also take the time to include exact dagger dimensions in your edged weapons reference library. Numerous reproductions have grossly inaccurate dimensions. A previously unpublished blueprint of the original SA dagger dimensions was furnished to the author by well known edged weapon collector/author John Ormsby and is reproduced in this chapter. The credit for the talented art work goes to Mr. Frank Quinn of Chicago, Illinois.

3. Unmarked Interior Parts. If the edged weapon that you are examining lends itself for disassembly, carefully take it apart and scrutinize the interior component parts. Take the time to learn what markings, if any, should be evident. For example, did you realize that the inside of both TENO EM grips should be marked with the familiar Eickhorn squirrel trademark? The tangs of several different model dagger blades were carefully marked with the manufacture's initials and/or mark. Often each component part was stamped with a corresponding serial number vis-a-vis the Diplomatic and Government Official's daggers. Take the time to learn what to look for when you disassemble a particular model sidearm.

4. Unusual Variations. With the ever-increasing escalation of Third Reich prices, a multitude of 'one-of-a-kind prototypes' are finding their way into the market. While some of these pieces are indeed authenic prototypes, a 'non-documented' prototype should be approached with a great deal of caution. The vast majority of "prototype" Nazi daggers being offered for sale today are reproductions, and since the prototype pieces demand top dollar, insist upon comlete documentation prior to the purchase of one. Suggested procedures for edged weapon documentation is the subject of another chapter. Fortunately, the majority of the various Solingen Waffenfabriken sales catalogs survived the war and represent a collector's primary reference source. A tedious search of all reference sources available should be made prior to the outlay of huge sums of money for unusual variations or prototype pieces.

5. Faulty Engraving. Like the previous indicator, the premium prices sought for Third Reich edged weapons bearing engraved blades have opened the flood gates for reproduction engraved bayonets, daggers, and swords. Not only are complete blades currently being manufactured, but unscrupulous dealers and collectors are resorting to having the local jeweler engrave crossguards, scabbard fittings, etc., with fictitious (and sometimes actual) German names and units. Advice on the engraving issue would be two-fold; first, study the engraving style, depth, etc., of known original pieces. More times than not, the local jeweler's version is completely 'foreign' to the characteristic German patterns utilized during the war years. Second, resort to the original Waffen-fabrik sales catalogs to ascertain if a particular standard engraved blade pattern was in fact a product of the manufacturing firm in question.

6. Incorrect Proofmarks. The size of the edged weapons factories during WWII ranged from mammoth corporations to small 'cottage-craft' shops operated in the rear of Solingen homes. Obviously, each individual firm did not manufacture the entire plethoric gamut of Third Reich sidearms. In some cases, a single firm designed a particular model dagger and application for a patent was made. The blade was then stamped GES.GESCH. (Patent Pending). Prime examples of patented model designs are the TENO Officer and Enlisted daggers by the Carl Eickhorn firm. Even the more common models were often restricted to several selected manufacturers. Armed with extensive knowledge of which firms produced which sidearms, the wise collector can rapidly eliminate a number of phony pieces bearing incorrect proofmarks. For example, how many of the readers of this chapter could accurately consolidate a list of the only Solingen factories to produce Naval daggers for the Reich? The completed list should look like this -Alcoso, Clemen und Jung, Eickhorn, Holler, Horster, Krebs, Lauterjung, Luneschloss, Pack, Plumacher, Puma, Max Weyersburg, Paul Weyersburg, Winger, and WKC.

7. Incorrect Accouterments. An excellent red flag source is the accompanying accouterments to a particular sidearm. Although it is obvious that hangers, frogs, and knots are interchangeable and are often switched on authentic pieces, the reverse is usually true with reproductions. Most 'repros' are manufactured complete to include the accompanying leather or fabric accouterments. Thus, the wary collector is provided with yet another invaluable red flag source. When examining accouterments, make a careful inspection of the inside of leather items. Does the natural leather and thread stitching exhibit thirty years of aging? If all of the known original standard bayonet frogs that you have observed were constructed of smooth leather, and you are offered the 'opportunity' to purchase one constructedof pebbled leather - BEWARE! Check the condition and wear of the portepee/knot. Does it appear to be recently manufactured? One final word of caution, some unscrupulous dealers will add authentic trappings to a reproduction sidearm in order to avoid this particularred flag. Thus, one should not attempt to let this indicator stand alone, but utilize it in conjunction with the previously mentioned indicators.

