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Werner von Blomberg, Generaloberst Wilhelm Keitel, Generalfeldmarschall Wehrmacht company buttons for shoulder straps. The fieldgrey versions were worn on the field tunics, those with aluminium finish were generally worn on the parade tunics. I. Bataillon 1. Kompanie 2. Kompanie 3. Kompanie 4. Kompanie II. Bataillon 5. Kompanie 6. Kompanie 7. Kompanie 8. Kompanie III. Bataillon 9. Kompanie 10. Kompanie 11. Kompanie 12. Kompanie IV. Bataillon 13. Kompanie so far to date Note: The fieldgrey buttons for 6 or 9 in these examples are without a "dot" behind the number, interchangeable. The aluminium versions have the "dot" behind the number, so definitely a 6. or a 9. Various maker marks to rear of buttons. Some have an RZM mark. Company numbers were worn only by other ranks and NCOs, never by officers. The company numbers were also indicated by the colours of the bayonet knots.

A small selection of representative items of the Reichsarbeitsdienst (R.A.D.) or Labour Corps - A broach for women W.R.A.D., Weiblicher Reichsarbeitsdienst, who have completed their voluntary or compulsory service - Erinnerungsbrosche maker: AN.G. Cast-stamped zinc - Headdress insignia, alumium badge for the "Robin Hood" hat and Bevo badge for either sidecap or later M.43 cap, this unissued, unsewn, "cut from the roll" - Belt buckle with leather tab showing Lüdenscheid maker and dated 1937, alumium one piece stamping - Arm insignia for unit 165/10, in Arbeitsgau 16 (Westfalen-Nord), Bevo woven Collar patches for an RAD Vormann. Machine-woven, probably mid to late war produced, on stiffened card backing, traces of original stitching and slight edge damage when removed from uniform. RAD Weibliche Jugend, Brosche für Kriegshilfsdienst, Zink

Transferred from other section Korvettenkapitän (Major) for greatcoat, etc. dark blue underlay Leutnant zur See for the white summer tunic, with white underlay. Shoulder pieces were not worn by officers on the normal Bordjacke, these had cuff rank rings, etc. The shoulder pieces also normally displayed the cypher of the branch of service. These indicated would be for normal seafaring or navigation branch - Allgemeine Seefahrt oder Nautische Richtung. Die 2. Unterseebootsflottille, auch als U-Bootsflottille „Saltzwedel“ bekannt, wurde am 1. September 1936 in Kiel unter dem Kommando von Fregattenkapitän Werner Scheer gebildet und war nach Oberleutnant zur See Reinhold Saltzwedel, einem U-Boot-Kommandanten des Ersten Weltkriegs, benannt. Die Flottille wurde nach wenigen Wochen nach Wilhelmshaven verlegt. Im Herbst 1940 wurde mit der Verlegung der Flottille nach Lorient begonnen. Von da an bis zur Auflösung der Flottille im August 1944, als die Basis in Lorient aufgegeben werden musste, blieb sie dort stationiert. Die verbliebenen Boote wurden anschließend nach Norwegen verlegt. Cap tallies: Kriegsmarine, early wartime in gold thread Schiffsartillerieschule (Kiel), gold thread, peacetime, unworn Sperrabteilung (Kiel), gold thread, peacetime Linienschiff Schleswig-Holstein, Entered service in 1908, fired the first shots in WW2 at Danzig-Westerplatte Marinenachrichtenschule Based in Mürwik 3. Schiffsstammabteilung der Ostsee 3. Raised in Kiel, 1938, later to Eckernförde and Waren/Müritz Sperrschule Based in Kiel-Wik Rank chevrons: Funkgefreiter, naval blouse Maschinen Obergefreiter, gold braid, parade jacket Rank badges: Bootsmannsmaat Steuermannsmaat Artilleriemaat Oberbootsmannsmaat, for dress jacket Sperrvormann, Qualification Chevrons: Hauptgefreiter, large, very early pattern, Reichsmarine or earlier Gefreiter, Küstenartillerie Gefreiter, for naval blouse Obergefreiter and Stabsgefreiter Cap insignia: Metal cap eagle for peaked cap, removable top Eagle and cockade for overseas cap, unissued Eagle and cockades for DD-Cap, both with pins missing, one with HK removed, this from the estate of Oberbootsmannsmaat St.Wieland, Unterseebootsflottilla Saltzwedel Eagle and cockade for officers cap, gold wire, hand-woven, moth damage to latter Eagle for peaked cap, machine-embroidered, ncos Shoulder pieces for Deck-Offizier, quality gold lace, effects have been removed Breast Eagles: Machine-woven on navy backing, removed from uniform (blouse) Machine-embroidered, removed from uniform blouse Gold wire for officers tunic Another extra fine quality gold wire with heavy moth damage Gilt metal breast eagle for summer tunic, officer etc. Gilt buttons 24mm and shoulder buttons with screw fitting on original manufacturers card A post-war combination ribbon bar (1957) depicting the Iron Cross and U-Boot badge Buttons, Kriegsmarine 1940, gilt aluminium Schulterstückauflagen, 3. Marine Artillerie Abteilung, gilt aluminium Gefreiter Seekadett Kriegsmarine Bordmützen, officer and other ranks. Eagle on officer's example is a replacement.

