Militaria Show Jargon

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

To Buy or Not To Buy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Appraisal Service

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

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

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

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

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

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

Selling Jargon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Authentication

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Justification Jargon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Name Dropping

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Origins

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.germanmilitariacollectibles.com/

Third Reich Glossary

This glossary does not pretend to be exhaustive. It has been included as a ready reference to the English equivalents of some of those German terms and abbreviations most often encountered by collectors.

* * *

Abzeichen - insignia; badge

Achselband - aiguillette

a.D.: ausser Dienst - out of service, retired (eg Oberst a.D.)

'Alles fiir Deutschland' - 'Everything for Germany', motto of the SA and NSKK Allgemeine-SS - the general body of the SS, composed of part-time, full-time and inactive or honorary members, distinct from the Waffen-SS

Amt - office; bureau Ambord - on board; at sea

Anzug - uniform

'ArbeitAdelt' -'Work Enobles', motto of .
the RAD

Armelband - cuff title

Armelraute - sleeve diamond

Armelschild - arm shield; campaign shield

Artillerie - artillery

Ausfiihrung - execution; production

Auszeichnung - award; decoration

Bahnhofswache - Railway Station Guard

Band - ribbon

BDM: Bund Deutscher Miidel- League of German Girls, female equivalent of the HJ

Bedruckt - printed

Bekleidung - clothing

Bergmutze - mountain cap

Beschliige - fittings; mountings

BEV0: Bandfabrik Ewald V orsteher - the principal manufacturer of woven badges. The acronym BEVo (often erroneously written as BEVO, BeVo or' Bevo) has come to be used generally by collectors when referring to all machine-woven insignia

Blanke waffen - edged weapons

Blech - tin

'Blut and Ehre' - 'Blood and Honour', motto ofthe HJ
Blutorden - Blood Order; a senior NSDAP award for Party members who had participated in the Munich Putsch, or who had rendered outstanding service or been killed whilst engaged in political activities

Bordmutze - boarding cap

Brillanten - diamonds

Brustklappe -lapel

Cie./Co.: Compagnie - (commerical) company

DAF: Deutsche Arbeitsfront- German Labour Front. Comprised all trade guilds, corporations and professional associations

DAK: Deutsches Afrikakorps - German Africa Corps

DBGM: Deutsches Bundesgebrauchsmuster - Nationally Used Pattern (post-1945). See also 'DRGM'

Degen - sword

'Deutschland Erwache!' - 'Germany Awake!' An early NSDAP slogan, later incorporated into the designs for propaganda badges and the feldzeichen flag cloth

Dienstanzug - service uniform

Dienstgrad - service grade; rank

Dienstmutze - service cap; kepi

Dienststellungsabzeichen - proficiency badge

Diplomatisches Korps - Diplomatic Corps

DJ: Deutsche Jagerschaft - German Hunting Association : Deutsches Jungvolk - German Young People,junior section of the HJ

DK: Deutsches Kreuz- War Order of the German Cross

DLV: Deutscher Luftsport Verband - German Air Sports Association, forerunner of the Luftwaffe

Dolch - dagger

Dolchgehange - dagger hangers

d.R.: der Reserve - (officer of) the reserve

Draht - wire

DRGM: Deutsches Reichsgebrauchsmuster - Nationally Used Pattern (pre-1945). Uniform accessories such as buttons, dagger hangers, peaked cap sweatbands and so on came in many alternative styles to satisfy differing customer requirements. The government officially approved a few ofthe better quality and more regular of these variants and commended them for use nationwide. Such pieces were marked 'DRGM', frequently accompanied by a model number and/or maker's symbol.
See also 'DBGM'

Drillich - denim

DRK: Deutsches Rotes Kreuz - German Red Cross

DRL: Deutscher Reichsbund fUr Leibesiibungen - German National Physical Training Union DRP:

Deutsches Reichspatent- German National Patent. Once a patent was granted to a manufacturer in respect of any new design of badge, buckle or whatever, pieces of that design were marked 'DRP' indicating that they could be made only by the patentee

Deutsches Reichspost - German National Post Office

D.Sch.V.: Deutscher Schiitzen Verband - German Rifle Association

Durchbrochen - pierced out; silhouetted

Echt - genuine

Ehrenzeichen - decoration

Einheit - unit

Einheitsfeldmiitze - standard field cap

EK: Eisernes Kreuz - Iron Cross

EL: Eichenlaub - oakleaves (symbolic of strength)

