Deutschland Erwacht Penknife

Two versions of the Deutschland Erwacht ("Germany awake") penknife, a reproduction which has been reputedly struck from the original dies of the Henckels firm, Solingen. The original emotive behind these knives was that they were sold during the years preceding and including 1933 as fund raising ventures providing income both for the manufacturer and the NSDAP who permitted usage of their emblems.

The private manufacture and sale of items bearing the swastika was forbidden by law,
following the establishment of the NSDAP government - the emblem being the official National Crest. The usage of it on badges, insignia, edged weapons, etc., etc., was only upon condition of government approval.

It is possible that the sale of such penknives as these illustrated was curtailed after 1933, and that they were not manufactured again until the dies were re-set during the mid-1960s. Photos: David Delich

Frederick J. Stephens, "Deutschland Erwacht Knife", Reproduction? Recognition!, 1976

High Quality Fakes

Below are photos and descriptions of some "high class" fakes. Both the photos and text came from the maker's sales literature. It looks to me, and I can only speculate, that the maker is selling these to militaria dealers.... and getting very good prices for them. I'm sure the dealers who buy them are very careful to tell their customers that these are not original pieces. They would have to, because these fakes are so nicely made they might fool many collectors and, of course no dealer would want to do that.... Bob Treend

* * *

These SS insignia sets are punched from the very same original molds or die sets that made the famous Third Reich SS visor cap insignia and expertly finished by European craftsmen. Each of these amazing "POST WAR ORIGINAL" SS visor cap insignia is gracefully aged by hand, one by one, to perfection. It would not be inaccurate to label these handsome SS insignia "Museum Copies" since they come from the original molds or die, hence the preferred term "Post War Originals".

This set of "Post War Original" SS visor cap insignia are absolutely identical to the originals. After all, they came from the same molds.


A very rare early pre RZM Museum Copy SS Visor Cap Early Totenkopf skull.This finely detailed SS Totenkopf skull is cast in pure silver directly off of the original Private Purchase piece. Each piece is handmade and perfectly aged, identical in every way to the originals.


An ultra rare early short wingspan Museum Copy SS Visor Cap Eagle. This finely detailed SS Eagle is marked "11/21 RZM" and is cast in pure silver directly from the original piece. Each superb piece is handmade and perfectly aged, identical in every way to the origanals.


This handmade pure .925 silver visor cap eagle is without a doubt the "Mercedes" of all Third Reich headgear insignia. These were purchased by the discerning NSDAP Political Leader who wanted nothing but "The" very finest of insignia to proudly display on his cap.

The detail of this correctly maker marked M1/111 and RZM'ed eagle is noticeably finer than on the base metal die stamped versions.They also exhibit considerably more weight. Make no mistake these are no lightweights.

This superb "Museum Copy" is reproduced directly off a rare original insignia and measures 57-mm wing tip to wing tip.

Each of these amazing eagles is gracefully aged by hand, one by one to perfection.

If you're interested in some Original Third Reich Insignia you might want to click here.

The Waffen-SS Indian Legion

Collecting items from the era of the Third Reich is interesting. Research on these events reveals much about the nature of the individuals and formations who participated in the war. Many examples can be found, of men in desperate situations who earn respect with their actions, even from the enemies they fought against. Other formations earn shame, notoriety, and eternal disgust for their despicable and inhuman behavior.

In the closing stages of World War II, as Allied and French resistance forces were driving Hitler's now demoralised forces from France, three senior German officers defected. The information they gave British intelligence was considered so sensitive that in 1945 it was locked away, not due to be released until the year 2021. Thousands of Indian soldiers, who had joined Britain in the fight against fascism, betrayed the oath to the King of England. They then swore to serve Adolf Hitler. This betrayal threatened to rock British rule in India, known as the Raj. The story the German officers told their interrogators began in Berlin on 3 April 1941. This was the date that the left-wing Indian revolutionary leader, Subhas Chandra Bose, arrived in the German capital. Bose, who had been arrested 11 times by the British in India, had fled the Raj with one mission in mind. That was to seek Hitler's help in pushing the British out of India. Bose hoped to raise a force of about 100,000 men which, when armed and kitted out by the Germans, could be used to invade British India. He decided to raise them by going on recruiting visits to Prisoner-of-War camps in Germany which, at that time, confined tens of thousands of Indian soldiers captured by Rommel in North Africa.

This photo shows a battle equipped unit of the legion. Various uniforms, overseas caps, trousers are in uses. Of particular note are the supposedly "Luftwaffe" or "SS" or Heer Tropical boots, and the use of grenade bags. None of them seem to be wearing the sleeve shield.

The Legion Freies Indien / Indisches Infanterie Regiment 950 was organized as a standard German army infantry regiment of three battalions each of four companies. They were issued Standard German Army tropical uniforms and weapons. Many wore the traditional Indian turban , others chose the Hats, caps, and helmets of the German army.

The Indian Legion Flag

All commissioned officers of I.R. 950 (ind) were German, but after a brief course some Indian NCO's were commissioned, in October 1943.