An M.42 late war 1944/45 with "Drahtverhau" for attaching camouflage material, size ET68 approx. Leather liner is clearly a modern replacement, original steel liner band rather rusty. I wonder if the paintwork is original, or redone by a previous owner? Opinions please. I am quite sure the wire is original

A small collection of items of HJ, DJ, BDM. The dagger is an early example by Robert Klaas, Solingen. A tiny fragment is missing from the tip of the blade, the leather buffer (Stossleder) is a replacement. Fittings are in nickel-plated iron, some of the nickel has worn off in places. Scabbard with original paintwork, worn towards the end. This dagger has been improved by slight cleaning of blade and fittings to remove surface rust and staining, leaving the surrounding nickel plating intact. The leather has also been freshened up, which is recommendable, otherwise it is just a matter of time before it entirely disintegrates. The area triangles were in yellow for HJ and DJ and white for BDM and JM (Jungmädel). The bevo arm badge was worn by BDM on the Kletterweste and by HJ on the sportsvest. The smaller enamel badge has two prongs and is for a headdress. Not to be confused with the member's badge, which had a safety pin fitting. The belt buckle is a standard pattern HJ buckle made of nickel-plated pressed iron, this example has been improved by cleaning the rust patches using oil and a polishing paste. The armband is of a multi-piece construction in lightweight rayon materials. The HJ-Leistungabzeichen in Silber or proficiency badge is of wartime zinc and has the RZM manufacturer codes to the rear, without an award number. A summer cap for members of the Allgemeine Hitlerjugend, red piped with Bevo woven HJ-Salmi. Light wear, inside is an ink-stamped "4", the waxcloth sweat band has deteriorated and is loose in places, behind which is a washed-out name tag.

N.S.D.A.P. National-Sozialistische Deutsche Arbeiter-Partei Early party organisation cap or Képi eagle, button for Képi or various uniform types, gold version Collar patches, early type for N.S.D.A.P. Hauptstellenleiter, with light blue piping for Orts level 2 party badges, standard form, one with pin missing, both RZM marked, latter has probably been buried at some time. Party eagle, later form, silver version, aluminium with makers RZM mark to rear. Collar patches for a higher NSDAP official, Ortsgruppen-Bereitschaftsleiter, with original RZM label, removed from a uniform Tag der Arbeit, 1934, 1935 and 1936, two by Paul Schulze in Lübeck, the other marked Reichsverband, Pforzheim Aufwärts aus eigener Kraft, 1934 Standard party armband with illegible eagle stamp, white has turned yellowish Deutsches Rotes Kreuz, Helferin - assistant nurse or worker, female (The DRK, Red Cross, was not a party organisation and still exists today).

