Der Reichsautozug Deutschland

For those that are truly serious about our hobby, historical accuracy is of the utmost concern. Regulations, design, purpose and wear of the accouterments of the Third Reich are constantly being researched and redefined.

In the infancy of the hobby, any information that was gleaned from books, personalities, or even rumor, was eventually (or sooner) taken for gospel... not to be disputed, forever after,
amen! Now, as we have reached a more sophisticated level, we question what may be
accurate, misstated, or just plain wrong.

Ten years ago, I had occasion to view on overseas cap, armband and cufftitle. All were named to the "REICHSAUTOZUG DEUTSCHLAND", with the addition of the cap having "NSDAP" above the eagle on the patch. In John Angolia’s book, "CLOTH INSIGNIA OF THE SS", page 133, the armband is pictured and captioned underneath attributed to the "NATIONAL AUTOMOBILE COMPETITION GERMANY". The armband is described as being a machine embroidered national emblem with black embroidered title on yellow. In "THE SA - A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE" by Jill Halcomb, there are pictures of SA officers with the R.A.Z. (D.) insignia on their collar tabs. These pictures are of limited use, since they do not show any more significant insignia in wear. Also, on page 135, is the information that the R.A.Z.D. "served as transportation for the SA and other formations during Nazi Party events and rallies. It was also employed during emergencies? Also pictured is the patch worn on the overseas cap.

The items pictured with this article recently came into my possession. Along with these I was given some papers that my friend Robert Ehrlinger had received from the Bundesarchives in Germany. Included is a copy of three pages out of the "ORGANISATIONSBUCH DER NSDAP - 1943". It states that there is a staff leader directly under the Reichspropagandaleiter. Directly under the staff leader and responsible to him only are five sub-departments, one of which
is the R.A.Z..D. (See chart shown from page 297 of the "ORGANISATIONSBUCH" shown here.) On page 298 of the "ORGANISATIONSBUCH" is a one paragraph description of the R.A.Z.D.’s functions. It states:

The Reichsautozug Deutschland has the function to supply all meaningful political rallies of the Party, their divisions, and related units with the most necessary modern technical equipment. In addition, the R.A.Z.D. will take care of those rallies which are of a non-political nature.

That last sentence, "rallies of a non-political nature" has lead to a misconception that they were nothing but race car drivers of the ’30’s that happened to have membership in and the support of the Nazi party. There WAS NOTHING of a non-political nature in those days!

Let’s examine the words “Reichautozug Deutschland". Reichs is National; auto means auto; zug is a train; Deutschland is Germany. So, we have National auto train Germany. This is a literal translation and might mean more to an American as an official government auto procession. Everything at that time was an opportunity for National Socialism and an exercise in propaganda as orchestrated by the Reichspropaganda Ministry. The R.A.Z.D., under the aegis of the Ministry, planned the motorcades to the Party rallies and visits by Party and foreign dignitaries to various sites around Germany. It follows that, being in charge of the motorcade, they would have to be in charge ofsecurity for it and also for the rally to which they were driving, much in the same way that the U.S. Secret Service is in charge of and approves of arrangements for the Prcsident’s motorcade and security measures, when he or important personages, are scheduled to attend important public events or are in transit by automobile.

Nothing in the NSDAP manual makes any reference to the SA or SS having a foothold in the Propaganda Ministry vis-a-vis the R.A.Z.D. My belief is that both the SA and the SS staffed this particular office, with the inevitable infighting that was common between these two entities. With the SS in ascendance after June 30, 1934, they became masters of the office, responsible for security and R.A.Z.D. propaganda. The SA became mere chauffeurs, giving rides to the bourgeoisie and intelligentsia of the NSDAP going to Party rallies, and their officers nothing but fancy uniforms with no role in the running of the office other than to be front men and errand boys for the SS.

I am neither criticizing or disputing what John Angolia or Jill Halcomb state in their references. I’m sure that the SS and SA had multiple members participate in European road races. The point that I am trying to make is that the R.A.Z.D. was much more important and myriad in its aspects than either of the two authors depict in the amount of space the organization rated in their books.

Tim Alexander, "Der Reichsautozug Deutschland", Der Gauleiter, 1993

Frauenschaft Badges - Part 2

The variants of the Leader’s Badges are some what easier to comprehend than the previous sections. In this discussion we are dealing with only two designs, no individual variations. In the 1934-38 Type II design the leader of each Ort, Kreis, Gau and at the Reich level had a badge denoting her esteemed position. The Type II Leader's Badge was a shadow of form of the same series member’s badge bearing the cross pattern. It had a 1.5mm silver outer edging. This decoration was slightly larger than the Staff Badge at 32mm by 33mm. The color scheme for the border was as quoted earlier base metal configuration was a large percentage of silver mixed with smaller portions of nickel washed over copper. The badge characteristics for the Type III Leader’s Badge closely resembled that of the Type III Staff series, though this new leader's design was more distinctive with a 3.5mm wreath of oakleaves, instead of the wide, flat border. This wreath placed oakleaves end to end in a chain on a ribbed background. Base metal for the early 1939 produced badges was silver/nickel but after mid `39 the base was changed to a copper core with silver wash. The badge taped in at 36mm by 36.5mm.

lt must be said the Reich Leader’s Badges in both series are the toughest for collectors to locate. They were worn by the State (Reich) Leader only, and that position did not change hands often during the Reich. The Type III Reich Leader’s Badge is probably rarer than the Type II. Why this is true cannot be determined, but there appears to be more of the second type in circulation today than the III series. In all there were over 9,500 Leader's Badges of all categories manufactured from 1934 to 1944. The leader’s insignia for the State level certainly constituted the smallest category. The number of Reich level badges in collections today can be attributed to the zeal of the manufacturers. An order would be placed for a certain number of specific badges to a given maker. As a course of good business sense he would anticipate orders for still more badges, making and stock piling decorations for future business. This practice was commonplace within the ranks of the medal manufacturers. Goring's Grand Cross of the lron Cross was also reproduced in small numbers by this method of practice.

Golden Badge of Honor of the Nazi Women’s League (Goldenes Ehrenabzeichen der N.S. Frauenschaft)

There exists today in a very few collections an offshoot of the aforementioned Type III Leader`s Badge. For lack of an official title, due to the absence of records, I have called it the Frauenschaft Golden Badge of Honor. Its dimensions are the same as the Type III Leader’s Badge but the outer oakleaf border is golden with the remainder of all metal parts being silver. The exact purpose for these badges is not clear but it is presumed this was a long service award much like the N.S.D.A.P. Golden Party Badge related to old, cherished members of the early organization. This should be considered one of the rarest badges in this enameled organizational field. A very few examples are known to exist but no official mention can be found in German records. It is believed there were fewer than 100, may beconsiderably less, of these badges awarded even though this cannot be officially confirmed. lt is also conjectured that unlike prior badges of this nature, specific award documents were presented with each badge. These Golden Badges of Honor had the outer border washed with a dark gilt coating, while the inner (colored) border was filled in with an off-white enamel. Consider this exceedingly rare!

Badge for Other Colleagues of the Nazi Women’s League (Abzeichen fur andere Kolleginnen der N.S. Frauenschaft)

As its name implies this badge was intended for "other"colleagues, or friends, of the Nazi Women’s League. Meaning that it was given to individuals who routinely gave support, either monetarily or physically, to the cause. Since the age requirements for the league were 18 to 30, membership was not mandatory after the top age bracket. Hence, many women got out but continued to show interest in their local branch .

Designed in 1939 this badge is in one pattern only, that of the Type III series (of `39) lasting until 1944. Measuring 30mm by 31.5mm it was very close in design to the basic member's badge but had to alterations: the title "N.S. Frauenschaft"was not enclosed within a separate section and a colored outer border was also added. This border was color coded as per region of the group. The life rune, swastika, title and trim were all in the base silver with the background in black enamel Copper with an overcoat of silver plate was once again employed. Exact number of these badges produced or given is not known at this time.

Badge for Ex-Members of the Nazi Women’s League (Ehemaligenabzeichen der N.S. Frauenschaft)

This "ex" member’s badge belonged to an elite, albeit small group affiliated with the Frauenschaft. Individuals who had served loyally, made noticeable sacrifices to the league, and were leaving the N.S. Frauenschaft received this badge. It could be likened in award standards and pride to the Meritorious Service Medal given by the Department of Defense to military personnel, usually officers, for exemplary service. To be eligible one had to have joined prior to 1934, and served at least eight years continuous service to the Nazi Women’s League. Membership with another party organ did not count as double like other regulations in the various organizations. Regulations in the Frauenschaft stated that you had to stay with the league only until the age of 30 but many women stayed past this age.

Designed in 1941 this was the last badge to be added to the already vast arsenal of Frauenschaft decorations. Actually,this was more of an award rather than a badge denoting membership or position. An individual had to be recommended by her local leader. The award then had to be approved up the chain to the Reich level.

Produced in one basic type (III) its central theme was that of the same year group Member’s Badges. The title "N.S.Frauenschaft" was enclosed within a silver metal border at the top, with the lettering in black enamel. Surrounding this staple badge was a 1.5mm colored border denoting level of service that the individual had worked. This does not mean in a staff position necessarily, as clearly marked coded borders on staff badges, but rather to show they had been, say, at the Gau level for their term of service. However, it should be noted that staff personnel were the usual recipients of this remembrance. In his book "Uniforms and Badges of the Third Reich,Vol. 1: N.S.D.A.P." author Rudolf Kahl describes this badge as having a yellow central field as opposed to the example here having a black center. This author’s research, and the badge shown, appears to point to this design as the norm. Many others have been noted with this color scheme. Kahl's badge, as mentioned in his text, would seem to be a 1. Proto-type, 2).variant, or 3. a special badge for ex-members at the Reich level. Specifications for this Ex-Member’s Badge are 34.5mm by 34.5mm. Badges produced from 1941-43 were copper centered with nickel/silver plate. Those made in 1944, the few that were, were zinc with a nickel alloy overlay with paint instead of enamel. Though more women technically were eligible for award of this badge it was actually only received by slightly over 12,000 before the end of the war. This figure is remarkable considering it was in existence for 3 1/2 to 4 years. Collectors should consider this item at any level scarce to come by in today’s market.