The unit was partially Motorised, being equipped with 81 motor vehicles and 700 horses, and was later referred to as Panzergrenadier Regiment 950 (indische) presumably to reflect its semi-Motorized status.

Members of the Free India Legion during training for duties on the Atlantic Wall, circa 1943.

The German High Command despatched them first to Holland and then south-west France, where they were told to help fortify the coast for an expected allied landing. The Legion Freies Indien was deployed in France on coastal defense duties in the area of Lacanau near Bordeaux where they were inspected by Generalfeldmarschall Rommel. Rommel was responsible for their original capture in North Afrika.

On 8th August 1944 the Free Indian Legion (now comprising about 2,300 men), like all the national legions of the German Army, was transferred to the control of the Waffen-SS as the Indische Freiwilligen Legion der Waffen-SS. A new commanding officer, SS Oberführer Heinz Bertling, was installed.

Despite the change in authority from Army to Waffen SS, the Indian Legion continued to use Army ranks and uniforms. The notorious SS map of February 1945 does show SS collar tabs featuring a tiger's head for the Free Indian Legion but it is unlikely that it was even manufactured and almost certainly it was never actually worn. However the Sleeve Shield for the legion was widely worn, though not universally.

Legion members wearing the shield on their greatcoats .

After D-Day, the Free India Legion, were in headlong retreat through France. They suffered their first and only combat casualties during this retreat while being engaged by French resistance fighters. They lost one man dead and a few wounded.

It was during this time that they gained a loathsome reputation amongst the civilian population. The former French Resistance fighter, Henri Gendreaux, remembers the Legion passing through his home town of Ruffec: "I do remember several cases of rape. A lady and her two daughters were raped, and in another case they even shot dead a two-year-old little girl."

Here are genuine original examples of the special sleeve insignias manufactured and issued to the members of the Indian Legion. Any other varieties should be considered reproductions.

The Printed Version on Linen

Three legion members wearing various tunics, with the legion shield on their right upper sleeves.

The "BEVO" Woven Version made with Rayon

Legion members in the Westwall Dunes.

Sandar e Jang (War Lord) Breast Badge, for "great personal bravery against the enemy". Obviously Manufactured, but likely never presented considering their battle history.

The 2nd class medal . A version without swords, Vir i Hind (Hero of India) was to be awarded for "distinguished service"

Charles Warriner, "The Waffen-SS Indian Legion", Militaria Blog, 2009

They Keep Trying !

These three "gems" were posted on our web site today by a dealer in Europe. Do these European dealers think all Americans are morons? He also posted a Nazi ring which was so obviously fake I'm not even going to bother putting it here. Four items posted, all fakes. Below is a brief analysis of these items. Don't look for them on our site, they have been remove, the seller's membership cancelled and his money refunded.

This piece of garbage would not fool a 6 year old kid. In fact, it looks like the inscription was done by a 6 year old kid. I can't say for sure, but I don't think the "Florian Geyer" SS cufftitle was ever produced in an embroidered officer version. Only ones I know of are the enlisted type. If there is such a thing as an embroiderd version, it certainly wouldn't look like this.

It looks to me like the wearer of this Luftwaffe helmet ran into some enemy solders armed with wire brushes and rotary buffing tools. A rather poor attempt at giving this helmet an "aged" look. Helmets are one of the toughest things to collect in this hobby.... as far as fakes are concerned. If you are not an expert, be sure you have a friend who is.

I like the touch of putting the HJ diamond on this helmet. Makes it "rare". I can't really tell about the eagle in the condition it's in. All that aside, the thing about this pic that's interesting is the rust. Note how nice and red and fresh it is after 60 years! Obviously recently done "ageing".

Lots of nice stamping on this fake helmet strap. Why fake you say? Look at the holes, they are always oval on real German straps.

The seller of this cap was careful not to show the SS skull too closely, but it was close enough. It's an obvious fake. Surprisingly, from what I can see, the eagle doesn't look too bad. Go figure!

Notice the button hole on the "inside" of the SS cap. What does this tell you? Ok, it should tell you that this cap was made from an old overcoat or jacket. It's possible that they might have done this during the hard days of the war, but let's not forget that fake skull. If the skull is fake we can safely assume the cap is fake.

Don't post fakes on our web site!

Bob Treend, "They Keep Trying", Militaria Blog, 2009

Compost Piles, Ninja Pilots and Other Silliness

Oh, Okay

At a 500 table gun show in Ohio last year, a collector asked to examine a Luftwaffe gravity knife in a dealer's case. On releasing the blade, he noted that the blade had been shortened by over an inch and repainted."That's special Heer issue" the dealer said,"they shortened them all like that so they could tell them apart."

Ninja Pilots

A collector in California found a pair of flightsuit type rank patches done on black wool at a local event and took them into a dealer's shop to find out more about them. "Oh" said the dealer, "those are special rank patches for Luftwaffe night fighter pilots -they had special black flight suit's." If dealers in other hobbies were such buffoons, they'd be laughed out of business.