This is a typical piped parade tunic for an infantry Feldwebel. The shoulder straps bear the regimental numnber 132. This regiment was raised in 1938 after the annexation of Austria. The Austrian troops were incorporated into the Wehrmacht, and new regiments were raised. At first the Austrian uniforms were to be worn with a breast eagle. To change the structure and methods of training, German Officers, ncos and personnel was transferred from existing regiments to retrain the Austrian troops. Austria had now ceased to exist, the territories were from now on to be referred to as the Ostmark. Infantry Regt. 132 was icorporated into the same division as the new Infantry-Regt. 134, which was now the new Hoch- und Deutschmeister-Regiment, which had previously been the famous traditional Austrian Infantry-Regt.4. This new division was hence called the Hoch- und Deutschmeister-Division, but was later wiped out at Stalingrad, and again later re-formed. The regiment was based to the Northwest of Vienna, I. and II. Batallions in Znaim, III. Btl. In Horn, some other companies in Hollabrunn and Bruck an der Leitha. The tunic shown has a previous stamp in its lining of Inf.-Regt.35, which had been formerly based in Dessau some ot its personnel had been transferred to restructiure the newly created Inf.-Regt.132. The tunic is of field-grey tricot cloth with dark green collars, cuffs and shoulder straps. All edges piped white, collar, cuffs and shoulder pieces edged in silver aluminium braid of a wider pattern than on the field tunics. The shoulder straps bear the aluminium numbers 132, there are no company numbers on the shoulder buttons. The shoulder straps signalise the rank of a Feldwebel, with one pip and a bar of tresse at the lower end of the shoulder straps. One pip is made of zinc, the other is peacefime quality. The breast eagle is of officer quality, as always seen on this type of tunic. The left breast has loops for two decorations, now missing. A Feldwebel was entitled to wear the officers dagger with Portépée.

Luftschutz Steel Helmet A Luftschutz steel helmet in average condition, mid to late war manufature. The shell is a size 57 with text decal in neck innner: Vertrieb genehmigt gemäß § 8 Luftschutzgesetz Kopfweite 57 Höchstpreis RM 8.- as usually found on this type of helmet. The liner is a later Ersatz type with a steel inner band, three pads of thin cotton material with an artificial wax covering in light tan, somewhat flaked. The chinstrap is also of later type of black waxcloth with two sliding buckles. The front of the helmet has a well preserved Luftschutz decal. The helmet shows some use with slight loss of paintwork and minor rust spots. No visible makers details. Apart from the helmets, all other Luftschutz items are quite rare and are seldom found. Much Luftschutz personnel were volunteers and wore civilian clothing or overalls with very little equpment. The left side of the helmet has a penciled, barely visiible name inscription: Bastian. Photo inside neck shell showing details of size and of legal price binding for LS helmets RM 8,- Note, liner is of pale coloured waxcloth of inferior quality, chinstrap of black waxcloth with 2 sliding buckles. Helmet colour is dark blue, which is not so clear in both pictures. A Luftschutz member's civil badge

Hermann Göring: "Alles was fliegt, gehört mir!" Göring, an original Uniform (internet photo) M. 35 helmet with 1st pattern Luftwaffe insignia. Helmet has suffered wear and storage, light corrosion, excessive dampness, chinstrap missing, liner was probably originally light tan, split at seam and one further split due to shrinkage. Marked ET62 and batch number 3762, no further markings. Finally, a close-up of the Lufwaffe eagle 1st type. As mentioned, it is stamped ET62 and with serial number 3762, definitely an early example A close-up of the national colours, black-white-red and the neck guard with the number 3762 The liner before cleaning and slight restoration Peaked cap for flying branch and paratroops. Form not quite in keeping with regulations, but popular and tolerated. Mid to late war, top is of bluegrey "doeskin", a few moth nips, upper has also some "grazing". Artificial leather chinstrap with correct buttons and peak with hemmed edge, light gold coloured rayon lining and artificial leather sweatband, no markings. Insignia is of zink. A peaked cap for Luftwaffe signals units. Top is of bluegrey whipcord-gabardine, piped in signals brown. All aluminium insignia of superb quality, patent leather chinstrap with some congealing and age, bound artificial leather peak with green underlay, russet brown cotton lining with maker's details, dated 1939 and size stamp: G.A. Hoffmann, Berlin W.29, a renowned maker. Sweatband of papp-mâché to be repaired. Repair using leather in matching colour, bottom edge may have to be stitched. Generalfeldmarschall Wolfram Freiherr von Richthofen

