German Militaria Blog

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The Nazi Seed

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 02:28:00 +0000

Hermann Goering's great-niece: 'I had myself sterilised so I would not pass on the blood of a monster'

By Allan Hall

Descendants of the leaders of the Nazi regime have spoken on camera for the first time about the feelings of pain and revulsion they have for their ancestors. They include Bettina Goering, great niece of Adolf Hitler's second in command Hermann Goering, who says she has had herself sterilised so she would 'not pass on the blood of a monster'.

Adolf Eichmann's son Ricardo says he simply cannot find a way to explain why his father became the chief architect of the Holocaust.

While Hitler himself had no offspring, many others at the heart of the Reich had families and some of the children can remember being patted on the head by the Fuhrer.

One is Hitler's godson Niklas Frank, whose father Hans was Nazi governor of occupied Poland responsible for the death camps in which six million Jewish people were killed.

He says in the documentary Hitler's Children, by Israeli director Chanoch Zeevi, that he 'despises' his father's past and describes him as 'a slime-hole of a Hitler fanatic'.

The film also shows Monika Hertwig, daughter of Amon Goeth - the death camp commandant played in the movie Schindler's List by Ralph Fiennes --meeting a man who tells her how her father shot women and babies 'for sport'.

Zeevi said he found 'fascinating similarities' between the emotions of those related to Holocaust perpetrators and those of survivors, some of whom meet the children of their tormentors in the programme.

Frank lectures about his infamous father to young people in the former East Germany in a bid to prevent them from straying into the far-right scene that preys on the young unemployed and desperate.

'I have never managed in my life to get rid of the memory of him,' he said. 'I live with this deep shame about what he did.'

Bettina Goering lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she practices herbal medicine.

'Either side of me live Jewish neighbours,' she says, 'and they are always quarrelling. It's left to me to sort them out!'

Bettina told the programme both she and her brother were voluntarily sterilised. 'I had my tubes tied at the age of 30 because I feared I would create another monster. I look like him for a start - the eyes, the cheekbone, the profile. I look more like him than his own daughter,' she said.

The 53-year-old Goering said her father Heinz was adopted by his infamous uncle after his own father died and became a fighter pilot for the Luftwaffe.

Heinz was shot down over the Soviet Union and returned from captivity in 1952 to find that his two brothers had killed themselves because of their shame and the family's fortunes were gone.

Hermann Goering was sentenced to death along with 11 others at the Nuremberg trials in 1946, but he committed suicide by swallowing a poison pill in his cell the night before his scheduled execution.

Goering said her father, who died in 1981, never spoke about the Holocaust, or about his notorious uncle. 'But my grandmother was less evasive - she adored him,' she said.

'As head of the Red Cross in Nazi Germany she hobnobbed with the regime's other top leaders and had many pictures of herself alongside Hitler.

'We would be watching a documentary on TV together about the Holocaust and she would yell 'it's all lies, it didn't happen,'' she added.

'The hardest part is admitting that I could have liked him. I was so shocked by that,' she said. 'Now I am accepting myself more for who I am, whatever that encompasses - the good, the bad and the ugly.'

'The film is due to be completed later this year.

Mail-On Line, January 2010

Our thanks for Marc Jay Cohen for bringing this to our attenion.

Collecting Basics - Replica Field Marshal Baton

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:31:00 +0000

I received an e-mail today from a Paki fake peddler offering me a replica field marshal stick (baton) at a very low price. I get this type e-mail every day, seems they all think that because I run this web site I "must" be in the business of ripping off collectors with fakes. What a bunch of scumbags they all are!

There is nothing new about fake field marshal's batons, they've been around for years. The thing is all the fakes I know of up till now have been rather expensive, selling for several thousand dollars. However, this one is cheap... only $100. The good thing is, the maker only wants to sell them 10 at a time. I like that because it should slow his sales considerably.

Now I know that none of you experienced collectors would be fooled by this thing, but it could spell trouble for the newbie. The reason I'm posting this is because I can see the following happening. Some unscrupulous dealer buys 10 of these zonkers, goes to the trouble of "ageing" them, then puts one on his table at some small gun show at, what looks like a bargain price, and waits for the sucker to come buy. What's especially dangerous about this item is it's low price, which means more of them will probably pop up at a price new collecors will go for.

I haven't seen one of these in person, so I don't know how well they're made, but from the pics they look good enough to fool some people. So, if you see a field marshal's baton offered at a "bargain" price, watch out!

If you know about a "dangerous" fake and would like to share the info with our readers, please email me and we'll see if we can put the info on this Blog. You can remain anonymous if you wish. info@germanmilitariacollectibles.com

Bob Treend, Collector Basics, Militaria Blog, 2010

Ashes Found in Trash Led to Proper Burial

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:37:00 +0000

January 05, 2010
St. Petersburg Times

The two teenagers got to the cemetery first. He wore his dark green dress uniform from the National Guard. She wore a long black dress. They stood on the edge of the road, across from rows of matching military headstones, waiting for the funeral of the man they had never met.

Mike Colt, 19, and his girlfriend, Carol Sturgell, 18, had driven more than an hour from their Tampa homes last month to be at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

They weren't really sure why they had come. They just knew they had to be here.

"It's kind of sad, huh?" asked Sturgell, scanning the sea of white gravestones.

Colt nodded. "Yeah, but it feels kind of important."

At 12:20 p.m., a Tampa police car pulled up, then a white Lincoln Town Car. Another police cruiser followed. Two officers stepped out.

"Thank you for being here," Colt said, shaking both of their hands.

"No, thank you," said Officer Dan College . "If it weren't for you guys, none of us would be here."

More than a month ago , on the last Saturday of November, the young couple was hanging out at Sturgell's house when her brother rode up on his bike, all excited. He had found two fishing poles in this huge pile of trash. Come check it out, he said. So they did.

At the edge of the trash mound, sticking out from beneath a box, Sturgell spied a worn green folder.

She pulled it out, brushed off the dust. Across the top, bold letters said, "Department of Defense." Inside, she found retirement papers from the U.S. Army; a citation for a Purple Heart issued in 1945; and a certificate for a Bronze Star medal "for heroism in ground combat in the vicinity of Normandy, France ... June 1944." In the center of the certificate there was a name: Delbert E. Hahn.

Why would anyone throw that away? Sturgell asked.

And who is that guy? Colt wanted to know. Must be old, a World War II vet. Looks like he served at D-Day!

That night, they took the paperwork back to Sturgell's house and searched Delbert E. Hahn on the computer. Nothing. They talked about who he might have been, the life he might have led.

The next morning, they went back to the trash heap and searched for more clues. They rummaged through boxes, overturned furniture, picked through piles of the past. Colt moved a ratty couch - and something fell out. A metal vase, or box, some kind of rectangular container about a foot tall. On the base was the name: Delbert E. Hahn.

"It's him," Colt told his girlfriend. "This must be him, in his urn."

Sturgell screamed. She didn't want to touch it. It was kind of freaky, she said, discovering the remains of some dead guy.

"He shouldn't be here," Colt said. "No one should be thrown away like that, just left in a parking lot."

The dead man wasn't alone. Under the couch, the couple found two more sets of remains: a cylinder-style container with Barbara Hahn printed on the bottom and another urn, which had no name.

Tampa police Cpl. Edward Croissant had just reported for the night shift that Sunday when his officers showed him the urns. This kid and his girlfriend had found them and brought them to the station.

Then an officer told Croissant about the Purple Heart. The Bronze Star. And the Normandy invasion.

And Croissant became irate. He had served eight years in the Navy. He's in the Coast Guard Reserve. "I had three uncles in World War II. That was the greatest generation. If it wasn't for those men, we would have nothing," he said.

"That man saw combat. And someone just dumped him there? He deserves a better ending."

Police called the Department of Veterans Affairs and learned Hahn had died in 1983, at the age of 62, -and was a highly decorated war hero. The staff sergeant had served in the infantry and been honored with five Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts.

Barbara Hahn, they learned, was the soldier's wife.

So how did their remains end up in that mound of garbage? Where was the rest of their family, or friends, anyone who would want their ashes? And who was in that third urn?

Neighbors filled in some of the story: Barbara Hahn had been a widow forever, they told police. For years, her mother had lived with her. Her mother's name was Barbara, too.

The elder Barbara had lived to be more than 100. They thought she died around 2000. That third urn, neighbors told police, must be her.

The younger Barbara, the soldier's wife, got sick in 2003. A couple came to care for her, and she wound up willing them her mobile home. When she died, the couple moved in, took out a mortgage, then didn't make payments.

The bank foreclosed on the trailer late last year.

In November, officials sent a maintenance company to clear it out. The workers must have just dumped everything behind the vacant building on Busch Boulevard , neighbors told police. Including the remains of three people.

Just before 1 p.m. Dec. 16 , the two teenagers led the car line through Florida National Cemetery . Police followed, then the funeral director who had the urns. Outside a wooden gazebo, two rows of National Guardsmen stood at attention.

The funeral director handed the first soldier a flag, the next one the cylinder with Barbara Hahn's remains, the third one the brass urn with Delbert Hahn.

(Barbara's mother's remains are still in the evidence room of the police station. Since she wasn't a veteran or married to one, she wasn't entitled to be buried in the military cemetery.)

"Let us open the gates of the Lord," said a military chaplain, who led the procession of strangers into the gazebo. "Let us remember," said the chaplain, "none of us lives only unto himself."

The teenagers sat on the front bench. Three officials from Veterans Affairs sat behind them. They had spent weeks searching for the Hahns' relatives, any distant kin or friend, someone who might want their ashes - or at least want to come to their burial.

They couldn't find anyone. Even the couple whom Barbara Hahn had willed her home to didn't show.

By the time the chaplain lifted his head from the Lord's Prayer, a long line of men had wrapped around the gazebo.

Wearing blue denim shirts and work boots, they clasped their caps in their hands and bowed their heads. Dozens of groundskeepers from the cemetery had left their Christmas party to come pay respects to the man who, in death, had been so disrespected.

A bugler played taps. The riflemen fired three shots. And 56 people watched the honor guard fold a flag over the urns of the man and woman they never knew.

Our thanks to Marc Jay Cohen for sending us the article.

