schwarze Muetze aus grosser Zeit

[Friedrich-Berthold]

I have not systematically gone through the whole pile of these things I have now at hand, though other members here have done so. thanks to my colleagues for the kind aid and great skill with language.

[d'alquen]

HLP,
It is just a misprint. 863 is in the price list section for sleeve insignia and does refer to the sleeve diamond.
d'alquen

[Friedrich-Berthold]

Thanks, colleague d'Alquen is most at home in these sources.

[HPL2008]

Awww... Just when I thought we had discovered something unknown!

Still, many thanks to d'Alquen for the speedy clarification.

(Of course, this also serves as a useful reminder that even period material can contain errors and misleading information and that one should keep in mind that the personnel running the Nazi administrative machinery made mistakes just like anybody else...)

[d'alquen]

"The real kicker would be to find the Beschaffungsamt SS files in the RFSS files, that is, the administrative process that led to these pronouncements."

The process for approval and implementation is indeed interesting. It is extraordinary how many drafts, levels and individuals were involved. But, that's bureaucracy whenever or wherever it emerges.
As a sleeve diamond was mentioned here are a couple of examples from well over a dozen documents that relate to a simple sleeve badge for the Reichskreigerbund diamond.
d'alquen

[d'alquen]

Second

[d'alquen]

Third

[Friedrich-Berthold]

Thank you, dear colleague, very pleasing documents. Are the regalia and uniform portions of the RFSS files all in one place, or are they scattered around?
Thanks for helping us indeed.

[d'alquen]

They do tend to be all over the place but one SS-Hauptamt folder does have a lot of material.
The National Archives has the folder listed as: EAP 161-C-01/36 FT 2684645. If I can give you more information on the file don't hesitate to ask
Perhaps the BA is more convenient for you but I don't have a finding aid for them unfortunately.
d'alquen

[Friedrich-Berthold]

Thank you. You are very helpful. In looking at the Mitteilungsblaetter there is a ton of stuff I have never seen before in the SS sections in the years 1934 and 1935 in various picayune, little things which rivet my interest. Thanks for the hint with the NARA RFFSS files. One day I will have the time, though, now with the combination of the UM in digital form and the Mitteilungsblaetter in easier reach, the whole thing is coming into clearer focus. I am never in Germany long enough to get into the archives anymore, because I have too much else to do. One day, however, I hope that will change. In the meantime, you should really publish your work, as I am sure it would find an eager readership. Thanks again for the kind aid.