New items

Collar patches and shoulder pieces for an Oberstleutnant (possibly von Hülsen) of the Cavalry. These originally had gilded numbers 11 attached, which were removed at outbreak of the war. Cavalry Regiment 11 was based in Wien-Stockerau (Vienna), and maintained the tradition of the former cavalry regiments of the old k.u.k. Armee. Set of insignia for officers cap, Wehrmacht. The hand-embroidered oakleaf and cockade are still in their original cellophane packaging. The eagle is pre-war alumium. Embroidered eagles were also worn. There is a maker stamp in the lining from Straubing, the cap being most likely from Kavallerie-Regt.17 in Bamberg and Straubing (one Escadron). Set of insignia for other ranks of Kavallerie-Regiment 13, based in Hannover and Lüneburg. This regiment maintained the traditions of several Prussian regiments, including Dragoner-Regt.16 and Ulanen-Regt. 13. The collar patches are still wrapped in original banderole of manufacturer Karl Sieder, Wien. Wachtmeister Cavalry units saw much active service as divisional and corps cavalry on the Eastern Front right to the end of the war, the last units (Kavallerie-Regiment Mitte) surrendering in Hungary in May 1945.

Deutsche Reichsbahn, besetzte Gebiete HVD Brüssel - Hauptverkehrsdirektion WVD Brüssel - Wehrmachts Verkehrsdirektion Reichsbahn Verkehrsdirektion, arm eagle for personnel of traffic direction of the Deutsche Reichsbahn Direktion (Railways) Wehrmachts Verkehrsdirektion Paris RVD Kiew (Ukraine). From unused Bevo stocks. RVD Dnepropetrowsk (Ukraine). Has probably been removed from a uniform, looks as though it has been washed or cleaned after long storage

Wehrmacht, Feldmütze M.42 This was introduced in early 1942 as a more protective item of headgear in the field, especially in winter conditions. It bears a similarity with the old Austrian Feldkappe without a peak. This had been previously worn by the newly formed regiments in former Austria after 13. March 1938, when the old Austrian Bundesheer was incorporated into the greater Wehrmacht. These were then worn for a transition period along with the previous uniforms until new uniforms were issued, the new insignia was added. Some of the mountain troop units retained their original headdress for longer, as can be seen in early wartime photos, the earlier bronze buttons being conspicuous. The cap featured two small buttons to the front, these made of iron. The side flaps could be pulled down for more protection in winter conditions. For this type of headdress, the traditional T-form insignia was used, as seen only on the caps of the Gebirgsjäger, these examples in light grey on a greygreen background. However, all previous types of headdress were still in use till the end of the war. With this example the cloth is of early war good quality , but has been postwar refitted with original insignia, correctly hand-stitched. Most examples found were originally machine-stitched. N.B.: These caps are now available as reproductions without insignia! More photos at a later stage (example internet photos)

An example of a very service worn field tunic of an Unterwachtmeister (equiv. of Unterfeldwebel) of a Nebelwerfer unit. The tunic has various field repairs and was manufactured about 1941, Some stamping is just about legible. The shoulder straps with a bordeaux red piping are probably from 1943/44 and have a slightly different toned Tresse. Collar patches and breast eagle have most certainly been replaced, possibly period. The Nebelwerfer Richtschütze badge to the left lower arm is definitely period sewn. The tunic certainly saw about 3-4 years front service under hard conditions. There are loops for three decorations on left breast pocket, most certainly including a wound badge, possibly the Allgemeines Sturmabzeichen and EK.I One photo shows the Kragenschoner - collar liner, as worn under the collar and buttoned on, inside white, outside fieldgrey. The inner collar buttons for attachment are missing.

