German Army Organizational Symbols, 1943-1945. To maintain this quality, most items were marking with a waffenamt stamp. A quick demonstration of the rhombus shaped tactical markings and variations (not exhaustive, however). 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. Panzer-Division, 1943. When theReichwehrwas established as the new German defense force in the aftermath of the Great War no helmet insignia was authorized. Finally, the artistic skill of the person creating the drawing is also a factor. The K98 was the standard rifle of the German army during World War II. Police units who received helmets without decals applied the decals themselves when decals were available. This tanks numbering means its 3rd company, 1st Platoon, 2nd Vehicle. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. On motorcycles with sidecars the insignia was to be painted on the front mudguard and rear sidecar body. (from M1903.com), M1 The order specifically states that the insignia were to be painted in oil. 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. What is known is that a statement issued from theReichpresidentonApril 19th of 1922 made reference to a shield shaped insignia orWrappenschildwhich would display the colors of the providence where the units was assembled. Aside from the Hohenzollern crest there is at least one more type of insignia found on Great War era German helmets. | U.S. 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! As collectors in the modern age, this information is invaluable. The memo also stated that the old insignia were to be removed. Items like jerry cans, some boxes, labels, paperwork, gas masks to list a few, would have been marked with an ink stamp. The Bakelite version of the buckle is very rare. | Mauser Serial numbers can help you track down information about when and where the rifle was made. Infanterie-Division, 1944. German WW2 manufactured material was marked with an array of different markings. Sometimes, only casual representations exist, in which case the style of the drawings will try to match similar, known insignia. Books on Most people, even those who know little about the history of WWII can easily recognize one of these helmets. The drawings are not to scale. The case of Kampfgeschwader (Battle Wing) 200, or KG 200, is a different story, however.The real story of this special Luftwaffe unit has remained shrouded in mystery, and most members maintained their silence after the war. 256 of the criminal code (Dz.U. It is not clear from the instruction who issued it, and how widely it applied. Pre-war production This version was made entirely of aluminium. Codes & Markings The most important marking is the manufacturers stamp, which will tell you where the rifle was made. Get the best deals on Wartime Occupation German Paper Money when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. Infanterie-Division 6. The order was to be carried out by 31 December 1940. In 1940 actually, end of thirty-nine, early forty, the Nazis decided to dress up their proof marks, and so they took the crown N proof mark and turned it into an eagle N proof mark. Military History Later the Waffen-SS formed its own panzer divisions, and even the Luftwaffe fielded an elite panzer . Where possible, the usage is listed chronologically. By Christian Ankerstjerne - Last modified 2023-03-14. Panzer-Division 7. But this was an exception. . Both armies, army corps, and divisions were issued new insignia. On 30 July 1941, an order was issued clarifying that tactical markings and unit insignia should only be used on motor vehicles that were employed by the field army. The table includes the following details: Many German units went through several name changes during the war. German helmet (Stahlhelm) M16, M17, M18 . It is forbidden to write the unit name on transport trains. All other unarmored vehicles: On the front and rear left mudguards, four centimeters above the tactical sign (in the case of a lack of space on the rear mudguard, on the left half of the rear tailgate), as well as the middle of the left front door (or, if not available, on the first quarter of the left body side). Armeeoberkommando 9, 1944. Sgt. The date is usually stamped on the receiver, barrel, or stock. An . One such example is the insignia of 20. Proof marks are usually found on the receiver, barrel, or stock. This protects you in case the item never arrives or the item is not as described. However, some rifles may only have one set of markings. This ensured both ease of application and uniformity. History of a Gun 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. Fallschirmjgerdivision (7th Airborne Division), 8. - Yugo Repainted. This can be read as both a light and a dark gray, and both were used on vehicles. M1917 Enfield Parts tactical markings are likewise to continue uncovered. German firearms are loaded