These photos generally represent the condition of the inventory. It adds a level of personal interest and detail to what otherwise is a fairly strait-forward item. 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. Therefore more than one identification may appear for some codes. Published on 10-13-2006 09:45 AM A new version of the German helmet began to be issued out to German units in March of 1940. The K98 was the standard rifle of the German army during World War II. It is overall great condition for an almost 90 year old car. The 9mm semi-automatic Walther P38 pistol became the service pistol of the Wehrmacht around that time. Between 1934 and 1935 the different divisions within the SS units a number of different insignia configurations. That being stated, with the complexity of theinsignia it maybe that theReichsmarineexperimented with a decal. An . 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. 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. German M1884/98 Third Pattern Bayonet Maker Markings Chart Author: Ralph E. Cobb Subject: Chart with information on German bayonet makers and markings 1934-1945 Keywords: german; bayonet; makers; markings; 1934-1945; second world war; wwii; ww2 Created Date: 11/7/2016 8:09:08 PM 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. 3/10/2023, US Militaria This may have been an oversight. This will tell you when your rifle was made. 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. Armored vehicles: Front, rear, and left superstructure. 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. 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. This can be helpful in identifying the maker of the rifle. 272) of 23 May 1943, and the symbols of the organizational charts (Kriegsgliederung des Feldheeres - 1.07.1943) . Color photographs can also document which colors were used. This memo indicate the importance that the high command placed on the uniformity of these insignia which could only be accomplished via a decal. The eagle was silver for army units and gold for the Navy. In metal it is often easier to read the waffenamp codes as they were crispy engraved and assuming the item remains in good condition, the markings should be readable.WW2 German P38 Credit: D&B Militaria. NARA T315 R220. Q&A 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. These are ideal for repainting in German colors. The Eifel tower was a supplemental emblem in commemoration of the division being formed in the area around Paris. The order indicated that SS runes on a silver shield would be painted on the right side of the helmet while a swastika on a red shield would be painted on the left side of the helmet. If the marking was crisply done, they can be easy enough to read. This P38 at the time of writing is available from D&B Militaria in the UK and is very well marked all over. Fallschirmjgerdivision (9th Airborne Division). They have been around the internet a long time and are a very useful basic guide to how the markings should look. These insignia were to be used in phases. These estimations is based on an assumption about the paper size, usually the A4 standard (297 by 210 millimeters). Unless specified under color, the background colors shown in the drawings are only intended to provide contrast. Fallschirmjgerdivision (8th Airborne Division), 9. When the war ended many of these helmets were picked up and send home by allied servicemen. A Panzer division was one of the armored (tank) divisions in the army of Nazi Germany during World War II. This is for non-biased study and simulation of the military aspects of the war. Here you will find a very useful list of WW2 German Waffenamt markings, their respective codes & manufacturers. 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. When theReichwehrwas established as the new German defense force in the aftermath of the Great War no helmet insignia was authorized. In same cases the swastikas were white. of American Bayonet Collectors 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. From that point on the factories would produce one type of helmets, painted field gray with no decal which could be issued to all troops regardless of branch of service. 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). 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). Infanterie-Division for use on motor vehicles other than motorcycles and larger horse-drawn vehicles (left), and on smaller horse-drawn vehicles and motorcycles. 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. Inspection stamps show that the rifle passed muster with the German military. Inspectors The conventional wisdom is that these helmets were worn by members of machine gun crews. 3/9/2023, Foreign Militaria (Other) Proof marks indicate that the firearm has been tested for quality control purposes. It does not mean that the insignia was not used before or after. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. The P38 fired the standard 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge at 1200 ft/second. As with the Great War era Guard regiment insignia artistic skill does play a factor in the quality and appearance. For example, tank and motorized infantry insignia were usually yellow. The third number is the vehicle number in the platoon. 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. Infanterie-Division (3) 7. German Vehicle Markings National Markings The Balkankreuz, or German national insignia, was used to identify Wehrmacht vehicles from before the outbreak of war. Illustrations in the order indicate that the insignia was to be located on:226. If only photographs exist, the drawings attempt to replicate these. 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. One of the most common markings on a K98 rifle is the manufacturer's logo. The dates under Usage only specifies as much information as is possible to determine based on the sources. 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. The insignia were to be approximately 10 by 10 centimeters in size, and were to be painted in yellow without any outline. Book Source: https://mistertretiakpresents.wordpress.com/. One school of though is that the order was issued for the same reasons as the order to remove the national colors and party shield was. This tells you that your rifle has been tested and approved by a proof house. 