Planned in 1938, and put into gear in ’39 the Deutsches Frauenwerk was a parallel splinter group of the N.S. Frauenschaft. It was formed basically as a voluntary group for the working members of the Frauenschaft, or those who wished to do some type of community aid (or factory work for that matter). By this time, however, a major percentage of the women were working. Political ideologies were strengthened through the German Women’s Work. During the last five years of the Reich there was only one type of badge for this organization produced. lt employed the same blue print as the Type III Frauenschaft Member`s Badge utilizing the life rune and mobile swastika on a black field. Across the top metal border were the words "Deutsches Frauenwerk". Its measurements were 30mm by 31mm, and was manufactured with a copper metal core plated with nickel/silver. In 1944 paint replaced all enamel areas, and the base metal turned to zinc. In all there were over 800,000 of these badges produced providing substantial evidence that the Deutsches Frauenwerk was politically a very strong organization. A slight difference should be made between this and the same design Frauenschaft Member’s Badge. The mobile swastika on the Deutsches Frauenwerk was slightly smaller, and less defined than on its counterpart. This badge also used the spring pin/catch system.

German W0men’s Order Badge(Abzeichen des Deutscher Frauenorden)

Prior to the formation of the N.S. Frauenschaft in 1933 the women of Germany were already organizing into small units known as the "Frauenorden", or German Women’s Order. Brought together very early in 1932 the Frauenorden was purely a political tool for the teachings of Hitler, and the dissemination of National Socialist dogma. Membership in theFrauenorden was totally voluntary though restricted to those over 18 years old. The badge worn by members of this very early N.S.D.A.P. offshoot was a large triangular brooch measuring approximately 40mm by 44mm. Its design was that already described of the Type II Frauenschaft Member’s Badge: white enamel cross on a black enamel background, with top cross bar housing the title "Deutscher Frauenorden". This wording, cross, swastika, and trim were all in the base gilt plated copper.

Since this appeared in the early years of the state the RZM code should not be found on the Deutscher Frauenorden insignia, as it did on almost all other Frauenschaft league badges in later years. It may or may not carry the maker's stamp, and/or Ges. Gesch. lt may be worth noting that the manufacturer's trademarks for these pre-33 years in many cases are different, more complex than in later times. The firm Assman had a very complex hallmark on some early badges of four or five characters. As previously described the common spring pin/catch suited this design well.

This organization, formed in 1933 along with the parent Frauenschaft, was short-lived for its usefullness was lost with several other groups being formed. It initially was started as a girls organization of the Nazi Women’s League. Membership was voluntary for ‘those who already belonged to the JM or BdM. The badge design adopted by this little known organization was a carry through of the Frauenorden style. "N.S. Madchen-schaft" replaced the top banner across this rare badge. Size specifications are unknown. All metal parts were gilt plated over copper as on so many of the other early Frauenschaft badges. This badge would also probably not be RZM marked but would almost assuredly have the spring pin/catch on the reverse. This particular organization was done away with in late 1935 due to the general lack of membership, and direction from the party. The small number of members, and the short life span would point to very few of these badges being produced labeling this a very rare item for anyone to acquire.

J.R. Cone, "One People, One Reich - Enameled Organizational Badges of Germany 1918-1945", MCN Press, 1983

Frauenschaft Badges, Part 1

Nazi Women’s League and German W0men’s Work (National-Sozialistische Frauenschaft und Deutsches Frauenwerk)

Probably two of the most complex, and misunderstood organizations of the Nazi regime were the N.S. Frauenschaft and the Deutsches Frauenwerk. The N.S. Frauenschaft was formed in 1933 following Hitler's rise to power but did not get much steam for about a year. This league was the propaganda spearhead to bring Nazi ideals to the German girls and women. It encompassed all of the lesser female groups like the BDM and JM, as well as the Frauenwerk (in later years). Members of the Frauenschaft spread the teachings on everything from motherhood to domestic affairs and business. Membership was mandatory for all women from 18 to 30 years of age.

The Deutsches Frauenwerk was created in 1938 and put into service the following year. Realizing that Germany was about to become involved in a major world conflict Hitler knew that replacements would be necessary for the male workforce that was about to go to war. It was obvious that women would have to be used to fill the gaps where men had once worked. Though the Frauenschaft was under the direction of the N.S.D.A.P., and the Frauenwerk hid underneath the skirts of the Frauenschaft, the Women’s Work Force was allowed to remain somewhat independent of the mother organization. Members of the Frauenschaft joined the Deutsches Frauenwerk if they were part of the industrial working populace, though membership was voluntary in the Women's Work. The leadership and staff of this group were picked from the main ranks of the Frauenschaft, hence, there are no specific Frauenwerk Leader’s Badges and the like.

The resultant badges that were struck have proved to be confusing for today’s historian and collector because of the multitude of types, styles and shapes. There were decorations for just about everyone in and out of the Frauenschaft organization. As a hard rule the main badges discussed in this section of the text went through three basic design changes.

All badges referred to were produced:

Type I — 1933

Type II — 1934 until 1938

Type III — 1939 until 1944

The differences among the many types and variants will be discussed in the ensuing pages.

The badges signified quite adequately the rank structure of the league. All staff and leader’s badges were produced to immediately identify the level of responsibility of the wearer. The colored outer border surrounding the general badge motif was coded for specific geographical locations:


Blue —- Orts (Locality or city)

Black (Type II)

White (Type III) —— Kreis (District)

Red — Gau (Province)

Yellow —— Reichs (State)

This color scheme was also carried out in the D.A.F. female badges, and most probably by the N.S.K.O.V., although the latter is unclear.

The information presented herein will hopefully clear up many of the tangled misunderstandings about the badges that represented these women’s leagues. For specific reference purposes, and to formulate a common language among the collecting society, collectors and dealers alike should refer to a badge as specifically and accurately as possible: "Type II Staff Badge for Gau Level", etc.

Member’s Badges of the Nazi W0men’s League(Abzeichen fur Mitglieder der N.S. Frauenschaft)


As stated in the short preamble to this section the basic member's badge of the Nazi’s League went through three basic design changes.

Type I of 1933, the only year this was produced, was 23.5 mm in diameter, and was a virtual copy of the N.S.D.A.P. party badge. The only difference being the wording on the outer border of "Frauenschaft N.S.D.A.P." in lieu of the Nazi party inscription. There was also a slight variant to this badge that used "Nat. Soz. Frauenschaft" instead of the former verse. The metal base was a high quality silver/nickel composition. Almost all of these badges were made by “‘Osang-Dresden", though there may have been a very small number of other makers. The total number of these badges made is not known.

Type II utilized an entirely different enamel altogether. lt had a new triangular shape specifically created to be worn by a woman as a brooch on the collar or lapel. Its measurements were 25.5mm by 27mm. The design carried a central white enamel cross on a black enamel field. A horizontal red enamel swastika was in the center. On the left and right arms, as well as the bottom leg of the cross were the letters "G", "H".and "L". It is not known what these particular letters stood for, since they appear to have no relation to the title of the organization. "Nat. Soz. Frauenschaft" was imprinted in metal letters across the top of the badge inside of a white enamel banner. The basic metal of this badge was copper plated with a gilt wash. Lettering, cross, swastika and outer edging were all in this gilt metal. It should be noted that there were variants of this badge that are twice the size of the basic member’s Type II, and less than half the given measurements (see above). These were separate purchase items from the league.

The same shape was retained in the Type III Member’s Badge but a new design was added. A "life rune" replaced the white cross on the Type II. This symbol looked very similar to a legless stickman. A mobile swastika was placed at the top of the rune. The top enamel banner was replaced with a metal one surrounding the title "N.S. Frauenschaft". All words were in red enamel. Note the difference in the group`stile in this Type III as opposed to the II style. The title was somewhat shortened to just "N.S .... " instead of "Nat". The basic background of this 31mm by 31.5mm badge was black enameling.

Badges produced in 1939 to 1940 of the Type III series were nickel, but after this date until 1944 the base was copper with nickel overlay. The top banner, life rune, mobile swastika and outer trim were all in base metal silver. There were only two sizes of this item made during wartime Germany. The standard size has already been noted, with the smaller size being 23.5mm by 23.5mm, about 2/3 size. This Type III Member’s Badge and the Deutsches Frauenwerk were the same shape and design (with the titles being all dirrerent). and both had smaller like insignia. Badges produced in 1944 were of painted familia on zinc metal.

Type I Frauenschaft Member’s Badge was producedin 1933; Type II was in effect from 1934 to 1938; the Type III produced from 1939-44. All N.S. Frauenschaft badges were produced under strict Reich guidelines since this league was an officially touted group under the N.S.D.A.P. Each badge struck had the RZM quality stamp, and was almost always maker marked with the companies' "M" series code (M1/72etc.). All had the standard spring pin/catch on the reverse, some being vertical, others horizontal. As a general rule all badges were slightly convex in shape although this cannot be a point of authentication.

I have one Type II Leader's Badge that appears to be avariant. It is flat instead of convex, the red enamel swastika is slightly smaller, the RZM marking is somewhat larger with only one circle where most have two, and the maker’s logo is larger than normal. The base metal, however, says this is a pre-45 piece though this particular badge may have been a test strike by a company that never received a state contract. As such they never went into mass production. Here again the point is made that only a collector’s experience, expertise, and gut feeling can really determine originality of a questionable badge.

Staff Badges of the Nazi W0men’s League (Mitarbeiter-Abzeichen der N.S. Frauenschaft)

In 1934 as the N.S. Frauenschaft grew, N.S.D.A.P. officials put together a complex system of ranks and offices. Cities were banded together into "Kreise" (districts), and these were incorporated into "Gaue" (provinces). In all there were 34 provinces within Germany. Women of the Frauenschaft formed groups in each community, or "Ort". Each of these local organizations had leaders appointed to key positions such as treasurer, chief, etc. by the state. A central office in each Kreis oversaw the business of the individual towns, and another central office governed the entire province. There was, as one might expect, a head office at the Reich level.

Each officer of these geographical districts received a special Staff Badge in honor of her position in the league. The group’s leader received another type of badge, which we will discuss shortly. Staff Badges in all levels were identical except for an outer 1.5mm colored border signifying the particular level of each official. In the preamble you can find the color codes of the Frauenschaft league, as well as the segmenton DAF Female Badges.