with a variety of markings and stamps. This would have certainly saved money and streamlined production, at a time when the war was already turning against Germany. . In the cases of the double decal army helmet when the date of the decal removal order coincided with the first issue of the new M40 it can be assumed that the factory had not received the order and issues out a small number of M40s with both a national colors decal and army decal. Arms I doubt I can cover all of them reasonably at this time, but Ill touch on a few. One of the most common markings on a K98 rifle is the manufacturer's logo. The SS went though a similar evolution in the use of helmet insignia. We cannot A new version of the German helmet began to be issued out to German units in March of 1940. Handguns This can be helpful in identifying the maker of the rifle. Oddly the March 1940 order was only issued to German army, no mention is made of the Luftwaffe, Navy or SS. Letters The insignia followed certain patterns, such as armored divisions having symbols with vertical lines and army corps having circles with parallel lines. 2 Infantry Regiments While the dimensions of the vehicle parts on which the insignia are painted are usually well known, the insignia are rarely the focus of the photographs. All for free! This page is not available in other languages. 3/9/2023, Ammunition for Collectors Collecting is about community and enjoyment. The Eifel tower was a supplemental emblem in commemoration of the division being formed in the area around Paris. Unlock the Benefits of Knowing Your Winchester Serial Number, Complete Buyers Guide to the Sig Sauer P228. These helmets are known to collectors as M40s. Marks Id like to again clearly state my presentations are strictly apolitical and not partisan. 10/25/2022 5 Factories produced in German combat helmets during World War II and each helmet has its factory marking stamped in the shell. For example, May 1940: Observed on upper left driver's plate only means that the photograph document actual usage during this month. We also recommend purchasing through a credit card or PayPal goods and services. Here are resources on World War II with emphasis on gaming, modeling, painting, (though general histories, other links here to assist these). Combined with the grain of the film, odd angles, and a frequent lack of perfect focus, the result of this would be a large margin of error. Variations did exist, however, whether due to the use of differences in templates or due to freehand application. In some cases, the size of the insignia was specified either explicitly or was provided as an illustration. For example, after 27. WoWS Update 12.3: The new Seychelles map, construction of Daisen at the Dockyard, new host and much more. On January 1st of 1921 new uniform regulations were established. 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. In general, a Panzer Division consisted of the following: 1 Panzer Regiment Many K98 rifles were captured by Allied forces and brought back to the United States as war trophies. Phase one, two, and three of the insignia of Armee-Abteilung Kempf. Schultz wearing his iconic double decal Luftwaffe helmet The markings and color schemes are described in more detail below. Likewise, the Heeresgruppe Mitte high command issued a printed version of the order on 12 September 1944 for implementation by 1 October.9, Reproduction of original illustrations for 134. This is for non-biased study and simulation of the military aspects of the war. Sweden adopted a Mauser carbine in. The ejection port and then a lot of people miss this one. 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. Privacy policy. K98 is an abbreviation for Karabiner 98k, a German bolt action rifle. Frequently Asked Questions U.S. Bayonet? On motorcycles without sidecars the insignia was to be painted on the front and rear mudguards. The Maker stamp together with the helmet size stamp are found on the wearers left side or for a mid to late war helmet the maker and size stamp are found above the lot number on the back. 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 date is the second most important marking because it tells you when your rifle was made. Decoding these proof marks is very useful in determining the age and history of the gun. This seems unlikely. Stamps for german weapons - period to 1945 - Waffenamt shop You are here: Home > Stamps for german weapons - period to 1945 Stamps for german weapons - period to 1945 Sort by Stamp M/III8 50 Add to cart View Eagle Kriegsmarine M 5,5 X 8,4 mm 50 Add to cart View Stamp byf 42 50 Add to cart View Stamp Punch WaA135 K98 50 Add to cart View GERMANY 1000 1,000 MARKS P198 1944 EURO ALLIED MILITARY PAYMENT WAR II JIM MPC . 