Maybe Darwin Was Wrong

Every wonder how people so stupid have so much money? One of my favorite sink holes lately for the rich and fatuous is the current crop of "Sepp Dietrich" personal items - like the so- called Sepp Dietrich sword, engraved with the initials "SD". How can people this dumb have survived into the 20th Century? Why weren't their slow-witted ancestors trampled by mastodons? SS Oberstgruppenfuhrer Dietrich's given name was Josef. "Sepp" was a nickname, like "Ike" for General Dwight Eisenhower, and no one uses the initial of a nickname in a monogram.

Georgia On My Mind

Aren't all the mint Army daggers fascinating? You know the Germans made millions of combat helmets during the war - every Gl's favorite souvenir. Yet today you can't open any catalogs and find a wide selection of clean, tight, sharp, unscrewed-with helmets. Fascinating.

Gee, They Smell Right

It still amazes me that people don't take the time to read and research what they're doing before wasting large sums of good money on ridiculous garbage. German WWII Paratrooper boots are a classic example. During WWII, German paras often referred to their side-lace boots as "gangster shoes", because unlike hobnailed boots, their all rubber heels and soles made for very quiet walking on city streets. But the guy making them now with the silly rubbish on the bottoms (like metal heel irons) can't turn them out fast enough to keep up with demand. He puts them in his compost pile for two weeks, has his dog visit them a couple of times, and for $350 bucks we have another pair of "VG unissued" boots and another happy collector.

From Pakistan With Love

Lately we've been hearing a lot of garbage about how righteous it is that some repro dealers tell you right up front that their near perfect insignia are reproductions. After all, it's not their fault that they're used by the unscrupulous to make phony hats and tunics, is it? Well, Aman Khosogi probably doesn't loose any sleep over selling thousands of "Bouncing Betty" mines to lunatics all over the world either. What I want to know is, if these honest repro dealers are so noble, then why don't these stalwarts permanently mark the backs or insides of the pieces in some way, so they can't ever be used as fakes to rip people off? Because their buyers are fakers, and nobody would buy them, that's why. If you're not a part of the solution, you're part of the problem, and I don't care how you rationalize it.

Der Maulwerf ,(The Mole), "Compost Piles, Ninja Pilots and Other Silliness", Der Gauleiter, 1990

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

Fake or Real

THE DAGGER BLADE

It has been said that the ingredient that is supposed to be most difficult for countedeiters of money to get is the paper. On the other hand, the people who counterfeit money say it's easy -they bleach the ink off $1.00 bills and print $100.00 bills on that paper. The same is true of the blade fakers: an abused original blade can easily be re-worked into an undetectable fine fraud worth many, many times its cost.

Fakers usually don't think small so let's say you wish to create a dagger which will be worth $1500.00 to $2000.00. Naturally, it will need to be a rare type, perhaps the only known example extant. The faker's rule number 1 is: don't start with an obvious Pakistani or Slavish copy of a dagger. Start with the real thing or with some "warehouse-find" parts from Solingen which can be intermingled with a few genuine dagger parts to create the illusion of authenticity.

If a faker is going to create a dagger intended to sell in the $1500.00 to $2000.00 range he (or she!) is perfectly happy to pay $500.00 for a dagger to start with. At the time this book is written one can still buy a good SS dagger in the $500.00 range, so why not start there?

After purchase of a subject dagger to be altered, a decision is made as to whether the new creation will be marketed as a pristine original in very fine to mint condition, or if it will be sold in good to excellent used condition. The original dagger is then stripped down and the parts are simply added to bins of similar parts from other broken down daggers (unless of course, the original parts are marked in some special way).

The blade to be used must be 1) used as it is, 2) fixed up slightly, or 3) refinished entirely. To add the greatest value to the end product, the faker will usually select option 3 and refinish the entire blade. Commercial metal finishers (see your Yellow Pages) or people working inside the metal finishing business can duplicate the original Third Reich finish on a dagger blade quickly and cheaply and at the same time remove the original etching on the blade. This is not a job to be done at home, as any unevenness is easily detectable. A factory finish is perfect, and removes very little metal from the blade. Fakers almost always remove the original etching from the blades of daggers they are working on because it is so easy to replace. The process is known industrially as "photo-engraving" or "photo resist etching'" and it is used every day to make things like printed circuit boards. It is easy to do at home.

A photo resists is a liquid lacquer-type substance to which photo sensitive material like ammonium bichromate has been added. It is applied to the blade of a dagger by dipping the blade in it or pouring the resist directly on the blade. The blade is then suspended or stood on end in a dark place so the excess resist can flow off and the remainder can dry. When dry, the blade looks like it has been varnished.

A film positive of the inscription to be etched on the blade is then positioned where it belongs on the blade, and is taped in place with transparent tape. The blade is placed in a plastic bag with a vacuum hose attached. When the vacuum is turned on the film negative is sucked tightly against the blade. The side of the blade with the film on it is then positioned in front of a carbon arc lamp (plain sunlight will also do the trick) for about one minute while light hardens the photo resist where it shows through clear film. Naturally, no light reaches the photo resist under the black pad of the film, so those photo resist spots remain soft and can be removed with a chemical developer. When the soft photo resist is removed it erases bare steel.