During the span of the Third Reich there were two distinct versions of the Staff Badges for the Nazi Women’s League.Type II adopted in 1934 had the same cross and triangular design as the Type II Member’s Badge. This Staff Badge measured 30mm by 31mm, just slightly larger than the Member"s badge of the same series. As pointed out above, the brightly colored enamel border or "Aussenrand" in German, indicated to other league members the level of the wearer in the organization. Each badge was RZM’d and hallmarked.

One small difference between the Staff Badge and the standard Member's Badge was the metal base. Staff Badges had asilver/nickel base in the Type II series from 1934 until about 1936. Thereafter, the Type II Staff was produced with a copper metal core and silver outer plate. This copper core/silverwash was carried through to the Type III. But all Type II (andType III) Staff Badges had the silver color on all metal parts. Remember, the Type II Member’s Badge was copper with gilt wash? Well, the Staff Badges changed that for the rest of the organizational insignia for the group.

When the Type III Staff Badges were born on the designer’s sketch pad. and mass produced from 1939 to 1944, a new rank system was devised to allow for better representation of each office through the badges. There was now a Staff Badge for the "Wider" staff (heads of departments, etc.), and one for the "Closer" Staff (direct officers of the league). The Type III Wider Staff Badge was slightly different from the same series Members decoration. Since this was wartime, a German army type eagle was sat atop the central life rune, and the top banner eliminated with the wording clad against the black enamel background. The words and eagle/swastika were in silver. Surrounding this design was the 1.5 mm level border with a thin silver outside edge. This edge is the key difference between the wider and closer insignia. Measurements of the Wider Staff Badge were 30.5mm by 30.5mm. The base metal was silver/nickel plate over copper but in 1944 this was switched to nickel over zinc core.


The insignia of rank for the Type III Closer Staff Badge was identical to the previously described badge, except for the lmm wide silver border. It was almost the same size at 30.5mm by 31mm. Once again the base was copper with nickel/silver plate. All Staff Badges have the maker’s M serial mark on the reverse. The Type II was made with a horizontal spring pin/catch, while the Type III badges were produced with vertical assemblies. No statistics were kept of the numbers presented or produced from 1934 to 1944.

To be continued...

J.R. Cone, "One People, One Reich - Enameled Organizational Badges of Germany 1918-1945", MCN Press, 1983

General Assault Badges - A Second Look

There has been a lot of speculation and debate over the existence of Genuine Heer (German Army) General Assault badges with a bronzed finish.

It has been claimed the award was never authorized, manufactured, distributed, awarded or worn during the Third Reich.

It may make some collectors feel important, passing these opinions out as absolute fact. However, because a collector might not locate one of these rare badges in his searching, that does not make these claims true.

The pronouncements of self-proclaimed "experts", have tended to state these things as actual facts too. Where they get this insider information, (since NONE of them was ever there, in any Third Reich situation to verify these claims) is a mystery to me. Still sheep will follow a ram without question, and apparently the louder the bleating, the more the sheep feel comforted by their new found knowledge.

The problem with stating absolutes as empirical truths, and as facts, is that often there is no way to actually prove them. It is also a bit disconcerting to the expert when original examples inconveniently exist despite their claims. Over the years from 1965 until now I have personally examined a couple of dozen examples of this "Never authorized, manufactured, distributed, awarded or worn badge".

I know these pieces to be original to the war era. Out of all the Bronze General Assault Badges I ever saw, I managed to acquire these 5 beautiful examples.

Note that all of these are in near perfect condition with great finishes that are all variants of bronze colors.

Note also that all 5 are totally different from one another, in many respects. So several companies did produce the badge in bronze finish.

It is interesting that, as is typical with the majority of General Assault badges in the basic grade, there are no markings on 4 of the 5 which I own.

I speculate, they may have been considered as the model for Panzer Grenadiers. Obviously, they were manufactured, and some were located and found as war souvenirs. Perhaps they were not distributed, or were not sold or awarded once distributed. They could have all been still in displays at the German Uniform accoutrement stores, at war's end. They may well have still been in the factory storerooms. Once made, no German manufacturer would destroy items that cost him, unless there was no choice in the matter. That could be why most are found in great condition.

The General Assault badge is actually fairly tough to find exceptional examples of. Most are in zinc and often without any finish. Many have missing pins or catches or are corroded. I feel lucky to own the examples pictured below.

I am just a collector who worked hard to find what I have. I know the five bronze finished badges, are genuine items, and made during the war years in Germany. The rest is just guessing and speculation.

For some strange reason we Americans feel we are entitled to perfection, and somehow things are not right if we do not know the bottom line. Apparently even misinformation is better than none or doubt! Sometimes we do not have all the answers, unless we are one of those famous and important experts, who seem to know everything!

Charles Warriner, "General Assault Badges - A Second Look", Militaria Blog, 2009

Development of the SS Uniform

THE DEVELOPMENT

1921-1922

Red NSDAP brassard with white circle and black swastika was worn on civilian dress and the old army uniforms of ex-soldiers and members of numerous pro-Nazi Free Corps.

1922-1923

NSDAP banned.

February 1923

With the re-organisation of the NSDAP an attempt was made to standardize the clothing of the SA. Its members were ordered to wear field grey breeches, grey wind jackets, and the forerunner of the SA cap, a grey ski cap with the black, white and red national comade in front.

May 1923

The Adolf Hitler Shock Troop was formed, and wore army uniforms, NSDAP brassard. and grey ski cap with national cocade above a white metal skull badge.

November 1925

Brown chosen as the colour of the SA uniform. The newly formed SS wore black caps, ties and edging to the brassard.

September 1925

SS Musterbefehl der SS Oberleitung dated 29.9.25, ordered that in future the skull will be worn above the cocade on the cap.

August 1929

Coloured cap bands and collar patches with unit numbering introduced for the SA. By this date the SS uniform had become reasonably standardised.

June-Sept 1930

Brown shirt banned in certain states.

1931

SS awarded their motto MEINE EHRE HEISST TREUE. (My honour is loyalty).

April to June 1932

NSDAP uniform banned throughout Germany, Publication of first SA and SS dress regulations.

May 1932

Introduction of new badges of rank.

July 1934

First SS dress regulations published.

THE TRADITIONAL UNIFORM

The name given to the SS brown shirt uniform after the introduction in 1932 of the new black service uniform. By 1932 the traditional uniform had become reasonably standardised although there were still variations in the colour of both shirts and breeches. During 1933 senior regular SS leaders were equipping themselves with the new black uniform while the part-time rank and file continued to wear the brown shirt. During the summer of 1935 the brown shirt was worn as a summer uniform for the last time, and by 1936 the black uniform had been issued to the whole SS. During the transitional period it was not uncommon to see items of the old and new uniforms being worn together.

DIENSTMUTZE - Service cap

Black cloth SS cap with matching peak. Black leather chin strap for all ranks.Twisted cord around the crown of the cap according to rank; Untersturmfuhrer up to and inc. Standartenfuhrer; Black and silver (Black orwhite) twisted cord. Oberfuhrer up to and inc. Reichsfurhrer-SS . Silver twisted cord.

DIENSTBLUSE - Shirt

Brown cotton drill shirt with 4 black leather and two horn buttons downthe front. Two parallel breast pockets with pleats and buttoned flaps. Cuffslinked with two black leather buttons. Six metal belt hooks attached to thewaistband. Stand and fall collar edged in twisted cord according to rank. SS-Mann up to and incl. Obertruppfuhrer ; 2mm black and white (laterblack and aluminium) twisted cord. SS-Sturmfuhrer up to and intl. SS-Sturmhauptfuhrer ( Later Obersturmfuhrer).2mm black and aluminium twisted cord. SS-Sturmbannfuhrer up to and incl. Reichsfuhrer-SS; 2mm aluminutwisted cord.

ABZEIGHEN - Insignia

All SS insignia worn on the shirt was subsequently worn on the black service uniform. and is described in the section dealing with insignia. There were however two pieces of insignia, that appear to have been worn on the shirt and not on the black uniform. The first was a white linen brassard with HILFSPOLIZEI printed on it in black letters. This was worn by SA and SS men, instead of their NSDAP brassard, when serving as auxiliary police in 1933. The second was a circular white badge 8.5mm in diameter on which was a red cross. This badge was worn by medical orderlies who had not passed the State Medical examination. It was worn on the upper left arm above the brssnard. The rest of the uniform consisted of black breeches and boots, black leather waist belt and cross strap with nickel plated buckles and fittings. The equipment was the Imperial German army pattern and consisted of pack, ground sheet, water bottle, drinking cup, mess tin, and bread bag.

THE BLACK SS SERVICE UNIFORM

Introduced in 1932 with the first SA and SS dress regulations. For a short time the black SS uniform was worn concurrently with the traditional uniform. The cut of the black uniform was the same for all ranks, but the quality of the cloth of leaders uniforms was superior. Leaders often had their uniforms privately made, which accounts for detailed variations in quality and cut. After the setting up of the Reichszeugmeisterei (Quarter Master General) a remarkable degree of standardization was achieved. However impressive the black uniform looked. it was not suited to the increasingly varied roles that the SS was called upon to play. As early as 1935 certain SS units were issued with grey uniforms identical in cut to the black ones.

After the outbreak of war black uniforms were seldom worn.

As SS men had not been issued with overcoats at this date, they were lent police ones, stripped of insignia.

SS SERVICE DRESS LIST. 15.12.34

SS Service tunic. - Black twill

SS Service tunic. - Black cloth

SS Service tunic. - Black gabardine

SS Service tunic. - Earth grey twill

SS Breeches - Black twill

SS Breeches - Black cloth

SS Breeches - Black gabardine

SS breeches - Black twill

SS Breeches - Black cloth

SS Breeches - Black gabardine

SS Breeches - Black corduroy

SS Breeches - Earth grey twill

SS Trousers - Black twill

SS Trousers - Black cloth

SS Trousers - Earth grey twill

SS Overcoat - Black twill

SS Overcoat - Black cloth

SS Weatherproof cape Black pouch for weatherproof cape. - Black

Overcoat lapels - Silver grey cloth for Oberfuhrer and above.

As described in the original German as Stiefelhose as opposed to breeches.The difference was that breeches had a more pronounced curve on the outer seam and were not so hard wearing.

SS-DIENSTROCK - SS Service Tunic

Intl. SS Service tunic in black twill or gabardine for leaders.
SS Service tunic in black uniform cloth for men.
SS Service tunic in earth grey drill for all ranks.
Open single breasted tunic with four matt silver buttons in front. Two parallel breast pockets with centre pleats and buttoned flaps. Slashing slash side pockets with buttoned flaps. Single back vent with two matt silver buttons. Open collar edged in twisted cord according to rank. Turn back cuffs. All insignia was worn on the tunic.