Official Numbers of German Naval Personnel

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 00:13:00 +0000

Official Numbers of German Naval Personnel. A simplified system of official numbers (Stammrollennummern) was introduced in December, 1941, to take effect from 1st January, 1942. It only applies, however, to entries after that date, and the old system remains in force for previous entries.

Old System. Typical numbers which may be taken as examples are: N 1329/37 S and O 151/41 T.

1. All entries into the Kriegsmarine are divided between depôts (Stamm-marineteile) of the Admiral Commanding the Baltic and the Admiral Commanding the North Sea, and bear a distinguishing letter either ( (Ostsee) or N (Nordsee), accordingly.

2. 1329 and 151 are the serial numbers of the individuals (Jahrgangsnummer).

3. 37 and 41 are the years of entry (Einstellungsjahrgang), viz.: 1937 and 1941.

4. The letters after the numbers refer to the branch of the service to which the man belongs (Ausbildungszeichen). The following are known:
S stands for Seemännische (Seaman branch)
T stands for Technische (Technical)
KS stands for Küstenschule (Coastal school)
KT stands for (not known, possibly Kustentechnische - Coastal Technical).
ES stands for Ersatzseemännische (Reserve Seaman branch)
ET stands for Ersatztechnische (Reserve Technical branch)
E stands for Ersatz (Reserve)

U-Boat personnel are understood to have the letter U prefixed to the O or N.
New System:
1. O and N are retained as before.
2. The letters after the name disappear as a general rule. Conscripts (Dienstpflichtige), however, bear the letter D.
3. Naval recruits, continuous service volunteers (Flottenrekruten), (Ungedienende Freiwillige) and all members of the shore establishments (Küstendienst) are given uneven numbers by the Baltic Station and even numbers by the North Sea Station, e.g.: O 101/42, N 102/42, O 103/42 D.

4. Recruits in Laufbahnen (see Appendix I) XIV, XV and XVIII, (Marienartillerie, Kraftfahrer and Flugmelde), receive their numbers similarly with the letter K added, e.g.: N 52/42 K.

5. The Marinestammregiment Beveloo (Belgium) (believed to be Marinestosstruppen) keep their previous system, numbers and suffixed letters, but the letters M St. R are substituted for O and N., e.g.: M St. R 30100 S.

6. On being moved from one depôt to the other the letter of the new station is prefixed to the letter of the old. On return to the original depôt the new letter is once more dropped. This applies to pre-1942 numbers as well, e.g.: ON 951/41 S.

7. Identification discs (Erkennungsmarken) are in future to bear the word "Kriegsmarine" for all members of the Navy, with the official number and the letter for the blood group of the man, e.g.:
B
Kriegsmarine
202/42 K
-------------
B
Kriegsmarine
202/42 K

The owner's name will apparently not be shown.

A comprehensive listing of Job/training specialities and positions and what they represent in English. This resource can make it simpler to research and title items accurately.