After baking the hardened photo resist to make it durable the blade is washed or sprayed with a solution like ferric chloride which removes exposed steel very quickly. To duplicate logo etching on a steel blade may require 2 or 3 minutes. To get a very deep etch as seen on the motto on some blades, or to replicate damascene work may require 5 to 10 minutes of etching depending on the temperature of the ferric chloride.

When the etch is correct the blade is removed, rinsed in clear water and then the hardened resist is removed with lacquer thinner. If it is desired, the etched spots can be chemically blackened prior to removal of the resist.

This type of etching is capable of reproducing extremely fine detail which has critically sharp edges and corners, even when examine dunder a powerful glass. A cheaper method which is capable of reproducing good, but not fine detail, is to silk screen a resist (likepaint) on the blade leaving some areas of exposed steel. When silk screened resists and their resulting etchings are viewed under a useful glass, the checkered edges (usually 220 checks per inch, or 9 per mm) left by the silk screen are perfectly evident.

The least expensive method, but one often used by the fakers is to hand paint the resist on the blade leaving open areas to be etched. An excellent example of a blade etched with hand painted resist is shown on page 216 of volume I of T. M. Johnson's book "Collectingthe Edged Weapons of the Third Reich".

There is absolutely no way to tell a good etched blade made in 1940 from a good etched blade made yesterday. Anyone who says he can is vastly over estimating his ability. The best experts in the field are fooled by new blades everyday. The processes can be identical to those originally used and the technicians of today are at least as good as those of 50 years ago. All facilities and equipment are better.

Interestingly, there are now people promoting the service of making"undetectable" repairs to Nazi edged weapons. These repairs including painting, covering with leather, the replacement of missing parts,etc., etc. Such repairs do not increase the historical value of the piece at all (if they did the Venus di Milo would have been restored years ago). All they really do is increase the value of the weapon for resale to someone who is unaware of the repairs made.

The salvation of the blade fakers are those collectors who seek a rare and unique piece - a one-of-a-kind knock-out of a blade, to exhibit for the even more gullible to look at. The best advice I can give is to BE VERY SUSPICIOUS OF ANY NON-STANDARD EDGED weapon. NEVER buy any edged weapons impulsively.

Ray R. Cowdery, "Nazi Militaria, Fake or Real", Author Published, 1993

Reproduction? Recognition!

Preface

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thomas M, Johnson,LTC, US Army.

Author's Forward

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frederick J. Stephens, 1976

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

Fakes, Repros and Such...

I still get e-mails from members asking me why I don't allow repros of our web site. Often they suggest that we set up a special section for the fakes, frauds, re-enactment supplies, or what ever they want to call them.

Believe me I considered it. I'm sure we could get more members and have a lot more ads. But then again, I would hate to take that business away from ebay...

I created this site for serious collectors, not for a bunch of bikers and screwballs who buy Nazi junk to stick of their jackets or like to "play" at collecting. And that's the way it's going to stay.

If you want fakes, you're on the wrong site. If you're a re-enactor, I wish you well, but you'll have to find your repro stuff elsewhere. If you want original Thrid Relics just click here.

We do everything we can to keep the fakes off the site. Unfortunately, some do pop up from time to time and we remove them as soon as we're sure they're bogus. The down side to this is we have made some people mad. Usually they thought the piece was original and they don't like to have someone tell them it's fake. They know they are probably going to loose money on it, and no one likes to hear that. That's the price we pay for trying the keep the site "clean". It's a real damned if you do and damned if you don't situation. We just have to live with it.

If you see something bad posted for sale let us know. I don't guarantee we'll remove it, but it will be brought to the attention of guys who have volunteered to help us police the site. They all know the hobby very well and the decision will rest with them. The buck has to stop somewhere.

Bob Treend

p.s. If you get the impression I'm fond of cartoons... you're right!

Beware the Burgdorf

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Detecting Reproduction Cloth

There's one thing about this crazy hobby we're in - there's always something new. The other day I happen to come across a group of cloth items which were available for sale or trade and like all true collectors I couldn't resist taking a look. They were mostly very common items, a few Luftwaffe specialist patches, some low ranking collar tabs etc... nothing to get excited about. I was however immediately struck by the fact that they all appeared to be in perfectly mint condition, with the original glossiness of the thread still quite bright. Seeing so many pieces in such nice shape and also noticing that they all seemed to be from the same manufacturer, I immediately became suspicious.

Closer inspection revealed several flaws in the designs. In many cases the maker had taken some shortcuts in the sewing of the designs and had allowed the excess threads, which should have been on the back of the patch, to simply run accross the face of the patch. Thus when the sewing machine reached the end of a propeller blade, instead of disappearing under the surface and the resurfacing at the proper place to start on the next blade, it simply ran back accross the top of the first blade to the hub and then started from there on the next blade. Our friends back in the old country would never have been so untidy.

