The Fakers Are Getting Better!

This is a tough hobby for new collectors and all the fakes out there don't make it any easier. Below is an example of some fakes currently available to anyone with some cash. Some of them look pretty good and from the photos many experienced collectors could even think they are real.. not so. They can be bought, aged a little, then sold to the "newbie" as the real thing... all for a nice profit. The copy describing each item is from the manufacturer, not me. It is obvious, errors not withstanding, that whoever is behind these fakes knows something about Third Reich relics.

A word to the wise; if you don't know what you're doing, be careful.

Knights Cross of the Iron Cross

Very high quality replica of the Knight’s Cross, marked “800” on both the back of the cross and the suspension loop. Made of correct three piece construction with magnetic center, lightly aged. Come with a full neck ribbon with tie straps that have been sewn in, also with very light age. Only one of these is currently available




Reichsfurher SS Heinrich Himmler Collar Tabs New Version

A new version of Reichsfuhrer SS, the highest rank in the SS, which was most famously held by Heinrich Himmler. Silver bullion wire embroidery over a very fine black velvet backing. This new version has thinner piping and very good detail. The wreath is complete with tiny glass beads, very carefully replicating one of the original examples.



Reichsfurher SS Heinrich Himmler Shoulderboards

New versions of the RFSS shoulderboards with the correct, accurate silver oakleaf cluster rank devices (Himmler wore these silver clusters from 1934 -1939, and then again from April 1942 through 1945). Boards are slip-on version with silver grommets and sold as pairs. Tone of oakleaf devices varies from age darkened silver to brighter silver. Currently only darker versions are available.



Reichsmarschall Hermann Goring Shoulderboards

Massive shoulderboards for Hermann Goring’s unique rank of Reichsmarschall, which was the highest military rank of any nation in World War Two. Triple gold braided cords in bright bullion over the Luftwaffe white underlay that was reserved for General officer rank. Large, solid cast gold board devices of a Wehrmacht eagle surmounting crossed Reichsmarschall batons.



Reichsmarschall Hermann Goring Collar Tabs

An excellent pair of matching collar tabs for Goring’s rank of Reichsmarschall. These are unlike any other replicas made to date and are incredibly accurate to the original design, right down to the backing material. The tabs are embroidered in gold wire and bullion in the 2nd pattern RM design which was introduced in March of 1941, consisting of crossed Reichsmarschall batons on both the left and right tabs. Newer version with all gold embroidery.



Reichsmarschall Hermann Goring Breast Eagle

Goring was probably the most flamboyant character in the Third Reich and exercised his own personal touches in development of insignia for his many uniforms. One of those was the creation of a special breast eagle for use on all of his uniforms. This eagle was a little larger with wider wingtips and was always on a white background during the time he served as Reichsmarschall. This replica was faithfully reproduced from that design and has incredible detail.



Reichsmarschall Hermann Goring’s Utility Uniform Shoulder Straps

At the close of WW2 Hermann Goring had a very unique and rather spartan uniform tailored for his rank of Reichsmarschall, which was more closely resembled the Allies uniforms in its simple nature. The only rank insignia exhibited on this uniform were on a pair of shoulder straps, each embroidered with the Reichsmarschall eagle and crossed batons similar in design to the gold devices on his standard shoulderboards. These shoulderboards were designed and created using surviving pictures and illustrations as reference. Straps are slip-on style, embroidered in gold bullion and wire, with gold twist piping over gray wool.



Generalfeldmarschall von Rundstedt Colonel-in-Chief Shoulderboards

Special shoulderboards for GFM von Rundstedt when wearing his uniform as honorary Colonel-in-Chief of the 18th Infantry Regiment. Standard General officer shoulderboards of intertwined gold and silver cords over a white branch underlay for Infantry designation. Crossed batons affixed at the base with regimental ciphers “18” positioned above the batons.



Luftwaffe Generalfeldmarschall Collar Tabs

New inventory with a revised design to the batons. A matching pair of Luftwaffe Generalfeldmarschall collar tabs, accurately produced in fine gold bullion and wire over a fine, soft white wool underlay. A pair of silver embroidered, raised crossed batons are overlayed at the base of the wreath.



Luftwaffe Generalmajor Collar Tabs

A matching pair of Luftwaffe General der Flieger collar tabs, accurately rendered in fine gold bullion and wire over a white backing to indicate General Officer rank with single rank wings.