SS-BREECHESHOSE (UND STIEFELHOSE) - SS Breeches

Inch. SS Breeches in black twill or gabardine for leaders.
SS Breeches in black cloth or corduroy for men.
SS Breeches in earth grey drill for all ranks.
Black cloth breeches with lace-up legs. Two front pockets, two back and a watch pocket, front and back pockets fastened with black plastic buttons.

SS-HOSE, LANG - SS Trousers

encl. SS Trousers in black twill for leaders.
SS Trousers in black cloth for men.
SS Trousers in earth grey drill for all ranks.
Long black trousers with white piping down the outside leg seam. Two side and two back pockets fastened with black plastic buttons. Black trousers were fastened under the instep with a leather strap. Earth grey drill trousers were not piped and had grey plastic buttons.

SS-DIENSTMANTEL SS - Service Overcoat

encl. SS Overcoat in black twill for leaders.
SS Overcoat in black cloth for men.

Double breasted overcoat with two parallel rows of six matt silver buttons down the front. Two slanting side pockets with flaps, collar edged in twisted cord according to rank. Leaders with the rank of SS-Oberfuhrer and above had silver grey lapels and piping down the front of the coat. All insignia was worn on the overcoat.

Andrew Mollo, "Uniforms of the SS, Vol. 1", Historical Research Unit, 1968

There's One Made Every Minute

SS Bullion Collar Tabs

In this installment on repro cloth insignia I want to show you some examples of the currently imported fake SS collar tabs. You may think l'm overly concerned with the SS, what with last month's installment on SS cufftitles and now this one on SS collar tabs, but the fact is that SS insignia is a favorite not only with collectors. but with the fakers. And considering the money at stake I think everyone should be aware of what's happening.

It's said a picture is worth a thousand words, and this couldn't be more true any where than in militaria collecting. Therefore, I'm devoting most of the space available for this article to the pictures.

All of the retros shown here are good enough to fool a novice collector, and there is no way that I can make an expert out of everyone with this article. The best thing to do to protect yourself is to remember that originals of these are almost always made with extreme precision. If you look closely at a quality bullion SS collar tab, one that is of the usual type, not some weird variation made in "Lower Slabovia", and you notice any sloppiness in the workmanship, then be careful. Studying originals is also a must. Visit a collector friend who knows his stuff and study the pieces in his collection that you're sure of.

Above: Detail of some tabs. One the left is an original and in middle is the repro. Arrows points to the edges of the oakleaves showing the obvious difference in quality of the embroidery. "Tight", this the word I use most often to describe SS embroidery. On the right is detail of the back of an original tab. Note the pattern of the backing material. It is of a milky white and somewhat shinny. Almost all original tabs have this type of backing, only the size of the opening in the black material varies.

In the above pictures; at first glance they look pretty good. They're fake. Notice on the "Ost" tab (No. 1) that the upper tip of the "t" is very sloppy and on the tabs with the crossed lances (No. 2&4) there is a lack of precision in the embroidery, the lance poles are almost crooked. The oakleaf tab (No. 5) is VERY well done. The shape of the oakleaves in almost exactly like that of an original SA Gruppenfuhrer. This piece is in silver bullion on black and was offered as an SS tab, even thought the SS did not use this shape leaves. If the maker can do this in silver on black then he can do it in other colors as SA tabs. No. 7 is so well done it's spooky! I suggest great care when buying these types of tabs, as these fakes can be real tough to identify.

In the above pictures the left are original tabs, on the right are fakes. Note the fine quality of the embroidery on the originals, the strands of thread are sewn very evenly with almost perfect spacing (tight), whereas on the fakes there is an unevenness and lack of precision to the embroidery. Notice the pips on the two originals are slightly different. This is fine, because variations do exist.

One last point. The bullion wire of SS tabs is made up of a round center core thread around which is wrapped a flat aluminum thread. On every "original" SS bullion tab I've ever seen, the center core thread is white. I have encounted some good looking fakes that had a black center core.

Bob Treend, "There's One Made Every Minute", Der Gauleiter, 1990

SS Visor Cap Eagle

Form II, 1936-1945

In early 1936 Hitler inspected and approved a new form of national emblem, especially designed for the SS. This eagle was sanctioned by a letter dated March 23, 1936 from the Chief of the SS-Hauptamt. This form remained in use until the end of the war and became the standard pattern replacing the earlier eagle insignia.

The first new SS national emblems were available beginning in April 1936 and were manufactured in silvered Cupal, a synthetic alloy (consult volume 3, page 36 for Cupal detail). An unauthorized neusilber version was manufactured by some manufacturers as a result of a misunderstanding of the regulations. One must note that the neusilber metal was no longer allowed for use in manufacturing from the summer of 1935.

Simultaneously with the Cupal version, the matte-grey aluminum eagle form appeared. The Cupal (or Coupal) version of the eagle officially was tobe worn by enlisted ranks as well as leaders with the Schwarze SS-Dienstmutze (black visored cap) the matte aluminum version was to be worn with the erdgraue und erdbraune SS-Dienstmutze (field-grey and earth-brown visored cap).

Two months later, in June 1936, the bright aluminum version was first mentioned in the Mbl.d.RZM and was to replace the earlier matte version. This light weight national emblem was for the most part worn by all personnel when they obtained the new insignia for any reason. The reverse was stamped with the RZM control number which was occasionally positioned At the edge of the wing.

Embroidered versions were not officially permitted for wear with the SS visored caps of the General-SS, but other forms were observed being worn, predominately being the 1936 political or army forms.

Higher SS-leaders often purchased better quality insignia even though this form was not strictly regulated. In fact, the Cupal version was an item of excellent quality.

The basic design of the new SS emblem consisted of an eagle with outstretched wings, staggered at the tips. The head of the eagle, faced to its left.The eagle clutches an oakleaf wreath enclosing a mobile or slanted embossed swastika. The wingspan is approximately 7.0cm and the height approximately 3.2cm. Its design remained unchanged through the years until the end of the war.

Many eagles manufactured during the war were of pot or zinc metals and of a slightly smaller size, measuring 6.7cm.

During the early war years, the SS national eagle emblem was also available in silver-painted aluminum, grey-painted cheaper light weight materials or of better quality silvered Cupal.

Wilhelm P.B.R. Saria, "Headgear of Hitler's Germany Vol.4", R.J. Bender Publishing, 2005

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Flyer's Badges of the Luftwaffe

AIRCREW BADGE(FLIEGERSCHAFTSABZEICHEN)

This badge was initiated on January 19, 1935 and initially worn by members ofthe Deutscher Luftsport-Verband who held a flying license. When the new Luftwaffe adopted it in early 1935, it was worn on the left breast pocket by pilots and observers. The horizontal oval wreath was in silver with a black eagle holding a silver swastika.

PILOTS' BADGE I (FLUGZEUGFUHRERABZEICHEN

On March 26, 1936, this newly designed badge was introduced and replaced the Aircrew Badge. The oval wreath was in silver with the raised portions of the design being polished. The eagle and swastika were either in a tarnished silver or a black finish. An embroidered version of this badge existed with the wreath in silver wire, the eagle in a dark-grey thread and the swastika in a matt-aluminum embroidery (officers').

The Pilot's Badge was worn in the middle of the left breast pocket of the tunic or in the approximate area of the Flying Blouse and Evening Full-Dress jacket. If the individual had been awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class, the badge was worn below it.

LUFTWAFFE PILOTS' BADGE (CIVILIAN) (ZIVILE'S FLUGZEUGFUHRERABiEICHEN DER LUFTWAFFE)

Civilian pilots in the Luftwaffe were also permitted a pilot's badge . . . . it was a pair of enameled blue wings with a slanted swastika in the middle. The wings were approximately 8cm wide and 1. 6cm high. The detail of the wings and feathers, the outline of the insignia and the swastika were in gold. It was also available in an embroidered form.

OBSERVERS' BADGE (BEOBACHTERABZEICHEN)

The Observer's Badge, also introduced on March 26, 1936, was for observers, assistant observers, navigators and bombardiers. The oval wreath was in silver with the raised portions of the design being polished. The eagle, in an observing position, was either in a tarnished silver or black finish. An embroidered version of this badge existed with the wreath in silver wire, the eagle in a dark-grey thread and the swastika in a matt-aluminum wire, on a blue-grey base (officers').

COMBINED PILOT/OBSERVER BADGE (GEMEINSAMES FLUGZEUGFUHRER- UND BEOBACHTERABZEICHEN)

This badge was initiated on March 26, 1936, and was for those who held the pilot's and observer's certificates for a minimum of one year. The design of the badge is identical to that of the pilot's but with a gilt wreath, with the raised portions being polished, and a silver eagle and swastika. The embroidered version had the wreath in gold thread, the eagle in aluminum wire and the swastika in silver wire (officers').

AIR-GUNNER'S BADGE WIRELESS/OPERATOR (FLIEGERSCHUTZEN-(BORDFUNKER) ABZEICHEN)

This badge for Air-Gunner/Wireless-Operators was also instituted on March 26, 1936. The wreath was in silver with the raised portions of the design plus the swastika being polished. The eagle, holding the lightning flashes (symbolic of wireless), was in tarnished silver or black. The embroidered version had the wreath in aluminum wire and the eagle and lightning flashes in a grey thread (officers).

AIR GUNNER'S AND FLIGHT ENGINEER'S BADGE (FLIEGERSCHUTZEN- (BORDSCHlhzEN- UND BORDMECHANIKER) ABZEICHEN)

The Air Gunner's and Flight Engineer's Badge was instituted on June 22, 1942 and was identical in design to the Air-Gunner/Wireless-Operator' s Badge with the exception of the lightning flashes being omitted. It was worn by all air gunners (except combination wirelessoperator/air gunners) and flight engineers and flight meteorologists.

On April 25, 1944, a variation of the Air Gunners and Flight Engineer's Badge was introduced for unqualified air gunners without certificate. It was identical in design but with a black wreath and silver eagle (no lightning flashes). It was awarded for a minimum of ten combat flights. This number could be reduced if the unqualified air gunner was wounded during one of the flights.