There were also the usual slight variations in design from which any fake will invariably suffer, and of course there was that indefinable, abstract quality about any fake which a collector with a few years experience learns to "feel". Up to this point I didn't notice anything unusual, just another group of trash to add to the tons already in circulation. Then I noticed something that was not expected. All of a sudden I had the impression that I was sitting behind the wheel of a brand new car - right in the dealer's showroom: It was the smell.

This little cash of supposedly thirty year old cloth smelled just like the inside of a new Ford. I took a closer sniff, yep: that was vinyl upholstery without a doubt. I don't know anything about chemistry, but I do know that the Germans didn't make insignia out of vinyl. What had happened is that somebody out there in the happy world of swindlers used a modern fabric to make antique insignia. The color, texture, thickness and grain were considered, but he forgot to take into account the odor.
Use your nose!

Bob Treend, "Original Nazi Relics Anyone", Der Gauleiter, 1977

Tips on Detecting Fake Uniforms

A fake uniform is one which is simply not what it appears to be: It is not a uniform made for the Wehrmacht, Party etc. but is a modern made uniform made for the purpose of deceiving the collector. A made-up uniform is one which is put together from original and/or reproduction parts, with the insignia added after 1945 by a collector or dealer for the purpose of deceiving the collector.

It is almost impossible to write out a list of things to watch for in buying a uniform, but there are some guidelines which I would like to bring to the collectors attention. By using these and by applying some common sence a collector with little experience can guard himself from being swindled.

1. HAVE A REFERENCE LIBRARY: If you are going to collect SS uniforms, you should own some good books on the subject. How else are you going to learn and where can you go for quick information? No collector can have too many references.

2. IF YOU ARE NOT AN "EXPERT" YOU SHOULD KNOW ONE: When you are in doubt, ask. Get a second opinion before you spend your money.

3. KNOW YOUR SOURCE: If the item is coming from a "vet" then there is little to worry about. If it is being offered by a collector or dealer consider the reputation of the person. Is he known to be honest, or does he have a reputation of selling fakes and pulling tricks on unknowning collectors.

4. LOOK AT THE OVERALL APPEARANCE OF THE UNIFORM: Does it appear to be 30 years old? Even if in great condition it should not have that "brand new look and feel. Smell it! Strange as this may sound, your nose can detect age very well. Does the tayloring agree with what you find in your references? Is the style, cut and color correct? If your first impression is negative -- watch out!

5. INSPECT FOR LABELS: Remember, these can be fakes too, but a well marked tunic with correct labels is better than an unmarked one. Are the labels proper to this particular item? Are the RZM tags (if any) correct for this type of uniform? Did the person whos name appears inside the tunic, actually exist and did he hold this rank and belong to this unit? Use your references!

6. ARE ALL INSIGNIA PROPER TO THIS UNIFORM?: Check to make sure all the various insignia are correct. THIS CAN BE THE BIGGEST TIP-OFF TO A FAKE OR MADE-UP: First verify that the insignia is all original. Then check to see if they are all proper to this uniform. Do the collar tabs match the shoulder boards? Is the breast eagle proper to this type uniform? Are the buttons correct? Does the uniform have the proper size and color of piping around the collar?

7. LOOK FOR INSIGNIA ADDITIONS AND DELEATIONS: Check the way the insignia is sewn on the uniform, does it appear to be original or has it been changed? Is there evidence of any insignia being removed? Does the Waffen-SS tunic show signs of once having an Army breast eagle?? Does all the insignia look to be about the same age, or does the sleeve eagle look new while the tunic is well worn? Are the boards mint and the tabs shabby? Is the quality of all insignia about the same and is it the quality you would expect from a private or a general?

8. IS THE PRICE "TO GOOD TO BE TRUE?" If so--it probably is: No collector or dealer is going to offer you a $500. item for $200., unless there is something he knows about it that you don't: And what he probably knows is that the item is a fake. Beware of any "bargains". However, remember that some greedy crooks will hold out for an original price even though they are selling a fake.

9. CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS: I've stood by and wathced a collector (including myself) rationalize away all the flaws and signs of a fake simply because he "wants" to believe the item is real. If you have been looking for a certain item for years, it can be hard to have to tell yourself that the gem you just found is a beautiful fake. You want it to be real, so you convince yourself it is, regardless ofall evidence to the contrary.

I realize that the list is far from complete and that following these suggestions will not insure that you won't be fooled. But by using these guidelines your chances are greatly inproved over simply "taking the sellers word for it"!

Bob Treend, "Anything they could make then - They can make now", Der Gauleiter, 1976

Feldherrnhalle Helmet Decals

REPRODUCTIONS

The distinctions between the states of Reproduction and Restoration is a very thin line - discerned only by a very simple factor, that of motive. The problem for most collectors who encounter the reproduction and/or restored item is not simply one of recognizing a motive, but in being able to confidently identify the "good" from the "bad".