Luftwaffe General’s Breast Eagle

Premium quality gold wire hand embroidered Luftwaffe eagle with dark brown thread highlighting over a blue-gray backing for General Officers in the Luftwaffe.



Army (Heer) Generalfeldmarschall Shoulderboards, 1940 pattern

A matching pair of Heer GFM shoulderboards in standard General officer construction of two outer gold bullion cords and silver aluminum inner cord over a red underlay, with crossed baton devices in the 2nd pattern design. This regulation combining the 2nd pattern batons with standard general officer boards only lasted from September of 1940 until April of 1941, yet was widely utilized as can be seen in many period photos.



Army (Heer) Generalfeldmarschall Collar Tabs, 1941 pattern-gold wire

In 1941 collar insignia was created specifically for Heer Generalfeldmarschalls to set them apart from the other General officers by elongating the tab with the addition of a third prong in the middle of the design. This replica is beautifully executed to mimic the style of one of the more well made original manufacturers, in all gold wire similar to Manstein and Brauchtisch examples. There are only two of these left in stock.



Army (Heer) General Officer Collar Tabs

Standard pattern Heer General officer collartabs used for all ranks of Generals throughout the war (including GFM, until 1941). Two tone gold wire with buff highlights.



Waffen SS Obergruppenfuhrer Collar Tabs

Pair of SS General Officer collar tabs with three oakleaves rendered in fine silver wire over a black velvet backing. Two silver bullion pips to indicate rank of Obergruppenfuhrer.



SS Officers Arm Eagle

High end, extremely accurate reproductions of aluminum wire and silver bullion SS officers arm eagles. These are very well made and hard to discern from originals. Only have two examples remaining available, click on thumbnail at left to view each example.



SS Visor Cap Eagle

Very convincing, high end copy of a SS visor cap eagle. Nice, aged matte finish with patina around the edges and two prongs on the reverse. Looks much more real than all of the shiny cheap reproductions currently on the market.



SS Officers Brocade Belt and Buckle

Complete brocade belt for the dress uniform of an SS officer. Single piece construction buckle. Belt is green felt-like badge cloth backed. Only two of these are available and are on consignment.



Totenkopf Sanitats Collar Tabs

Pair of vertical collar tabs for a Scharfuhrer in the Sanitats (medical services) of Totenkopf. White cotton embroidered thread over a black felt backing. Right rank tab has a single pip and tresse. Edge piped in a silver/black twist piping.



NSDAP Reichsleiter 1st pattern Collar Tabs

Extremely well made matching pair of 1934 style, 1st pattern Reichsleiter collar tabs, accurately produced in a mixture fine embroidered bullion and wire over a fine, soft red wool underlay and edge piped in gold. Only one pair available. Excellent copy.



NSDAP Reichsleiter Collar Tabs

A matching pair of late pattern Reichsleiter collar tabs, accurately produced in fine embroidered nylon over a fine, soft red wool underlay. Only one pair of these is available.




Diplomatic Official Sleeve Rank Insignia in Silver

Sleeve insignia as used on a diplomatic dress uniforms. Silver Wehrmact eagle with outstretched wings, surrounded by a laurel wreath on a black background. Another rare piece of high ranking political insignia manufactured in detail worthy of the original and never before seen replicated. One left, price reduced.

If you would like REAL THIRD REICH RELICS you might want to give our web site a try.

Bob Treend, The Fakers are Getting Better", MILITARIA BLOG, 2009

Why is Allegemeine SS Headgear So Rare?

With modern computers and fine color printing, many new collectors don't realize how primitive reference material was just a few years ago. Here's an article from 1971. The text is hand written and the magazine was printed on little better than newsprint. It was the best that could be done at the time and collectors were glad to have it. Below is the text reproduced... by computer...so it's a little easier to read. GMC

DURING THE LAST OF THEIR DAYS AS HITLER'S ELITE' AS BOTH RUSSO AND ANGLO AMERICAN FORCES DREW NEARER THEIR BELOVED BERLIN. THE SS MAN WAS, FOR THE FIRST TIME, MADE TO RECOGNIZE HIMSELF. REALIZING HIS ENEMY WOULD NOT HONOR BUT DESPISE THE MEN WHO MOST STOOD FOR ADOLF HITLER.THE SS OFFICER AND ENLISTED MAN, IF CAPTURED, WOULD BE MADE TO ENDURE SUCH TREATMENT AS EVEN HE COULD NOT PERCEIVE.