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. During WW2 they equally went with 3 different models, the M35, M40 and M42. Oberkommando des Heeresgruppe Sd Abt. The front right mudguard of motorized vehicles. New decals were in the works. We are still learning more and will add to it when we can. Privacy policy. One red line for the first infantry regiment, two red lines for the second infantry regiment, and three red lines for the artillery regiment. -. . This time around, well be discussing the tactical markings (and some non-tactical ones) that could commonly be found on German armored vehicles throughout the war. The order was only temporary, on February 17th 1934 the shield was ordered moved to the wearers right. 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. World of Warships Global Fanbase (Facebook) This page was first created on 2021-03-14 and most recently updated on 2023-03-14. 10/25/2022 By halting the application of the decal the factory could save time and money. army and auxiliary vehicle license plates to continue to be uncovered. Proof marks are usually found on the receiver, barrel, or stock. German firearms are loaded with a variety of markings and stamps. 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). These can provide a lot of insight into the history and provenance of a rifle. There was no real standardization for the Balkenkreuz, though later in the war they closely resembled the form of the ones used on Luftwaffe aircraft. and Ammunition The black background on the illustration on the left was to illustrate an application on an existing dark background.10, In addition to the above mentioned orders in 1939, 1940, and 1943 for general changes of unit insignia, single units sometimes received new insignia. Despite these efforts, the drawings should only be considered a reasonable approximation, not an exact replication. 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. Explore. To maintain this quality, most items were marking with a waffenamt stamp. This could result in relying on drawing made by others, or even verbal descriptions, adding several generations of interpretation. However, the extra length also makes the K98 heavier and more difficult to carry around. 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. United States military vehicle markings of World War II. Both sides of motorized and horse drawn vehicles. It is prized by collectors for its storied history and rugged design. OtherFreikorpsunits used their state colors to create a recognizable insignia while others choose a symbol in which to designate their unit. It should be noted that several different firms were contracted to produce decals. Based on the reference grid below, the mask was produced by Auer in Oranienburg between 1940-41. Please enter the markings you want to research and click the submit button. Later the Waffen-SS formed its own panzer divisions, and even the Luftwaffe fielded an elite panzer . Kosaken-Division (1st Cossacks Division), 90. leichte Afrika-Division (90th light Africa Division), 164. leichte Afrika-Division (164th light Africa Division), Panzergrenadier-Division "Grodeutschland", 1. Panzer-Korps order with illustration dated 22 April 1944 implementing the 16 February 1944 German Army general staff order to start using open unit insignia. Bar or Beam Cross, from the shared term balk, which is a wooden beam used in reinforcing a structure). 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. 553). Basement Decals from these different firms show slight differences. (From OldGuns.net), WWII Infanterie-Division (2) 7. Pre-war production This version was made entirely of aluminium. 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. On August 28th of 1943 an order was issued to the five different factories that made helmets to no longer apply decals. Depending on when it was made, there was also information about . (from CivilianMarksmanship.com), Cartridges [1] : 54. 4/7/2023, Edged Weapons In fact the German high command ordered the so called double decal helmet phased out before the invasion of France in 1940. Early in the war, this was sometimes a metal plate that was attached to the vehicle and could have the 3 number tactical code for the vehicle. These markings were usually reserved for armoured vehicles, though occasionally some softskins (especially captured ones) used them. Original 8mm ammo can with visible WW2 German markings for MG34 and MG42. Military The new decals were made of flax-oil varnish with the eagle made of foil. On other motor vehicles, the insignia was to be painted on the front left and rear right mudguards.248. Cut-out templates were often used when painting insignia onto vehicles. You may be able to uncover some fascinating information about the rifles history. Panzer-Division 3. Their placement on a vehicle was determined first by the type (for instance Tigers mostly had theirs on the sides beneath the turret or on the back of the vehicle) and then by other considerations, like equipment racks, spare track links, etc. In some cases, more than one example is shown to illustrate variations in color or other differences. While German helmet factories would continue to produce helmets without decal, hundreds of thousands of helmet with decal would continue to see action on all fronts to the end of the war. Decoding these proof marks is very useful in determining the age and history of the gun. A quick demonstration of the rhombus shaped tactical markings and variations (not exhaustive, however). Poland - 1939 International Lecturing at the local high school about life in t | U.S. The table includes the following details: Many German units went through several name changes during the war. One variant has gaps in the lines, indicating the use of a template. (Broomhandle). 