As most collectors are aware, transfer decals for German steel helmets have been around for years - and they have more or less been accepted at their face value, bona fide items of restoration. The original instigators behind the manufacture of the decals were film and theatrical companies. Naturally enough wellmeaning film companies wanting to recreate scenes from WVII have been increasingly enthusiastic in achieving technical perfection among their props - the intention being to enhance their film and TV productions - in principle, quite honorable.

So far, so good: The situation, however, becomes somewhat more complex.

Whilst the operation of putting new Army decals on helmets where the old Army ones had worn off (or Luftwaffe ones where the Luftwaffe ones had been) can clearly be recognised as restoration, the action of putting SS decals on an Army helmet alters the situation.-It becomes more properly a case of Reproduction or embellishment, than it does "restoring". All this, of course, is just another headache for the collector who continues to be bemused and confused by it all.

Just to give the collector a bit of an edge against the situation in which he increasingly finds himself, "Der GAULEITER" presents a guide to instant recognition of a particularly troublesome decal - the SA Feldherrnhalle decal. The troublesome part about it is that most collecotrs have never seen an original which they may compare against - and that is what makes it easy for the reproduction to move about undetected.

Firstly a short note about the originals:

Special helmet insignia for the SA Standarte Feldherrnhalle was apparently authorised in 1936, when the Standarte was officially consecrated. In principle the Feldherrnhalle was supposed to undertake special guard and protection duties for high officials of the Party and the SA that were not already being undertaken by the SS. In fact sometime before the official establishment of the Feldherrnhalle special SA elite guard units were in existence, and subsequently they had borne their own special insignia. The Feldherrnhalle had taken its name from the monument that stands in Munich, and which had been the scene of the famed illfated putsch of 1923. In commemoration of this the helmet decal as introduced in 1936 featuring a design this monument in silver on a dark magenta field, and this was featured on the left side of the helmet. On the right side the shield shaped decal featured a swastika on a silver field.

IDENTIFYING THE REPRODUCTION Generally speaking there is no hard and fast rule for identifying reproduction decals - especially when the printed images are copied from originals instead of artwork replicas, and when the reproduction technique involved uses the same matt base inks instead of the more commonly encountered gloss finish as featured on many of the Belgian copies. With the Feldherrnhalle pattern, however, the manufacturer was thoughtful enough to incorporate a specific design error, and this makes it impossible to completely mistake the reproduction for the original.

Left side Feldherrnhalle shield: The mistake on this is that the color of the base field (dark magenta) is too dark in color, and the detail to the lion statues at the sides of the steps, incorrect shaping to the archwawys and paneling of the roof line.

Right side shield: This features a most clearly recognisable flaw, in the coloring, and which can not be mistaken. The reproduction displays a black swastika with black and white edging on a white field within a pink/maroon circle in a silver shield; as opposed to the correct style of a black swastika with white edging in a dark grey field within a pink/maroon circle in a silver shield.

The color of the steel helmet (M1936 pattern) was a chocolate brown, except for those personnel who subsequently wore the normal Army grey/green helmet without decal. but with the distinctive Feldherrnhalle cuff title and shoulder strap insignia.

Editor's note: Mr. Stephens is the author of REPRODUCTION-RECOGNITION and HITLER YOUTH-History, Organization, Uniforms and Insignia. DG wishes to express our thanks to him for generously providing this information to our readers.

Frederick J. Stevens: "REPRODUCTIONS: THE FELDHERRNHALLE HElMET DECALS", 1977, "Der Gauleiter

Introduction to Medals and Badges

The Third Reich came into being on 30th January 1933, with Hitler's accension to power, and ended with the defeat of Germany in May 1945.

The number of new decorations, medals and badges of honour created during those twelve years may well appear prodigious, but it must be borne in mind that in the matter of national honours, the Nazis were obliged to start virtually from scratch.

The previous government, the ill-starred Weimar Republic, had at least in theory abolished all titles of nobility and awards of honour, although in practice the proscription was not absolute. The Order of St. John of Jerusalem (the Johanniter Orden) was permitted as was the civil grade of the Pour Ie Merite, at least to fill a vacancy in the permitted membership of 30. The decorations of the German Red Cross were not effected since awards in this case were made by the President of the German Red Cross and not the government. The various German states (Lander) still enjoyed a degree of autonomy under the Weimar Republic and could make awards of such things as Life-saving and Miner's or Fire Brigade medals within their own province. They even continued to do so for a short period under the 3rd Reich until the rigorous application of the Nazi "Gleichschaltung" policy swept away all such provincial awards and centralized them in the national government* .

This work deals only with official awards made at national (Reich) level. For this reason the long service awards of the National Food Estate Organization (Reichsniihrstand) have not been included. Although the organization itself was a national one, the awards were made on a regional basis. Also some interesting medallions awarded in connection with the battle of Stalingrad have been excluded as they were instituted only at regimental level ( piece of "private enterprise" on the part of a conscientious regimental commander).

