Click to view the auction article

Click to enlarge the picture

 

 

 

I just picked this one up yesterday. It is an M18 style shell, complete with the original 3 pad white leather liner and carbine clip chin strap. It was repainted in flat black up to the steel liner band and adorned with a Heer adler and tri color, both at 98%+. Tied to the chin strap are the original German property tag and a tag identifying the US soldier who liberated the piece. One of the liner pads has a rectangular ink stamp which, unfortunately, is smudged and illegible. The left ear stamp is covered in paint and hard to make out or photograph but appears to be Q66. The black paint has flaked off in places, but is still probably 80% intact. Al B. was at the seller’s home picking up a few helmets himself when I got there yesterday. He speculates that these black dd Heer transitionals may have been used by either Heer fire brigades or possible Bahnschutz personnel. There are some period photos that show Bahnschutz personnel with black Heer double helmets. I posted this helmet earlier on GHW and at that time had some questions about the maker of the shell and to which branch of service this one was issued. Both questions were answered in short order. The shell is a Quist product, and the German Property tag indicates that Heer Gustav Hilker was a Res. Lokfuhrer - i.e. a Reserve Train Driver. This one was used by a member of the Reichsbahn! The decals are interesting as well. These are most often encountered on Vulkanfibre shells. The Adler is is rather unique and the Tri Color has a black border. These are odd, but right as rain. Anyway, it is a pretty neat piece despite the condition of the black exterior paint. Hope you like it. Jim G.

Click to enlarge the picture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click to view the auction article

Click to view the auction article

Regards, I would like to hear your views on this piece. Original or reproduction?

Click to enlarge the picture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View full auction article…

The National Civilian Uniform of 1940

The China Incident that broke out in July 1937 and the pursuant material shortages caused by the massive mobilization of troops forced the military to actively seek alternative materials to use for production. Thus were born the felt field caps, rubberized canvas ammo pouches, belts and slings, use of aluminum or steel in place of brass or copper, etc.

But if the army had to yield and compromise in terms of specs for its equipment, civilian life was much harder hit. Use of cotton and wool for commercial civilian production was severely restricted from 1937.

So young men graduating from school and starting to work, who usually needed to buy business suits, or kids getting into school and needing school uniforms faced difficulty getting their wardrobes. With a war going on, one also needed a black suit as formal wear at funerals and such, but they were now impossible to get.

One Jacket for all human events (Weddings, Funerals and Soldiering)
To rationalize the civilian wardrobe needs in times of this material shortage, the government launched civilian uniforms that could be worn for all occasions, even replacing frock coats formerly required at order bestowing ceremonies.

These uniforms were first introduced in May of 1940 and further issued as an Emperor’s edict in November to make it law. Though it became law, it was not an obligation to wear them. However, as a nationally approved code of dress for all occasions, it had “great mileage”, so they did become the norm for the average Joe (or Taro for that matter). In 1945, by Edict 384 of 22nd June you could even go to war as soldier in this national civilian uniform. So if you couldn’t afford different clothes for each occasion, this was the magic solution for your financial woes. In that sense, it must have achieved reasonable benefits in economies of scale.

Choose any Color, so long as it’s “National Defense Drab”
Initially jackets were proposed in 4 styles in May of 1940, but by the time it became law in November, it got reduced to 2 models. They were all in so-called National Defense Color (Kokuboh Shoku 国防色), but instead of limiting the color to be identical with the army uniform, they offered colors in 4 or so shades of earth brown with differing shades of grey, as lip service to allowing a degree of personal choice.

The jackets only needed the addition of a purple dress cord to be worn to make the whole ensemble into a dress uniform for formal occasions.

The newly designed cap featured fold-ups, but when wearing the number 4 style jacket with closed collar, which most resembles the army jacket, one could wear a cap in the same design as the army field cap. Those caps had no insignia or came with school badges, but have a way of getting transformed into army field caps by receiving post war stars. During the war, design similarity with army field caps was not unwelcomed by the army, but application of a star in front was an offense that got you arrested by MPs.

Click to enlarge the picture

 

 

 

View full auction article…

Click the picture to follow ad…..

by: tompress

Description: SA Sportabzeichen in Bronze - SA Sports Badge (bronze)
2nd type, back inscription “Eigentum d. D.A. Sportabzeichen Hauptstelle”

Numbered: 502349

Reference: OEK 3635/2, awarded 1935-1939

Manufacturer: Berg und Nolte, Lüdenscheid

Bronzed steel (magnetic), very nice condition, not cleaned.

================================ =============
Notice: prices are in dollars (for “buy now”), but from EU buyers payment in euro prefered. Shipping by registred priority (air) mail with tracking number is only 5.00 $ worldwide. No additional fees, if you buy more items of mine.
These are my first ads here, but I am an experienced seller. You can check my profile on eBay (tompress). Authenthicity of all items is guaranted, returs accepted for any reason. Happy hunting
Tomasz

War Relics Militaria sales