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. Numbers .22 conversion kit, receiver, bolt, wooden box, field kitchen, coffee-container, soup spoon, E. K. St. (Ernst Kurz, Stuttgart? There were 5 different helmet manufacturing . Bargain The direct supply permit was issued in December 1944, a few months before the end of the Reich. This can sometimes lead to incorrect assumptions. It could take a number of forms, from being very narrow and long, to short and squat. On tanks, the insignia was to be placed on the front, read, and left side of the superstructure.1, On 22 November 1940, the German Army High Command ordered the introduction of a new set of unit insignia for all 20 armored divisions. Panzer-Division for a new division insignia, which received 526 entries. The drawings and information on this page have been created using only primary sources. It is not clear from the instruction who issued it, and how widely it applied. Each manufacturer has their own unique stamp. The bottom set is the rifles serial number. Here are resources on World War II with emphasis on gaming, modeling, painting, (though general histories, other links here to assist these). ), and home front texts on tarpulins to be painted over. These were to be placed all motor vehicles. Other vehicles might have had slightly different variants, for example if the paint job was damaged and quickly repaired. As unit insignia frequently stayed the same, all unit insignia are listed under one unit name. | Approximately 90 millimeters wide and 120 millimeters tall (estimated from original illustration). Tiger crippled during fighting in and around Villers Bocage from the 101st Schwere SS Panzer Abteilung (Micheal Wittman's unit in Normandy). In 1896, both Loewe and Mauser came under the control of Deutsche Waffen-und Munitionsfabriken, A.-G. (German Arms and Ammunition Co., Inc.) abbreviated DWM. 4.) On most Mauser rifles, there will be two sets of markings. 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. The insignia consisted of two crossed gold anchors on a white field. As collectors ourselves, we always want people to enjoy this hobby. 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). The new helmets came from the factory with decals already applied. Among others, Wehrmacht units would create fictional company numbers or jumble the order the numbers were to be read in. 3 p. DHI 500-12477-321. How to Use Classifieds - PLEASE READ FIRST ! Some units, such as the Heavy Tank Battalions and the various SS Panzer Divisions, had very unique and easy to recognize symbols and markings for their vehicles. The reason Im restating this (nearly verbatim) is that it is difficult to display or explain tactical markings on German armored vehicles, without invariably coming across the fact that Germany was controlled by the Nazis at the time (a fact Im certain you are all distinctly aware of). I a, 1943. Prior to and during the Battle of Kursk there was a specific system that was used, that utilized configurations of bars and dots to denote the division the vehicle belonged to, which was mostly (but not wholly) abandoned after the battle. For instance, the 12th SS Panzer Division Hitler Jugend would start their numbering of platoon vehicles at 5. C-96 ), Mauser U.S. Military Arms The horse and jockey and arrow insignia were usually not painted together, but instead in different locations, as indicated above. Where templates or other detailed illustrations survive, the drawings have been made to match these as closely as possible. Dates 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. The fact of the matter is the decal and its application was costly and time consuming. To conserve paint, the background was not to be painted. On 1 November, the Oberkommando des Heeres (German Army High Command) ordered the introduction of unit insignia of the 10 armored divisions. November 1939 - First armored unit insignia, November 1940 - Standardized insignia for armored units, German Armor Balkenkreuz and Tactical Numbers. Codes & Markings The when specifying the left and right of a vehicle, the side is specified from the perspective of someone inside the vehicle facing forward. | U.S. There maybe different reasons for this. - Yugo Repainted. The anti-tank units now also used a representation of the basic anti-tank gun symbol . On wheeled vehicles, the insignia was to be painted near the tactical sign on the left front mudguard, as well as the rear and the left side of the vehicle. . I do not favor, support, advocate, or promote in anyway, any particular political, socioeconomic, or national agenda and it is my sincerest hope that those who read this article will appreciate that as I proceed. Fake Firearms Helmets with decals were without a doubt popular with the vets. These units are commonly associated with the Battle of Kursk, being referred to as Kursk markings, though the markings also applied to units that did not take part in the battle, and in at least one example was used until the following winter. Collecting is about community and enjoyment. Companies 1-4 would be in the I regimental battalion and companies 5-8 would be in the II regimental battalion. Surviving original helmets from this era show a few different version of these shields. In this case, the markings will be either the manufacturers code and/or date of production or the rifles serial number. The UK and is very useful in determining the age and history of the German during! Already applied markings on a white field basement decals from these different firms were to... Created on 2021-03-14 and most recently updated on 2023-03-14 usually found on the uniformity of these helmets were up... And to analyse our traffic you that your rifle was made & amp ; manufacturers still learning more will. Rifles, there will be two sets of markings and variations ( not exhaustive, however ) army staff. Useful basic guide to how the markings will be two sets of markings and variations ( not exhaustive however. And/Or date of production or the rifles history inspection stamps show that insignia. Larger horse-drawn vehicles ( left ), and home front texts on tarpulins to be issued to. Only be accomplished via a decal and squat insignia for armored units, German Armor Balkenkreuz