Got this nice Kriegsmarine dress tunic some time ago from a source in England, probably paid a bit much, as these tunics are still fairly abundant, mostly without insignia, but this came complete with original insignia and the blue collar for wear on the shirt (Marinehemd). It has the rank of Obergefreiter (sen.corporal), and a yellow starfish (Seestern) as a trade badge, which means general nautical branch. There is also a rangefinder (Entfernungsmesser/Seeziele) training badge in red below the chevrons. The front is fastened as always with two anchor buttons joined by a gilt chain. The cuffs have the brandenbourg type patches with a vertical row of 5 buttons to each cuff. The front is set with a double row of nine buttons, with an additonal button under each lapel. Breast eagle is of officer quality, as always on these dress jackets and is a very good quality make in Cellon or cellulose. Attached is a small ribbon bar of the Iron Cross 2nd class. There are two vertical loops for a war badge, unfortunately missing. I didnt manage to get the nice cap illustrated, as the dealer sold it separately before I made the order. Did however manage to get another good cap of identical type but with a different tally. Unfortunately, the makers and the wearers details in the tunic had been removed at some time, but there is still a part of the red hand embroidered enlistment number (Stammrolle) of the wearer, which begins with an N and ends with a T. The N stands for Nordsee / North Sea, which would have been Wilhelmshaven (O would mean Ostsee/Baltic and Port of Kiel), and the T stands for Torpedowaffe. The tunic would have been made around as early as 1934, as the 34 is part of the enlistment number. It would have then been upgraded from Reichmarine to Kriegsmarine around 1935 by adding a breast eagle and the new insignia. Dress tunics were only produced till about mid 1942, due to material prioriities and shortages midwar. The garment shown was certainly a tailored, made to measure piece. The set as originally offered by a dealer in England, unfortunately, he sold the cap separately

Another nice recent acquisition is this nice early type Luftwaffe M.35 helmet with first pattern eagle (double decal). Condition overall satisfactory, skull and paintwork with aging and weather damage as if exposed to the elements at some time. Original black leather liner has shrunk somewhat, no chinstrap. Both decals are in a very good condition, with just some abrasions, esp. to the national colours. The helmet is a small size and is marked ET62, being an overall size of 62cm, headsize about 53/54. Typically this has the early brass liner rivets. See illustration

Tschako for Schützpolizei (not Gendarmerie). The leather of the chinstrap has been replaced, fittings original. All fittings on Tschako are aluminium. The small aluminium loop on the left sidepost is missing. This was for holding the falling white horsehair plume, rarely worn. Cockade and eagle (zink) for the peaked service cap Insignia for the M.43 cap, unused, edge with slight storage damage Portépée for the officer's sword. Woven textile band, instead of leather, mid to late war from unissued stocks Steel belt buckle with remains of matt silver finish, some corrosion. As worn by field units. (to be continued)

RAD Arm Insignia This is a standard arm patch, worn on the left upper arm of the Reichs Arbeits Dienst, or Labour Corps. The Area and unit number are depicted on an upright shovel head, which was the standard emblem of the RAD. Shown also, is a picture of a young member of the RAD. This was sent to me by an old acquaintance, who has an elderly French lady as a neighbour. The French lady, in younger years, was married to the RAD man, who then later died in an accident, presumably during the war. The French lady has been living in Germany since. Unfortunately, nothing more is known about the RAD man.

x M.38 overseas cap for infantry, with RB number and dated 6/42, this was the last of the series with soutâche, discontinued as from 7/42 Artillery overseas cap, 1940 dated with maker's details Afrikakorps and Südfront (Italy, Greece, Mediterranean, etc.) overseas cap. Soutâche has been removed. Red lining with date stamp 1942 - Clemens Wagner, Hamburg & Braunschweig Afrikakorps and Südfront - peaked field cap, khaki drill, red liner with maker's name: M Drechsler - Mützenfabrik, München, rest of address not quite legible. Size stamped 57, but seems smaller. Side vents with some rust. Cardboard stiffener placed only to keep the cap in shape. Feldmütze M.42 M.43 cap with peak, with the special one piece trapez insignia, grey on greygreen. Maker's name Otto Schlientz, Straubing, 1943