FLYER'S COMMEMORATIVE BADGE '(FLIEGERERINNERUNGS ABZEICHEN) This badge was awarded to all flying personel (including parachute troops) who had been relieved of all air crew duties, World War I pilots with at least four years service, plus other personnel with at least fifteen years service time. This commemorative badge was also extended to those crippled by an air-associated accident and to the next-of-kin in case of a flying accident resulting in death. The oakleave wreath was in silver with a polished swastika and the eagle sitting on a boulder was in tarnished silver.

An embroidered version of the commemorative badge was also available, but only for officers. The wreath and swastika was in aluminum wire and the eagle and boulder was in a grey thread.The metal version of this badge could be worn with civilian dress. A stickpin form was also permitted on the left collar. Disabled veterans were also allowed to wear a miniature air crew badge with their civilian dress.

PARACHUTIST BADGE (FALLSCHRIMSCHVTZEN ABZEICHEN)

The Parachutist Badge was initiated on November 5, 1936, for qualified parachutist in the Luftwaffe. The wreath was black with a gold diving eagle and swastika (the highlights of the eagle and swastika were polished). The embroidered version has the wreath in white thread for NCOs and men and in aluminum wire for officers. The eagle and swastika was in gold colored thread for NCOs and men and in gold wire for officers.

GLIDER PILOTS' BADGE (LW-SEGELFLUGZEUGFUHRERABZEICHEN)

The Glider Pilot's Badge was instituted on December 16, 1940, and awarded to those having obtained the military glider pilot's certificate. The wreath and swastika were in silver and the eagle was black or in tarnished silver. It could be worn only on a Wehrmacht or NSFK uniform. The embroidered version has the wreath in aluminum wire, the swastika in bright (silver) wire, and the eagle in grey for officers.

Roger James Bender: "Air Organizations of the Third Reich-The Luftwaffe", 1972.

R. James Bender Publishing

Illustration by R. Kahl

Waffen-SS Rank Insignia

The Allgemeine-SS system of indicating rank by pips, bars and oakleaves was altered only slightly by the SS- Verfiigungstruppe (SS-VT) and later by the Waffen-SS, The right-hand collar insignia indicated unit, while the left indicated the rank of the wearer . The SS runes were eventually worn by all units of the Waffen-SS with the exception of the SS-Police Division, the SS-Totenkopf Division and non-German units. The Totenkopf (death's head) was worn by members of the SS-Totenkopf Division, its Ersatz units (replacements), the Inspectorate of the Concentration Camps and Totenkopf independent units (Insp. K. L. und TotenkopfSturmbanne).

The practice of the right-hand collar insignia indicating unit, while the left indicated rank was disregarded in three recorded instances. This occurred when the unit insignia appeared on the left as well as the right collar patch:

(a) Totenkopf ("Totenkopf" Division and other units) (b) Odalrune ("Prinz Eugen" Division) (c) SS runes (reason unknown at time of writing)

All Waffen-SS collar patches were black with the exception of early Italian units in the Waffen-SS. The Italian-SS initially wore red as the colour for their collar patches and other insignia. They were honoured with the colour black, however, when the Italian SS Legion became the 29th division of the Waffen-SS.

Early SS collar insignia for enlisted men and NCOs was initially piped in silver/black twisted cord but this piping was discontinued probably for reasons of economy. The collar patches of officers and some N COs, who were officer candidates, were trimmed in silver cord. SS Generals' collar insignia were also trimmed in silver cord.

In early 1942 the basic shape of the oak-leaves was altered. The leaves were now of a straighter style and the woven pips were in a slightly different position. The significance of the rank insignia was also effected as indicated in the following chart.

Rank To end of 1941 1942

SS-Oberfuhrer, 2 leaves

SS-Brigadefuhrer, 2 leaves, 1 pip

SS-Gruppenfuhrer, 3 leaves

SS-Obergruppenfuhrer, 3 leaves, 1 pip

SS-Oberstgruppenfuhrer, ---

Rank 1942-1945

SS-Oberfuhrer, 2 leaves

SS-Brigadefuhrer, 3 leaves

SS-Gruppenfuhrer, 3 leaves, 1 pip

SS-Obergruppenfuhrer, 3 leaves, 2 pips

SS-Oberstgruppenfuhrer, 2 leaves, 3 pips

Although the SS-VT and later the Waffen-SS retained the Allgemeine-SS collar rank insignia system, the tendency for closer association with members of the Wehrmacht's combat forces is evident in their shoulder straps. Originally, Waffen-SS shoulder straps were identical with those of the German Army and were worn on both shoulders. The only variation was that the straps of SS enlisted men and NCOs had a black underlay. Enlisted men's straps were piped in Waffenfarben and NCO's straps were trimmed with a 9mm wide aluminum (later cotton) border.

Straight silver cords were utilized for the ranks of Untersturmfuhrer to Hauptsturmfuhrer; entwined double silver cords for Sturmbannfiihrer to Oberfiihrer; and entwined gold/silver/gold cords for Brigadefuhrer to OberstgruppenfUhrer. Reichsfuhrer-SS Heinrich Himmler wore his special shoulder straps with 3 entwined silver cords on the black base with the addition of a silver 3-leaf insignia. The system was later altered for officers' ranks from Untersturmflihrer to Oberfuhrer by the addition of a black base under the Waffenfarben. The pips on shoulder straps were the same as those of the Army in colour (i. e. gold for SS-Obersturmfuhrer to SS-OberfUhrer and silver for SS-Gruppenfuhrer and above). They were later changed to silver for all ranks.

In 1940 the Waffen-SS adopted the circular rank insignia of the Army's Oberschutze. This insignia consisted of a star which was positioned on a black, circular backing and worn by the SS-Mann below his SS sleeve eagle. The title of SS-Mann was altered to SS-Staffelmann and in 1941changed to titles similar to those in the Army. . . . SS-Oberschutze, SS- Obergrenadier, SS-Oberkanonier, SS-Oberreiter, etc. The single chevron sleeve insignia of the Army Gefreiter was also adopted and worn by the SS-Sturmmann. The double chevron insignia of the Army Obergefreiter was adopted and worn by the SS-Rottenfuhrer rank. The Army's influence was also seen in the introduction of the silver lace around the NCO collar. The SS-StabsscharfUhrer (equivalent to Army's Hauptfeldwebel and Hauptwachtmeister), a senior NCO serving in the capacity of company Sergeant-Major, wore two 9mm wide silver strips above the sleeve cuff.

R.J. Bender and H.P. Taylor: "Uniforms, Organization and History of the Waffen-SS Vol. 1", 1969. R.James Bender Publishing

Bender-Publishing.com

Waffen-SS Foreign Volunteer Shields

The origin of this chart is unknown, but it is accurate. If you would like more information on the Waffen-SS foreign volunteers there is quite a lot on the net. Also, Roger Bender published several books on the subject, however, they are mostly out of print and will take some searching to find.

A- 34th SS Gren Div "Landstorm Nederland"

B- 23rd Volunteer Panzer Gren Div. "Nederland"

C- 24th Waffen SS Mountain Div. "Karstjager"

D- 25th Waffen SS Gren Div. "Hungarian No. 2"

E- 26th Waffen SS Gren Div. "Hungarian No. 3"

F- 15th Waffen SS Gren Division "Latvian No. I"

G- 35th Pol Gren Division "Polizei Division 2"

H- 31st SS Frw Gren Division

I- SS Frw Gren Division "Bohmen-Mahren"

J- 32nd SS Volunteer Gren Division "January 30"

K- 33rd Waffen SS Gren Division "Charlemagne"

L- 11th Frw Panzer Gren Division "Nordland"

M- 5th SS Panzer Division "Wiking"

N- 36th Waffen SS Gren Division "Dirlewanger"

O- 19th Waffen SS Gren Division "Latvian No. II"

P- 20th Waffen SS Gren Division "Estonian No. I"

Q- 21st Waffen Geb Div der SS "Skanderbeg"

R- 22nd WW Frw Kav Division "Maria Theresa"

S- 6th SS Mountain Division "Nord"

T- 37th SS Vol Cavalry Division "Lutzow"

U- 27th SS Vol Gren Division "Flemish No. I"

V- 28th SS Vol Panzer Gren Division "Wallonie"

W- 29th Waffen SS Gren Division "Italian No. I"

X- 30th Waffen SS Gren Division "Russian No. II"

Y- 7th SS Vol Mountain Division "Prinz Eugen"

Z- 10th SS Panzer Division "Frundsberg"

AA- 38th SS Panzer Gren Division "Nibelungen"CC- 12th SS Panzer Division "Hitlerjugend" (Hitler Youth)

DD- LSSAH

EE- Liebstandarte SS

FF- 9th SS Panzer Division "Hohenstaufen"

GG- 16th SS Panzer Gren Division "Reichsfuhrer SS"

HH- 17th SS Panzer Gren Division "Gotz von Berlichingen"

JJ- 18th SS Vol Panzer Gren Division "Horst Wessel"

KK- 13th SS Mountain Division "Handschar"

LL- 14th SS Waffen Gren Division "Galizische No. I"

MM- 8th SS Cavairy Division "Florian Geyer"

NN- 1st SS Panzer Division "Liebstandarte"

OO- 2nd SS Panzer Division "Das Reich"

PP- 3rd SS Panzer Division "Totenkopf"

QQ- 4th SS Panzer Division "Polizei Division"

RR- Gross Deutschland Division

SS Shoulder Straps

Officers and men of the SS-Verfiigungstruppe initially wore the shoulder trapS and boards with all uniforms in the identical format and manner of wear as with the Allgemeine-SS. Later, they continued to wear the standard pattern Allgemeine-SS shoulder straps/boards on the black uniform. However, they were distinguished by the wear of cyphers (bronze metal for officers, and silver-colored metal for enlisted ranks), to identify their units. Following the outbreak of the war, officers converted to the army pattern shoulder boards (to be discussed with the chapter dealing with the Waffen-SS).The Leibstandarte "Adolf Hitler" was the first unit to transition to wearing the army pattern shoulder strap for enlisted personnel. The earth-grey shoulder straps with white cord piping about the edge were worn on both shoulders of the earth-grey/field grey uniforms. The unit cypher was embroidered in silver-grey thread on the face of the shoulder strap.

The short-lived 1st pattern, earth-grey shoulder strap, apparently worn by the LAH only, was replaced by a second pattern of black cloth, rounded ends, and piped with black/aluminum cord. Machine-embroidered on each strap was a 3.5 cm regimental cypher, in silver-grey silk, for the SS-Leibstandarte "Adolf Hitler" (LAH), SS-Standarte "Deutschland" (D), and SS-Standarte Germania" (G).

