Article about: Hello, I hope someone can offer some advice identifying possible missing feldbluse badges/branch of service - I have little knowledge of Wehrmacht period uniforms. I possess a 1941 modified
I hope someone can offer some advice identifying possible missing feldbluse badges/branch of service - I have little knowledge of Wehrmacht period uniforms.
I possess a 1941 modified feldbluse (6 button, pleated pockets), stamped "M42", and unfortunately with all insignia removed. The feldbluse is definitely original. Remnants of a rank chevron are still on the left arm. Under bright sunlight, however, it is clear that on the left arm was originally a cuff title, measuring 3cm in height, and directly above the chevron was an oval-shaped badge, measuring 8.5-9cm in height, 8cm in width. Sections of thread from both patches remain on the interior: the cuff title thread is feldgrau and looks finer than 50gram, the oval badge and rank chevron are also feldgrau (slightly different shade), and appear to be 50gram. There is nothing suspicious under UV light. The areas where the patches were located are invisible under normal room light, and only became obvious under sunlight - please see attached images. Nothing is visible on the right arm.
Is it possibly Feldgendarmerie, with the oval patch representing the feldgendarmerie sleeve eagle?
The feldbluse has had considerable modification: dark green collar attached, lower bellows pockets altered to patch pockets, and two pleats on the lower back removed.
As I said, Wehrmacht period uniforms are not my area of expertise, and I greatly appreciate any advice.
Judging from the position, shape and size of the traces of the top patch and the fact that a cuff title was also worn, Feldgendarmerie is by far the likeliest answer.
(Offhand, the only other oval-shaped badges worn on the left upper arm that I can think of are the signals Blitz and the Steuermann tradge badge, but this shape looks too round and too large to me to be one of those.)
Based on what has been described and what information HPL 2008 has provided, here are some pictures from the book: "German Army Uniforms and Insignia 1933-1945 by Brian L. Davis."
The various pictures show the possible insignia that was once on your uniform. You will notice the signal blitz is too small as that has been already determined, the possibility of a campaign shield on a piece of fabric that was round is also a possibility, and also the steuermann specialist badge which can be seen in one of the photos.
Not sure if any of this may help, and I believe that you and HPL 2008 are correct with the Feldgendarmerie route with the cuff title..
Any ink stamped markings in the interior ? I have seen where Feldgendarmerie converted heer tunics were specifically marked with "Feldgend" designation of some sort.
Might want to take a look. Seen this ink stamping on the opposite side of the tunic from the size & date markings.
Thank you for your insightful replies and advice - Smitty, thanks greatly for uploading the images.
Real Steel, I have considered a Campaign Shield, especially considering the large dimensions, but have not seen any examples with oval backing cloth. The only internal markings are the standard measurements, date and also a faded manufacturer (please see attached image).
HPL2008, I'm now virtually convinced that Feldgendarmerie is the likely answer. I'd also naturally considered that the additions might be post-war, however, the markings left on the cuff are firmly entrenched into the wool fabric that I strongly suspect that it, at the very least, is original to the feldbluse. Someone is currently listing a series of very detailed photos of a member of the Feldgendarmerie on Ebay germany, and the dimensions appear identical.
I'm in two minds about restoring the badges to the bluse if it is indeed Feldgendamerie - finding appropriate original shoulder boards and a cuff title are not cheap undertakings.
Advice Identifying Missing Feldbluse Badges
.
Bookmarks