Email- enamel

Entwurf - design

Erinnerungsmedaille - commemorative medal

Erinnerungsband - commemorative cuff title

Ersatz - substitute

Etui- case; box

Fa: Firma - firm Fahne - flag

Fahnenspitze - finial

Fahnentriiger - standard-bearer

Fahnentuch - flag cloth

Fallschirmjager- paratroops

Fiilschung - fake; reproduction

Feldbindenschloss - officer-pattern circular belt buckle

Feldanzug - field uniform

Feldbluse - field blouse; combat tunic

Feldgendarmerie - Military Police

Feldherrnhalle - military monument in Munich, revered by the Nazis; gave its name to an elite SA regiment and associated army units

Feldjiigerkorps - a shock formation of the SA: later name given to military police units detailed to round up deserters and defeatists

Feld-Kommandostelle - field headquarters

Feldmiitze - field cap

Feldzeichen - SA/SS regimental standard of the vexillum type

Feuerwehr - Fire Brigade; controlled by the Orpo

Flak: Flugabwehrkanone - anti-aircraft gun

Fliegerbluse - flight blouse

Fliegermiitze - airman's cap

Flott - fleet

Fliigelrad - winged wheel, emblem of the Reichsbahn

Fransen - fringe

Freikorps - Free Corps; right-wing paramilitary units of the early 1920s, usually composed of nationalist ex-soldiers. Many later joined the SA and SS

Freiwilliger - volunteer

Fiihrer -leader

Gau - Nazi province. There were 42 throughout the Reich

Gauleiter - the highest ranking local NSDAP official, responsible for political, economic and civil defence matters in his Gau

Gautag - Province Day; an annual provincial NSDAP celebration with rallies, parades, etc

Gebirgsjager/Gebirgstruppen - mountain riflemen/mountain troops

Gebr: Gebriider - brothers

Gekreuzte schwerter - crossed swords

Gendarmerie - Rural Police

Geschwader - a Luftwaffe Wing (approximately 100 aircraft)

Ges. Gesch: Gesetzlich GeschiitztLegally Protected. When manufacturing firms created new 'designs or design variations for badges, buckles, etc, patents were normally applied for in respect of these. During the time that such patents were pending, which might amount to several months or even years, the pieces in question were marked 'Ges. Gesch.', indicating that they were the copyright of the original producer. Other firms could not manufacture them without first obtaining the original producer's permission

Gestickt - embroidered

Gewebt - woven

G.m.b.H.: Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung - company with limited liabili ty

Grabenpanzer - trench armour

Graviert - engraved

Grenadier - infantryman

Griffe - grip; handle

Grosskreuz - Grand Cross

Gruppe - Group; a territorial command of a military or paramilitary formation

Hagelrune - hail rune; the nordic symbol ofreplenishment and new life. Featured on several SS ceremonial accoutrements and was also a Waffen-SS divisional emblem

Hakenkreuz - swastika
Halsband - neck ribbon

Heer - army

Hersteller- maker; manufacturer

Herstellungszeichen - maker's mark

Hilfs-Krankentrager - auxiliary stretcherbearer

HJ: Hitlerjugend - Hitler Youth

Hoheitsabzeichen - National Emblem; the eagle and swastika of the NSDAP and, later, of Nazi Germany. Generally speaking, the Party eagle faced to the left and the State eagle to the right

Hohl- hollow-backed

iA.: im Auf trag - by order of I1m Dienst der Deutschen Wehrmacht' 'In the Service of the German Armed Forces'

"Im Dienste der Waffen-SS' - 'In the Service of the Waffen-SS'

Infanterie - infantry

Innenausstattung -liner; sweatband

Jacke - jacket

Jager- rifleman

Jagerverbanden - hunting associations

JG: Jagdgeschwader - Luftwaffe Fighter Wing

JM: Jungmadel- Young Girls, the junior section of the BDM

Kampfabzeichen - see 'Kriegsabzeichen'

Kampfbinde - swastika armband

Kampfgruppe - battle group

Kampfrune - see 'Tyr-rune'