Abteilungsarzt Battalion Physician
Abteilungschef im Reichskriegs-Ministerium Departmental Head in the War Office
Abteilungskommandeur Battalion Commander
Abteilungsschreiber Battalion Headquarters Clerk
Abteilungsveterinär Battalion Veterinary Doctor
Adjutant Adjutant
Amtsgehilfe Administration Clerical Official in a Department
Amtsobergehilfe Senior Administration Clerical Official in a Department
Amtsrat Senior Administration Official
Arbeiter Labourer
Arzt Physician
Auswerter Plotter / Evaluator
Autoschlosser Motor Vehicle Mechanic
Bäckermeister Master Baker
Bataillonsarzt Battalion Physician
Bataillonskommandeur Battalion Commander
Bataillonsveterinär Battalion Veterinary Doctor
Batterieführer Battery Commander
Batterieoffizier Firing Battery Commander
Batterieschreiber Battery Headquarters Clerk
Beamter Armed Forces Civil Servant / Government Service Official / Civilian Employee in Military Service
Beobachter Observer
Beobachtungsoffizier Observation Officer
Beschlagschmied Farrier / Horse(shoe) Smith
Betreuungsoffizier Entertainment Officer
Betriebmeister Managerial Works Supervisor
Betriebsleiter Managerial Works Leader
Bibliothekar Librarian
Blechschuster Tin Smith
Bootsmann Boat Operator
Botenmeister Messenger
Chef des Stabes Chief of Staff
Direktor Director
Direktor bei der Heeresfeuerwerker und Panzertruppenschule Director of the Army Ordnance and Panzer Troop Schools
Direktor bei der Heeres-Plankammer Director of the Army Chamber of Planning
Direktor beim Heeresarchiv Wien Director of the Army Archives at Vienna
Direktor beim Heeresmuseum Berlin-Zeughaus Director of the Army Museum at Berlin-Zeughaus
Direktor des Heerestechnischen Buros Director of the Army Technical Bureau
Divisionionsarzt Division Physician
Divisonskommandeur Division Commander
Dolmetscher Interpreter
Dreher Lathe Operator
Drucker Printer
Elektriker Electrician
Elektromechaniker Electro Mechanic
Entfernungsmesser Rangefinder / Distance Measurer
Erkunder Scout
Erkundungsoffizier Observation Officer
Facharbeiter Specialist
Fachschulrektor Headmaster of a Technical School
Fachstudiendirektor Deputy Director of Technical Studies
Fachstudienrat Instructor in Technical Studies
Fahnenschmied Farrier NCO
Fahrer Driver
Fahrer vom Bock Wagoner (the driver of a horse-drawn vehicle sitting on the driver's seat [the box])
Fahrer vom Sattel Horse Team Leader (the driver of a horse-drawn vehicle sitting on one of the horses)
Feinmechaniker Optics Technician
Feldbischof Chaplain-General to the Forces
Feldfunksprecher Field Radio Operator
Feldgendarm Military Policeman
Feldkoch Cook
Feldkochunteroffizier Cook NCO
Feldwebel Sergeant
Fernsprecher Telephonist
Festungsoberwerkmeister Fortifications NCO in Charge of a Workshop
Festungswerkmeister Fortifications NCO in a Workshop
Feuerwerker Ordnance NCO / Pyrotechnician / Military Artificer
Flakwaffenwart Antiaircraft Weapon Armorer
Flugmeldeauswerter Air Observation Evaluator
Flugmelder Air Observer
Führer Leader
Führer der Gefechtsfahrzeuge Leader of the Company / Battery Vehicles
Funker Radio Operator
Funkmeister Senior Radio Operator
Funkwart Radio Repairman
Futtermeister Fodder NCO
Gaschützunteroffizier Chemical Warfare NCO
Gefechtsschreiber Headquarters Clerk
Generalintendant General Commisariat Commander
Generalstabintendant General Staff Commisariat Commander
Gerätverwalter Equipment Administrator
Gerätwart Equipment Repairman
Geschützbedienung Gun Crew
Geschützführer Gun Layer / Gun Captain / Gun Commander
Getreibeschlosser Drive Train Mechanic
Gewerbeoberlehrer Senior Teacher in Trade Subjects
Gruppenführer Section Leader Also a General Rank for the SS and other political/paramilitary formations
Gruppenintendant Army Group Commisariat Commander
Handelsoberlehrer Senior Teacher in Commercial Subjects
Handwerker Craftsman
Haptfeldwebel Senior Company NCO / Company First Sergeant
Hauptwachmeister Senior Battery NCO / Battery First Sergeant
Hauswart Caretaker
Heeresarchivdirektor Army Archive Director
Heeresarchivrat Army Archival Advisor
Heeresbaudirektor Director of Army Building or Construction
Heeresforstamtsmann Administration Official in the Army Forestry Commission
Heeresforstmeister Army Forestry Commissioner
Heereshauptwerkmeister Army Workshop Superintendent
Heeresintendant Army Commisary
Heeresjustizamtmann Army Judicial Service
Heeresjustizwachtmeister Army Court Martial Orderly NCO
Heereslandwirtschaftrat Councillor in the Army Agricultural Department
Heeresmachinenmeister Army Master Machinist / Mechanic
Heeresmaschinenbaudirektor Director of Army Construction Machinery
Heeresmusikinspizient Director of Army Music
Heeresoberförster Army Forester
Heeresoberforstmeister Senior Army Forestry Commissioner
Heeresoberpfarrer Senior Army Chaplain
Heeresoberwerkmeister Army Workshop Superintendent
Heerespfarrer Army Chaplain
Heeresrevierförster Army Forestry Official
Heeressattlermeister Army Master Saddler
Heeresschneidermeister Army Master Tailor
Heeresschuhmachermeister Army Master Shoemaker / Cobbler
Heeressportlehrer Army Sports Instructor
Heeresunterförster Army Forester
Heereswerkmeister NCO in Charge of an Army Workshop
Heizer Fireman
Hilfsbeobachter Assistant Observer
Hilfsprüfer Assistant Controller
Hiwi (Hilfswilliger) Foreign Volunteer for Military Service
Holzarbeiter Wood Worker
Inspektor (technische and nichttechnische) Official in Technical or Non-Technical Trade
Intendant Administrative Services Official [ranking as Colonel]
Intendanturamtmann Member of an Army Administrative Services Department [ranking as an enlisted man]
Intendanturassessor Administrative Services Official [ranking as Captain]
Intendanturasinspektor Administrative Services Official [ranking as Lieutenant Colonel]
Intendanturrat Administrative Services Official [ranking as Major]
Kanonier Gunner
Kanzleivorsteher Orderly Room - Head Clerk
Kartenzeichner Cartographer
Kartograph Cartographer
Kettenkraftradfahrer Kettenkrad Driver
Klempner Plumber
Koch Cook
Kommandant Commandant
Kommandeur Commander
Kompanieführer Company Commander
Kompanietrossführer Company Train Leader
Kompanietruppführer Company Headquarters Section Leader
Korpsintendant Army Corps Supply Services Official
Korpssattlermeister Army Corps Master Saddler
Kradmelder Motorcycle Messenger
Kraftfahrzeugelektriker Motor Vehicle Electrician
Kraftfahrzeugmotorenschlosser Motor Vehicle Motor Mechanic
Kraftfahrzeugschlosser Motor Vehicle Mechanic
Kraftwagenbeifahrer Motor Vehicle Co-Driver
Kraftwagenfahrer Motor Vehicle Driver
Krankenträger Stretcher Bearer
Kriegsgerichter Judge Advocate General Branch
Kriegsgerichtsrat Member of Court Martial Committee
Laborant Laboratory Technician
Ladeschütze Loader
Lagermeister NCO in a Depot
Lagerwart Depotman
Laufwerkschlosser Running Gear Mechanic
Lehrer Teacher
Leiter Chief Leader
Lichtpauser Photographer
Lithograph Lithographer
Magazinmeister NCO in Charge of a Depot
Maler Painter
Mann Enlisted Man
Mannschaft Enlisted Man / Other Rank
Maschinengewehrschütze Machine Gunner
Meldefahrer Motor Vehicle Messenger
Meldefahrer Messenger (Motor Vehicle)
Melder Messenger / Runner
Meldereiter Messenger (Horse-Mounted)
Ministerial Direktor Minister and Head of a Government Ministry
Ministerialamtsgehilfe Administration Clerical Official in a Ministry
Ministerialbürodirektor Administration Official in a Ministry
Ministerialdirigent Administrative Official in a Ministry (Usually of Generalleutnant Rank)
Ministerialkanzleivorsteher Administration Official - Head Clerk in a Ministry
Ministerialoberamtsgehilfe Senior Administration Clerical Official in a Ministry
Ministerialrat Advisor to the Minister
Ministerialrat (mit den Dienstgradabzeichen des Generales) Advisor to the Minister with the Rank of General
Ministerialregistrator Registrar in a Ministry
Mitarbeiter Assistant Clerk
Motorschlosser Motor Mechanic
Mühlenmeister Master Miller
Munitionskanonier Ammunition Handler (Artillery)
Munitionsschütze Ammunition Handler
Musiker Bandsman
Musikmeister Band Leader
Nachrichtenmechaniker Signals Technician
Nachrichtenoffizier Signal Officer
Nachrichtenunteroffizier Signal NCO
Oberbotenmeister Senior Messenger
Oberfachschullehrer Teacher in an Advanced Technical School
Oberfachschulrat Principal in a Technical School
Oberfachstudiendirektor Director of Technical Studies
Oberfeldapotheker Apothecary
Oberfeldzahlmeister Senor Paymaster
Oberfuttermeister Senior Fodder NCO
Oberheeresarchivrat Army Archival Advisor
Oberinspektor (technisch and nichttechnisch) Senior Official in Tecnhical Trade or Non-Technical Trade
Oberintendanturrat Commisariat
Oberkartograph Senior Cartographer
Oberkriegsgerichtsrat Member of Court Martial Committee
Oberlagermeister Senior NCO in a Depot
Oberlandwirtschaftsrat Agricultural Advisor
Obermaschinist Senior Fitter
Obermusikinspizient Director of Army Music
Oberregierungsbaurat Construction or Building Administration Official
Oberregierungschemiker Chemistry Administration Official
Oberregierungsrat Senior Administration Official
Oberreichskriegsanwalt Judge Advocate General
Oberreichskriegsanwalt Senior Attorney in the War Office
Obersekretär (technisch und nichttechnisch) Senior Secretary in Technical and Non-Technical Trade
Oberstabsapotheker Apothecary
Oberstabzahlmeister Senior Paymaster
Oberstabzahlmeister Senior Administration Official
Oberstapotheker Apothecary
Oberstkriegsgerichtsrat Member of Court Martial Committee
Oberstudiendirektor Army Education Official
Obertrigonometer Trigonometric Official
Oberwaffenmeister Armourer
Oberwerkmeister Senior Workshop Supervisor
Oberzahlmeister Paymaster
Offizier Officer
Ordnanzoffizier Aide (-de-Camp) (Officer)
Ordonnanz Aid (Enlisted)
Panzerbüchsenschütze Antitank Rifleman
Panzerelektromechaniker Armored Vehicle Electrician
Panzerelektroschweisser Armored Vehicle Arc Welder
Panzerführer Armored Vehicle Commander
Panzerfunkwart Armored Vehicle Radio Repairman
Panzergetriebenschlosser Armored Vehicle Drive Train Mechanic
Panzerjägerführer Antitank Vehicle Commander
Panzermotorenschlosser Armored Vehicle Motor Mechanic
Panzerschlosser Armored Vehicle Mechanic
Panzerschützen Infantryman in an Armored Vehicle
Panzerwart Armored Vehicle Mechanic
Peiler Direction Finder
Pferdeführer Horse Leader (driver on foot guiding the horse(s) of a horse-drawn vehicle)
Pferdehalter Horse Holder (Groom)
Pferdewärter Groom (Horse Holder)
Photograph Photographer
Pionier Pioneer / Engineer / Sapper
Planoffizier Triangulation Officer
Postfachkraft Postal Worker
Präparator Candidate
Präsident President
Präsident des Heeresarchives Wien President of the Army Archives at Vienna
Prüfer Accounts Controller
Quartiermeister Quartermaster
Rechner Calculator
Rechnungsführer Accountant
Regierungsbaurat Construction or Building Administration Official
Regierungschemiker Chemistry Administration Official
Regierungsdirektor (Museum Wien) Administration Director of the Vienna Museum
Regierungsrat Administration Official
Regimentsadjutant Regiment Adjutant
Regimentsarzt Regiment Physician
Regimentskommandeur Regiment Commander
Regimentskraftfahroffizier Regiment Motor Officer
Regimentssattlermeister Regimental Master Saddler
Regimentsschreiber Regiment Headquarters Clerk
Regmentsveterinär Regiment Veterinary Doctor
Reichskreigsgerichtswachtmeister State Judicial Service Orderly NCO
Reichskriegsgerichtsrat Army Court Martial Councillor
Richter Judge
Richtkreisunteroffizier Gun Layer NCO / Gun Director NCO
Richtschütze Gunner
Sachbearbeiter Clerk
Sanitätsoffizier Medical Officer
Sanitätsunteroffizier Medical NCO
Sattelpferd Near Horse
Sattler Saddler / Harness Maker
Scherenfernrohrunteroffizier Scissors Telescope NCO
Schirrmeister Foreman / Harness Keeper / Depotkeeper NCO / Maintenance Technical Sergeant
Schleifer Polisher
Schlosser Mechanic
Schmied Smith
Schneider Tailor
Schreiber Recorder
Schumacher / Schuster Shoemaker / Cobbler
Schwadronführer Company Commander (Cavalry Arm)
Schwadrontruppführer Company Headquarters Section Leader (Cavalry Arm)
Schweisser Welder
Sekretär (technisches und nichttechnisches) Secretary in Technical and Non-Technical Trade
Senatspräsident beim Reichskriegsgericht President of a Court Martial
Spähtruppführer Scout Section Leader
Stabsapotheker Chemist
Stabzahlmeister Paymaster
Staffelführer Detachment Leader
Stellmacher Cartwright / Wheelwright
Stellungsunteroffizier Gun Position NCO
Steuermann Helmsman (driver of a boat)
Studiendirektor Army Senior Education Official
Studienrat Army Education Official
Tankwart Fuel Handler
Technischer Oberamtsmann Technical Administration Official
Tischler Joiner / Cabinet Maker
Trigonometer Trigonometric Official
Trossführer Train Leader
Truppenarzt Troop Doctor
Truppführer Team Leader
Unteroffizier NCO
Urkundsbeamter Document Clerk
Verbindungsoffizier Liaison Officer
Vermessungsamtmann Survey Official
Vermessungsdienst Measuring Service
Verpflegungsmann Rations Handler
Verpflegungsunteroffizier Rations NCO
Verwaltungsamtmann Administration Official
Veterinäroffizier Veterinary Officer
Vorgeschobener Beobachter Forward Observer
Vorhandwerker Leading Craftsman
Vorreiter Outrider (Escort on horseback of a horse-drawn vehicle)
Vorstand der Heeres-Plankammer Head of the Army Chamber of Planning
Vorwarner Advance Warning Man
Wächter Watchman / Guard
Waffenmeister Armorer
Waffenmeistergehilfe Assistant Armorer
Waffenmeisterunteroffizier Master Armorer NCO
Waffenoberrevisor Senior Armament Official
Waffenrevisor Armament Official
Waffenunteroffizier Armorer NCO
Wagenbegleiter Escort on foot for a horse-drawn vehicle
Wagenführer Leader of the horse-drawn vehicles in the Train
Wallmeister Fortification Official
Wehrmachtkriegspfarrer Chaplain
Wehrmachtoberpfarrer Senior Chaplain to the Forces
Wehrmachtpfarrer Chaplain to the Forces
Werferführer Launcher or Mortar Gunner
Werkführer Foreman
Werkmeister Foreman / Chief Technician (master at arms in charge of weapon repair)
Werkstättenvorsteher Official in Charge of Workshop
Wermachtdekan Senior Chaplain to the Forces, Army Dean
Zahlmeister Paymaster / Finance Officer
Zeichner Draftsman
Zimmermann Carpenter
Zugführer Platoon Leader
Zugtruppführer Platoon Headquarters Section Leader

Charles Warriner, "Official Numbers of German Naval Personnel", 2010

Deutschland Erwacht Penknife

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 06:02:00 +0000

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

Special Feldherrnhalle Insignia

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:57:00 +0000

In June 1937, the SA-Stabschef (Chief of Staff) ordered the institution of a special insignia to be worn by qualified former members of the elite SA-Standarte "Feldherrnhalle." His order
appeared in the “Veordungsblatt der Obersten SA-Fuhrung," 7. Jahrgang, Nummer 8, 7 June 1937, p. 52, para.149. It read as follows:

149. Re: Insignia for SA men who have left the Regiment "Feldherrnhalle." F 2b 13735.

1. SA men honorably leaving the Regiment "Feldherrnhalle” will join the SA unit of their prospective place of residence. However, during the time of the annual Reich Party Day, they are available to the Regiment "Feldherrnhnlle" for several days of training.

2. The commander of the Regiment "Feldherrnhalle" may award the SA men referred to in Number 1 the privilege of wearing the regiment’s insignia.

3. The insignia consists of an oval piece of material 7cm high, made of brown cloth, with the 5cm emblem of the Regiment "Feldherrnhnlle." It is worn on the left forearm of the SA service uniform.

4. The commander of the Regiment "Feldherrnhalle" will issue authorization to wear the insignia. The authorization is renewed annually, on the occassion of the Reich Party Day, by the commander of the Regiment "Feldherrnhalle."