The third pattern of shoulder straps was introduced and was of simpler cloth version. It reverted to the pointed ends, was made of black cloth, and had the Cypher embroidered in silver-grey silk thread. This pattern was not piped.

A fourth and final pattern was introduced in late 1938/early 1939. It was made of black cloth with rounded ends, and piped in the branch color (covered in the section dealing with the Waffen-SS Waffenfarbe).From December 1939 the regimental cypher was of the Roman (Antiqua) variety rather than the earlier Gothic form shown above (except for the LAH, which retained its former insignia). When pips and tress were introduced for wear by NCOs, the cypher was silver-colored metal, and slightly smaller than the silver/aluminum cypher worn by officers.

J.R. Angolia: "Cloth Insignia of the SS", 1983.R. James BenderPublishing

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Uniforms of the Eastern Occupied Territories

Reichsministry for the Occupied Eastern Territories

The Ostministerium, or Reich Ministry of the Occupied Eastern Territories (Reichsministerium flir die besetzten Ostgebiete-RMBO), was the German governing body of the occupied Soviet territories. It was under the control of Reichsminister Alfred Rosenberg, with Alfred Meyer as his Deputy Minister.

Knowledge of the organizational structure of the RMBO is essential to better understand the rank structure. Headquarters of the Ministry was located in Berlin. Each occupied eastern area was administered by a Reichskommissariat with a Reichskommissar at its head. Each Reich Commissariat was subdivided into at least six General Commissariats (Generalbezirke), each headed by a Generalkommissar. Each Generalbezirk was in turn subdivided into districts (Kreisgebiete-up to 20 throughout the entire RMBO), each headed by a Gebietskommissar. Each district was composed of a series of villages, or Rayon, but there was no German administrative official below the district level.

The uniforms of the RMBO, like those of the Foreign Ministry, underwent continued, and sometimes radical changes.

In Order Nr. 1 dated 2 September 1941 Rosenberg specified the uniform for the general membership in the cut of the uniform be that of the official's uniform as prescribed by the Reichsgesetzblatt of 8 March 1940, but in a dark brown uniform cloth. His order directed the following:

Order Nr. 1: Concerning: Uniforms of male personnel of offices in the Occupied Eastern Territories.

Cut of the Uniform

All male personnel in occupied territories must wear uniforms of dark brown uniform cloth (giving rise to the derisive description of "The Golden Pheasants" in concurrence with the gold rank insignia). These are to be made in cut and style of the uniforms in accordance with the order of introduction of uniforms for the (Reich) officials dated 8 March 1940, Reichsgesetzblatt I p.463. Part of No. 43 of Reichsgesetzblatt 1940 part I, in which these uniform regulations were published, is added. (NOTE: The uniform pattern for 1940 was that of a double-breasted tunic.)

Personnel already sent into the occupied territories were issued uniforms of Ordensjunker (High Schools of the NSDAP) as these uniforms were available. For the same reason other personnel sent to the occupied territories in the future will be issued those uniforms. Uniforms of the new production have to be manufactured after the regulations (8 March 1940) of the uniforms of the officials.

Headgear of the new production are to be with insignia in accordance with the above mentioned regulations (8 March 1940).

All members under my authority have to wear the uniforms as mentioned in paragraph 1, above, without exception. The order of the Fuhrer for the Altreich (that territory of the Reich within the boundaries of 1939) that officials with ranks of Kreisleiter or Standardenflihrer and above have to wear their respective uniforms of the NSDAP, but not the uniforms of officials is not valid for members under my authority. (NOTE: It is interesting that Rosenberg took it on himself to countermand Bitler's order, an act that Hitler was not to allow to go unnoticed.)

Rank Insignia

Rank insignia are determined by the respective pay grades of the personnel .Shoulder boards and shoulder straps are not allowed. Rank insignia are worn on the lower left sleeve of the tunics and greatcoats. They are in gold embroidery. Rank insignia are as determined by the added summary (Annex 2).

Officials of uniform Group 1 (Reich Minister to Ministerialdirigent) wear greatcoats with lapels of dark brown velvet. Officials of the high grade, elevated and medium grade services and the employees (Angestellte) of corresponding ranks wear caps with gold cord; officials of the lower grade service, employees of corresponding ranks and personnel on salary (Lohnempfiinger-workers, etc.) wear caps with a leather chin strap.

Trousers

Varying from the uniform regulations, breeches are without piping and long trousers without lateral stripes. Long trousers are with light brown lateral piping.

Belt, Pistol and Side Arms

All personnel are uniformly equipped with a leather belt (color not identified) and a pistol (thus a holster). Daggers are allowed only for those officials which were permitted to wear the uniform of officials (Beamtenuniform) according to the Uniform Regulations dated 8 March 1940.

Other

It is intended to introduce a uniform for female members. At this time, the problem is under consideration. Orders will be issued at the proper time. (NOTE:There are no subsequent indications that uniforms for female personnel were ever introduced.)

In typical German officialdom fashion, Order Nr. 2: Zu Rk.14915 B was distributed to amplify the already clear Order Nr. 1. It again specified that "The dark brown uniform will be in cut and style of the general uniforms of officials, with corresponding insignia." That "shoulder boards are not under consideration," and that "in variance to the general regulations, the embroidery on sleeve will be in gold in lieu of silver." (NOTE: The pattern of the embroidered sleeve insignia was identical to those of the diplomatic and government officials as prescribed by the March 1940 regulations except that all pay groups prescribed to have the sleeve insignia wore that insignia in gold.)

Hitler responded "politely" to Rosenberg's "oversight" in countermanding his order. A brief letter from the Reich Chancellery was sent stating: "To the Reichsminister: The Reich Minister of the Occupied Eastern Territories issued his orders before he got knowledge of the most recent intentions of the Fuhrer. The Fuhrer wishes to see samples of uniforms and insignia before he gives his approval, and before beginning production of uniforms will be ordered. As the regulations ordered by the Reichsminister of the Occupied Eastern Territories are not in contradiction to the hitherto existing principal intentions of the Fuhrer, especially as shoulder boards are not under consideration, it is assumed that the Fuhrer will give his approval. Everything else will be left to Reichsminister." Apparently, sometime between the issuance of Order Nr. 1 and the issuance of the uniform regulations below dated 25 March 1942, Rosenberg commissioned the noted designer Egon Jantke to create uniform designs for personnel assigned to the Occupied Eastern Territories. While in an article written by him, Jantke takes all the credit for the resultant designs. It should be noted that a great deal of direction came from Rosenberg himself.

John R. Angolia: "In the Service of the Reich", R. James Bender Publishing, 1995

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Insignia Construction Techniques of the SA

Some of the finest hand and machine embroidered uniform insignia ever produced was made in Germany between 1930 and 1945. A great deal of this very attractive and functional insignia was produced for the SA.

The SA grew rapidly in both size and power. Between the time of the first standardization of SA insignia in 1923 and the first insignia regulations in 1929, it was very difficult to readily determine the difference between the numerous SA units. This was due primarily to the lack of uniformity between units and to the loose control of the organization itself.

There is a tendency among collectors who view Nazi era insignia as unique. In reality the only unique part was the proliferation of insignia and the wide use of relatively few symbols in many forms (Swastica, national eagle, wreath, oak leaves, etc.) . All SA insignia was initially strictly handmade. As the membership of organization grew it rapidly became difficult to hand produce enough insignia for all the units. The following is a brief description of the development and techniques used in insignia construction.
Hand Embroidery, the oldest form of embroidery produced beautiful cloth insignia. Materials used to hand embroider SA insignia were, for the most part, already available at the time the insignia was introduced. These materials consisted of: Tresse (woven metalic tape), Bullion (Coils of fine wire or celofane which were cut to size and sewn to the fabric by a needle and thread passing through them), Spinst (metallic and celofane wrapped thread called wire) Cotton, Silk, and Rayon (artificial silk). It should be noted, as some unfortunate collectors have found, that some of these materials are still in use today. In the past few years there has been panic among collectors over copy insignia which may have been made in Austria, Germany, or India. Copied insignia is a problem, but the best way to overcome this is to examine all the original insignia which one can examine and become knowledgeable of material types, construction techniques, and insignia designs which were used. Collectors often give reproductions too much credit. Materials which are produced today are exactly that. Current bullion is usually coated with a plastic film where it was not in the Third Reich. Most copy insignia is produced with thread that has a different twist and size than that of the Third Reich threads. These are just a few of the things which can help a collector make a decision on a piece of insignia which he wants to purchase.

Some insignia was made, in whole or part, with layered pieces of cloth sewn together, for example, some Tyrrune, collar tabs, and party brassards.

The first machine-made SA insignia were produced on individual Chain stitch sewing machines. This method goes back to Imperial Germany.Common chain stitch machines were produced by Singer and Cornelly for the purpose of decorative sewing. These machines are still in use today. The chain stitch was the most common method for sewing unit numbers and designations on collar tabs, sleeve bands, and some flag designs. These machines were relatively cheap and ideal for short run production. operators were easily trained.

A single head "vibrating needle" sewing machine was used to produce satin stitches. These machines, however, required a good deal of operator skill and were not readily available.
A machine which was peculiar to Germany's pre-war insignia development was the multi-headed "Wurker sewing machine" which was invented in 1927. The Wurker combined four single sewing machines connected together by a punch card reader. The reader followed the punch card patterns and produced four different insignia at one time. The workers were widely produced until the end of the war and are still in use all over the world. The worker was more expensive to operate than chain stitch machines but was more flexible and did not require a large amount of operator skill.

The oldest embroidery machine is the "Schiffli" which was invented in Switzerland to make lace. This machine had a series of sewing needles spaced along the length of the machine with each doing the same stitch pattern. In the production of collar tabs, for example, the needles might be spaced 3" apart, about 12 per yard. This equaled 120 collar tabs per 1 0 yard machine. Driven by punched cards the needles stitched through stretched cloth and made their movements according to the punch card. The machine could make faily large movements and longer stitches, thus it was more flexible than the worker. Another advantage was that the Schiffli did not require stretching hoops as did the worker. A large quantity of SS insignia was produced on Schiffli machines.