Kastenschloss - box buckle; the standard NCOs' rectangular belt buckle

Kavallerie - cavalry

Kettengehange - chain hangers

KG: Kampfgeschwader - Luftwaffe Bomber Wing

Kinnriemen - chinstrap

Klinge - blade

Knopf - button; pommel

Kokarde - cockade

Koppel- belt

Koppelschloss - belt buckle

Koppelschnalle - 'open claw' or 'open face' belt buckle

Kragenspiegel- collar patches

Kranz - wreath

Kreis - a Nazi district; the principal sub-division of a Gau

Kreistag - District Day; annual celebrations in an NSDAP Kreis

Kriegsabzeichen - war badge; also known as the 'kampfabzeichen' or 'battle badge'

Kriegsmarine - navy

Kriegsmetall- war metal; a poor quality alloy of zinc, copper and lead commonly called 'pot metal' by collectors

Kunstseide - artificial silk; rayon

Kupfer - copper

KVK: Kriegsverdienstkreuz - War Merit Cross

KVM: Kriegsverdienstmedaille - War Merit Medal

LAH: Leibstandarte SS 'Adolf Hitler' - the showpiece regiment of the SS; Hitler's ceremonial bodyguard. Formed the nucleus of a wartime panzer division of the same name

Landzolldienst- Land Customs Service

Laufbahnabzeichen - trade or speciality badge

LDO: Leistungsgemeinschaft der Deutschen Ordenhersteller - Administration of German Orders Manufacturers; issued approved firms with permits to produce national orders and decorations. Each firm also received a manufacturer's number, or 'L'-number, as a visible sign of LDO approval. From March, 1941, 'L'-numbers were required to be stamped on certain decorations in place of the maker's trademark or address. This requirement was not rigidly enforced however, so many later decorations retained the old markings while others were completely devoid of any sort of maker's mark.

Lebensrune -life rune; the old norse symbol of life. Used by various Nazi women's and social welfare organisations. Also featured on SS documents and grave markers to show date of birth

Lederwiderhalt -leather tab attached to some belt buckles to prevent slippage

Leichtmetall-lightweight alloy

Litzen - cording; the name generally given to army-style

collar patches

Lorbeerkranz -laurel wreath (symbolic of victory)

Lowenkopf -lion-head

LSSAH - see 'LAB'

Luftschutz - see 'RLB'

Luftwaffe - air force

Massiv - solid

M.d.R.: Mitglied des Reichstags Member of Parliament

Medaille - medal
'Mehr sein als Scheinen' - 'Be more than you appear to be', motto of the NPEA

'Meine Ehre Heisst Treue' - 'My Honour is Loyalty', motto of the SS

Messer - knife

Messing - brass

MG: Maschinengewehr - machine gun

MP: Maschinenpistole - machine pistol; sub-machine gun

NPEA: Nationalpolitische Erziehungsanstalten - National Political Educational Institutes;trained selected HJ members for future political leadership

NSBO: Nationalsozialistische Betriebsorganisation - National Socialist Factory Organisation;
forerunner of the DAF

NSDAP: Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei - National Socialist German Workers' Party; the full title of the Nazi Party

NSFK: Nationalsozialistisches Fliegerkorps - National Socialist Flying Corps; functioned as a civilian reserve pool for the Luftwaffe

NSKK: Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrkorps - National Socialist Motor Corps; originally motorised SA, became an independent NSDAP formation responsible for the premilitary training of recruits for the army's transport and armoured units

NSRK: Nationalsozialistisches Reiterkorps - National Socialist Riding Corps; fostered general interest in equestrian events and, during the war, assisted in the local training of Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS cavalrymen

NS-Studentenbund - National Socialist Students

League 'Nur Empfanger zu Offnen', or 'Nur von dem Beliehenen zu Offnen' - 'Only to be opened by the recipient'; usually printed on the small cardboard boxes in which decorations and their presentation cases were delivered

Oberstbefehlshaber - Supreme Commander

Odalrune - Norse symbol of kinship or family. Featured on various Nazi badges, particularly those associated with the bringing together of ethnic Germans

Oflag: Offizierlager - prisoner-of-war camp for officers

OKH: Oberkommando des Heeres - High Command of the Army .
OKL: Oberkommando der Luftwaffe - High Command of the Air Force

OKM: Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine - High Command of the Navy