5. The insignia is provided free of charge the first time. Additional insignia are to be obtained from the Regiment "Feldherrnhalle" administrative office upon payment.

Illustration [1] is a copy of the original order instituting this new insignia. [2] is an original unissued specimen of the insignia, with paper RZM tag. This example is machine—woven in aluminum thread in the so-called "BeVo" style. [3] shows a variant example which consists of a silver-colored metal "Feldherrnhalle" rune attached to a brown wool base. The metal rune is identical to those worn on the right-side collar tabs of active members of Regiment "Feldherrnhalle."

No original period photographs showing this insignia in actual wear have so far come to light. Since wear of the insignia had to be individually authorized by the "Feldherrnhalle" commander
(rather than automatically applying to all men who left the unit), it may not have been widely issued. Also, since the instituting order tied the insignia to annual reauthorization at the Reichsparietag rallies, and the last such Party Congress occurred in September 1938, it is
possible that the insignia may have been discontinued at that time. Aside from the cited original order, it was apparently never again mentioned in any subsequent SA or NSDAP publications.

Finally, [4] is a photograph showing an active—duty SA-Mann (Private) of the SA—Standarte "Feldherrnhalle" in the regimental uniform. Note the runic device on his right collar tab, identical in design to that on this virtually unknown insignia for former members.

Thanks are extended to W.P.B.R. Saris for providing a copy of the original SA order, to Philip B. Carson for making available the specimen shown in [3], to Wilfred Uhlmann Bradach for translating the order, and to Hugh Page Taylor for prividing photo [4].

Clyde R. Davis, Special Insignia for Former Members of the SA-Standarte "Feldherrnhalle", The Military Advisor, 2005

Collecting Basics - Fake Nazi Cloth Items

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 08:51:00 +0000

The Nazi Regime in Germany, found that more manpower was needed, to prosecute their war of aggression.

The amount of forces they opposed as well as controlling the vast area of conquered territories, was simply too much for their own German teutonic supermen to handle unassisted.

Policies were enacted, which brought foreign legions into existence, composed of volunteers from other nations. These Legions often received insignias to identify them and give a sense of community as well.

In this article, we will look at some examples of the sleeve shields of various freiwilligen (Volunteer) Foreign Legions, of the German Army and the Waffen SS.

First up is a collection of various authentic, original shields. Every item pictured in this one photo is the genuine article. Some are fairly easy to locate and affordable. Other shields are extremely rare. Their availability compared to the demand for them, has caused their true value to reveal itself.

Many are approximately $250, but scarcer patterns can sell from $750 to $1250.

All Third Reich insignias, have been reproduced in counterfeits by forgers for decades, and sleeve shields are no exception. For instance here are 2 originals, under different lighting conditions and having seen different use and wear. Still it is obvious that the two insignias are the same pattern.

And here is a printed Fake. Many of the printed sleeve shields have been reproduced..

Original printed variations did exist of many shields, but Screen printed repros have been widely distributed throughout the hobby. They are inexpensive and if you do not know what real ones look like you may get stuck with fakes.

An original Bevo Don Kossack, and a fake "Local made side by side.
The one on the right was made to fool a collector, and it did.
Someone bought a humped up tunic with this shield upon its sleeve.

Local Variants abound, and that reality is used to sell fakes, which are made up to seem local made.

Cloth Freiwillige Abzeichen came in several accepted forms. 1st is the machine woven or gewebt production type commonly know as Bevo.

Here is an original BEVO pattern Turkistan ( a unit that was involved in Normandy). Next to it is one of the new high quality woven fakes made specifically to fool a collector.. So Bevo is not foolproof and safe.

As far as I can determine the bevo models are safe to buy, if they compare favorably with a known original. The replica bevo patterns make several types of errors. Be sure and compare not only the design and stitching, but the rear details and also the base colors.

Charles Warriner, "Collecting Basics - Fake Nazi Cloth Items", Militaria Blog, 2009

Nazi Collecting... In Russia!

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:17:00 +0000

For the benefit of those collectors contemplating a trip to the former Soviet Union to buy German relics, I would like to relate some observations I had during a recent (1992) tour of duty in St. Petersburg and Moscow.

I had assumed the Russian collectors would be ignorant of western prices and demand, and on this point I was wrong. Most serious collectors had western reference books and pricing guides (a subscriber told me that when trying to buy Nazi items from an antique market in East Berlin, before the wall came down, the dealer pulled out a copy of Der Gauleiter to use in justifying his price! ed.) and asked top dollar for their items. On Sundays in St. Petersburg, a 75-100 table military collectors mart takes place, where you can buy anything from current Russian uniforms to Iron Crosses. The mart serves as a meeting place for serious collectors, who don’t bring their better items, but rather invite you to their homes to view their collections. They are very proud of their collections and justifiably so some of these collections looked like they were airlifted from the MAX show. Most of their buying trips are to the Baltic States, where friends and contacts locate and hold items for them. I saw beautiful helmet covers and uniform insignia, including nice cuff titles, most of which allegedly came from Estonia.

Replicas are common, mostly poor quality medals and badges. However, they make some excellent uniform upgrades, and they have the time and expertise to turn a standard Army tunic into an excellent SS. Be very careful when buying, they will not usually let you return an item even if arrangements were made, and they want absolute proof it’s a fake of has been tampered with. They are quick to point out many "variations" exists and many obviously re—worked helmets are “just like Ivan found in the bunker" or "Misha brought home. For me, the scariest replicas were "KURLAND" cuff titles. These were supposed to have been locally produced and were well made and embroidered on the silver/white strip. They were all dirty, aged and cut short about four inches on either side of the letters. They looked prefect... all 300 of them! Once again, they are keenly aware that WW2 was fought in their back yard and sometimes use that fact to their advantage when trying to justify a bad piece, i.e., "many of our SS daggers have leather scabbards, as the metal scabbards froze to the lower crossguards".

The bunkers and defenses around St. Petersburg are not completely picked over, and
the brave of heart can go hunting with local collectors. German divisional cemeteries are not off-limits and the Russians are not respectful in this regard, so don’t be surprised to see them popping the dogtags off fallen log crosses or digging in the area. The swamps have preserved large amounts of field gear and weapons and the Russians know how to retrieve it. You would not believe the condition of some of these items. I saw an MG-42 tripod with all the leather intact and a G-43 that you could not tell had been submerged. lf you do choose to go hunting in the woods, go with someone who had done it before and be careful! Landmines were never completely cleared and considerable ordnance is still around. Some museums will sell items outright, as they do not have the same custody restrictions we do.

Museums served as staging areas for much captured military material, sooften they have dozens or hundreds of the same item. The local collectors will know who sells what, but either way try to get a tour of the storage room(s) of the military museums. The museum staffs are friendly towards Western collectors who are doing research and will give you a tour.

Remember, any pre-1945 items you purchase is considered an artifact and can not be legally exported. However,the Russian customs agents do not open most suitcases. If they do find a relic and recognize it, they will seize it unless you bribe them, and I’m not talking cigarettes. Give them $10.00 (about a month’s pay) and they will usually close the suitcase. The bottom line is... Do not get into an argument with the Customs people... ask for a supervisor and explain that you did not understand the rules, then bribe HIM! If this all sounds a bit shady, remember this is the way the Russians have been making their crippled system work and it is the accepted way of conducting business.

Russians prefer hard currency to trade items and the years of bargaining just to eat gives them an edge in negotiations. Deals are best made in Russian, but they also know the German word for many items or details and "pointy-talky" will suffice. Depending on the collector, they will trade for U.S. items, but there appeared to be a lot of current Western gear around, so don’t expect them to jump for your old utilities.

Generally, Russian collectors are serious about their hobby,will informed on prices, and eager to deal with you. As withus, they have their share of dishonest individuals and it is hard to convince them of some of the basicrules of authenticity which we in the west believe to be true. Be flexible, don’t be startled by their business/collecting methods, and err on the side of caution before buying anything. Good luck!

Robert G. Ensley U.S.M.C, "Nazi Collecting...In Russia!", Der Gauletier, 1993

Just For Fun...

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:26:00 +0000

Season's Greetings To All!

The Mysterious Case of the Hitler Letters

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:32:00 +0000

Last month I received an extraordinary long distance call from a man in another state who spoke in a rich German accent and identified himself, among other things, as a former member of the Hitler Youth! My caller said he had obtained from a relative in Germany, five handwritten letters from Hitler to three separate very prominent Nazis... and Eva Braun! (At this point I need to explain: Because of my personal opinion expressed below, I'm going to give my call the name "Rudolf", not his real name, and will refrain from identifying the contents of the letters, which were quite 'historic' in nature. (You'll see why below.) Naturally I was thrilled and flattered and I asked Rudolf to mail me copies of the letters, which he did.

I am NOT a handwriting expert. But like many of you, I have Charles Hamilton's book "Leaders and Personalities of the Third Reich" which contains numerous examples of Hitler's handwriting, and particularly his signature which degenerated into a downward illegible spiral as his end approached. I also have many photos in other books of various documents Hitler signed.Oh, how I wanted those letters to be real! But, in my opinion, they are not. I approached this project with what I believe to be a completely open mind. I studied the letters and the comparisons for a number of hours, then I invited a local well—known collector friend to study them with me, and with magnifying glass in hand we carefully examined ‘the letters (remember, these were photocopies) letter by letter, word by word, signature by signature. My friend's verdict agreed with mine. I have written Rudolf and told him my opinion (which, of course, may not be correct... and I've told him that also). I have suggested who else he should contact; he believes there are authorities in Germany who can help. What is wrong with the letters?

Well, first of all, they mentioned very well-known events which would have made them, if they were real, of the highest value. Frankly, the odds of 4 or 5 historic letters being assembled in one place (remember they were allegedly written to different people over several years) is very great. Possible, but not too likely. And, alas, the handwriting and signatures just didn't match what we had with which to compare them. Of course, there exists the possibility, as I told Rudolf that I am dead wrong about the handwriting.

The purpose of this article is not to castigate Rudolf. Frankly, I want to see anything a collector thinks is real. Maybe it is! And I happen to believe, after two long distance phone talks with Rudolf, that he is telling the truth. I am convinced he was a member of the Hitler Youth. His description of himself as a terrified 16 year old boy with a panzerfaust on his shoulder, being
ordered in April of 1945 by a kind—hearted leader to "drop it and run like hell for home" through both Nazi and French lines, is horrifyingly real. No, and I don't want to further argue the authenticity of the letters. If they are real, I've passed up the most important papers of the Third Reich I'll ever see.