With the exception of the Free City of Danzig, Nazi awards of German racial communities outside the Reich, such as the "Volksgruppe" in Roumania, have not been included. Similarly those of non-German Nazi movements, (for example Anton Mussert's Dutch Nazi Party) were by definition, precluded.

The well-known "Azad Hind" or "Free India" decoration, often found in Nazi collections, was instituted not by the Germans but by the Free India Committee in Germany and is, therefore, an Indian and not a German decoration.

"Day" badges issued to commemorate annual Party rallies, sporting or other events, of which there are vast numbers, have not been included except for those later granted the status of official Party awards (such as the Party Day badge for Nuremberg 1929).

The line between official and semi-official has not been easy to draw. On the whole, the authors have tried to be as comprehensive as possible even where this has involved slight violations of their own definitions. For example, rigid adherence to the "Reich-level-only" principle would have precluded all the Luftgaue plaques since these were instituted by the General Officers commanding the Luftgaue. Although they were awarded only within the limits of the Gau, they are of considerable interest and have been included. For basically the same reason the Lorient Shield, strictly speaking an un­official award, has been put on a par with official shield badges.

Quality and Markings

It has not been possible to indicate the quality of the metals used in the manufacture of the various awards described since a considerable diversity exists in this respect. On the whole, genuine silver or gold is rare.

*It is interesting to note that the present government of West Germany has reversed this policy and the German Lander once again award their own Life­saving and Fire Brigade, etc. medals.

Portable Nazi awards were never inscribed with the recipient's name. Where this is found, as on some war badges, it was certainly privately done. Even the numbering of badges or medals is unusual, which makes it very difficult to ascertain whether a particular item was ever issued or not.

All firms authorized to make official medals and badges had a manufacturer's mark (Herstellungszeichen). Those permitted to make Party awards (this included Youth badges) had an additional authorization number (Zulassungsnummer) which was prefaced by the letters R. Z. M. in a circle (standing for Reichszeugmeisterei or roughly translated Ministry of Supply). For example, the firm of Steinhauer & Luck of Ludenscheid who were large scale suppliers of medals and badges had the Herstellungszeichen L 16 and the Zulassungsnummer R. Z. M. M 11/1.
Some badges had the maker's name or initials on the reverse rather than a number. Medals and badges made in silver or silver-gilt carry the continental silvergrading number, usually a very small 800 or 900 which is sometimes found on the suspension loop.

Variants, Fakes and "Remakes"

1. Collectors may find that they have in their possession items which, although their authenticity is beyond doubt, vary slightly or even considerably from the descriptions given in these pages. This need not be regarded as remarkable. Unauthorized variations and "improvements" often appear in all countries during time of war. It was not uncommon for decorations to be produced in the field or even on board ship. It should also be remembered that there was no single Mint responsible for the production of all decorations. A number of private concerns contracted to supply medals and badges and their standards did vary. In the chaotic conditions which prevailed in Germany during the closing stages of the war, recourse had often to be made to improvisation, an example being the "Kurland" cuff band.

As many collectors are by now aware, Nazi awards have been remade in West Germany since the war on an ever increasing scale. It would not be strictly correct to term these as "fakes" since they come, in most instances, from the original dies and are made by firms formerly authorized to manufacture medals during the 3rd Reich era.

They are not, however, always accurate reproductions of the originals. The best word to describe these is "restrikes" or "remakes". Unfortunately, there is no easy rule of thumb by which the beginning collector can distinguish the genuine from the "remake". Experience is the only guide. The attitude that the collector should adopt towards "remakes" is a matter of personal choice.

Some may reject them all out of hand as worthless, while others may feel that they are useful in filling gaps where genuine examples would be very hard, if not impossible, to obtain. On the whole, collectors who do not wish to devalue their collections will probably want to avoid them. Where there is some doubt as to whether or not examples of a particular award were ever issued during the life-time of the 3rd Reich, has been made clear in the text. The authors do not wish to lend authority to badges, etc., which may have been produced since the end of the war.

Prestentation Cases and Citations

Citations actually signed by Hitler, although in some circumstances comparitively lowly awards were made personally by Hitler to special recipients.

Medal Ribbons

In view of the fact that many collectors specialize in medal ribbons only, some detailed remarks on this subject may be of use. The width of German ribbons varies, normally medals were issued on a 30mm or 35mm ribbon. When mounted for wearing, either singly or in a group, a 25mm ribbon could be employed. This was made up in a double length with the medal couched in the center*. Neck ribbons were usually 45mm wide, and in the case of certain long service awards such as the Police, Customs and SS.

Long service, a 50mm ribbon was used. Here it may be noted that originally these long service awards were mounted on the normal doubled 25mm ribbon with the Police (etc.) emblem on a separate piece of ribbon. This embroidered emblem, usually mounted on cardboard or metal backing, was attached to the center of the basic ribbon. Only later was the 50mm ribbon introduced and worn as such when mounted.