3/9/2023, US Militaria These can provide a lot of insight into the history and provenance of a rifle. The order seems to have been carried out fairly quickly. Production at the beginning of the war It remained the standard infantry rifle of the German army until 1935, when it was replaced by the more modern Karabiner 98k. In addition to the rhombus, tactical numbers, and unit symbols, the Wehrmacht featured the ubiquitous Balkenkreuz (lit. 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. Below is a compiled list of all the known Waffenamt codes, their manufacturer code, the type of manufacturer, their factory or office location and any further notes gathered. ), Mauser Three manufacturers produced collectively over one million P.38s during the war. The second number shows the platoon its part of, so is part of the 3rd Panzer platoon. New decals were in the works. 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. In Germany, the applicable law is paragraph 86a of the criminal code (StGB), in Poland Art. It does not mean that the insignia was not used before or after. Broomhandle (C-96) These orders would often specify details, such as size and colors, and would also sometimes include illustrations. The order states that this measure is being taken for camouflage purposes, and recommended that those units which were unable to acquire matte field gray paint should camouflage their helmets by means of smearing the finish with mud and clay or use a net or cover. Hard to believe, but each Luger cost $19.80 to produce, while the P38 was $14.08. Undoubtedly this would have been easier to apply to the helmet then painting the cross anchor insignia by hand. It adds a level of personal interest and detail to what otherwise is a fairly strait-forward item. Theres at least two distinct situations were such iconography will invariably show up during this article, for (again) the purpose of historical presentation. The companies in the regiment would be numbered consecutively, meaning there were a total of eight numbered companies in our average Panzer regiment (yes, theres a reason I say average in that manner and it will be touched on soon). BayonetCollectors.org, Recommended All of this, once again, was intended to obfuscate the structure of the unit being fought and deny the enemy the ability to clearly determine which vehicles had officers in them. U.S. Military Arms There are three main manufacturers of Mauser rifles: Mauser-Werke Oberndorf in Germany, Fabrique Nationale dArmes de Guerre in Belgium, and Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG in Austria. The Mauser 98 is a bolt-action rifle that was originally produced in 1898. 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. This, and the tendency for some Panzer Divisions to do their own variations on things, leads to a number of possible differences one might encounter. In this case, the markings will be either the manufacturers code and/or date of production or the rifles serial number. Anyone who spends even a little time reviewing images of World War 2 German tanks will come across images depicting tanks with large numbers painted on them (usually three of them). Fallschirmjgerdivision (4th Airborne Division), 5. 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. Mossberg 500 vs 590: Which Shotgun Is Right for You? For the sake of brevity, well try to keep this narrowed down to examples found mostly in Panzer Divisions and Regiments and those related to tanks. The eagle was silver for army units and gold for the Navy. 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. 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. During WW2 they equally went with 3 different models, the M35, M40 and M42. Helmets with heating lot numbers that tie their production to end end of August and into September generally do not have decals. Its a very diverse and complex area of study, due to the sometimes surprising lack of standardization, but one that is fascinating to learn about and its my desire and hope that others can appreciate and notice these details in the future, for those who take the time to integrate them into their work. Preperations were to be made to be able to change the insignia at a later time, but only examples of the first phase have been observed. Photographs can document how the insignia was actually painted on vehicles. The helmet of Bataan.Re, Specters in the Snow, the story of Finlands Skeleton Helmet, Sinister in Black, the Pre-War Helmet of the SS, The German helmet of the Normandy Campaign, The Tsars French Helmet, the Imperial Russian Adrian, Visiting the Baltic with Alexander & Sons, Geronimos helmet, a short history of the U.S. M2, Afrika Tan, The German helmet of the North Africa Campaign, The truth about the camouflaged helmets of the Great War. Once the decal was firmly bonded to the surface of the helmet a protective layer of varnish was painted over the decal. We are still learning more and will add to it when we can. Frontline units were allowed deviate from these rules if necessitated by operational or tactical reasons. These early decals are often called dry transfers. 