OKW: Oberkommando de rWehrmacht - High Command of the Armed Forces

Orden - order

Ordensschnalle - ribbon bar

Orpo: Ordnungspolizei - Order Police; the regular uniformed police comprising the Schupo, Gendarmerie and Feuerwehr

Ortsgruppe - a village or small town grouping; the principal organisational sub-division of an NSDAP Kreis

Ostmedaille - East Medal; medal for the winter campaign in Russia, 1941-42

OT: Organisation Todt - government agency responsible for the construction of strategic highways and military installations

Pak: Panzerabwehrkanone - anti-tank gun

Panzer - armour; tank

Panzergrenadier - tank-supporting infantryman

Panzerjacke - tank crew jacket

Panzerschiff - pocket battleship

Paradeanzug - dress uniform

Parierstange - crossguard

Parteiabzeichen der NSDAP - NSDAP membership badge

Pauke - drum

Pg: Parteigenosse - Party member

Pickelhaube - spiked helmet

Pionier- engineer; sapper

Poliert - polished

Politische Leiter - Political Leader; one of the hierarchy of NSDAP officials

Polizei - police

Portepee - sidearm knot

Postschutz - Postal Protection Force; maintained security of post offices and communications installations. Absorbed into the SS in 1942

RAD: Reichsarbeitsdienst - National Labour Service; compulsory for both young men (prior to military service) and women. Built roads, assisted with farm work, etc

Radiert - etched

Rang - rank

RB-Nr: Reichsbetriebsnummer - National Factory Code Number; replaced manufacturer's name and address on Wehrmacht-issue uniform clothing after 1942 Reichsbahn - National Railway Service Reichsbahnschutz - National Railway Protection Force, with the status of auxiliary police. Transferred to the SS in 1942

Reichsdienstflagge - National Service Flag

Reichsfarben - the national colours of black, white and red

Reichsforstdienst - National Forestry Service

Reichsheer - see 'Heer'

Reichskriegsflagge - National War Flag

Reichsparteitag - national NSDAP celebrations held each September in Nurnberg

Reichswehr- army of the Weimar Republic

Ringkragen - gorget

RK: Ritterkreuz - Knight's Cross (usually the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross)

RL: Reichsleiter - Ministerial NSDAP official

RLB: Reichsluftschutzbund - National Air Raid Protection Force

Rock - tunic

RZM: Reichszeugmeisterei - National Material Control; a body set up on 1 April 1929 to supervise the manufacture, quality and pricing of Nazi Party uniform items. The basic functions of the RZM were to see that NSDAP contracts went to Aryan firms, and to ensure that final products were of a high standard yet priced to 'suit the pocket' of the average Party member. On 16 March 1935 contract numbers were introduced and awarded to every RZM-approved company. After that date, RZM numbers replaced makers' marks on all NSDAP accoutrements

SA: Sturmabteilung - Assault Detachment; the original streetfighters of the NSDAP, eclipsed politically by the SS after 1934. From 1939, responsible for the pre-military training of all able-bodied males

Sabel- sabre

Samt - velvet

Scheide - scabbard

Schiffchen - boarding cap; literally 'little ship'

Schirmmutze - peaked cap

Schnur - cord

(mit) Schraube und Platte - screw-backed

Schulterklappen - shoulder straps; epaulettes

Schupo: Schutzpolizei - Town Police

Schutze - rifleman

Schutzmutze - protective cap; usually refers to the reinforced beret worn by panzer crews

Schutzzeichen - proof mark; trade mark

Schwert - sword

SD - see 'SS-SD'

Seitengewehr - bayonet

Seitenhaken - belt hook

Siegrunen - victory runes; the' double-S' flashes worn by the SS . The old Norse'S' rune was symbolic of victory, hence the name

Soldbuch - pay book

Sonnenrad - sunwheel; an ancient Nordic device representing the sun. Widely used on insignia by the Nazis, either in its traditional form or as a 'sunwheel swastika'

Soutache - chevron of waffenfarbe worn above the cockade on field caps

Spange - clasp; bar

SS: Schutzstaffel- Protection Squad; originally Hitler's bodyguard, expanded to control the police, the concentration camps and a vast army

SS-BW: SS-Bekleidungswerk - SS clothing factory; a firm contracted to produce Waffen-SS uniform clothing

SS-SD: SS-Sicherheitsdienst- SS Security Service; later responsible for national security, espionage and counterespionage