MULTITUDES FOUND DESTRUCTION OF THEIR UNIFORMS A POSSIBLE MEANS OF ESCAPE. . . RE-UNIFORMING THEMSELVES AS MEMBERS OF THE ARMY... OR EVEN AS CIVILIANS! MANY SUCCEEDED...THOSE WHO DID NOT SOON WERE IN THE . HANDS OF THE VENGEFUL RUSSIANS. THEIR FATE UNKNOWN.

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT THE COLLECTOR?

...BY POINTING OUT THAT, THOUGH ONCE A PLENTIFUL AMOUNT
OF ALLEGEMEINE SS UNIFORMS CERTAINLY DID EXIST, THE WAR
ITSELF BROUGHT ON A MASSIVE REDUCTION IN ITS' QUANTITY.. .
AND THAT THE GREATEST VOLUME OF EXISTING ALLEGEMEINE SS
EQUIPMENT IS, IN ALL PROBABILITY. PRESENTLY IN RUSSIAN HANDS.

THIS BRINGS US TO THE MOST SIGNIFICANT FACT... WHICH IS, THAT THOSE COMPANIES, IN THE BUSINESS OF REPRODUCING NAZI MILITARIA, ARE WORKING "DOUBLE TIME" IN PRODUCTION OF ALL PHASES OF ALLEGEMEINE SS HEADGEAR! IN THE NEXT OF MY ARTICLES ON HEADGEAR, I SHALL ATTEMPT POINTING OUT SOME 'RULES OF THUMB" IN IDENTIFYING SUCH REPROS.

Dennis Lewis, Why is Allegemeine SS Headgear So Rare?, Der Hakenkreuz, 1971

SHAPES OF THE STAHLHELM IN THE THIRD REICH

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

1. Transitional

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

2. M35

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

3. M42

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

4. Police

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

5. Fireman

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

6. Paratrooper

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

7. Luftschutz Combat Style

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

8. Luftschutz Late Model

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

9. Luftschutz Early Model

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

Floyd R. Tubbs, STAHLHELM, Author Published, 1971

Collector Basics - The Iron Cross

IRON CROSS
(EISERNES KREUZ)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ROLL OF HONOUR CLASPS
((EHRENBLATT-SPANGEN)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

bender-publishing.com

Fakes & Frauds - Committee Report

Attention all MCA members and friends!

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

CHAPTER 12

REPRODUCTION NAZI EDGED WEAPONS AND HOW TO SPOT THEM

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

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

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

Page 16 Vol.1,No.4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"TREU TAPFER GEHORSAM" The Schutzmannschaft

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Arthur Eickhorn Presentation Dagger

Located on the southern edge of the Ruhr Valley of Germany is the small town of Solingen whose nickname has long been the "City of Swords." One of Europe’s oldest centers for the manufacture of cutlery and renowned the world over, it ranks in importance with Sheffield, England; Thiers, France; Toledo, Spain; and Nara, Japan. Chartered in 1374, Solingen cutlery has been famous since medieval times and is supposed to have been introduced by crusaders from Damascus. For the past several centuries, Solingen has remained the center of the German edged weapon industry. Even today the "City of Swords" remains one of the world’s key manufacturers of military and civic swords, knives and cutlery. Indeed, the current PUMA firm’s sales catalog states, "Just as Paris is associated with fashion and wines, Detroit with automobiles, Dublin with linens and lace. Amsterdam with tulip bulbs, so Solingen deservedly relates to cutlery.

The early Solingen smiths utilized the small family "cottage industry" approach to the manufacture of edged weapons where items were made by artisans in their own homes. Quality was definitely the name of the game as often the early masters toiled for several days on a single blade. The bulk of the finished products was produced either in the smith’s home or in small makeshift workshops usually located behind the homes. Needless to say, it was inevitable that the demand for Solingen-caliber blades would force a collective pooling of resources into a number of large factories (Waffenfabriken). One of the first large firms to emerge (and one which is still manufacturing quality cutlery today) was the Carl Eickhorn Waffenfabrik in 1865.

Arthur Eickhorn, son of founder Carl ,decided to take advantage of the unique skills possessed by a number of mastercraftsman employed by his father. Over a period of several years, Arthur Eickhorn was instrumental in personally designing a large variety of ornate edged weapons for many differentc ountries and special presentations. A 1967 letter from the Eickhorn firm substantiates that Arthur Eickhorn was involved in the special manufacturing of deluxe items for govemment heads and high-ranking military officers.

