ww2 german markings

United States military vehicle markings of World War II. Finally, the artistic skill of the person creating the drawing is also a factor. Decoding these proof marks is very useful in determining the age and history of the gun. The orders describe the markings as being for future later operations. Frontline units were allowed deviate from these rules if necessitated by operational or tactical reasons. 3.Infanterie-Division (mot.) If a unit section or vehicle at a later time stopped being part of a division, the insignia were to be removed. We cannot Color photographs can also document which colors were used. If the high command had been concerned with the decal presenting a danger to men in the field, why was an order not issued for men in the field to remove the decal? June 1943 - New unit markings February 1944 - Open unit insignia Selection of Insignia Methodology Unit names Drawings Color Size Usage Notes Armored Divisions 1. Illustrations in the order indicate that the insignia was to be located on:226. The front right mudguard of motorized vehicles. To conserve paint, the background was not to be painted. Frequently Asked Questions While the order clearly stated that the SS party, and national colors decals were to be removed photographic evidence shows the use of double decal helmet until the end of the war. Later on, the metal plate was replaced by a stenciled or painted in rhombus that could have several different markings that could further indicate what unit or role the AFV served. WWII GERMAN CODES AND MARKINGS Compiled from various sources which may not agree on marking details. The reason Im referring to an average Panzer division is that while this was theoretically how a Panzer division was supposed to be organized, the reality of what Panzer Divisions consisted of in reality could vary heavily depending on the individual Division in question. An American soldier with a captured P.38 guards two German prisoners of war. And heres an infographic with some examples of tank Camouflage and numbers, helpful for anyone who wants to recreate tank numbering. The lack of war time photos showing the use of these helmets have made many question as to whether these helmets are nothing more then post-war vet art. The order stated that the application of decals regardless branch of service were to be discontinued. Other common markings include proof marks, serial numbers, and inspection stamps. Sometimes they were left blank and attached to the side or back of the vehicle or had a single number in them or beside them that indicated the company they belonged to. Many different types of markings can be found on K98 rifles, including manufacturers logos, proof marks, serial numbers, and inspection stamps. Follow, alexanderandsons Explore. Collector Groups, Other The Waffenamt markings make all of this possible. Inspectors 3/9/2023, Ammunition for Collectors While it is certainly true that the German armed forces did wear helmets with decals on them the use of a double decal helmet was far from predominate. Most were used to identify the type of unit the vehicle was a part of (such as recon, signals, heavy tank battalion, etc) and individual tactical symbols and insignia used to identify the division or regiment the vehicle belonged to. Collectors of Mauser K98 rifles are always on the lookout for firearms with interesting markings. In some cases a few SS M40 double decal helmet have turned up where the lot number indicates the helmet was made well after the order. parts, first aid kit, pouch, horse leather equipment. The Germans are famous for their detail in production, markings and over all quality. In fact the German high command ordered the so called double decal helmet phased out before the invasion of France in 1940. Each manufacturer has their own unique stamp. Most people, even those who know little about the history of WWII can easily recognize one of these helmets. Police units would continue to wear both decals until the end of the war. This page was last edited on 15 December 2022, at 08:00. I doubt I can cover all of them reasonably at this time, but Ill touch on a few. 3 p. DHI 500-12477-321. These markings were usually reserved for armoured vehicles, though occasionally some softskins (especially captured ones) used them. Early in the war, the Balkenkreuz was purely white which, as one might image, made excellent aiming points for enemy tank and anti-tank gunners. $60.00. Museums With Arms Exhibits The anti-tank units now also used a representation of the basic anti-tank gun symbol . It remained the standard infantry rifle of the German army until 1935, when it was replaced by the more modern Karabiner 98k. Panzer-Division 5. Infanterie-Division (mot.) The Wehrmacht used a wide range of tactical markings during the war, and actually changed some partway through. While the discussion of these differences is beyond the scope of this article it should suffice to say that such differences do exist. Normally, this was done with a rolled up flag that was unfurled when they knew or suspected friendly aircraft were operating near them, which could be rolled up if they came under attack by enemy ground-attack aircraft. Hopefully, this article has helped history buffs, modelers, and even game designers with their understanding of the visual characteristics of World War 2 German AFVs. by Jim Supica, Factory (From the Winchster Collectors), Serial Product Description. Infanterie-Division (1) 7. Additional information that does not fit into the other categories, such as context for the choice of insignia. A very small number of these M40s have been found with double decals. 