SS-TV: SS-Totenkopfverbande - SS Death's Head Units; concentration camp guards. In 1939, formed the nucleus of the SS- Totenkopf- Division, one of the first SS field formations

SS- VT: SS- Verfiigungstruppe - SS Special Purpose Troops; the militarised formations of the SS renamed Waffen-SS in the winter of 1939-40

Staatsamt - Government Administration Office; the higher echelons of the civil service

Stab - staff; baton

Staffel- Luftwaffe Squadron (approximately 10 aircraft)

Stahl helm - steel helmet; also the name given to a nationalist ex-servicemen's organisation absorbed by the SA in 1933

Stalag: Stammlager - prisoner-of-war camp for non-commissioned ranks

Standarte - Nazi paramilitary unit of regimental size

Stern - star; rank 'pip'

Stielgranate - stick grenade

Stoff - cloth

Streifendienst - patrol service; responsible for the internal policing of the various NSDAP paramilitary formations. Each formation had its own Streifendienst

Stuka: Sturzkampfflugzeug - dive-bomber (usually the Junkers 87)

Sturm - Nazi paramilitary unit of company size

Sturmbann - Nazi paramilitary unit of battalion size

Sturzhelm - crash helmet

Tarbusch - fez

Tarnmutze - camouflage cap

Tarnuberzug - camouflage cover for the steel helmet

TeNo: Technische Nothilfe - Technical Emergency Service; an auxiliary technical force of the Orpo largely engaged on air raid damage. Also employed as field units in the army, air force and Waffen-SS

Tigerjacke - 'tiger jacket'; the SS camouflage smock

TN - see 'TeNo'

Totenkopf - death's head; skull-andcrossbones. Worn in several forms by a number of elite imperial German regiments, the type used by the 1st and 2nd Prussian Life Guards was adopted by the SS at its inception. When, in 1934, the same type began to be used by the new Heer panzer arm, the SS devised its own, unique, totenkopf, with lower jaw, which it wore thereafter

Totenrune - death rune; the old Norse symbol of death. Featured on SS documents and grave markers to show date of death

Trager- holder; bearer (eg Ritterkreuztrager)

Tresse - braid

Tropenbluse - tropical tunic

Tropenhelm - sun helmet

Tschako - shako

Tuchrock - (Luftwaffe) service tunic

Tyr-rune - the ancient Nordic 'T' rune. symbolic ofthe Norse god Tyr and of leadership in battle. Also known as the 'kampfrune' or 'battle rune'. Formed the basic design of several Nazi badges, including the Hitler Youth Proficiency Badge and the insignia worn by graduates and staff of paramilitary officer schools. SS soldiers killed in action had their graves marked by Tyr-runes rather than crosses

Uberzieher - reefer Urkunde - award document; citation

USchlA: Untersuchungs-und Schlichtungs-Ausschuss - Committee for Investigation and Settlement; the internal NSDAP court

Verbotzeit- 'forbidden time'; Nazi term for the period between 1923 and 1925 when the NSDAP and its uniforms and insignia were prohibited

Verg.: Vergoldet- gilded

Vers.: Versilbert - silvered

Versuchsmodell- experimental model

Verliehungstute - award packet

'Volkischer Beobachter' - 'People's Observer'; the principal daily newspaper of the NSDAP

Volkssturm - home guard

Vorstossen - piping

Vulkanfiber - vulcanised fibre; a brittle plastic similar in texture to glass fibre. Widely used in the manufacture of headgear, particularly cap peaks and lightweight helmets

Waffen-SS: Bewaffnete-SS - armed SS; the combat formations of the SS comprised initially of the SS-TV and the SS-VT. Put nearly 40 divisions into the field during World War 2

Waffenamt- Ordnance Office; inspected and controlled the quality of Wehrmacht equipment

Waffenfarbe: Waffengattungsfarbe - branch of service colour

Waffenrock - (army) dress tunic or (Luftwaffe) uniform tunic

Wappen: Wappenschild - heraldic shield, or decal, worn on the steel helmet

Wasserschutzpolizei - Water Protection Police; patrolled Germany's harbours, canals and waterways

Wasserzolldienst - Water Customs Service

WBA: WehrmachtbekleidungsamtArmed Forces Clothing Office;controlled production of government issue Wehrmacht uniform clothing