One magnificent creation of the eldest Eickhorn son has come into the possession of advanced collector Thomas W. Pooler of San Rafael, California, whose wife Susan graciously assisted in the writing of this article. Without a doubt, the Arthur Eickhorn Presentation Dagger described below represents one of the finest crafted products of "The City of Swords."

The handle, or hilt, of the dagger measures 5" from the gold-platedcrossguard to the crown. Two very beautiful pieces of mother-of-pearl form the grip. On both sides of the pearl grips are solid gold front and backstraps. These straps were probably made from a mold for another dagger, as they have been cut at the top to match the length of the grip. The underside of both straps is artfully inscribed.

The top of the dagger bears an eagle's head. The head itself measures 1.5" high by 2" wide. Extremely delicate oak leaves, instead of penciled feathers, have been etched to form the back of the eagle’s head. Lines of the eagle`s mouth are accurately drawn and extended to form the lower portion of the beak. The upper beak slopes down and ends in the classic hook. The craftsman has even etched in the chin feathers of the eagle. Measuring 1/8"in diameter, ruby gem stones have been placed in the head for eyes and they take on a sparkle with every movement of the dagger. The designer has gone to great lengths in detailing this head as there are tiny tear ducts and eyebrows on the eagle. The turn bolt or spannernut, on the dagger is actually a crown for the eagle, and it is divided into eight panels, bearing alternating patterns of crosses and miniature eagles. The very tip of the crown gives the appearance of eagle talons as the prongs are delicately arched, and appear to hold the crown in place.

The Damascus steel blade was the result of a tedious, skillful and time-consuming effort of an artist. One side of the blade bears the signature."Arthur Eickhorn - Solingen". There are few, if any, blades bearing the entire Eickhorn presentation signature and one on a Damascus blade is even more unusual. On the reverse of the blade, in lieu of the popular Eickhorn logo of a squirrel holding an acorn, is the Eickhorn family crest done in gold (rarely seen). The crest measures just .75" and is completely surrounded by avery delicate filigree design. Thes quirrel is sitting on a helmet which rests on the top of a shield divided into two segments. The upper portion contains oakleaves and acorns while the lower portion depicts a hunting horn, complete with a lanyard (see accompanying art work by Ronald Lang of San Francisco).

The seven-inch blade comes sheathed in a scabbard of grooved black leather with hammered gold-plated fittings. Delicately etched into the fittings are three bands of oak leaves and acorns, two bands on the lower fitting and one band on the upper fitting between the hanger loops. These particular goldplated stirrups are anchored to the scabbard so as to provide no movement either in the rings or stirrups. This is one of the reasons the dagger is thought to be a sample as it would not permit freedom of movement when worn with a uniform. The blade opening at the top of the scabbard has been hand-done. Irregular lines and uneven cuts indicate this was a one-of-a-kind piece and not machine-made.

Unfortunately, the Eickhorn firm has no existing records on this particular piece, as the majority of all Waffenfabriken records were destroyed during the latter stages of World War II when Solingen was heavily bombed by the Allies. Nevertheless. this ornate dagger is truly a work of art and can honestly be rated as a choice collector's piece in anyone's militaria collection!

Thomas M. Johnson and Susan Pooler, "The Arthur Eickhorn Presentation Dagger", WARRIORS, Issue No. 2, c.1970

Hitler Youth Belts and Buckles

1937-1938

The new HJ leaders’ buckle and special leather gear was authorized for wear by the following with an entry dated April l, 1937: (a) Leaders with the rank of HJ-Bannfuhrer and upwards (including "Verwaltungsbannfuhrer" which were administrators/managers): being DJ-Jungbannfdhren HJ-Obcrbannfiihrerg DJ-Oberjungbannfuhren HJ-Gebietsfuhrer; DJ-Gebietsjungvolkfuhrer; HJ-Obergebietsfuhrer, as well as appointed Stabsfuhrer (mainly with the RJF).(b) Appointed leaders ranking lower than H.J.-Bannfuhrer, being leaders of a"Bann" unit (function being "Fuhrer von Bannen"), department leaders of an area (Abteilungsleiter der Gebiete), staff leaders from an area (Stabsleiter der Gebiete), RJF main consultants (Hauptreferenten der RJF), deputy department chiefs (stellv. Amtschefs) and leaders of area leaders’ schools (Leiter der Gebietsfuhrer schulen).

Initially, it was planned that adjutants for a "Gebiets- und Gebietsjungvolkfuhrer" were also to wear the leaders’ belt and buckle. But in the course of early 1937 this position was withdrawn from the list (the intricate rank and function system caused a re-organization in late 1938 (consult this note and note 26 for a better understanding of the situation)).