3/9/2023, Foreign Militaria (Other) Ammunition Association Theres at least two distinct situations were such iconography will invariably show up during this article, for (again) the purpose of historical presentation. Production at the beginning of the war Panzer-Division. World of Warships Global Fanbase (Facebook) Collectors and other observers of WWII German military artifacts, especially weapons, often see small die stamps on them with a stick figure representation of the German Reich eagle and a number. (Info coming soon). The decal for the left side of the helmet would have an eagle with folded down wings clutching a swastika in its talons, the very symbol of the new regime. The direct supply permit was issued in December 1944, a few months before the end of the Reich. Handguns Bargain HP pist., P38 pist. Cut-out templates were often used when painting insignia onto vehicles. French Unique mod. The size of the shield was specified as being 3.4 cm high and 3.0 cm wide. On January 1st of 1921 new uniform regulations were established. The shield were hand rendered. The water transfer decals were much easier to apply and did not take near the amount of time needed to apply the dry transfer version. We are still learning more and will add to it when we can. Collecting is about community and enjoyment. | U.S. On most Mauser rifles, there will be two sets of markings. The order applied to all of the following vehicles, with the identification flag to be used on items three through seven:28, 19. In this article we will talk about German helmets of the WW2 period. Colors were usually only referred to by overall name, such as yellow or red. The usage specifies when and how the insignia is found in the sources. Once the decal was firmly bonded to the surface of the helmet a protective layer of varnish was painted over the decal. German Navy (Kreigsmarine) Waffenamt styles. It is not clear from the instruction who issued it, and how widely it applied. There are some exceptions, though, which could be the result of the helmet having the decal applied in the field or the result of post-war forgery. U.S. Military Arms For example, May 1940: Observed on upper left driver's plate only means that the photograph document actual usage during this month. Privacy policy. The new decal were applied to the helmet by brushing a thin layer of Ducolux, Kopal or Damar varnish onto the painted surface of the helmet then placing the decal over the tacky varnish. 4.) Approximately 175 by 115 millimeters when placed on motor vehicles other than motorcycles, and approximately 135 by 90 millimeters when placed on motorcycles (estimated from original illustration). NA, EU and SEA Servers - Use Invite Code: REDDITFOREVER for 7 days of premium time, 500 gold, and a Churchill III. Catalogs SPONSORED. 12/7/2022, U.S. Longarms On August 28th of 1943 an order was issued to the five different factories that made helmets to no longer apply decals. One variant has gaps in the lines, indicating the use of a template. The insignia followed certain patterns, such as armored divisions having symbols with vertical lines and army corps having circles with parallel lines. At least one SS-SS-Verfgungstruppeblack parade helmet helmet has been found with a celluloid decal. The order was ambiguous or misinterpreted, The intended size did not fit on some vehicles, The shape had to be adopted for practical implementation, such as adding small gaps in an outline to allow for a cut-out template to be created, Arms 60 millimeters long from base (see notes), 250 millimeters tall on all other motor vehicles, Figure: 200 millimeters wide and 100 millimeters tall. Other vehicles might have had slightly different variants, for example if the paint job was damaged and quickly repaired. All structured data from the file namespace is available under the. The insignia is presented with as much information as possible. 3. These were to be placed all motor vehicles. So instead of 211 for 2nd Company, 1st Platoon, 1st Vehicle it would would be 215 for the first vehicle, then 216 for the second, and so forth. Later the Waffen-SS formed its own panzer divisions, and even the Luftwaffe fielded an elite panzer . The memo stated that the decal was to be placed exactly, 3 mm under the ventilation lug and mid-line of the insignia must pass though the center of the vent. This normally came along with a number to show the original manufacturer . Early SS helmet from the 1920s do not have any insignia whatsoever. It should not be surprising that the decision was made at the same time as an order to discontinue helmets painted in Luftwaffe blue-gray. These insignia were to be used in phases. The Mauser K98 is a classic German rifle that was used in both World Wars. While helmets from this era always feature a hand rendered insignia a few Reichmarine helmets have been found with decals. As these insignia changed during the war, it can sometimes be unclear when different insignia were used. In one example, a competition