The purpose of this article is to point out that, as we all know, forgeries and fakes of many Third Reich items are circling the globe. If you haven't seen one, you will; if you haven't bought one, you could. First, how can we identify them, and second, what can we do about them? The first answer is very difficult. All of us are fed up with the pseudo- know—it-alls who pick up a Knight's Cross and throw it back down on a table at a show with the comment "It's a fake!" Well, is it? And who says it is? Is he qualified? Unless we are experts, when asked an opinion, I believe we should state that the opinion we give is a qualified one, is only our opinion, and is based only on our own personal research and experience. Meanwhile, we can arm ourselves with knowledge. We are not as well—read as we should be. If we are in the 'German militaria' hobby we should read every history book we can. I am constantly appalled by the ’gun show mentality' of the 'collector' who will tell you that World War II started with 'the assassination or Rohm or that D—Day was December 7, l941 . In addition to the history books we can read and study the authoritative books and articles written by people like John Angolia, Hugh Page Taylor, Roger Bender, Tom Johnson and many others, who know what they are writing about. Also, we can quit trying to get rich quick. My mother told me there was no free lunch. In my rapidly advancing older age I still have trouble believing it. Chances are slim of my finding a Feldherrnhalle dagger in the woodwork for $50, or Hitler's letters of the highest importance that are mysteriously just now surfacing 43 years later. Perhaps the most apropos advice of all is this: It's in Latin incidentally, not German. "caveat emptor".

Mickey Huffman is a contributor to DG, his opinions and conclusions are his own. A collector for 10 years, and a long—time student of WWII, he is also president of the North Texas Militaria Collectors Association.

* * *

I'll jump in and add some fuel to the fire with these comments about Mickey's article. I haven't seen the letters Mickey talks about so I can't form any opinion of them. I have however, heard that there have been quite a few rare documents and letters recently stolen from the Berlin Document Center and that many would be just the type of thing Mickey describes. Also, I've heard through the grapevine, that the FBI has recently visited and confiscated some of these documents and letters from dealers right here in the U.S.. If anyone would have a collection like Mickey describes it would be the Berlin Document Center. On the other hand... Hitler was not fond of writing. He dictated almost everything, even ’Mein Kampf’ when he was in prison. The chances of finding hand written letters by him are extremely remote to say the least. So, I would say Mickey's decision was probably the correct one. Bob Treend, 1988

Mickey Huffman, "The Mysterious Case of the Hitler Letters", Der Gauleiter, 1988

Collecting Basics - Fake Nazi Cloth Items

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:39:00 +0000

I know many of you look at these items and think... "Why does he bother showing these? Anyone would know they're fakes."

Just today I received an email from someone asking me if I could please tell him what kind of "soldiers" were in the photo and tell him anything about them. They were two RAD men having lunch... The point is, there are a lot of newbies in our hobby who really don't know whats what and can use all the help they can get. If you or I saw these items on some dealer's table we wouldn't give them a second glance. But to the new collector they look like just what he's been searching for...and besides they're a much better deal than what that other dealer has. Newbies in our hobby are ripe for the picking and there is no shortage of people willing to rip them off with this type of fake. Unfortunately the market is being flooded with this junk. If by showing these we can educate them to the fakes that are out there, then we are not only helping them but helping the hobby as a whole.

Every day there are reports that this place or that has been bombed in Pakistan. And every day its never one of these embroidery factories!

germanmilitariacollectibles.com

SS-VT Black Service Dress

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:42:00 +0000

After the outbreak of war it was unusual to see Waffen-SS troops in the black service
clothing, although some officers may have worn it on furlough or on special ceremonial
occasions. Before the war. the "Leibstandarte”, the SSVT Standarten and Sturmbanne. the Staffs of the Academies. and the SS-Totenkopfstandarte all wore the black service uniform for special parade and ceremonial duties. In addition the "Leibstandarte” were issued in 1937 with special white parade equipment which included white belts. cartridge pouches and shoulder braces.

The black uniform comprised the peaked cap (Tellenriutzel) the undress field service cap (worn off-duty in the barracks. etc.) the service tunic. breeches and high boots. Field Officers wore steel nickel plated spurs. The brown shirt was worn with black tie by the NCOS and enlisted men and white shirts were worn by the officers.

In 1937 officers were provided with field grey cloth dress belts which were faced with an aluminium woven fabric with a woven—in SS rune design. The belt had two slides on either side of the buckle. These slides were also faced with the silver coloured fabric and they and the belt had two woven-in black silk stripes along either edge. The buckle was the special SS officers patten. Officers wore white gloves with gauntlet cuffs and white short gloves with the black overcoat. Some photographs show officers wearing brown leather gloves. NCOs wore short white gloves. Other ranks wore short white gloves on special occasions. Officers wore an aluminium cord aigullette under the right shoulder cord and fastened to a small hook under the right lapel.

Officers and Warrant Class NCOs carried swords. The swords were carried in the same manner as in the old German Army. that is to say, on a thin canvas belt worn under the coat with only one suspender and hook. The sword was suspended on one ring, the suspender strap emerging through a slit in the left tunic pocket. The swords had bright nickel plated knuckle bow guards and black grips bound with aluminium wire. The scabbards were black enamelled metal. The officers swords had a black roundel on each side of the grip, edged with silver and bearing the silver SS runes. The NCOs had their runes on the flat top of the pommel. The tops of the officers' scabbards had a silver interlaced design. Mounted troops carried sabres when on foot. The swords were carried on the saddle when they were mounted.

SS sword knots were made of aluminium wire and had an aluminium woven fabric strap with two interwoven black silk stripes on either side. The stem of the knot had a black silk roundel with the black SS runes in the centre. The NCO`s sword knot straps were black with three interwoven aluminium stripes. Junior NCOs had black and aluminium sabre knots or bayonet knots (troddehn). The troopers` bayonet knots or sabre knots were aluminium but had stems in the colour of the squadron or company, red. blue, green, yellow or white.

From 1933 the Allgemeine-SS and the SS-VT and SS-TV were entitled to carry the SS ceremonial dagger (dolch). They were pemiitted to wear this weapon in most orders of dress except on parade when the sword. sabre of rifle and bayonet were carried. Officers and senior NCOs are known to have worn the dagger on occasions (eg. at weddings or official receptions) during the war years.

The dagger was shaped like a Gothic hunting knife and had a black wooden grip with a white metal national emblem and a roundel with the SS runes. The sheath was made of black enamelled metal and had nickle mounts. On the polished blade the words of the SS motto “MEINE EHRE HEIST THEUE" was etched in Gothic upper,

Left to right: Senior NCO'S pattern sword, SS ceremonial dagger (dolch), 1936 pattern special dagger and suspension for officers and NCOS. officers pattern sword.

and lower case lettering. The dagger was suspended on a short black leather strap. In 1936 a special dagger was issued to the officers and NCOs who had been in the SS since 1933. It was similar to the 1933 model. but the new sheath had an additional fitting around the centre with a continuous swastika design. This special dagger had a suspender consisting of a series of linked oblong plates alternatively decorated with SS runes and deathsheads.

Walter-Karl Holzmann, "Manual of the Waffen-SS, Badges, Uniforms, Equipment", Bellona Publications, 1976

Collecting Armbands

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:40:00 +0000

The well known NSDAP swastika armband, or ‘kampfbinde’ (literally ‘battle band'), dated from 1920 and was used to identify Party members even before the introduction of the brown shirt. Worn on the left upper sleeve, it soon became established as an integral part of SA uniforms, and variations were produced for subsequent Nazi organisations, including the SS, HJ and NS-Studentenbund. By 1939 the Party leadership alone sported a range of 38 different kampfbinden, each denoting the wearer's level of responsibility.

During World War 2, armbands were widely used as cheap alternatives to specialist uniform insignia which would otherwise have had to be created for temporary wear by a relatively small number of personnel. Some armbands showed that the wearer was carrying out a specific function or held a particular office, examples being the *Hilfskrankentrager’ and ’Bahnhofswache' bands. Others, like the ‘Deutsche Wehrmacht' and "Waffen—SS" bands, indicated short term membership of certain formations. Most of these wartime arrnbands were not the property of the wearer and had to be returned to the relevant authority when no longer required. Indeed, many were marked with an indelible ink stamp of the issuing unit. This marking also served as a security measure, since the details on the armband were intended to correspond with those entered on the official papers normally carried by the individual wearing the band (the same procedure as that used on military vehicle registration plates).

Armband colours, sizes and lettering styles varied considerably, the following manufacturing techniques being employed:

(i) Heavy, multi-piece construction; ie
silken tape and/or bullion thread
sewn on to a woollen cloth base to
form the appropriate design.

(ii) Hand—embroidered in bullion thread
on wool.

(iii) Machine-embroidered in cotton
thread on wool, cotton or linen.

(iv) Machine-woven in cotton and/or
silken threads.

(v) Silk-screen printed on cotton or
linen.

(vi) Hand-stencilled in paint or
waterproof ink on scrap material
[unofficial).

(vii) Hand-written or hand-painted on
scrap material (unofficial).

(viii) Metal or cloth cap eagles, arm
eagles, sleeve shields, each attached
to roughly cut strips of scrap
material (unofficial).

In general terms, quality declined as the war progressed, many of the later armbands being makeshift affairs produced in times of emergency.

From a collector's viewpoint, military armbands of the worded type are not very popular, because of their utilitarian appearance. NSDAP pieces, on the other hand, are in great demand, and even the humble karnpfbinde has been extensively faked. It is difficult to comment with any degree of certainty upon reproduction identification, as a range of genuine styles existed. However, it is safe to say that felt was never used on originals. Reproductions of the swastika armband and its derivatives are usually machine-embroidered or printed. and lack the ’clean-cut' finish of the real thing.

Armbands may be hand-washed and dried in the normal way, though items incorporating bullion threads are best left alone, since these old metallic fibres disintegrate all too easily. The most impressive method of display is in a glass tray or large photograph frame, away from direct sunlight. Unfortunately, the space consuming nature of armbands usually necessitates overlapping. An alternative method of storage, giving easier access to the hands, would be toplace them in a ring-binder with plastic inserts.