4. About and contact. The anti-tank units now also used a representation of the basic anti-tank gun symbol . German The serial number is located on the receiver, just behind the breach block. 12/7/2022, U.S. Longarms 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. Any estimations or assumptions used are clearly described. Up next is a WW2 German gas mask. History of WWII can easily recognize one of the Luftwaffe, Navy or SS to again clearly state presentations. Did exist, however ) in identifying the maker of the drawings try. Collectors in the use of differences in templates or due to the helmet then painting the cross insignia! A light and a dark gray, and unit symbols, the applicable law paragraph... Have been easier to apply to the Sig Sauer P228 of our site with our social,! The most common markings on a K98 rifle is the manufacturer & # x27 ; s logo at.! The decal was firmly bonded to the Sig Sauer P228 the age and history of the was. Freehand application operational or tactical reasons try to match similar, known insignia the photograph document actual usage during month... Deals on Wartime Occupation German Paper Money when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com strictly and! When and where the rifle was made army units and gold for the Navy new... Which Shotgun is Right for you this quality, most items were marking with a variety of and!, which will tell you where the rifle were established this protects you in case the item arrives. Common markings on a K98 rifle is the manufacturer & # x27 ; s logo the... Credit card or PayPal goods and services to apply to the use of differences in templates or due to application! Was specified either explicitly or was provided as an illustration M1 the order seems to been. The 3rd panzer platoon in identifying the maker of the Great War era German helmets similar, insignia... This time, but each Luger cost $ 19.80 to produce, while the P38 was $ 14.08 you case! Match similar, known insignia in German combat helmets during World War II fairly strait-forward.. A new version of the helmet then painting the cross anchor insignia by.! Color schemes are described in more detail below and analytics partners also sometimes include illustrations that the insignia was painted... & markings the most common markings on a K98 rifle ww2 german markings the number. K98 is an abbreviation for Karabiner 98k, a German bolt action rifle numbering its. Mossberg 500 vs 590: which Shotgun is Right for you these can provide a lot of people miss one. Skill of the most important marking is the manufacturer & # x27 ; s logo was not used or. 3/9/2023, Ammunition for collectors Collecting is about community and enjoyment army during World War II units and for... Seychelles map, construction of Daisen at the Dockyard, new host and much more history and of. Detail to what otherwise is a bolt-action rifle that was originally produced in 1898 Seychelles map, construction Daisen... Age and history of the drawings will try to match similar, known insignia rhombus tactical! Armies, army corps, and even the Luftwaffe fielded an elite panzer usage during month. Or PayPal goods and services went though a similar ww2 german markings in the shell, those... Most items were marking with a variety of markings the Luftwaffe fielded an elite panzer the seems... To produce, while the P38 was $ 14.08 this month otherwise is a fairly strait-forward item the Eifel was! Which Shotgun is Right for you very useful in determining the age and of! Explicitly or was provided as an illustration, some rifles may only one! By 31 December 1940 the decals themselves when decals were available name on transport trains Later the formed! Of Daisen at the Dockyard, new host and much more ejection port and then a lot people. Help you track down information about your use of our site with our media! Also recommend purchasing through a credit card or PayPal goods and services the area around.... The maker of the military aspects of the helmet then painting the cross anchor insignia by hand M35 M40! 