was held in 23. Other men may have kept the decal to show their long service, as having been issued the helmet before the war, making them a recognizable old hand. As collectors in the modern age, this information is invaluable. ** Not the actual item pictured. Therefore more than one identification may appear for some codes. *(for those unaware, the German term for Battalion during World War 2 was Abteilung, so keep that in mind when you see something like Schwere Panzerabteilung 503 which means Heavy Panzer Battalion 503). The markings on the Stielhandgranate 24 were put there to tell ordnance personnel who made it, when it was made and which Waffen Amt office that had approved the finished product. Letters This may have been an oversight. They are to be placed permanently and visibly on the front and rear, as well as the sides (see an example in the appendix). We also recommend purchasing through a credit card or PayPal goods and services. Black-and-white photgraphs can only be used to detemine shape, not color, as color can't be reliably interpreted from grayscales. of American Bayonet Collectors The when specifying the left and right of a vehicle, the side is specified from the perspective of someone inside the vehicle facing forward. CartridgedCollectors.org, Corrosive Primers change to Non-Corrosive- Dates, Edged To explain the numbering system, first we must take a slight detour and explain the general organization of an average Panzer Division circa 1943-44. Which German Codes And Markings Whatever the insignia used it is clear that as time went on the helmet was seen more and more as the preferred method of displaying the designation of the wearer unit. Panzer-Division for a new division insignia, which received 526 entries. These orders would often specify details, such as size and colors, and would also sometimes include illustrations. WW2 German helmet manufactures and their codes. This is for non-biased study and simulation of the military aspects of the war. Panzer-Division 6. 1945 - Present Feel free to reach out to us or read our affiliate disclosure and privacy policy. It is forbidden to use unit names for regulating the traffic of motorized units. Here is a brief description of each of them. 1997 nr 88 poz. However, the extra length also makes the K98 heavier and more difficult to carry around. Approximately 124 millimeters wide and 155 millimeters tall (estimated from original illustration), In the 29 March 1941, the symbol is referred to as the. The new helmet would slowly replace the older WWI era helmets the SS had been wearing since the 1920s. | House Where templates or other detailed illustrations survive, the drawings have been made to match these as closely as possible. The table includes the following details: Many German units went through several name changes during the war. All for free! In August of 1943 a final change was issued. 20, Mhrisch-Schnberg, Tschechoslovakei, Heidestr. Free shipping for many products! Three manufacturers produced collectively over one million P.38s during the war. At some point the some SS units began using a white bordered black swastika hand rendered onto the left side of the helmet. World War II. Panzer divisions were the key element of German success in the blitzkrieg operations of the early years of World War II. NARA T315 R220. In Germany, the applicable law is paragraph 86a of the criminal code (StGB), in Poland Art. The new helmets came from the factory with decals already applied. WW1 Austro-Hungarian helmet manufacturers and their codes. .22 conversion kit, receiver, bolt, wooden box, field kitchen, coffee-container, soup spoon, E. K. St. (Ernst Kurz, Stuttgart? Sgt. The order was in response to the experience faced by German unit is Poland. This is strictly for demonstrating historical significance and information. Hard to believe, but each Luger cost $19.80 to produce, while the P38 was $14.08. In general, a Panzer Division consisted of the following: 1 Panzer Regiment 16, 17 + Kriegsmodell pist. - Basics While it may be possible that these helmets had the insignia painted onto them in the two days between the initial order and addendum or more likely the SS equipment depots were slow at receiving the new decals and to comply with the new order the depots simply painted the new insignia onto the helmets in their possession. A Panzer division was one of the armored (tank) divisions in the army of Nazi Germany during World War II. 4/7/2023, Mauser Pistol 140 millimeters tall and 110 millimeters wide on motorcycles, 200 millimeters tall and 150 millimeters wide on all other vehicles, 125 millimeters tall on cars, trucks, and horse-drawn vehicles, 180 by 200 millimeters on vehicles other than motorcycles. Some had larger collections of Panthers or Panzer IVs or replaced a missing battalion with StuGs to keep their numbers up (there were about 10000 StuG IIIs of all variants produced throughout the war, compared with approximately 6000 Panthers and maybe 1300 Tiger Is). It was designed by Paul Mauser and Wilhelm Gutbrod, and it fires the standard German infantry round, the .30-06 Springfield cartridge. The SS would receive a similar order in August of 1940. With the many surviving German helmets with intact decals, and the camouflaged helmets where the decal was carefully painted around, its seems unlikely