Robin Lunsten, "A Collector's Guide to Third Reich Militaria", Ian Allen Ltd., 1987

Buying Militaria With Paypal

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:02:00 +0000

The other day I was talking with a collector about the hobby and he told me about a problem he had buying an item. He brought it from a dealer's list on the internet and paid for the piece with Paypal. After receiving the piece he realized it was a fake. After trying to get the dealer to refund his money several times with no success, he filed a complaint with Paypal. He went through the lengthly "resolution" process expalining the the item was not as described and saying he wanted to return it and get a refund. After a couple of weeks he finally received the following from Paypal.

"Our investigation into your claim is complete. As stated in our User Agreement, the claims process only applies to the shipment of goods. It does not apply to complaints about the attributes or quality of goods received. Therefore, we are unable to reverse this transaction or issue a refund."

So much for being protected by Paypal. Just thought you should know.

germanmilitariacollectibles.com

Think You're Ready To Start Collecting?

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:45:00 +0000

If you're new to collecting Third Reich Militaria here is a little quiz that may help you decide if you're really ready to start spending money. Below are pictures of 12 items. All of them are popular collectibles and are frequently encountered on dealer web sites, gun shows, etc... From just these pictures you should be able to tell if the item is an original or a fake. Make a list with your answers and you can check it against the correct answers at the bottom of this article. Good luck (...and it really shouldn't be luck!)

Here is the answer to the quiz. The following are Original: 1,2,3,4,5,12. And the Fakes are: 6,7,8,9,10,11. If you got all 12 correct then go ahead and start collecting. If you got 11 right, collect but be careful. If you got 10 right you need more study and if you got 9 or less right you're a prime candidate to get ripped off! This little quiz was all in fun, but the results should be take seriously. Afterall, mistakes here are free but in the marketplace they can cost you money.

germanmilitariacollectibles.com

Just for fun...

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:06:00 +0000

Collector Basics - Identification Errors

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:40:00 +0000

Collectors of Nazi war relics are confronted with some improper identification and wrong interpretation of some abbreviations used in identification. Most of these mistakes are to be found on collector's sale lists, however, they may also be found in books and magazine articles, some used as identification reference. Some of these mistakes are widely used and accepted as correct, here is a review of some of the more common ones.

All that's black is not SS. With. So many novice collcetors are seeking SS items, a lot of Nazi items, that are black, are being listed or called SS. Other Nazi organizations such as the Luftwaffe, Army, S.A., R.A.D., and even railway workers had black uniforms or insignia. The Luftwaffe construction troops, R.A.D. and S.A. had black collar tabs, the S.A. tabs being very similar if not exactly like SS tabs. Railway workers had a pair of black coveralls that some collectors believe to be SS panzer, sometimes markings will help identify these. The TENO (Technische Nothilfe), and the Grossdeutschland sleevebands have been called SS. The TENO is an organization of specialists used to perform technical maintenance, not exactly SS. Hitler's Second Army" by Alfred Vagts, is a good source of reference on the TENO. Grossdeutschland was an elite German Army division. Some of the U.S. Government publications give information on this unit. Do not confuse the Army Grossdeutschland sleeveband with the SS Deutschland sleeveband.

Tan is another color that is often misrepresented. Many tan items including tunics, caps and insignia are listed as Afrika Korps items, perhaps they are but tan items were used by the Wehrmacht in Italy, Sicily, Greece and other countries and islands in the Mediterranean Sea area. TM-E 30—451, "Handbook on German Military Forces", lists these tan items as tropical, possibly they are from the Afrika Korps but most likly from elsewhere. Particularly noticeable on sale lists is the use of the term Wehrmacht when listing a German Army item. TM-E 30-451, September, 1943, page l6, states the Wehrmacht or "Armed Forces" was composed of the Army (Herr), the Air Force (Luftwaffe) and the Navy (Kriegsmarine). There were two classes of soldiers in the Wehrmacht or Armed Forces, officers (second lieutenant and higher) and enlisted men (private through sergeant major). Service or peaked caps came with two types of chin straps, silver cord for officers and black leather for enlisted men. there was no difference in the service cap for privates and that for non-conmissioned officers. Refer to EM-E 30-451. Also this applies to the Army breast eagle and swastika insignia, no difference between the eagle for a private and one for an N.C.O.. The Waffenfarbe or piping color of pink is referred to as panzer most of the time, however, plate VI, TM-E 30—451, March 1945, lists the following units as using pink piping: panzer regiments, tank destroyer battalions, mobile battalions, armored reconnaissance battalions (including motorcycle battalions), heavy tank destroyer battalions (assault gun battalions), armored train personnel and motor maintenance troops.

One of the most common mistakes and widely accepted errors by many collectors is the identification of the letters N.S.B.O. This abbreviation is so widely mistaken that some of the new reference materials mistakenly list them as a National Farmers Organization. The intelligence book "German Military Abbreviations" gives the following translation: N.S.B.O. Nationalsozialistische Betriebszellenorganisation. National Socialist Organization of Cells in Industry and Commerce. German industry was organized in cells under the N.S.B.O. according to "Hitler‘s Second Army" by Alfred Vagts. This book covers not only the N.S.B.O. but other Nazi organizations as well.

In collecting German war relics one should get a German-English dictionary and seek the best of reference materials, then you are on the way to a more accurate identification.

Jack Britton, "Identification Errors", Das Hakenkreuz, 1968

Grossdeutschland

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:06:00 +0000

Very few military collectors who are interested in World War II fail to recognize the “elite" “Division Grossdeutschland” of the German Wehrmacht. In fact, this elite unit was thought by many intelligence personnel to be a part of the Waffen-SS, since it had such acclaim by the Germans . Although most of us recognize the division, few can trace the development of it, and questions about the history of this unique unit remain unanswered. Where did its high esprit come from? Why did the German people continue to have such a high regard for this division? This article will serve to acquaint the reader with the early years of "Grossdeutschland", which grew from the first elite unit in Berlin.

The first effort to form an elite Guard", or “Watch” unit in Berlin occurred in the early spring of 1921. This unit, called "Wachregiment Berlin", was disbanded on June 19, 1921, due to the strong anti-military feeling and political pressures prevalent throughout Germany in the twenties.

After a number of years, on the 31st of August 1934,a second attempt to form a guard unit met with more success. This unit, called "Wachtruppe Berlin", was to become the famed “Grossdeutschland" of later years. "Wachtruppe Berlin" was created with seven infantry companies, a machinegun company and an artillery battery, and it was garrisoned at the Berlin-Moabit Kaserne. Each of the companies was formed of personnel from a diferent division of the peace—time “Reichswehr"; thus was established a unique structure within the German Army, each company of “Wachtruppe Berlin" came from a different division, and thus from a different part of the country. Up to this time, the German Army consisted of divisions, each from a different province or state. This was the first unit in the history of Germany to be formed with personel from all parts of the country. The troops in each company were chosen from the best soldiers in their division and they were rotated back to their original unit on a quarterly basis. The companies were designated "1./Wachtruppe Berlin", "2./Wachtruppe Berlin" etc. All personnel continued to wear the numerals of their parent regiment on their shoulder boards; there was no distinctive insignia authorized for the "Wachtruppe”

In the fall of 1936, a “Stabskompanie” (Headquarters Company) was added to the "Wachtruppe"; it consisted of a "Nachrichtenzug" and two "Musikkorps" (Signal Platoon and Bands), the latter were for ceremonial purposes. At the same time, the "Wachtruppe" lost its artillery, the battery was transferred to Juterborg as a demonstration unit for the artillery school. The command of the "Wachtruppe" changed three times during this period; with Generalmajor von Keiser commanding until October 1935, Oberst Freiherr von und zu Gilsa commanding until October 1936 and Oberst von Alten commanding through the next changes.

On the 23rd of June, 1937, "Wachtruppe Berlin” was reorganized into "Wachregiment Berlin" and the officers and non-commisioned officers were now rotated on a yearly basis. One half were exchanged each spring, one half each fall for continuity purposes. The enlisted men were rotated each six-months. The companies continued to be formed from each of the seven divisions of the "Heer"; thus continuing to have their unique territorial association.

Each home province took special painsto be sure that “its” company in Berlin was well taken care of, the companies from Bavaria (the 6th and 7th) were shipped native beer and sausage from from Munich, for example. There was a high spirit of competition between companies, each striving to outshine the others. All personnel of the “Wachregiment" were now identified by a gothic “W" on their shoulder boards; this was embroidered in white for enlisted men, in white metal for NCO’s and in gold metal for officers. It should be stressed that this regiment was a highly special unit; all members were specially chosen and it was the elite unit of the entire German Army.

On the 12th of June, 1939, "Wachregiment Berlin" officially became "Infanterie-Regiment Grossdeutschland". By order, the last rotation of replacements took place in May, recruiting was to start immediately; the new regiment was to be selfsufficient in replacing personnel. Recruits were sought from all parts of Germany, in order to maintain the unique structure of the unit, as representing all of Germany. An order of June 27, 1939, authorized the first distinctive insignia for the new unit; this was a "cufftitle" or "cuffband", to be worn on the lower right sleeve by all personnel. It was green, with the wording, "`Inf. Reg. Grossdeutschland", in silver. In September, 1939, when the Polish campaign started, the new regiment was still largely untrained; personnel were being trained, both by the regiment at the Berlin-Moabit Kaserne, and by the "Infanterie-Lehr-Bataillon" (Infantry Instruction Battalion) at Doeberitz. Personnel of the regiment were hurriedly assembled, and the regiment took part in the latter part of the Polish Campaign as reararea security troops, still undergoing training.

Immediately after the conclusion of the campaign in Poland, in October of 1939, “Infanterie-Regiment Grossdeutschland" was reorganized and brought up to strength to get ready for the planned campaign in France. The regiment was reorganized under the command of Oberst von Stockhausen, with four battalions. “l. Bataillon” was organized with three infantry and one machinegun company. "II. Bataillon" was formed from the II.Btl./Inf.Regt.92,
identically to the first battalion. “III. Batallon” was formed from the mass of personnel of the “lnfanterie-Lehr-Regiment", again identical to the first and second battalions. “IV-Bataillon" was a heavy weapons battalion, formed with three companies of the remaining personnel of the “Infanterie-Lehr-Regiment”. The 13th company was equipped with light infantry guns, the 14th company was an anti-tank company while the 15th was equipped with heavy infantry weapons. In the following months, preceding the French Campaign, “Infanterie-Regiment "GD" was busy training with its new organization and personnel, and its new equipment, in order to become
fully operational.