"HJ-Fuhrerkoppelschloss/Feldbindenschl0ss" description, 1936:

The Hitler Youth leaders’ buckle was round and made of tempered aluminum sheet or an aluminum sheet alloy (Al-Mg-Si DIN1713, called "legiertem Aluminiumblech"), which was first copper-plated and then matte-silvered or nickled with the appropriate design as the inset for the regular HJ buckle. Around the upper rope design is a raised, smooth 3.0mm wide edge which gives the disc an approximate diameter of 5.0cm. The relief details of the buckle are somewhat higher. The eagle has a robust look, especially its head, as well as the "Blut und Ehre"motto. The HJ diamond touches the lower rope design. The outer edge, the eagle and the HJ diamond were all highly polished. All HJ leaders’ buckles were stamped and show the design relief on the reverse, where the catch should always have the "M4/22" RZM c0de for the manufacturer C. Th. Dicke.

The fitting with the rotating prongs which fit in the holes of the leather belt to make it adjustable, is positioned at the left (as seen by the viewer). A leather tongue is also found on the reverse of the belt. On this style belt the buckle is sewn on the right side of the belt. When the buckle, however, is loose and includes the fitting with the rotating prongs, this is located on the left side and the keeper is sewn to the belt. The buckle was designed to carry a weight of 60kg.

"HJ-Fuhrerlederzeug" description,1936:

The manufacturing and material for this approximately 4.4cm wide black belt, with a 3.5mm thickness, is similar as that described for the 1933/1936 enlisted ranks belt. The applied paint had to be light and waterproof, and had to be scuff resistant. The earliest leader’s belts were backed with a mixed brown cloth or a felt-like material. The belt tip at left was somewhat rounded and on the reverse a natural colored leather tongue was sewn on. The size and position of this tongue is basically the same as for enlisted ranks, but in most cases was sewn on with twelve stitches which had a length of 5.0cm. The tip of the tongue is positioned approximately 1.5cm from the tip of the belt. Two 1.6cm wide leather slides are positioned on the belt, the back of which are joined by two stitches.

Two 2.4cm wide slides with a sewn—on D-ring are slid on the belt for fastening the 2.4cm wide shoulder belt which is 2.5mm thick. The manufacturing style and material used was as described earlier. Between the sliding clasp and the snaphook on the shoulder belt, a small leather slide was positioned. This slide was 1.2cm wide and was sewn together on the back with two stitches. The earliest shoulder belts were also backed, and the fittings were not pebbled (as yet).

Early belts often had a small piece of natural colored leather, approximately 17.0 cm long and 2.0cm wide, sewn onto the inside middle-back of the belt. The ends of this piece of leather are almost as wide as the inside belt width. Over this, a smaller form of slide was fastened which prevented the shoulder belt from moving out of position. These belts were costly and for this reason most often a belt with adjustable slides was chosen. To protect the tunic from buckle-keeper damage, a "Rockschoner" (also known as"Schlossunterlage") was available. It consisted of a piece of leather (approximately 6.5 x 4.5cm) which fit over the belt. This protective device was meant for belts of enlisted ranks but was often worn by leaders of various organizations.

Per Reichsjugendfuhrer orders, some additional ranks were introduced and rank designations changed with the April 20, 1937 entry. These individuals were permitted to wear the leader’s belt and buckle: HJ-Hauptbannfuhrer and DJ-Hauptungbannfuhrer (formerly DJ-Gebietsjungvollgfuhrer). Simultaneously, all leaders (Bannfuhrer through Stabsfuhrer) were the HJ-Fuhrerkorps which was the official name for the leadership corps and staff (Note: this should not be confused with the HJ-Fuhrerschaf who were mid-level leaders). The mid-level ranks, Gefolgschafisfuhrer through Oberstammfuhrer, were not permitted to wear the leader’s buckle. This was changed, however, in late 1938. The Fuhrerschaft and Fuhrerkorps system was also changed once more at a later date.

