SS RZM marked helmet chinstrap

**gel65** · 06-02-2012, 01:19 AM

Hello
I was wondering if RZM made SS marked chinstraps ever during the war. I have seen a few examples one of which was in Kelly Hicks book on SS helmets. What sort of mark would have been made on a chinstrap like this. If anyone has one could they please post it for comparison. Any help would be great
Sean

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 06-02-2012 01:19 AM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**DougB** · 06-02-2012, 02:08 PM

The most common SS marked chinstrap is maker Carl Tesch and these are embossed SS VA 1938 or 1939 marked, not SS RZM, found on typically 1938/39 Q SS M35's. 99.9% of all SS RZM printed or embossed chinstraps are fake. I have seen very few real SS RZM stamped straps, they are stamped like the EM/NCO visor cap chinstraps and not embossed. These straps are very rare! I don't believe these were made wartime only prewar but so few exist that I cannot say with certainty.

**SSamir** · 06-02-2012, 02:28 PM

by DougB

The most common SS marked chinstrap is maker Carl Tesch and these are embossed SS VA 1938 or 1939 marked, not SS RZM, found on typically 1938/39 Q SS M35's. 99.9% of all SS RZM printed or embossed chinstraps are fake. I have seen very few real SS RZM stamped straps, they are stamped like the EM/NCO visor cap chinstraps and not embossed. These straps are very rare! I don't believe these were made wartime only prewar but so few exist that I cannot say with certainty.

Doug, you stand correct. Theres so many fakes, I wouldn't even get near one unless I had hardcore provenance.

Samir

**BOB COLEMAN** · 06-02-2012, 02:47 PM

I would like to clarify one part of your post. The RZM did not manufacture anything. They licensed firms to manufacture items from a standard extablished by the Reichszugmeisterei.

**DougB** · 06-02-2012, 03:18 PM

Yes this is correct, thanks Bob for the clarification.

**SSamir** · 06-02-2012, 11:19 PM

Doug, I came close once and almost bought the one Bob used to have on his site for $500. If I recall he said it came off his double decal SS M35. I would like to have one, but don't think I could dish out $500 for a chin strap. I rather add another $500 and buy an SS CT and be happy.

**DougB** · 06-03-2012, 12:34 AM

I'd be buying if I was 110% sure it was real however like most stamped or embossed SS RZM markings in leather, its sooooo easy to fake.

**SSamir** · 06-03-2012, 12:45 AM

by DougB

I'd be buying if I was 110% sure it was real however like most stamped or embossed SS RZM markings in leather, its sooooo easy to fake.

That bad, huh? I dont think i'll ever buy one.

Samir

**gel65** · 06-03-2012, 04:41 AM

Thanks all for the information
Sean F

**gel65** · 07-18-2013, 06:16 AM

Well I've done I little more research on the strap. My father has one that he got in the early 90s from bill Shea. It has the SS RZM markings on the chin strap. It was brought back by a veteran the soldier who had the helmet was in Berchtesgaden. My father thought the man was most likely in the ss in the early days 38 and 39 I have never seen one since