James M. Stuart, "Grossdeutschland", Militaria, vol.1, No.3, c. 1968

Der Reichsautozug Deutschland

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:15:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Third Reich Regalia - Luftwaffe Flying Badges

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:04:00 +0000

In recent months, interest in Luftwaffe flying badges has sky-rocketed. Consequently, this increase in demand has resulted in a sharp surge in the value of these pieces and unfortunately, a flood of reproductions. The most widely copied of the Luftwaffe flying badges are the pilot's badges. A true expose of the forgeries currently being circulated would require a massive amount of detailed information to be of any true value. Therefore an attempt is made here to supply the collector with several guidelines he may utilize to determine the originality of a pilot's badge. However, at the risk of sounding a bit trite, I feel it must be mentioned that the basic tool one must develope and cultivate is a keen eye to detail and workmanship. This asset must be fostered by the collector if he wishes to succeed in assembling a repro free representation of Third Reich regalia of any type. Even though the products of 1935 to 1945 Germany were not manufactured for the exacting eye of a collector, they do for the most part, reflect an earlier era of the machine age. Detail work was expected of the master engravers of prewar Germany and should be found on any product manufactured during the period. If one must make an excuse for the quality of a pilot's badge he is better off to pass, even if the piece is not a repro, the best investment is in better quality.

The Luftwaffe pilot's badge was awarded in two grades. The basic badge depicts a flying silver eagle imposed upon an oval silver wreath. The wreath is the distinctive feature of the badge. The higher grade or pilot—observer badge is the same essential design as the pilot, but the wreath is gold plated as opposed to the silver used in the basic grade. Therefore, when attempting to determine the originality of either grade, the points to examine are essentially the same.

To begin the appraisal of a pilot's badge, scan the front and back. Feel the metal in your hand, and the weight of the piece. The prewar badges were usually plated brass or zinc and are heavy. If the badge has excessive wear you may be able to detect the base metal, often the chest of the eagle and the swasticka are points to examine for these traces. Brass as a base metal can be considered a good sign, but this should be considered a guage of quality not originality. Certainly many wartime pieces were minted of lower grade metal. However, because brass is hard and takes an exceptionally good strike the better manufacturers depended upon it before the wartime shortages, and these, naturally make the best investment.

The eagle is the next stop in the examination. Look at the wings and check the detail of the feathers. They should be of fine quality and well executed. Each feather should be easily descernable from its counterpart. The fetching on the chest should also reflect the intricate detailing of a master die engraver. The wreath of a quality badge is usually fairly thick. The leaf
decoration should rise above the surface of the wreath giving the leaves dimension. The inside of the wreath should be smooth and well finished. Often the inside of the back of the wreath is beveled and all sharp edges removed. This was done to the higher quality pieces as they were finished off, just before they were plated. Very few period pieces exist that are not well finished on the inside, only those that are late war and of poor quality are unfinished.

Turning to the back of the badge look at the rivits. On a good quality specimen these should be relatively small and well formed. Do make sure they are rivits and not the cut off heads of straight pins. It is not unheard of for the more unscrupulous dealer to re-work a good fake and use pin heads to simulate rivits. Even if the period badge has had to be repaired in this manner, be sure an adjustment in price is allowed.

Now the last critical test, the metal. Pot metal strikes apparently were produced toward the end of the war. However, there are some excellent pot metal copies circulating throughout the country. It is believed they originate from England. The novice collector should therefore avoid pot metal until he developes the skill to differentiate between the new and the old. One key to identifying the fake is the rivits. They are usually large and flat. Occasionally they protrude through the badge too far and come very close to the front surface, if not through. when this
happens, there is damage to the wings and the feathers reflect a distinct lack of detail looking almost as if they had been smashed by a hammer.

The hallmark is no longer a good measure of originality. Many of the good repros now come complete with a hall mark. A good example is the marking GNL. This is a period mark that is now counterfeited. The difference between the copies and the original pieces are twofold. First is the mark. The L in the period monogram is slightly bowed on the horizontal. This gives it the appearance of “rocking". The copies utilize the standard L. The second difference is more critical, especially where these pieces bear a different mark. Inspect the area between the eagle's legs. The tail feathers should be evident. If this area has been completely cut away so that the bird has no tail between his legs be very careful. The period GWL badges are also on the heavy side, while the copies are very light. Recently a pewter based pot metal copy has been appearing on the market. The workmanship is overall of a poor nature, even as far as the stamping. The piece examined bore the club mark but lacked the traditional BSW lettering. The swastika in the eagle's grasp was much too thin and its arms were uneven. These pieces become dangerous when reworked and silverplated by the unscrupulous dealer or collector.

A thesis could be written, complete with measurements and exacting photos, showing the difference between the copies and the copied. However, this is only an article, not a book. If one is judicious and demanding during his examination, and follows the guidelines presented here, there is no reason to be taken by the phonies currently available. In fact, it is more likely that good pieces of lower quality will be bypassed. Bear in mind these are general rules and there are definitely exceptions, but unless a vet actually hands you a piece that does not conform to these guides do not invest in it, it is probably a fake.

Dan McCauley, "Third Reich Regalia, Luftwaffe Flying Badges, Military Collectors Association Journal, Vol. II, No. I, c. 1968

Blade Markings

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 19:02:00 +0000

A variety of markings can be found stamped, or etched onto suitable portions of a dagger, sword, or bayonet, and most collectors are aware of the more commonly encountered patterns.

Waffen-Amt: This mark was applied to government issued weaponry, and it indicates that the item concerned has been tested and accepted by the Ordnance Dept., as a suitable stock item for issue. The mark normally comprises a stamped version of a stylised Eagle, or Eagle and Swastika often accompanied with an inspector’s reference number (as WaA 813). The mark is most commonly applied on firearms, but has been noted on service issue equipment as widely diversified as leather belts through to swords. It's most common application on bladed weapons is, however, to be noted on the Service Mauser bayonet. Foreign produced bayonets, such as Czechoslovak Mauser bayonets which were extensively used by German
and Czech troops throughout Reich Protectorate areas were similarly marked with the Waffen-Amt.

Proofmark: The proofmark appears exclusively on blades, and not on the fittings. (Nazi-issue firearms bore a different form of proofmark}. Not every blade was subjected to the tests of full proof, only a representative selection of blades from each production batch. Proof entailed a blade being subjected to various and rigorous stresses, and a blade which suitably met all requirements was taken to denote that the rest of the adjacent production batch was similarly suitable. The blade which had been tested was stamped on the face surface (as opposed to the tang) with the proofmark.

Above: Stamped issue mark on a Police bayonet.

Issue Marks: Generally speaking these marks fulfil a similar purpose to the Waffen-Amt, differing in that they are not normally encountered on non-service issue items, and that their application is not made by a national agency. but by an organisational ordnance department. The most commonly encountered type is the issue code and numbering found on the Police Dientseitengewehr or Service Dress Bayonet. The marking was stamped onto the reverse of the crossguard, and reverse scabbard locket, and it was applied by the Police Ordnance Dept. at the same time of issuance of the bayonet. It was not applied to the small size Extraseitengewehr (Extra-Dress Bayonet) as this was a purely walking out pattern, and not mandatory for Service
personnel. The mark was not applied to Service-Dress Bayonets that were privately purchased from the manufacturer. Other versions of the Issue Mark were applied to Naval swords and daggers — if purchased through the Service Retail channel, but not if acquired privately.

The Postschutz dagger was normally marked with the DRP letters plus issuance number on the underside of the quillons, and on the bayonet on the ricasso. These marks were applied, most likely, by the SS Ordnance Dept. responsible for the Postschutz requirements. Issuance numbers had at one time been applied to the RAD hewer early pattern (on the scabbard throat lip) but the practice appears to have been short lived.

Above: Proof mark on a blade manufactured by SMF. Crude copy of the Eickhorn trademark. RZM mark on an Army dagger blade — quite incorrect!

The TeNo issue marks are interesting in that their application commenced at the factory, where the TeNo Organisational crest was etched onto the blades at the same time as application of the firms trademark, but the numbering of the blade and scabbard was attended to at the same time of actual issuance when a requisition releasing a dagger, or hewer,was received by the TeNo Ordnance Department.

Issuance numbers were also stamped into the crossguards of SA and SS daggers, and sometimes on the cross-guards of the NPEA daggers. In the case of the SA and SS daggers the practice appears to have been an early measure (although not practised on a national scale) and it was abandoned after a short while.

NSKK chains were all invariably marked on the reverse of the chain links with the manufacturers RZM code and the NSKK authority designation: Musterschutz NSKK-Korpsfuhrung, the marking was stamped into the reverse of the links. Some of the reproduction links — distinctive in that they have no markings, have been noted in recent years to have been modified by being engraved with the official markings. A
second attempt at marking up the links has been attempted with a stamping, although this has been recognisable in that the lettering is oversized and is too large to be fully accommodated on the available space.

Above: Precise etching of an original trademark, on SA dagger by August Bickel.

Trade Marks: The most commonly encountered mark of all is the manufacturer’s trade mark, which is normally etched onto the blade on the ricasso, although in some cases stamped examples have been noted (the firm of Clemens and Jung particularly adopted
this method in preference to acid etching). One of the characteristics of companies making a prolific use of trademark styles, is that they facilitate the possibility of applying a dating system to the marks, thus the discovery of spurious Rohm inscriptions on SA daggers was highlighted by the ability torecognise a trademark dating later than the supposed Rohm period.

RZM Marks: The Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) marking was applied to political blades only, and it was issued in common usage from about 1936 onwards. The department responsible for this had in fact been created in about 1929, at which time it had been known only as the Zeugmeisterei. The RZM mark is commonly copied on spurious blades, and it has been noted as being erroneously applied to such blade patterns as the Army style.

Frederick J. Stephens, "Blade Markings", "Reproduction? Recognition!" 1976

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:21:00 +0000

Collectors Beware !

noreply@blogger.com (GMC) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:29:00 +0000

Usaully I don't post things from our Newsletters or Forum here in the Blog, but I feel it's important that the word get out to as many collectors as possible.