A certain amount of SA insignia was machine woven. There are two similar methods. One is complete weaving of the basic threads to produce a continuous ribbon or fabric. Sleevebands and some sleeve insignia were produced this way. The second method is weaving selected threads into a previously woven plain ribbon or fabric. Brassards, sleeve badges, sports shirt emblems, etc. were made this way. Both methods were controlled by Jacquard cards punched with a certain pattern. 'Bevo' was a well known company which used both methods. Woven insignia could be quickly produced, well detailed, and was economical in mass production. A good deal of SS insignia was produced by this method.

Like the SS there was some insignia which was silk screened but this was done primarily in the early days.

SA Unit Identifiers 1934-1942

12 mm cyphers represented Sturm and Sturmbann numbers.

18 mm cyphers represented Standarten numbers.

22 mm cyphers represented Brigade staff numbers.

22 mm cyphers were also used as symbols for specialized units and honor units.

A gothic L represented the Honor unit in Berlin 'LIST'. A script L represented the SA Liebstandarte in Munich. A script J represented fusilier (Jager) units and a script S represented security (Sicherheit) units. 80th Jager and Sicherheit (Security) units designation's were embroidered in light or dark green thread depending upon the unit cloth color. Dark green for light colored fabrics and light green for dark colored fabrics. Theses special designation letters existed in stamped metal as did some unit numbers both of which were attached to the collar tabs by prongs.

Information on Construction techniques prepared by William Renner
David Fuller: "Collectors Guide to Sturmabteilung Insignia" Matthaus Publishers, 1985

Collar Tabs of the NSDAP

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

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

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

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

THE RANKS

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

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

29. Helfer (Assistant).

30. Oberhelfer (Upperassistant).

31. Arbeitsleiter (Work-leader).

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

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

34. Bereitschaftsleiter (Alert-leader).

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

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

37. Einsatzleiter (Action-leader).

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

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

40. Gemeinschaftsleiter (Community-leader).

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

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

43. Abschnittsleiter (Section-leader).

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

(Following ranks on district-level)

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

46. Bereichsleiter (Zone-leader).

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

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

49. Dienstleiter (Service-leader).

(Following ranks only on province-level and higher)

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

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

52. Befehlsleiter (Command-leader).

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

55. Gauleiter.

(Following ranks only on state-level).

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

56. Reichsleiter (State-leader).

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

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

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

The Marine SA

Marine SA units were first formed in 1929 to provide pre- and post-military training to men designated for assignment to or leaving service with the navy and merchant marine. Each SA-Gruppe contained at least one SA-Marinestandarte without concern for the geographic proximity to sea ports. Inland sreams and waterways were the training grounds for such units. Prior to 1934, Naval SA units were merely a part of the regular SA, but with a specialized charter. In 1934, following a significant reorganization, Marine-SA units were given an independent status within the overall structure of the SA.

Even from the earliest days, the Marine-SA wore a distinctive uniform and insignia. The first uniform consisted of a dark blue visored cap (instead of the standard pattern SA kepi), dark blue breeches or straight pants, brown boots with breeches), and the standard pattern SA brown shirt. A completely distinct uniform was introduced for wear by members of the Marine-SA in 1934, the dark blue service tunic was introduced, and the color of the footwear was changed to black.

While most of the insignia worn by members of the Marine-SA remained consistent with those of the regular SA, the device worn on the navy-style visor cap was distinctive to the Marine-SA.

In early 1933, a special cap device consisting of an elongated oakleaf wreath with the political leader rosette (black swastika in the center of the red/silver/black rosette) was worn on the black mohair band of the visor cap· Enlisted personnel wore the insigne in gold metal, while officers had the insigne in gold hand embroidered wire.

Sometime in early 1934, the insigne was modified, with the political leader's rosette being replaced by a silver political-style national emblem with a 38mm wing span. The national emblem was placed in the center of the gold wreath, and the insigne moved from the center of the mohair band to the center front of the upper cap.

In mid-1934 the insigne was again moved back to the front center of the black mohair band, where it remained.

The third and final insignia pattern was introduced sometime in 1938 or 1939 and remained until the end of the war. The cockade was a gold oakleaf wreath with a round SA rosette in the center, and positioned at the front center of the mohair band. At the front center of the cap top was the late pattern national emblem.

J.R. Angolia: "Cloth Insignia of the NSDAP and SA", 1985. R.James Bender Publishing

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Introduction to Luftwaffe Uniforms

Uniforms of the Luftwaffe

By Hitler's decree of February 26, 1935, the Luftwaffe was to be officially the third branch of the Wehrmacht as of March 1, 1935. The new Luftwaffe was faced with the problem of uniforms. .. . they wanted a distinctive uniform from those of the other two branches of the Wehrmacht (Heer and Kriegsmarine) and also wanted a clear separation in dress of military and civilian flyers.

Preceeding the March 1 date, all those in secret training for the Luftwaffe wore the basic Deutscher Luftsport- Verband uniform with minor variations. After carefull examination of production costs of an entirely new uniform it was decided to utilize the basic grey blue DLV uniform with newly designed Luftwaffe insignia. Among these were the Luftwaffe national emblem (a flying eagle clasping a swastika), a new and extensive use of Waffenfarben, some changes in the DLV collar rank insignia and the adoption of the Army's shoulder strap ranking system.

With the passage of time, a number of various uniforms evolved in cut and design which were designated to cover any occasion Luftwaffe personnel would encounter. Among these were:

(a) Flying Service Uniform for flying personnel
(b) Field Dress
(c) Service Dress
(d) Guard Uniform
(e) Undress Uniform for officers and NCOs which lead (on duty)
(f) Reporting Uniform
(g) Parade Dress
(h) Walking-Out Dress
(i) Informal Full Dress (day) for officers
(j) Formal Full Dress (day) for officers
(k) Informal Full Dress (evening) for officers
(l) Formal Full Dress (evening) for officers (m)Informal Full Dress for NCOs and men
(n) Formal Full Dress for NCOs and men
(0) Summer Uniform for officers
(p) Sports kit

Roger James Bender: "Air Organizations of the Third Reich-The Luftwaffe", 1972. R. James Bender Publishing

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Flyer's Badges

AIRCREW BADGE (FLIEGERSCHAFTSABZEICHEN) This badge was initiated on January 19, 1935 and initially worn by members of the Deutscher Luftsport- Verband who held a flying license.
When the new Luftwaffe adopted it in early 1935, it was worn on the left breast pocket by pilots and observers. The horizontal oval wreath was in silver with a black eagle holding a silver swastika.

NOTE:
The following badges which had embroidered versions, were in aluminum or silver wire (where specified) for officers and the appropriate colored cotton thread for NCOs and enlisted men. It should be noted that these were purchased privately and not an awarded item.

PILOTS' BADGE I (FLUGZEUGFUHRERABZEICHEN)

On March 26, 1936, this newly designed badge was introduced and replaced the Aircrew Badge. The oval wreath was in silver with the raised portions of the design being polished. The eagle and swastika were either in a tarnished silver or a black finish. An embroidered version of this badge existed with the wreath in silver wire, the eagle in a dark-grey thread and the swastika in a matt-aluminum embroidery

The Pilot's Badge was worn in the middle of the left breast pocket of the tunic or in the approximate area of the Flying Blouse and Evening Full-Dress jacket. If the individual had been awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class, the badge was worn below it.

Luftwaffe Pilot's Badge Civilian (ZIVILES FLUGZEUGFUHRERABZEICHEN DER LUFTWAFFE) Civilian pilots in the Luftwaffe were also permitted a pilot's badge . . . . it was a pair of enameled blue wings with a slanted swastika in the middle. The wings were approximately 8cm wide and 1. 6cm high. The detail of the wings and feathers, the outline of the insignia and the swastika were in gold. It was also available in an embroidered form.

OBSERVERS' BADGE (BEOBACHTERABZEICHEN) The Observer's Badge, also introduced on March 26, 1936, was for observers, assistant observers, navigators and bombardiers. The oval wreath was in silver with the raised portions of the design being polished. The eagle, in an observing position, was either in a tarnished silver or black finish. An embroidered version of this badge existed with the wreath in silver wire, the eagle in a dark-grey thread and the swastika in a matt-aluminum wire, on a blue-grey base (officers').

COMBINED PILOT/OBSERVER BADGE (GEMEINSAMES FLUGZEUGFUHRER- UND BEOBACHTERABZEICHEN) This badge was initiated on March 26, 1936, and was for those who held the pilot's and observer's certificates for a minimum of one year.
The design of the badge is identical to that of the pilot's but with a gilt wreath, with the raised portions being polished, and a silver eagle and swastika. The embroidered version had the wreath in gold thread, the eagle in aluminum wire and the swastika in silver wire (officers').

AIR-GUNNER'S BADGE/WIRELESS-OPERATOR (FLIEGERSCHUTZEN-(BORDFUNKER) ABlEICHEN) This badge for Air-Gunner/Wireless-Operators was also instituted on March 26, 1936. The wreath was in silver with the raised portions of the design plus the swastika being polished. The eagle, holding the lightning flashes (symbolic of wireless), was in tarnished silver or black. The embroidered version had the wreath in aluminum wire and the eagle and lightning flashes in a grey thread (officer s').

AIR GUNNER'S AND FLIGHT ENGINEER'S BADGE (FLIEGERSCHUTlEN- (BORDSCHUTlEN- UND BORDMECHANIKER) ABlEICHEN) The Air Gunner's and Flight Engineer's Badge was instituted on June 22, 1942 and was identical in design to the Air-Gunner /Wireless-Operator' s Badge with the exception of the lightning flashes being omitted. Itwas worn by all air gunners (except combination wirelessoperator/air gunners) and flight engineers and flight meteorologists.

On April 25, 1944, a variation of the Air Gunners and Flight Engineer's Badge was introduced for unqualified air gunners without certificate. It was identical in design but with a black wreath and silver eagle (no lightning flashes). It was awarded for a minimum of ten combat flights. This number could be reduced if the unqualified air gunner was wounded during one of the flights.

FLYER'S COMMEMORATIVE BADGE (FLIEGERERINNERUNGS ABlEICHEN) This badge was awarded to all flying personnel (including parachute troops) who had been relieved of all air crew duties, World War I pilots with at least four years service, plus other personnel with at least fifteen years service time. This commemorative badge was also extended to those crippled by an air-associated accident and to the next-of-kin in case of a flying accident resulting in death. The oakleave wreath was in silver with a polished swastika and the eagle sitting on a boulder was in tarnished silver.