8. Incorrect Factory Markins. Should you be fortunate enough to acquire a factory new (unissued) piece, compare the manufacturer name listed on the cardboard issue tag and/or paper shipping bag with theRZM code or proofmark engraved on the blade. Obviously, if the piece is unaltered, the manufacturer name listed on the tag and shipping bag should be the same company whoose RZM number or proofmark appearson the blade. SA daggers have been observed recently having WMW (Waffenfabrik Max Weyersberg) paper issue tags affixed to the upper scabbard fitting ring and RZM numbers of manufacturers other than WMW on the blades.

9. Non-existent Models. Unscrululous dealers have gone as far as to promote a demand for “original" Third Reich blades which never even existed under the Reich! The best example of this fraudulent effort is the brass Eickhorn Schutzstaffell (SS) pocket knife which has recently made its entry into the marketplace. These spurious SS knives are presently being manufactured in England and are 100% reproductions. Interesting enough, this particular fake has been manufactured with built-in aging and appears to be original in all respects. However,as mentioned in the discussion of the first indicator above, 'aging’ can be accomplished by artificial means. The wholesale price of these knives from the manufacture is only a few dollars each. However, since research indicates that this piece never existed and is a complete reproduction, its true value is much less than even the wholesale price. As a matter of fact, strictly from a collector's standpoint, this item is worthless and only tends to mar an authentic collection of Third Reich edged weapons.

In conclusion, the adoption of three general "rules of thumb" for collecting Third Reich edged weapons is recommended. First and foremost, become a student of the subject. Do not rely on gun show talk and the opinions of other collectors to educate yourself. Learn the facts for yourself. The best way to begin is to build yourself a large reference lebrary on the subject. The limited amount of published works in this field will preclude the price of a fine library from becoming prohibitive. Many collectors have made the unwise Statement, "I would much prefer to allocate the $15 pricetag of a current reference book toward the purchase of a good dagger." The truth of the matter is that the $15 expended for a good reference book might repeatedly preclude throwing away sizeable sums of money on bad daggers. The quote at the beginning of Chapter 2 by Benjamin Franklin is indeed apropos, e.g., "If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." Attempt to augment your current reference books with as many original Solingen sales catalogs as you can obtain. These catalogs have the distinct advantage of depicting only original materials, whereas a few reproduction pieces, unfortunately, grace the pages of most of the current reference books. Copies of the original catalogs and reprints of several catalogs are available from various dealers.

The second rule of thumb pertains to the subject of dealers (or sources). Find one whom you can trust explicitly and direct your total business his way. The integrity of Third Reich edged weapons dealers (and collectors) in this country and abroad runs the gamut from beyond reproach to totally unscrupulous. Fortunately, the hobby is small enough that a few fast inquiries to other collectors will usually distinguish the dealers and collectors to avoid. Those dealers or collectors who have sold reproductions for genuine pieces will be rapidly identfied!

A third general rule of thumb which will serve you well is if you have any reservations about the authenticity of a particular edged weapon, leave it alone. Psychologists refer to this uncertainty discomfort as "cognitive dissonance". Obviously, the dissonance may occur before or after the actual purchase, but much better for the purchaser if the dissonance is initiated early by one or more 'redflags', thus negating the purchase. An honest collector will readily admit that the vast majority of his 'maybes' turned out to be repros. Conversely, if you should see an item for sale at a show, in a shop, or on a dealer’s list, that appears to be original and would fill a soughtafter hole in your collection, do not procrastinate. A common sign to be found in antique shops is, "The best time to buy an antique is NOW. If you wait, it will be gone!" The same rationale is certainly true of WWII edged weapons. Every attempt, humanly possible, has been made to preclude a single reproduction piece from appearing in this reference, except for photographs appearing in this chapter on reproductions.

William J. Ringler, JOURNAL, Military Collectors Association, C.1975

"TREU TAPFER GEHORSAM" The Schutzmannschaft

When the German armies pushed into Russia in June of 1941, they were virtually unchecked until the winter months of November and December of that same year. By this time, large areas of the Ukraine, White Russia, and the Caucasus had been overrun. The German armies stood within 20 miles of Moscow, but due to snow, ice and temperatures of 18 degrees below zero, the push was completely halted and the front stabilized.

