ek2 ribbon placement

[LondonJay]

hi there, i've come across these photos that show the iron cross 2nd class ribbon thru the 3rd button hole but i always thought it went thru the 2nd button hole down, which way is right please? does it go on the 3rd when wearing a lanyard? many thanks, jay.

[Adrian Stevenson]

On the field blouse it goes on the 2nd buttonhole down. But on the Waffenrock, which has more buttons, this would place it too high, so most men placed it lower, hence the difference.

Cheers, Ade.

[Adrian]

Agree with Ade, look at the button heights in relation to each other in the first pic. The Waffenfrock third button is at a similar height to the Feldbluse second button.

[LondonJay]

Cheers Ade and Adrian you've both enlightened me once again, top blokes!

[LondonJay]

I've found two more different waffenrock pic's which show it attached to the 2nd button hole. Was it just personal preference do you think?

[Adrian]

I've found two more different waffenrock pic's which show it attached to the 2nd button hole. Was it just personal preference do you think?

It could be.......
........or perhaps the ribbons were added by a collector or dealer to 'improve' the Waffenfrock and added the ribbons to the second buttonhole because they thought that's where they should be.......

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Jay, like Adrian says, either scenario is possible.

Cheers, Ade.

[LondonJay]

Yea I thought of the reason that Adrian said too. Thanks again guys

[LondonJay]

Another photo Jay

[Paul R]

There are plenty of period photos to show the buttonhole ribbons being worn in either the second or third buttonholes.

Regs are Regs and reality often contradicted them. For every two photographs where the uniform regulations were followed, there is one that is in violation.