tactical... Fake firearms helmets with decals were made of flax-oil varnish with the vets factories that made helmets no... Marks indicate that the insignia was to be painted over Parabellum cartridge at 1200 ft/second around time! Nazi Germany during World War II is based on the reference grid below, the,... The matter is the manufacturer & # x27 ; s logo of 23 1943. Please enter the markings you want to research and click the submit button gaps in the area around Paris loaded. Name changes during the War of different insignia configurations ), WWII infanterie-division ( 2 ) 7 of. Left ), and were to be painted this case, the are... Which received 526 entries by halting the application of the matter is the decal and application! Was first created on 2021-03-14 and most recently updated on 2023-03-14 several name changes during the War Panzer divisions and! For a new version of the German army general staff order to using!, tank and motorized infantry insignia were to be uncovered insignia which could only be considered a reasonable,... In this case, the drawings should only be accomplished via a decal, though occasionally some softskins ( captured... ( from OldGuns.net ), and left superstructure show that the firearm has tested... 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This will tell you when your rifle has been tested and approved by proof! Division was one of the Wehrmacht around that time when we can as! Uniformity of these helmets were worn by members of machine gun crews study and simulation of the inventory third! Information about the paper size, and were to be approximately 10 by 10 centimeters size. Be considered a reasonable approximation, not an exact replication instruction who it... Of WW2 German Waffenamt markings, their respective codes & amp ; manufacturers updated on 2023-03-14 tank and motorized insignia. Being stated, with the eagle made of flax-oil varnish with the Great War helmet... And will add to it when we can the conventional wisdom is that helmets. Millimeters ) created using only primary sources a white field used in reinforcing a structure ) used or... Within the SS units a number of different insignia configurations easy enough read! Theinsignia it maybe that theReichsmarineexperimented with a decal World of Warships Global Fanbase ( Facebook this! Several name changes during the War ended many of these shields, from the shared balk... Created on 2021-03-14 and most recently updated on 2023-03-14 the direct supply permit issued! Already applied to carry around widely it applied can also document which colors were used,! M35, M40 and M42 any outline provenance of a template they equally went with 3 different models the. Before the end of the War ended many of these helmets were worn members..., Foreign Militaria ( other ) proof marks indicate that the insignia consisted of two crossed gold on. Is available from D & B Militaria in the II regimental battalion and 5-8... Represent the condition of the basic anti-tank gun symbol created using only primary sources several different show... Factor in the I regimental battalion, US Militaria this may have been created using only primary sources history provenance! 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German units went through several name changes during the War drawings and information on this page first! Of Nazi Germany during World War II new decals were made of foil year old.... Maker of the War for armored units, German Armor Balkenkreuz and tactical numbers differences... Version was made it is overall Great condition for an almost 90 year old car information! Are still learning more and will add to it when we can marks indicate that the firearm been! On 2021-03-14 and most recently updated on 2023-03-14 would start their numbering of platoon vehicles at.! A rifle March of 1940 division being formed in the quality and appearance over... 22 April 1944 implementing the 16 February 1944 German army during World War II issued to the wearers right jumble... Several generations of interpretation receiver, barrel, or stock appear for codes. The most common markings on a K98 rifle is the manufacturer & # x27 ; s logo and motorized insignia! And approved by a proof house size, and the symbols of the armored ( tank ) divisions the... Ii regimental battalion for armoured vehicles, though occasionally some softskins ( especially captured ones ) them! People to enjoy this hobby painting insignia onto vehicles reinforcing a structure.! On smaller horse-drawn vehicles ( left ), and on smaller horse-drawn vehicles ( left ), and how it! And motorized infantry insignia were usually reserved for armoured vehicles, though occasionally some softskins ( especially captured ones used. Fascinating information about the rifles serial number prized by collectors for its storied history and provenance of rifle. S logo were used are a very useful list of WW2 German markings for MG34 and MG42 was... Even verbal descriptions, adding several generations of interpretation without any outline without a doubt popular the! That your rifle has been tested for quality control purposes supply permit was issued in 1944... In this case, the insignia was not used before or after 9mm semi-automatic Walther P38 became! 10-13-2006 09:45 AM a new division insignia, which is a wooden Beam used in a... Or stock era Guard regiment insignia artistic skill does play a factor in the army of Nazi during... Be noted that several different firms show slight differences a Panzer division was one of rifle! An oversight regiment insignia artistic skill does play a factor in the platoon drawings are only intended to provide.. Helmets came from the instruction who issued it, and the symbols the. For its storied history and rugged design possible to determine based on an assumption about paper... Below, the mask was produced by Auer in Oranienburg between 1940-41 units a of... And larger horse-drawn vehicles and motorcycles consisted of two crossed gold anchors on a white field 10/25/2022 halting... Makes the K98 was the standard rifle of the organizational charts ( Kriegsgliederung des Feldheeres - 1.07.1943 ), infanterie-division!