The German plan for the invasion of Russia had called for the men and material to succeed in the initial push to the east. More than 120 divisions had participated in the thrust. What the High Command had badly miscalculated was the amount of manpower which would be needed to police and secure the rear areas of the newly won territory.

Reserve police units in Germany were immediately pressed into service, and moved into the rear areas through out all of conquered Russia. Partisan activity, though not prevalent in the early months of the invasion, had steadily increased during the months from September, 1941 through early 1942. In October of 1941, the Central Office of the SS and Police realized an increasing shortages in manpower. It was decided at this time, to make use, if possible, of local personnel who could be counted upon to work with, and have an allegiance to their German occupiers. Thus, the Eastern SCHUTZMANNSCHAFT was born.

In the fall of 1941 Schutzmannschaft battalions and regiments were established in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, followed by the areas of theUkraine and White Russia. These volunteer legions were selfsustaining in the areas in which they were formed. They were grouped into four major categories: the first included men in individual protection units for their cities, the second served in the outlying land areas. These men were armed cadred by German personnel, each company had an interpreter; category three was the fire

Above: Ukranian volunteers of the Schutzmann-schaft receive their Eastern Peoples Medal forbravery against the Russian partisans. Note the arm and shoulder insignia, the rank insignia on the collar differ from any German rank identification symbols. The man in the foreground has the medal in two grades of the second class, bronze and silver, the latter in this case indicates a second award.

protection police, the last was the Hilfer Schutzmann-schaft. The men in the fourth catagory worked in close unison with the field police of the German army, who by this time had been almost completely committed to fighting partisans.

There were some 48,000 men recruited by the fall of 1942. At this time the designations were changed from four to two major types of Schutz-mannschaft, hereafter referred to as "Schuma". First there were the Schuma Wach Bataillonen and secondly were the Schuma Front Bataillonen. The former served in the rear areas as local security while the latter were used to actively search out and fight the partisans.

These units began to take on the appearance in both rank and organizational breakdown of German SS and Security Police (SD) units. Corresponding ranks, though not given the same titles, paralleled their German counterparts. The units were issued German uniforms of the same type worn by the regular German Field Police.The field equipment and steel helmet were the standard German army issue, as were the small arms; however, the readily available Russian small arms were used extensively by the Schuma battalions. Eventually, special insignia was issued, this distinctive insignia first appeared in 1943.

The basic arm insignia of the Schuma batallions was a large oblong swastika, surrounded by the words “TREU TAPFER GEHORSAM” (fidelity, bravery, obedience). A wreath of oakleaves surmounted the motto. There were four patterns issued, the first and most widely seen, was the silver or grey swastika with the motto and wreath of the same color, all on a black background. The other patterns include green symbol, motto and oak-leaves on a light green background, orange symbol, motto, and oakleaves on a light green background and finally a rose red colored symbol, motto and oakleaves on the same light green background. These last three color schemes paralleled the German police color schemes exactly, Schutzpolizei, Gendarmerie and Feuerschutzpolizei respectively.

The shoulder insignia bore the swastika in the center and had the corresponding color of piping around the edges. The hat insignia was the same for all arms, a small oblong swastika surmounted by a wreath of oakleaves. This insignia was worn on the 1943 model visored field cap, no insignia was put on the steel helmet.

These Schuma battalions played a very important role in the fight against the Russian partisans. They continued to contribute to the German activities in Russia until they retreated in the fall of 1944. At this time a number of the Schuma police and security units were integrated into the late formed Waffen-SS divisions. These volunteers, due to their allegiance to the German conquerors, no longer had a homeland. They retreated toward the west. Now formed into automonous assault brigades and battlegroups, little is known of their activities after they left Russian soil. The confusion of the many withdrawals had swallowed them up. Some isolated units did appear in the orders of battle in the west as late as February of 1945, however they could no longer be considered a potent fighting force. Many of these units fell into American and British hands at the end of hostilities and were returned to the Soviet Union where many were tried and sentenced to death or prison for treason against their homeland. The fate of those who disappeared is unknown.

Richard E. Deeter, "Treu Tapfer Gehorsam", MILITARIA, 1969