Wehrmacht - the armed forces, comprising the Heer, Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe

Wehrmachtadler- the armed forcespattern eagle, with folded wings

Wehrpass - military identity/personal record book

WHW: Winterhilfswerk - Winter Charity; a Nazi charitable organisation for poor relief not, in fact, restricted to winter. During the war it also collected items of clothing donated by the civil populace for wear by soldiers at the front

Wimpel - pennant

Winkel - chevron

Wolfsangel- wolf hook; a mystical Germanic symbol traditionally supposed to ward off werewolves Used in various forms on Third Reich insignia

Wolle - wool

Zahnrad - cog-wheel; the emblem of the DAF and TeNo

Zeltbahn - shelter quarter; poncho

Zestorer - destroyer

Zolldienst - Customs Service

Zugwache - military troop train or supply train guard

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

Flag Terminology

When describing the details of a flag it is assumed that the flag to be described is flying from a staff held in the right hand of a bearer who is facing the observer with the flag flying over the head of the bearer towards his left. The side of the flag which faces the observer is called the 'obverse' and the other side 'reverse'. (Fig. A).

However, it should be noted that this method employed to 'read' a flag does not apply in the case of regimental flags and standards used by the German armed forces. Traditionally the German military have always referred to the obverse and reverse of their colours as the 'left side' and the 'right side'. This practice is the result of the position in which the flag or standard is held in relation to the bearer.

For the purpose of describing either face of a German military flag or standard it is assumed that the staff is held in front of the bearer with the flag flying over his head towards the rear. The right side of the flag (normally referred to as the reverse) is on the bearer's right side, and the flag's left side (the obverse) is on the bearer's left side.

Throughout this book all German unit flags and standards-which were those carried by a bearer-will be referred to, in keeping with the German practice, by either their right or left sides. Those flags which were normally flown from a flag pole, on a ship or building will be referred to in the accepted manner as having an obverse and a reverse.

It should be further noted that on the colour plates in this book illustrating regimental flags and standards the emblem (the finial) on top of the staff faces either towards or away from the observer depending on whether the left or the right side of the flag or standard is being shown. This is deliberate. It was considered important to show these items in detail and to their best advantage. This method corresponds to that used in official German military handbooks which feature flags and standards of this type.

In practice these emblems faced forward away from the flag itself. When the flag or standard was viewed from either the left or right side the emblem on top of the staff was only seen from its left or right side, and in many cases if illustrated in this way only a very narrow side view of the emblem would be visible.

Streamers were normally illustrated in official German handbooks as lying against the left side of the flag or standard. in many cases this practice has been continued throughout this book.

Below are listed some of the more commonplace terms, with explanations, employed in the language of flags. Although they apply primarily to describing flags in the English language they can be used even when describing German national and military flags.

Active; Normally refers to the rays of a star or sun symbol, the rays of which are illustrated with undulating curves in an 'active' fashion (see also 'inactive'), Refer to 'Flag for Navy land units and Schools'.

Banner; By definition a banner is a square or rectangular heraldic flag with a design usually painted or embroidered; it is carried suspended from a cross bar flxed to an upright pole. Originally used as a standard in time of war. No banners were used in the German armed forces. Refer to 'The political-SA 'Feldherrnhalle' Standard for use by Army Infantry Regiment 271' as the nearest equivalent to a banner.

Canton; The portion of a flag, generally rectangular in shape, occupying the upper corner nearest the hoist. The canton often, but not necessarily, covered an area a quarter of the flag's size (see also 'in-canton ').
Refer to 'The National War Flag' and 'The Reich Service Flag'.

Charge; An heraldic term meaning to superimpose a device, emblem, badge etc. on a fleld of a flag.

Charged with; Means 'having placed upon it',

Collar; Thc neck chain of an order. When depicted on a flag it is often used to encircle the shield of a coat-of-arms. Refer to 'The Austrian "Hoch-und Deutschmeister" Flag for Grenadier-Regiment 134.'

Colour(s); In its singular or collective sense refers to the ceremonial flags and standards of the armed forces. In the plural can also signify the whole suite of flags worn by a ship or warship's 'Colours' are its ensign, jack and pennant. Not to be confused with colour as primary and secondary hues such as red, green, yellow, blue etc.

Colour pike; Short staff used to carry a personal field standard. Refer to 'Personal Standard for Hermann Goring as Reichsmarschall of the Greater German Reich (1st pattern)'.