Some uniform insignia of the S.A. collar patches 4/133 - Sturm 4 / Standarte 133, Plauen / Saxony Sturm 11 / Standarte 153, Altenburg / Thüringen Kepi eagle and button, 2nd type, aluminium SA lapel badge for civil clothing, silver by Hofstetter of Bonn Belt buckle, 3rd type and Dagger attachment Rally Badge, SA-Treffen, Nordmark, May 1935, aluminium. Armband as worn by the SA and other party organisations, unclear stamp of issue. SA Wehrkampfabzeichen (often wrongly referred to as SA Sport Badge). Iron with a bronze finish showing some wear. Manufactured by Redo, Saarlautern. Rear has inscription: Eigentum der S.A. (S.A. property) Dagger of 1941 manufacture (already shown in a previous topic)

Waffen SS insignia: Set of insignia for peaked cap, Feinzink, hollow back with brass splints. Makers code behind: RZM 360/42 and RZM 499/41 An identical example, said to be of black linnen on buckram backing, and of Dachau production, as offered by a militaria site. A Bevo woven Totenkopf in fine silver and grey thread, original removed from forage cap An original other ranks rune collar patch, lightweight cotton material on hessian backing, grey cotton machine embroidered runes. The left patch is a remake with a well matching cotton material on a simple cardboard backing. An original pair of collar patches, black velvet, silver embroidered runes on hessian backing, piped in silver cord, piping slightly missmatched (?), with zinc rank pips for a Sturmbannführer. Bevo type silver flatwire woven arm eagle, confectioned and machine-stitched on to a black felt wool backing (copy) Erkennungsmarke, zinc: SS-Standarte, 5. Bataillon. Personnel number 22, blood group "A". With artificial patina, a postwar copy purchased in Berlin. "The three Musketeers". An original Waffen-SS photo without caption. The first man on the left, a Rottenführer, was named on another photo from the group as "Michael". Unit unknown

Arm eagles as worn by the Feuerwehr, as from 1938. The Feuerwehr was under the control of the police, and therefore wore a police-style eagle. The Hamburg version is markedly different to most other examples I have seen, the inscription being in a chain-stitched straight line and in the new script, probably after 1941. The Radolfzell version is more typical of earlier types, being in gothic script and running parallell to the curved edge of the badge. Other fire brigade departments were the Feuerschutzpolizei and the Feuerlöschpolizei. Along with the Luftschutz, these played a vital defence role during Allied bombing of German towns and cities. Minor differences can be seen in the style of embroidery. On later examples, the name of the town or area was omitted.

An example of an M.36 issue Feldbluse, which has been modified for wear by an officer. The tunic shows relatively light wear, mostly to the button holes. Inside stamping indicate B.40, which would have been manufactured in Berlin, 1940. Effects are possibly postwar re-applied. The shoulder straps are for an Oberleutnant of the infantry. There are loops for one decoration and for a ribbon bar. The ribbon bar, here not shown has the KVK, the Anschluss and Sudeten Medal with bar. The bellow hip pockets have been neatly stitched down for a smarter appearance, as have the cuff ends, which have been altered and closed. Possibly worn by a non combatant officer, an adjutant, or with staff attachment, etc. Officer's breeches, standard pattern, mid to late manufacture, 1943/44 of captured Italian cloth. Buttons marked Solide Elegant. Some slight moth damage. May also be Waffen-SS. Offizier Stiefel, private purchase, ca. 1943. Heels have been post-war replaced with rubber, should be leather and iron.

A small selection of Trade Badges for the army - Tätigkeitsabzeichen, Heer

A well worn Police Tschako dating from about 1938 for members of the Schutzpolizei, the leather trim being black. It is double marked to Erel, Berlin as well as the maker, Robt. Lübstein, Heinr.-Roller-Str., Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg. It has also a pen marked name of of the wearer, Ehmke. This Tschako was probably worn postwar under the the Allied Military Government, as indicated by two further small holes under the badge. At first the eagle plate and cockade were removed and the helmet worn without insignia. Later a small aluminium medallion with a Berliner Bear for the Berlin Poliice was added. The old helmets were then replaced with a new model in the 1950s period. This example has later been refitted with the correct insignia. The chinstrap was probably a collectors replacement using original fittings. I had to restore the Tschako somewhat, the peak has been restitched as has the fibre top. The chinstrap has now been refitted with a good new natural leather and blackened, and is now a proper fit. The black surfaces have been repolished and restored.