The most striking change for the DJ organization was the abolishment of their buckle with rune device by an order published on June 4, 1937. The regular HJ buckle was to be worn instead, while the DJ buckle was allowed for wear until December 31, 1937. Manufacturers and retailers had already been informed of this regulation as early as late fall 1936. Those manufacturers who had large stocks of DJ buckles found it impossibleto sell them all before the December1937 deadline. It had not been the intention of the Reichsjugendfurung to cause loss of money or materials by means of scrapping the buckles. On the other hand the numerous DJ members were not forced to buy a new 4.5cm HJ buckle either. With some thought the solution was simple. A HJ inset could be soldered directly over the rune and then the buckle could be renickled. This process was carried out by three firms from Ludenscheid during the months of March and April 1938. Smaller size DJ buckles or those with varying runes were not to be part of this altering process. These smaller buckles were referred to as Kinder-kappelschldsser (buckles for children) and were never considered a regulation size.

The three firms to receive the above contract were:

HJ areas 1-9: EW. Assmann & Sohne.
HJ areas 10-17: C.Th. Dicke.
HJ areas 18-26: Overhoff & Cie

During the course of 1937 RZM standards for manufacturing buckles were somewhat lessened. This caused an uncontrolled growth in non-regulation buckles and lower quality, some of which were produced by various manufacturers who did not even have RZM permission. This came to a halt in November 1938 when the RZM issued an order stating that manufacturing permission must be granted only by the RZM.

Orders dated September 30, 1938 radically changed the recently initiated HJ and DJ uniform regulations. This was due to a general re-organization to be in effect on October 1. Specific orders listed what would be worn and when the enlisted ranks, plus low and mid-level leaders would wear the summer service dress, were the guard unit Wachgefolgschaft "Baldur von Schirach" and professional drivers in the service of the HJ organization. Additional orders were issued for the Naval -HJ (which included a so-called Fahrtenanzug worn by DJ members dur-ing a transitional period), extra summer and winter uniforms for the Motor—HJ known as Fuss- and Fahrdienstanzug (worn when on foot or when driving), and for the Flieger—HJ known as the Fussdress. The term Flugdienstanzug (dress for flying) was used instead of Fahrdienstanzug. All of the above orders did not, however, affect the wear of the HJ buckle with black belt and shoulderbelt.

Simultaneously with the above orders a significant addition was also announced. Now, a brocade belt was authorized for wear by higher-ranked leaders. HJ leaders who wore aluminum wire embroidered shoulder straps were to wear an aluminum brocade belt and aluminum leader’s buckle. Those with gold wire embroidery wore a gold brocade belt with gold leader’s buckle. This HJ brocade belt may have been initially thought of as a form of award for services rendered to the organization in February 1938 when von Schirach announced special schooling for the HJ-Fuhrerkorps. During the next few months plans were initialized and in May and June of 1938 the brocade belt was informally wom by HJ leaders during visits abroad, notably in Italy.

Wilhelm P.B.R. Saris assisted by Jeff Hammond,"Hitler Youth, Belts and Brocades (1926-1945) Part II", The Military Advisor, 2001

bender-publishing.com

European Newsletter

You can always tell when it's summer in England; the rain gets warmer and there are a number of Military Auctions held in which large numbers of Nazi items are put up for sale to the highest bidder. To the onlooker this may appear to be a very fair means of both selling and buying items.

Most Auctions do a postal bidding service and this may be looked upon as first rate idea which gives collects who live too far away to attend in person a chance to acquire items.

From personal experience the author has found this service to be a dangeous and costly experience. Another practice which has crept into auctions of late with regards to Nazi items, is to use as a barometer amidst dealers, the prices which items fetch at current sales.

Let us begin at the point where you have been receiving auction catalogs for a number of months, and at last you have decided to make a number of bids on items you require. First, you might do well to look inside me front cover of your catalog and read the small print on conditions of sale. If you have no guarantee that the item is original and once you have bought it you have no redress if it is not. For better or for worse you are stuck with it. However, you have decided to bid for a Luftwaffe honor goblet. By research in your old catalogs you are aware that a similar goblet sold for $150 a couple of months back and you think that a postal bid of $160 will give you a good chance of acquiring it. You send off your bid and during the period while you are waiting to learn the result, you thumb through the catalog many times and look at the item listed (No. 374 LuftwaffeHonor Goblet). A choice item bearing the German Silver Hallmark with the inscription on the base, FURBESONDERE LEISTUNG IM LUFTKRIEG. It has an Iron Cross and eagles in combat near the rim and also in silver. In due course a letter arrives to say your bid has been successful. send $155 plus $15 for packing, postage and insurance and the item is yours. This you do and item No. 374 arrives. This is a moment in a collectors life when it is advisable for the wife, kids and any domestic pets to get as far away as possible from the collector, for when the package containing $170 worth of goblet is opened it has all the hallmarks, not of German silver, but of a fake. This is a moment which all collectors have in common at some time or another. Anticipation followed by disappointment plus depression leading to murderous rage.