Ribbons without medals were worn on a metal bar mounting (Ordenschnalle) which is wider than the the usual Anglo-American type (17mm normally, although a narrower 9. 5mm bar was also, less commonly used. Two widths of ribbon could be used on a bar mounting, either full-sized (25mm) or halfsize (15mm). Actual full size, i. e. 30 or 35mm, was not used on the bar mounting. Where metal emblems were worn on the full sized ribbons, a reduced version was also worn on the half-size ribbons. In the medal ribbon chart, it has not been possible to show the diverse emblems which were worn on Nazi ribbons, but these have been described in the text.

*In Austria, the traditional Austrian "inverted triangle" style of mounting was sometimes used even for Reich awards. This style uses a 40mm wide ribbon.

When worn by ladies, medals were usually suspended from a bow, where this does not apply it is mentioned.

Miniatures have proportionally small ribbons, although it was more common to have miniature decorations attached to a fine chain without ribbons for evening wear (this is a normal continental practice). Miniature ribbons were made up in a variety of styles and could be worn in the button hole of civilian clothes. Metal tie-pin (Stecknadel) miniatures do not have ribbons.

Slight variations in the sizes and shades of ribbons are encountered, but collectors should note with caution that ribbons as well as medals and badges, etc., are being "remade" in modern Germany. Some of these are inaccurate not only as to quality and shade, but even in their proportions; others are perfectly accurate. It is entirely possible that some original ribbon stocks still exist.

The present-day West German style of wearing medal riboons is now similar to that employed in the Anglo-American forces. The above remarks apply only to the 3rd Reich period.

Littlejohn and Dodkins: "Orders, Decorations, Medals and Badges of the Third Reich", 1968.
R. James Bender Publishing.

www.bender-publishing.com

Introduction to Gorgets

The gorget, or 'ringkragen', comprising a metal shield hung by a chain around the neck, was worn during the Third Reich by selected members of uniformed organisations to denote special service or duty.
Two distinct styles of gorget existed, the heart-shaped and crescent-shaped (see Fig 15). both descended from similar regalia used by the Imperial German army. The obverse of each shield bore an appropriate badge and/or inscription, while the reverse was covered in cloth or stiff card and featured a protruding central prong. This prong was hooked through a convenient buttonhole in the tunic during wear, thereby holding the gorget plate firmly in position.

The first official Nazi gorgets wrere produced in the late 1920s for SA standard bearers. It took the form of a heart-shaped nickel-plated shield, sporting a gilded brass sunburst on which was superimposed a disc enclosing an eagle holding a sonnenrad swastika (the same motif as that seen on early SA belt buckles - see Plate 161). The neck-chain was made from tight-fitting nickel-plated wire links, and the backing cloth was of dark-co loured wool. Post-1935 examples were RZM stamped. This gorget was used only when the wearer was actually engaged in the specific function of carrying his regimental feldzeichen or battalion flag. Individually-designed ringkragen were subsequently created and manufactured for standard bearers of the SS, NSKK, NSFK, RAD, HJ, Political Leadership, RLB, TeNo, Polizei, Reichsbahn, DRK, Army, Luftwaffe and ex-servicemen's associations. Each bore insignia relevant to its own organisation.

By 1945, gorgets were being worn as badges of office by numerous categories of uniformed personnel, including military policemen ('Feldgendarmerie' - see Plate 165). train guards ('Zugwache') and those on paramilitary street patrol service ('Streifendienst'). All told, more than 40 different patterns existed in a variety of sizes. Metals used in their construction ranged from tombak bronze to zinc, with finishes ranging from fine enamel to rough paintwork. Indeed, limited resources meant that some gorgets, like those for the Bahnhofswache, were eventually withdrawn completely and replaced by armbands.

Nazi gorgets are not widely collected in their own right, normally being sought merely to supplement other exhibits. The 'Feldgendarmerie' pattern, for instance, can often be found amongst displays of military or police uniform items. Nevertheless various gorgets have been reproduced. Fortunately, copies are easily spotted by virtue of the fact that their quality is nowhere near that of even the latest originals. The following comparison between genuine and fake 'Feldgendarmerie' ringkragen should provide the reader with a general idea of what to look for.

Originals:

(i) The gorget plates were stamped from hard sheet steel or zinc alloy, with smooth semi-rolled edges.
(ii) The National Emblems were each affixed by three round pins or flat prongs.
(iii) Details were crisp.
(iv) The backings were offield-grey wool or stiff card.
(v) The pieces were usually completely devoid of makers' marks. Only a few early originals had their central rear prongs stamped with one of a small selection of company trademarks, the most common being' A' and an "M" inside a diamond.

Reproductions:

(i) The gorget plates are of very thin lightweight aluminium, which can easily be bent by hand. The edges are poorly finished.
(ii) The National Emblems are often glued into position.
(iii) Details are blurred in places.
(iv) The backings are of shiny black PVC-type paper or black felt.
(v) The central rear prongs usually bear spurious RZM or DRGM marks.

Robin Lumsden: "A Collector's Guide to Third Reich Militaria", Ian Allan Ltd., 1987