Command flags; These were used by the German military in all three branches of the armed forces. In varying regulated sizes they were used on road vehicles, aircraft, ships, buildings and as field emblems to indicate the presence of scnior officers.

Device; An emblematic or heraldic drawing, design or figure.

Emblem; State or national. A design of heraldic or other symbols used by some States or nations to fulfil the function of a coat-of-arms, i.e. to epitomise the spirit or individuality of the State and to distinguish it from others. Refer to 'The National and Mercantile Flag.'

Ensign; The principal flag in a warship's suite of Colours. Flown from the ensign staff at the stern of the vessel, or when at sea from the gaff or other part of the after rigging. Sometimes refers to a personal flag or standard used as a mark of office.

Escutcheon; A shield with armorial bearings.
Refer to 'The Austrian "Hoch-und Deutschmeister" flag for Grenadier-Regiment 134' and 'The Honour Standard of the Legion Condor.'

Ferrule; A metal cap or shoe fitted over the lower end of a staff to strengthen or protect it.

Field; The basic area of a flag. It also applies to the basic colour of a flag.

Finial; A special cast or carved ornament, such as a spearhead, placed at the top of a staff.

Flag; In general any piece of cloth attached along one side to a staff or halyard, intended to fly freely in the wind and, by displaying its colours or the insignia on it, to act as a rallying-point, mark of identity, or signal. Flags are divided by their shape into several categories: rectangular or square flags, swallow-tailed, triangular flags, pennants. Flags which are intended for general use in all weathers are made of bunting which originally was a loose woven, light woollen cloth (now usually re-inforced with manmade flbre). Unit flags-and standards-intended for ceremonial use are generally made of silk. The proportions of a flag are described as the ratio of the length to the breadth; for German flags whose length was twice the breadth it was shown as I :2. In German military usage unit flags (Fahnen) were square in shape and were in general carried by foot troops.

Fly, the; The part of a flag farthest from the flag mast.

Hoist, the; The part of the flag nearest to the flag mast as opposed to the fly.

Inactive; The rays of a star or sun symbol illustrated in a stiff and inactive manner (see also 'active'). Refer to 'Command Flag for the Reich Minister for Air Travel (1st and 2nd patterns)' as well as Luftwaffe unit flags.

In Canton; Means 'in the top left-hand corner' of a flag or shield (see also 'Canton').
Refer to 'Southern Cross Emblem'.

Inescutcheon; Smaller type of heraldic shield superimposed in the centre of the fleld.
An heraldic term.

Jack; The flag flown on the jackstaff in the bows of a naval vessel. Used in this role only when the ship is at anchor or in port. In some countries it is also flown by merchant vessels. The German word for Jack is 'Gosch'.

Motto; A word or a phrase, sometimes in a classical language, inscribed on a scroll accompanying a coat-of-arms or State emblem, expressing an appropriate sentiment. Has the same purpose as a'legend'. Refer to 'Land Police Group "General Goring" Flags' and 'The Honour Standard of the Legion Condor'.

Pole, flag; A wooden or metal upright to which is attached, or from which is flown, a flag. Term used in this work to refer to non-portable flag poles.

Scroll; A long narrow riband normally displayed above or below an emblem and inscribed with a motto, slogan, legend or sentiment (see also 'Motto').

Staff, flag or standard; A wooden upright to which is attached the flag- or standardcloth. Term used in this work to refer to a portable item.

Standard; Strictly speaking a standard is a flag which 'stands by itself'. In modern usage standard has come to mean practically the same as 'banner'. In German Army usage a standard (Standarte) referred to the swallow-tailed flag carried by cavalry and motorized troops and certain motorized detachments of foot troops. The SA formation 'Standarte' is what would normally be referred to in English as a banner.

Swallow-tailed flags; Flags which have a triangular section cut out of the fly in order to make them 'forked'. Can be referred to as a 'burgee'. German Army standards had a 25cm-deep section cut out of the fly of the standard-cloth in a special shape known as a 'hussar cut'.

Truck; The disc or knob at the top of a flag pole containing the pulley over which the halyard passes allowing the flag to be raised or lowered.

Brian Leigh Davis: "Flags & Standards of the Third Reich - Army,Navy & Air Force" Arco Publishing, 1975