Now let us attempt to trace the history of Item No. 374. It began eighteen months previous when a collector asked a friend who was spending his vacation in Austria to lookout for any Nazi items for his collection His friend, who was a noncollector, spent his vacation having a first rate time and on his last day remembered his promise thinking (must bring him something back). He purchased a W.W.I. goblet for $12. Upon his return he presented his friend with this battered item and a bill for $12... and almost lost $12 and a friend. A month later the friend traded the goblet in for some medals at a loss. The new owner of the goblet had a friend who worked in the jewelry trade and decided to advance the items history to W.W.2. It was beaten out and engraved and the previous engraving was covered with the raised silver plate upon which the eagles were engraved. The work set him back $35 and as he had paid $5 for the medals he traded for it, the goblet now cost him $40. The item was then sold as a "I believe it to be original" type item for $50. to a Nazi items dealer. However the jeweler craftsman that he was, was right proud of his work on the goblet and tended to talk about it until it became common knowledge in the trade and within the collecting fraternity. As a result, the goblet just would not sell. Then it was decided to put it up for auction. But first it was his policy to establish a high price for it. It was put in the auction with a reserve price of $100, and the dealer who owned it also entered a postal bid for it in an assumed name for $150. As always he attended the auction on the day of the sale, and with the help of friends bid the goblet up to just below his postal bid, leaving his assumed name bid to get the top price. The goblet now had an established auction price which appeared in the catalog. A few months were allowed to lapse and the goblet was once again entered in an auction. It was possible for the dealer to learn what the top postal bid was and the goblet was pushed up to just below the highest postal bid in the manner of the previous sale.

This story illustrates the folly of postal bidding and of accepting auction prices as a buying guide. The author has in his possession a pile of junk bought as a result of postal bidding and misleading discriptions in catalogs. My last venture in that respect was a bid for 20 Wermacht helmets described in the catalog, "20 Nazi helmets good condition". I won them, worse luck, even now I still have nightmares when I think of the tea chest full of rusting relics which arrived on my doorstep. Seventeen arrived, 3 got lost in transit. Being a glutton for punishment, I wrote a letter to the auction about the 3 missing helmets, after all they did charge me postage, packing, and insurance. Packing was accounted for by throwing the helmets into a plywood tea crate with an old newspaper acting as a lid. Insurance apparently only covered the items while they were inside the auction rooms. Postage appeared to be the only item that was functional. On the insurance side, I received a hard-luck Jack—type letter. I still have one of these helmets left, so if any reader wants an original Wehrmacht helmet, devoid of metal liner, chinstrap, free of charge, I will sweep the rust into a match box and send it on.

F. Van Eycke, "European Newsletter", DAS HAKENKREUZ, 1969

About our Blog

Welcome...

In this section you will find a series of articles on the various aspects of Third Reich militaria collecting. These are intended to introduce the new collector to a preticular area of our hobby and to provide the experienced collector with a refresher course, or perhaps some new info. They are not intended to replace reference books in one's library, but are here to "wet the appetite" of the collectors, and encourage them to aquire the books or magazines they were taken from. Many of these sources are currently available from book dealers, or the publisher, and some are long out of print. In the case of the later, it might take some hunting to aquire them. Militaria shows, other collectors and this web site might be good sources.

Most of this info was aquired by scanning pages and running them through an optical character recognition (OCR) program. While this is the most efficient way of aquiring the text, it is not fool-proof and errors are encountered. We have proof read all of these articles and made the corrections we found. However, don't be surprised if you find a mis-spelled word or other error here and there. We could only do so much.... In the case of the photos that accompany the articles, some are from the article itself, while others are photos I added from other sources as I thought appropriate.

This feature of germanmilitariacollecibles.com will be an ongoing project. I will add more material as often as it is available and I have time to do so. If you are an author who has written something about German militaria collecting, and would like to share it with our readers, we would like to see it. You can email a copy to us. If we use it, and we will try to, you will receive full credit. Be sure you tell us your name, the title, where or who published it (if it was) and the date published. Also, if you have reference material you think your fellow collectors would be interested in and would like to share, please email me about it and we'll see what we can do. Especially good would be older articles from magazines and books. Of course you'll get credit for the contribution.