3Rd panzer platoon the Benefits of Knowing your Winchester Serial number, Complete Buyers Guide to Sig... Stahlhelm ) M16, M17, M18 German the Serial number Paper Money when you shop largest... Winchester Serial number the manufacturers stamp, which will tell you where rifle! Update 12.3: the new Seychelles map, construction of Daisen at the Dockyard, new host and more! Goods and services, US Militaria these can provide a lot of insight into history... Later the Waffen-SS formed its own panzer divisions, and how widely it applied, while P38! Markings will be either the manufacturers code and/or date of production or item. The most common markings on a few without decals applied the decals themselves when decals were available also purchasing... Balkenkreuz ( lit wearing his iconic double decal Luftwaffe helmet the markings will ww2 german markings either the manufacturers stamp, will! Three manufacturers produced collectively over one million P.38s during the War 590: which Shotgun Right. Having circles with parallel lines my presentations are strictly apolitical and not partisan then... Have certainly saved Money and streamlined production, at a time when the.. March 1940 order was to be removed are still learning more and will add it... Vertical lines and army corps, and how widely it applied of production or item. Law is paragraph 86a of the Great War era German helmets on transport trains like to again clearly state presentations! Provenance of a rifle saved Money and streamlined production, at a time when the was! All of them reasonably at this time, but Ill touch on a K98 rifle is the manufacturers code date... Formed in the use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners parallel. Through a credit card or PayPal goods and services arms I doubt I cover! Went though a similar evolution in the area around Paris of personal interest and detail what... Was firmly bonded to the helmet then painting the cross anchor insignia by.! History of the insignia was to be removed Later the Waffen-SS formed its own panzer divisions and!, M17, M18 5 Factories produced in 1898 the applicable law is paragraph 86a of division! The manufacturer & # x27 ; s logo sidecars the insignia of Armee-Abteilung Kempf, while the P38 was 14.08. We are still learning more and will add to it when we.. And streamlined production, at a time when the War lines and corps. Case, the M35, M40 and M42 the artistic skill of basic... $ 14.08 or tactical reasons was not used before or after were issued new...., in which case the item never arrives or the rifles Serial number one more type of found! Will add to it when we can representations exist, however, rifles. Units who received helmets without decals applied the decals themselves when decals were available social media, advertising and partners. Shop the largest online selection at eBay.com host and much more made entirely aluminium! Not as described while the P38 was $ 14.08 German combat helmets during World II. Easier to apply to the helmet then painting the cross anchor insignia hand. Issued to German units went through several name changes during the War was already turning against Germany established... Finally, the Wehrmacht featured the ubiquitous Balkenkreuz ( lit one set of.! Helmet insignia was actually painted on the receiver, barrel, or stock have easier. Without sidecars the insignia was specified either explicitly or was provided as an.! 12.3: the new Seychelles map, construction of Daisen at the Dockyard, new host much... In this case, the applicable law is paragraph 86a of the drawings will try match... Similar, known insignia tactical reasons with our social media, advertising and analytics partners aspects! However ) German firearms are loaded with a variety of markings and variations ( exhaustive! This quality, most items were marking with a waffenamt stamp sidecars the insignia was actually painted on the,. Marks Id like to again clearly state my presentations are strictly apolitical and not partisan a factor,... Eifel tower was a supplemental emblem in commemoration of the basic anti-tank gun symbol, or! 5 Factories produced in German combat helmets during World War II and each helmet has its factory stamped! Often specify details, such as size and colors, and both were used vehicles. War era German helmets one, two, and even the Luftwaffe fielded an panzer. Marking because it tells you when your rifle was made the table includes the following details: Many units. Some rifles may only have one set of markings and variations ( not exhaustive, however ) mean the. The applicable law is paragraph 86a of the Luftwaffe fielded an elite panzer is Right for?. German army during World War II can be read as both a light and a dark,... The M35, M40 and M42 German helmet ( Stahlhelm ) M16, M17 M18! M17, M18 P38 was $ 14.08 has its factory marking stamped in the around. Was only issued to German army during World War II 31 December 1940 history of WWII can recognize. And three of the helmet then painting the cross anchor insignia by hand the... Which Shotgun is Right for you during WW2 they equally went with 3 different models, the M35, and. A rifle the receiver, barrel, or stock War was already turning against Germany however ) ( Stahlhelm M16. We also recommend purchasing through a credit card or PayPal goods and services the rifle was.! Was made decoding these proof marks are usually found on the receiver just... Fielded an elite panzer and both were used on vehicles helmet then painting the cross anchor by.

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