-------------------

Newsletter from Sept. 27, 2009

Is there ever one honest dealer in Eastern Europe? God knows we have our share of crooks in the U.S., but we do have "some" honest guys too. It has become so bad that every time I see a new membership come in from that part of the world I cringe. I know that odds are I'm in for problems. Almost without exception after signing up they start to flood our site with fakes. And, almost without exception, when I delete the ads and tell them not to post fakes, I get a return email saying they didn't know they were fake or arguing that their stuff is real or calling me "filthy swine" or some other colorful moniker. If I'm lucky they just keep quiet and don't post any more. If they do, then I refund their membership and ask them to go elsewhere. Then...I get the nasty email...

I tell you this not because I want to whine about my problems, I can handle it, but because I think you should all know... and I figure many of you already do. I hate to say it, but I would suggest that you don't even consider dealing with anyone from there unless you know them well. I would not even respond to ads from anyone in Eastern Europe. You're just asking for grief.

Now, all you Eastern Europeans who want to send me a nasty-gram can do so at:

info@germanmilitariacollectibles.com

I have a "Deleted" file all ready for it.

-------------------

The following day in our Forum

Last evening I send out a newsletter and addressed the problem of Eastern European militaria dealers and their fakes. I fully expected to get a response to this and was not disappointed. It's no surprise that many of you agree with my assessment of them and I have reprinted most of these below. I left the author's name off because I didn't get their permission to use it. I also (not surprisingly) received some emails from Eastern Europe. Amazingly, some collectors there actually agreed with me. I feel bad for the few good guys over there, they're taking the consequences of the actions of others. They're like innocent bystanders... and we all know what happens to innocent bystanders. It's unfortunate that to protect ourselves from some we have to avoid all.

Of all the responses I received the standout was from Matjaz Fritz. (I didn't even realize he was still on the mailing list) I'm sure many of you know who he is, he's been a subject in this forum and every other militaria forum because of his dishonest dealings. I wish I could reprint his email here but it is so full of curses and obsenities that I can't do it. I couldn't even figure a way to edit it, it's that nasty. I'll just say that his email is an insight into his personality showing a lot of anger, a hatred for Americans and contempt for all of us. You would have to be nuts to get involved with this guy.

-------------------

Here's some of the responses I received.

One of the reasons why I gave up collecting militaria was because of all the fakes. Even some "reputable" sellers have told me the items I bought from them are fakes when I've tried to sell them back to them a few years later. I came to the conclusion that I was wasting my money. The suspicion is so great that every item must be viewed as a fake until proven otherwise. Proof is an expensive and difficult thing to maintain. I know that around 95% of my militaria is genuine and I know exactly which items, but I am sure if I ever tried to sell them I would virtually have to give them away.

Indian artefact collectors in the US have a good saying: ''If you found it yourself then it is real, if you bought it from somebody else then chances are it is fake.''

----------------------

It's true.

I moderate at the forums, and can tell you, alot of problems due come out of Eastern Europe. We have an idea of who's who, but even tracking their Internet Protocal addresses can be tricky because they use proxy software, which hides, masks and changes their IP address, making tracking them that much more difficult. What i've found to be useful is communication between forum staff. I keep in contact a few others whom I trust and respect. Some of the forums I won't even waste my time with since they themselves have a long history of being involved with known fakes, with changing names, and committing otherwise moreally reprehensible acts, and often illegal acts. Those people from those forums are shunned, and that's just the way it is.

Tracking the bad guys from Eastern Europe is tough..but word gets around. I limit my business, and won't buy from anyone over there unless it's someone I know. I am even reluctant to sell to buyers in the East, since there is little recourse for theft, lost mail, and liars. I've heard of some guys saying they never received an item, only to demand a refund, and then it turns out, they've had the item all along. Damn crooks. Not all, but enough to give Eastern Europeans a bad name and turn off a lot of collectors.

--------------------------

Yes, there're some honest dealer in Eastern Europe , but you may never encounter him because of your generalizing a problem (which does exist).
This makes me think back to the mid-70s when in my country someone rumored that all the crap came from the States. When I became acquainted with the phoneys then being marketed in the USA and started having contacts with US collectors, I quickly realized that those rumors were bullshit most of the times.
I have dealt with people from Eastern Europe and got what they offered: genuine pices were genuine pieces, repros were repros. Either they like me or they do not like Americans or your website drew the unwanted attention of the most unscrupolous ones (who certainly exist).
If there are crooks at West and at East , you may consider someone in the middle as well. What about Germans? ... I strongly discourage people form having contacts with the Krauts, they are pretty unreliable even in other spheres of commerce (I speak also from my 15-year professional experience with Germans) . Actually I did meet some really nice German people, they were the --- on vacation in this country .
I have known you since the good old days of Der Gauleiter and appreciate the even-mindedness and the normality of your site. Please keep it that way: never has prejudice elevated people.

--------------------------

My name is ---- from Bucharest, Romania (Eastern Europe you may say). I am a guest of your site for quite some time. I hope my message finds you well.

I completely agree with your comments towards incoming fakes, irrespective where they are coming from. However, kindly note that such labeling will considerably diminish any credibility for an Eastern European like myself trying to make a good deal by courtesy of your website.

Therefore, please (i) do not advice your honest fellow Americans or any other nationality by all means not to respond to anyone from Eastern Europe, and (ii) take precautionary actions on a case by case basis.

We all, Eastern Europeans included, use your site because (i) it provides the degree of a guarantee for authenticity we are comfortable with, and most importantly (ii) we DO NOT KNOW each other. Otherwise, it would have been no need for your web platform.

----------------------

Dear Sir,
The tone of your letter is somewhat insulting. Obviously you , as so many Americans, have little or no knowledge of Finnish military history nor European political history . I suggest you google the name Siilasvuo Hjalmar or the Finnish Winter War for an easy start.

Your odds are not for problems on my part..... you just lost an opportunity.

(I'm still trying to figure out what Finnish military history has to do with this... B.T.)

--------------------

They have just about ruined the hobby. I don't see many of the younger
people at shows. The dealers charge prices that are way beyond the
reach of the Middle class. Just look at what ----
charges! The fakes are a BIG turn off to collectors. Collectors are
afraid to buy anything. Is it real or not? Even the big dealers get
caught selling fakes. I could tell you horror stories. I have been
collecting for years and am now getting out of the hobby. Want to buy
a Nazi helmet?

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Thanks for the info. Your sentiments about the eastern europeans is almost unanimous. I get that feeling all the time i see them with two posts and trying to sell a bunch of fakes. Sorry for that 1% of people from there that are actually good guys but we do not have a way to distinguish them. Cheers

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Is see Pawel Norwak from Poland joined the site again, his membership did not survive a full day. Hopefully he will decide to save money and sell only on those great FREE! sites.

This guy has been characterized as being intelligent and clever. I doubt that he is either.

After all if you do a Google search of his name, and add various other key words like Crook, Thief, Scam, Scum, Rip Off, Fraud, etc. you get page upon page of results from sites all over the world.

The amazing thing is that there was not one posting by him that competently refuted any of the complaints generated against him. There were a couple of half hearted statements along the lines of "I am honest, send your money soon."

The internet is forever. He cannot escape the statements about him and the scams he is trying to put over on people.

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Matjaz Fritz is a problem everywhere. As you know, he's been booted from every majory forum.
You'll like this one. Fritz contacted me about 2 years ago. He sent me photos of items which he claimed to own. I know for a fact these are not his items. It came up 4 years ago, and he got called on it. Even after that, he still trys to claim they are his items. Anyway, he sends me these photos, then asks me to send him photos of my stuff. Here's why: Fritz is known to steal photos. If you send him a photo of say an Eikchorn Prinz Eugen, he takes the photo, then trys to sell the item in Eastern Europe, where not many of us are involved. He either claims he owns the item and trys to sell it over there, or he assumes your identitiy and trys to sell the item, claiming to be you. He requests cash or a paypal, then never sends the item...since he doesn't have it. Meanwhile, you start to get contacted on the forums via PM or via email, from angry people asking why you havn't sent the Prinz Eugen sword they paid you for. We know this has happened as we did some detective work and have been in contact with buyers in Eastern Europe, Latvia, Lithuania, Czech Repubic, and so on, and they confirmed they had been ripped off by Fritz, and he used this meathod. We had posted this in the fourms about 1.5 years ago.

He's hard to track as are others like him because they've gotten wise and now use masking software. I have software which uses fake Internet Protocal addresses to mask the real IP addy. The software basically randomely picks up an IP address from somewhere in the world, than latches onto it, and you surf, post, etc., under that IP addy, even though it's not yours. There's a variety of programs out there, some of which are free, that use this proxy software. This makes it hard to track some people. Like you said, these fools have the same tennor in their posts, and it's easy enough to figure out who they are. Also, I don't know if you recall a few years back, when Fritz first popped up, he began posting a bunch of items, he claimed to own. Immediately we were all suspicious. Well, it turns out some of the items belong to someone else and lifted the images from their web site.

He's a moron. But there's alot of guys out there like him. I'll run this by Ade, and if he gives me the green light, we'll post the message. It's likely it will require some degree of editing, as it's pretty offensive.

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Bob, No truer words were ever written!

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I would not want your babysitting job for Bill Gates money! I don't know how you do it. I have been collecting for 30 years and I have over 50 different unique collections, 3rd Reich is just one of them and I have 2000 plus items in that collection. It is a well known fact among all my collecting pals that WWII German stuff is by far the most treacherous gear to collect. A well known author on the subject once shared an email exchange with me after we battled for an item on Ebay back in 99 when you could find good treasures there. He told me that over 70% of all 3rd Reich collectibles are post war fakes, repros, replicas, bastards, marriages, touch ups and restorations. I started collecting fakes and repros back then to help educate myself and others. I have hundreds of items and many of them could fool even seasoned collectors.

You are so right about East European stuff. I can't imagine the shenanigans you've got to deal with. You sincerely deserve an award for your endless babysitting and your positive attitude whilst doing so remains upbeat, polite and yet firm with a great degree of patience. You're doing a fine job and the site is one of the best sources for Militaria and research material pertaining to it. I know that bright collectors and honest ones would agree. That's all that matters. Keep up the good work