Feurwerker - Specialist patch

[Neil Hever]

Hi folks, Here are three Feurwerker patches from my collection. The patch was issued in dark green, Feldgrau and tropical backing. The middle example has silver edging. I have read different descriptions about the use of silver piping and just want to confirm the purpose. As I understand, the Feurwerker was an ordnance NCO and the silver piping denotes length of service. I am still trying to come up with a decent reference list for my own collection and for others to use. Feedback welcome. Neil

[JPhilip]

Hello,
Neil : The silver piping does not denote the length of service, it indicates that the bearer of the arm insignia officially holds this position within his unit.
For example, there may be several soldiers from the same unit who succeed the Sanitäter session, but as their unit only needs two of them, only these two will get the silver piping, the rest having the unpiped insignia.
These trade patches were first produced on Feldgrau backing for the Reichsheer, and on dark green and Feldgrau again for the Heer (and of course there was also a production for the tropical theater).
Thanks

[Neil Hever]

Thanks for the clarification. This is a somewhat confusing area of insignia. Books on the subject are either lacking detail or have errors in their description. Plus, the issued insignia changed over time with some being withdrawn (Veterinary) and others being added (Kraftzeug) as the war progressed. I appreciate any help on the subject. NH

[Fred Green]

Hello,

The band around the specialty patch was not just for position in the Manning Table of organization and Equipment (MTOE) of a unit but also to denote War time or Peace time training. In the Angolia/Schlicht series it describes it pretty well.



Here are a couple of examples that I have:

Reichsheer on Moleskin
Reichsheer in Bullion (For a walking out uniform)
RH/TR transitional piece(Small insignia/Dark green backing material



Fred

[Danmark]

These do not have the woven backing do they?

[Fred Green]

Hello,

Here is a picture of the reverse. The transitional piece is the only one that does not have a backing.


Fred

[Neil Hever]

Fred, thanks so much for your input. I should get the book you mentioned. It traces the history by the actual order. I reorganized my collection of specialist insignia based upon previous feedback including the introduction of the Kraftfahrzeug/Handwerker patches in 1943. NH

[Danmark]

Thanks Fred. What is the consensus on "woven back" trade patches then? I have heard stories of them being immediate post war production to satisfy the GI collector market. What should we believe?
Regards Dan

[Fred Green]

Hello,

I'm not sure what you mean about "woven back". What ever it is it sounds like collector myth to me. There has never been a demand for specialty patches mostly because they don't have swastikas. G.I.s brought home junk with swastikas!! Johannes Flock brought in repro bevo weave patches from obscure and civil organizations in the 1970's. Some had the design changed and a swastika added for more appeal.

Fred

[Danmark]

I'll try to find a photo. Like a mesh material but quite pronounced. Seems to be adhered to the felt but embroidery goes through it. Like the grey unbordered one but coarser weave.