Bob Treend : info@germanmilitariacollectibles.com

SS Allach

Very little is known about porcelain manufactured at the SS factory situated at Allach, a small town a few miles outside Munich. Even within Germany itself today very few people have heard of its existence. To the best of the author's knowedge, only three post-war items have appeared in print; two small articles in 'Epoca' and 'Der Spiegel', and two pages in 'Schrihenreihe Der Vierteljahrshefte Fur Zeitgeschichte - Die Wirtschaftlichen Unternehmungen Der S.S.' 1963, and only three contemporary articles; one in the Norwegian S.S. paper 'Hirdmannen' of 22nd February 1941, and another in the German SS paper 'Des Schwarz Korps' of 6th April 1939, and another in the National Socialist official art magazine 'Kunst im Drittenreich'.

Even so, an ever-increasing degree of interest is now being shown, and it is in order to promote this interest in Allach porcelain that this study has been published. All known available information has been carefully studied and relevant excerpts included, as have been photographs of all known pieces. An illustrated catalogue of the items made was published, but has not been obtainable. The pieces shown are by no means the majority of those manufactured, but the most well-known are shown and, together with the others illustrated, present a good crosssection of the items manufactured. Eight of the illustrations are from the Haus Der Deutschen Kunst ( House of German Art) catalogues. Of particular interest is illustration No. 28 which is the painting by Joseph Vietze exhibited at the House of German Art in 1941, of S.S. Brigadefuhrer Reinhard Heydrich with the porcelain fencer in the background. Illustration No. 27 shows the''Fencer'' in the advertisement for Allach porcelain in the same catalog's.

The small porcelain factory situated at Allach was originally concern which was founded in 1935, two years after Hitler's accession to power. In 1936 it was taken over by the Personal Staff Department of the Reichsfuhrer S.S. Heinrich Himmler, and was connected with that department of the Personal Staff headed by S.S. Obersturmbannfuhrer Prof. Diebitsch, which dealt with 'all artistic and architectural questions which interested the Reichsfuhrer'. Fully established as an S.S. economic concern, it was incorporated into the Hauptamt Verwaltung Und Wirtschaft (Main Department for Administration and Economics) in 1939.

Between 1936 and 1939 it was connected with the firm 'Bohemia Ceramic Works', and also held more than half the shares in 'Porcelain Radiators GmbH'. The factory was one of Himmler's favourite concerns, as by the production of beautiful and decorative art pieces, he felt he could influence and better German taste. This would also be achieved through the products of the household crockery and utensil section of the factory. Himmler was particularly fond of the Allach project, and his opinions were shared by his friends in the 'Freundkreis Der R.F.S.S'. In a letter to S.S. Hauptamtchef Pohl, Himmler declared that Allach was, to him, 'one of the few things which are positive' and which gave him pleasure.

As mentioned earlier, the Allach factory was primarily intended for the production of decorative and artistic pieces, to include especially commissioned items for Himmler. But ordinary plates, vases, mugs, etc., were also made in a separate section of the factory. together with jars and other utensils for hospitals and canteens. However, this study is only concerned with the porcelain S.S. pieces, and not the ceramic part of the factory. It is recognised throughout the world that porcelain is one of the best artistic materials to express form and feeling in small pieces ('the noblest ceramic material') , and the German porcelain factories of Berlin, Meissen and Dresden have led the world since the Baroc period when porcelain factories were first founded by the German Princes. Following in this tradition, Himmler decided that the pieces produced at Allach would reflect the art form and feeling of the Third Reich, and of the SS in particular. SS Obersturmbannfuhrer Diebitsch, who became director of Allach, said on opening the new Allach showroom in Berlin at Leipzigerstrasse 13 on 1st April 1939: ' ''No people live longer than the documents of their vurture's. These words of the Fuhrer are a cultural motto for us. We know that all we may produce will be critically examined by those who come after us, and we do not want these later generations to give a poor verdict on our works'.

This was to be a prophetic statement, for SS porcelain is today almost impossible to obtain, but that which is obtainable is of the finest quality.

It was, as we have seen, the definite intention of Himmler to promote 'artistically worthy' hand-made porcelain and ceramic products, 'and to work towards that good example of the high standards of this branch of industry'. For the design work of the pieces the finest artists were recruited: Professors Diebitsch (the director of Allach and SS Obersturmbannfuhrer) , Karner, Wagenfeld, Feaster and Thorak, etc. The director of the State Porcelain Gallery in Dresden. Prof. D. S. Fichter, also worked at Allach. Many of the finer pieces are signed by Prof. T. H. Karner and by Ottmar Obermeier; two of the foremost potters who worked at Allach.