An embroidered version of the commemorative badge was also available, but only for officers. The wreath and swastika was in aluminum wire and the eagle and boulder was in a grey thread.

The metal version of this badge could be worn with civilian dress. A stickpin form was also permitted on the left collar. Disabled veterans were also allowed to wear a miniature air crew badge with their civilian 7 dress.

PARACHUTIST BADGE (FALLSCHRIMSCHIRM ABZEICHEN) The Parachutist Badge was initiated on November 5, 1936, for qualified parachutist in the Luftwaffe. The wreath was black with a gold diving eagle and swastika (the highlights of the eagle and swastika were polished). The embroidered version has the wreath in white thread for NCOs and men and in aluminum wire for officers. The eagle and swastika was in gold colored thread for NCOs and men and in gold wire for officers.

THE ARMY PARACHUTIST BADGE AT LEFT WAS INSTITUTED ON JUNE 15, 1937 AND WORN BY ARMY PARACHUTISTS UNTIL JANUARY 1, 1939, WHEN THEY CAME UNDER THE COMMAND OF THE LUFTWAFFE. THE ARMY EAGLE AND WREATH WERE IN GILT AND THE DIVING EAGLE IN SILVER.

NOTE:
An order dated October 19, 1939, gave the following regulations for the awarding of Flier's Badges for the duration of the war.

1. Pilot's Badge - after obtaining the pilot's certificate 2. Observer's Badge - after five combat flights or two months after obtaining the Observer's, Navigator's or Bombardier's certificate 3. Wireless-Operator/Flight Engineer/Air Gunner - after five combat flights or two months after obtaining the appropriate certificate

7Anzugordnung der die Luftwaffe, revised April 1, 1937, pp.149/150.

8 Luftwaffen- Verordnungsblatt, November 16, 1936. The order was numbered 1491 and dated November 5, 1936.

9 Luftwaffen- Verordnugsblatt, November 6, 1939. The order was numbered 314 and dated October 19, 1939.

GLIDER PILOTS' BADGE (LW-SEGELFLUGZEUGFUHRERABZEICHEN) The Glider Pilot's Badge was instituted on December 16, 1940, and awarded to those having obtained the military glider pilot's certificate.
The wreath and swastika were in silver and the, eagle was black or in tarnished silver. It could be worn only on a NSFK or Wehrmacht uniform. The embroidered version has the wreath in aluminum wire, the swastika in bright (silver) wire, and the eagle in grey for officers.

Roger James Bender: "Air Organizations of the Third Reich-The Luftwaffe", 1972. R. James Bender Publishing

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Organization Book of the N.S.D.A.P.

As a reference for collectors of Nazi militaria, the Organisationsbuch del' NSDAP is generally among the most valuable, both in information and in cost. Even for the collector with little or no knowledge of German its illustrations of uniforms and rank insignia make it a worthwhile purchase.

There are, however, several editions of the work available. The information in the 1936 edition, for example, is limited indeed when compared with the last or 1943 edition. As a rare book, however, the 1936 or first edition is more valuable.

Since no English language version of the NSDAP bibliography is available, this article is intended to serve as a checklist of the various versions of this book, both for contents and for value.

The 1936 Organisationsbuch der NSDAP

This is the first edition, and was written during the years 1934-35.
It is bound in red cloth with silver lettering. Unlike all later editions, this first edition has the words 'Organisationsbuch der' NSDAP' printed legnthwise on the spine. The front cover has the national eagle facing left and the title'. The title pase lists the publisher as 'Zentralverlag der' NSDAP., Franz Eher., Nachf., Munchen. It is dated 1936, but no quantity is listed. Records show the printing figure to be 50,000. The uniform illustrations are not professional. They are crude and without detail. The rank insignia, however, are well done. This is the only edition that illustrates the rank insignia of the Parteigericht or Party courts. These rank insignia were eliminated in late 1936. Later editions do, of course, list the organization of these courts, but the judges no longer had special insignia.

The 1937 Edition: (Second and Third Printings) The second edition is also bound in red cloth, but the title is printed horizontally on the spine. The 1937 exists in three printings. The first was a printing of 50,000 marked 2.nd Edition. The second was a variation of the 2.nd printing adding some peripheral information. It is rubberstamped with a 3 over the original printed ed. number. The third 1937 variety is the 3.rd printing, an issue of 50,000 copies. Uniform illustrations in the 2.nd and overstamped 3.rd are similar to the 1936 version. The 3.rd printing has more professional drawings which show greater detail.

The 1938 Edition: (Fourth and Fifth Printings) The fourth and fifth printings are almost identical in binding and content to the 3.rd edition of 1937. Total printing figures for the year were nearly 150,000 copies. (Note: While the 5.th printing is dated 1938, it was printed in early 1939)

The 1940 Edition: (Sixth printing) the sixth printing is bound in red cloth with silver printing as earlier editions. Like both 1938 printings, it illustrates the second style rank insignia for Politische Leiter. It is, however, of a larger format than earlier editions, containing more detailed orsanizational information. It runs slightly more than one-hundred pages longer than earlier editions.
Illustration quality is excellent. The 1940 Org. book was the first to illustrate NSFK uniforms and insignia.

The 1943 Edition: (7th printing) The last printing of the work, the 1943 edition is bound in red cardboard with a red cloth backstrip. It is the most complete edition, both in information and in illustrations. It is odd, however, that even at this late date the authors had not yet include the Waffen-SS, even though it was directly under party control as a branch of the SS. This is the most sought after edition.

The 1943 Edition: (Post-war Reprint) Bound in reddish-brown cloth with silver lettering, this reprint has the title printed lengthwise on the spine. On the original 1943 it was done horizontally. The reprint is a fair reference. But has little resale value. The color plates are somewhat disappointing since the colors have been inaccurately reproduced. The publishier also saw fit, for God know what reason, to add photos from various other books which have no relation to the text whatsoever. It is, at best, a poor substitute.

Thomas Reid: "The NSDAP Organization Book", "Der Gauleiter",1977

Early Rank Insignia of the SS

The SS badges of rank were quite equal to those of the SA because the SS originally was an organization within the SA. Therefore the only real difference between the early SA and SS badges of rank was the fact that all SS collar patches were black and all double-coloured SS cords and piping were black/white. But this stands for the SS rank insignia up to 1934 only. After the political degradation of the SA in that year the badges of rank of both organizations have gone their own way. From 1934 until 1942 the SS badges of rank remained quite unchanged. In 1942 a new pattern of oak-leaf emblems was introduced and the rank of 'OberstGruppenfuhrer' was added to the list of ranks. It was about the same year or a little later when completely new SS collar patches appeared to pull one line with the 'Waffen-SS' ones, although there remained slight differences.

1933 SS COLLAR PATCHES

Features

black cloth for men: SS.-Obersturmbannfuhrer', black velvet from 'Standartenfuhrer' upwards. Silver coloured, resp. matt aluminium braids and stars. Silver coloured metal, resp. silver embroidered rank badges.

The piping according to rank:

'SS.-Mann' - 'Obertruppfuhrer' - no piping when worn on the brown Blouse and white twisted cord (not always because of difference in manufacture) on black Service Tunic.

'SS.-Haupttruppfuhrer' - 'Obersturmfhrer' - black/white twisted cord in any case.

'SS.-Sturmhauptfuhrer' - 'SS.-Reichsfuhrer' - silver twisted cord.

The Ranks

1. 'SS.-Mann'

2. 'SS.-Sturmmann'

3. 'SS.-Rottenfuhrer'

4. 'SS.-Scharfuhrer'

5. 'SS.-Oberscharfuhrer'

6. 'SS.-Truppfuhrer'

7. 'SS.-Obertruppfuhrer'

8. 'SS.-Sturmfuhrer'

9. 'SS.-Obersturmfuhrer'

10. 'SS.-Sturmhauptfuhrer'

11. 'SS.-Sturmbannfuhrer'

12. 'SS.-Obersturmbannfuhrer'

13. 'SS.-Standartenfuhrer'

14. 'SS.-Oberfuhrer'

15. 'SS.-Brigadefuhrer'

16. 'SS.-Gruppenfuhrer'

17. 'SS.-Reichsfuhrer' in the rank of 'SS. -Obergruppenfuhrer'

1934 SS COLLAR PATCHES - Features

The material of the collar patches remained unchanged.
Members of the 'SS.-Stammabteilungen' wore grey collar patches (material according to rank) with bronzed stars and black braids with silver stripes.

Piping according to rank

'SS.-Mann' - 'Stabsscharfuhrer' (aluminium) twisted cord.
black/silver (black/

'SS.-Untersturmfuhrer' - 'ReichsWhrer-SS' - silver (aluminium) twisted cord.

18. 'SS.-Mann'

19. 'SS.-Sturmmann'

20. 'SS.-Rottentuhrer'

21. 'SS.-Unterscharfuhrer'

22. 'SS.-Scharfuhrer'

23. 'SS.-Oberscharfuhrer'

24. 'SS.-Hauptscharfuhrer'

25. 'SS.-Stabsscharfuhrer'

26. 'SS.-Unterfuhrer'

27. 'SS.-Obersturmfuhrer'

28. 'SS.-Hauptsturmfuhrer'

29. 'SS.-Sturmbannfuhrer'

30. 'SS.-Obersturmbannfuhrer'

31. 'SS.-Standartenfuhrer'

32. 'SS.-Oberfuhrer'

33. 'SS.-Brigadefuhrer'

34. 'SS.-Gruppenfuhrer'

35. 'SS.-Obergruppenfuhrer'

36. 'Reichsfuhrer-SS'

37. 1929 collar patch for Hitler's adjutants - black velvet with silver embroidered or white metal emblem and silver twisted cord piping. Right and left collar patch were identical.

38. 1934 additional collar patch of Reserve Battalions worn on both sides of the collar above the regular collar patches.

39.
1934 collar patch of 'SS.-Ehrenfuhrer' (Honorary Leader) in the rank of 'SS.-Standartenfuhrer'.

'SS.-Bewerber' (applicants) wore no collar patches.

'SS.-Anwarter' (candidates) wore plain collar patches without cord edging.

40. 1934 Chevron for 'Stabsscharfuhrer' worn on the right lower sleeve above the cuff.

Rudolf Kahl: "Uniforms and Badges of the Third Reich", Volume II, Military Collectors Service, C. 1968