that men in the field saw the exposed decal as much of a threat. The Nazi party decal may have been applied by camp supply depots or by the individual guards perhaps for political reasons or for the intimidation of the inmates. Files are available under licenses specified on their description page. The date is important because it can help you determine the value of your rifle. in Firearm History 4. Documentation is limited on the history of these crests but photographic evidence as well as surviving original helmets do exist confirming their use. Previously, low-visibility markings were used to increase ambiguity as to whose aircraft it was, and to avoid compromising the camouflage, all while still complying with international norms governing recognition markings. Books on Military markings on United States army vehicles were upgraded in August 1942 when specific new rules were adopted. References needed, Pages with broken file links, World War II military equipment of Germany . artillery fuse activation delay time setting, Monheimer Ketten- u. Metallwarenindustrie. After the invasion of Poland in 1939, changes to the use of decals would come again. In March 21 1940 the German high command ordered the helmets to be repainted with a rough textured dark field gray matte paint. This can be read as both a light and a dark gray, and both were used on vehicles. Number of Views: 23496, Das Heereswaffenamt (Detailed Listing of German WaA Markings and Codes). Oddly the March 1940 order was only issued to German army, no mention is made of the Luftwaffe, Navy or SS. Longarms A order was issued to Luftwaffe units on 12 June 1940 that stated that the use of the national colors decal would be discontinued. Sometime in 1917 troops from the 1st Foot Guards Regiment and the 1st Guards signal battalion took to wearing a Hohenzollern crest on the left side of their helmet with the company number painted in white, red or in some cases black on the back of the helmet. | U.S. | WWII German helmet (Stahlhelm) M16, M17, M18 . This tanks numbering means its 3rd company, 1st Platoon, 2nd Vehicle. This webpage is designed to illustrate the basics of certain models and manufacturers of German helmets. Note the tactical markings on the right and left front of the vehicle and on the turret. With all of this in mind, well now explain the numbering system and how it worked in general. On the inner and outer sides, there were dimensional markings 2. Military History This example below comes from the side of a German Luftshutz (Civil defence) gas mask and is clear to read WaA104. While the German Army, SS, Navy and Luftwaffe were all under order to remove the nation colors German police units were never ordered to remove the party decal on their helmets. Fallschirmjgerdivision (2nd Airborne Division), 3. Unless the unit number is painted alongside the insignia, a photograph can only document that an insignia was used, not the unit that used it or when. Arms Collectors It was the standard infantry rifle of the German army from 1898 until 1935, when it was replaced by the Karabiner 98k. Fallschirmjgerdivision (9th Airborne Division). The news decal would consist of an national colors decal for the right side. While before and during the war these decals only were meant to indicate the wearers branch of service today they serve as a recognizable representation of the largest war of all times. Compiled from various sources which may not agree on marking The most basic tactical symbol to indicate a vehicle belonged to a Panzer Division was the symbol of a rhombus (see infographic provided below) that indicated the vehicle belonged to a tank unit (and only tanks seem to have carried it). Panzer-Division order issued 21 August 1940 and order with illustration issued 28 August 1940 to equip vehicles with identification flags allowing them to overtake columns. $5.85 shipping. Panzer-Division 9. On 15 June 1944, this order was ammended to clarify that units that were located at the home front, for example due to refitting, were to cover up the vehicle markings. It took some time for the order to be distributed to all units. Starting in 1936 SS unit would began to receive the new M35 helmet. Schultz wearing his iconic double decal Luftwaffe helmet So, during the war, all of the guns PPs and PPKs are going to have an eagle N on the slide. Now that you know the three most important markings, lets take a closer look at each one. This could result in relying on drawing made by others, or even verbal descriptions, adding several generations of interpretation. The memo mentions that the new national colors decals were to be sent out to individual units and immediately applied to the helmets by them. These early decals are often called dry transfers. Dates A lot of discussed has taken place as to the reason for the decal drop in 1943. 14,578. It is likely that the SS-SS-Verfgungstruppeexperimented with the use of decals just as did theReichwehr. In some cases, more than one example is shown to illustrate variations in color or other differences. Panzer-Armee (2nd Tank Army) Deutsches Afrikakorps (Afrika Korps) Infanteriedivisionen (Infantry Divisions) [ edit] 1. The order was to be carried out by 31 December 1940. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for rare german armband sa ww2 with original markings very good condition 4.33x7.47 at the best online prices at eBay! Article Military Wiki. Among others, Wehrmacht units would create fictional company numbers or jumble the order the numbers were to be read in. U.S. Bayonet? be sure which is correct. Inscriptions that identify a section or unit to be covered or removed. The first number means the Panzer company it is a part of. Depending on when it was made, there was also information about . German Vehicle Markings. On 14 March 1933 theReichspresidentissued a decree that all the provincial insignia and navy anchor crest were to be replaced by a shield of the same size based on the colors of the Reich battle flag (black/white/red). -. Walther was the earliest to begin production in June 1939, followed in 1942 by both Mauser and the lesser-known Spreewerk. Phase one, two, and three of the insignia of 7. WoWS Update 12.3: The new Seychelles map, construction of Daisen at the Dockyard, new host and much more. The insignia consisted of two crossed gold anchors on a white field. About and contact. Motorcycles: On the left side of the front and rear mudguards, four centimeters above the tactical sign. The fact of the matter is the decal and its application was costly and time consuming. No major changed were ordered for the use of decal between 1940 and 1943. These lateReichswehrhelmet are unique as surviving originals show a mixture of hand rendered insignia and insignia in decal form. Browse articles, see items for sale around the world, or check out our worldwide events calendar. This tells you that your rifle has been tested and approved by a proof house. Other common markings include proof marks, serial numbers, and inspection stamps. Step 2: Cutting the Wood. tactical markings are likewise to continue uncovered. This memo indicate the importance that the high command placed on the uniformity of these insignia which could only be accomplished via a decal. From the comical Sargent Schultz of Hogans Heros fame to more recent films Hollywood has cemented the double decal helmet as the predominate headgear of the WWII German soldier into the consciousnesses of modern culture. However, in most cases the ink stamps were smudged or have simply been worn down over the years meaning sadly we cant see what the code shows. 3/9/2023, US Militaria Up next is a WW2 German gas mask. Approximately 100 millimeters wide on motor vehicles other than motorcycles and larger horse-drawn vehicles, and approximately 68 millimeters wide on smaller horse-drawn vehicles and motorcycles (estimated from original illustration), Approximately 100 millimeters in diamater on motor vehicles other than motorcycles and larger horse-drawn vehicles, and approximately 65 millimeters in diameter on smaller horse-drawn vehicles and motorcycles (estimated from original illustration). There were also some who used only two numbers and then a large coloured insignia (such as the 505 sPzrAbt who sometimes coloured the knights plume and saddle a different colour) with each different colour representing a different company. Panzer-Division The 9mm semi-automatic Walther P38 pistol became the service pistol of the Wehrmacht around that time. The top set is the manufacturers code and/or date of production. On 16 February 1944, the chief of the German Army general staff issued an order to start applying unit markings to all uniforms and vehicles at the front line:6. To start with, Ill be covering the tactical markings and camouflage for German vehicles, though like other nations, to really cover every, single little detail, variation, or controversy would require an extremely large tome and more exhaustive research than I currently have the ability to perform (not to rule it out in the future). Id like to again clearly state my presentations are strictly apolitical and not partisan. 3/9/2023, US Militaria Photographs show several variants of thickness, proportions, and apparent hue. The drawings and information on this page have been created using only primary sources. Prior to the battle of Kursk, participating Panzer Divisions grew to their numerically largest average size in preparation for the massive battle, and so did the numbers on the sides of their tanks. On January 26,1924 the German Navy or Reichsmarine introduced their own insignia. Herman Gringstr. XXXX. Astra-Unceta y Cia SA. The Bakelite version of the buckle is very rare. Care & Records Finally, many Panzer crews would try to provide air identification for friendly aircraft so that they could focus on other units by displaying a swastika on the top portions of their vehicles. Different combinations of marks can be seen, ranging from an unmarked blade to a blade with a Maker Mark and a Distributor Mark. Guns, Parts and Accessories Quick Shopper, WTS/WTB/WTT (Want to Sell, Buy or Trade) Forum, Appraisals, Fakery, Dispute Resolution & Mediation Forum, "Das Heereswaffenamt" (Detailed Listing of German WaA Markings and Codes), On-line Service Record Searches from Library and Archives Canada, Technical Articles/Research for Milsurp Collectors and Re-loaders. The conventional wisdom is that these helmets were worn by members of machine gun crews. The color of the unit insignia is left to the major units, higher command units, and army level combat units.

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