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E038. RLB Marked Luftschutz Bag. Good looking and well marked RLB Bag. This piece is 9 inches wide. The height is 9 inches at the highest point and 6 inches at the lowest point. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures)
E085. Small Plate. Good looking Small Plate measuring 16.5cm in diameter. See pictures...$ 20.00 (Pictures)
E097. Lot of Three German Third Reich Vintage Equipment Information Plates. Nice looking Lot of Three German Third Reich Vintage Equipment Information Plates. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures)
E103. Black Leather Medic Pouch. Good looking Black Leather Medic Pouch. See pictures...$ 85.00 (Pictures)
E160cj. Luftschutz Marked Axe. See pictures...$ 950.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
E167. Replacement Glass Lens for Panzerschreck. See pictures...$ 30.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
E170. Wehrmacht Officer's Dress Aiguillette. Excellent example. See pictures...$ 175.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
E171. German WW2 Flashlight. Nice version. See pictures...$ 85.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
E172. German WW2 Flashlight. Nice version. See pictures...$ 85.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
E173. German WW2 Flashlight. Nice version. See pictures...$ 85.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
E176. German War Games Helmet Band. Reversible depending on team. Third Reich vintage. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
E177. German War Games Helmet Band. Reversible depending on team. Third Reich vintage. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
E179. German WW2 Flashlight. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
E180. German WW2 Flashlight. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
E181. German WW2 Flashlight. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
E182. German WW2 Flashlight. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
E184. German WW2 Flashlight. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
E185. German WW2 Flashlight. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
E193. K-98 Ammo Pouch, 2 Compartment Version. Factory unissued and factory cut down, reissued in 1947 to Austrian Gendarmerie. RB numbered. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
E194. K-98 Ammo Pouch, 2 Compartment Version. Factory unissued and factory cut down, reissued in 1947 to Austrian Gendarmerie. RB numbered. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
E196. Police Gaiters. Well-marked. Un-issued. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
E197. WW2 German Military Morse Telegraph Key. Local vet bringback. Very nice condition as these are usually beat up and missing the wire. See pictures...$ 125.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
E198. WW2 German Military Morse Telegraph Key. Local vet bringback. Very nice condition as these are usually beat up and missing the wire. See pictures...$ 125.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
E199. WW2 German Military Morse Telegraph Key. Local vet bringback. Very nice condition as these are usually beat up and missing the wire. See pictures...$ 125.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
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The Importance of Field Gear in the Wehrmacht
Every nation's army relies on the individual soldier's ability to survive, fight, and maintain equipment in the field. The German Wehrmacht of the Second World War was no exception, and its approach to field gear was both systematic and thorough. From the humble bread bag to the complex radio set, each piece of equipment was designed with a specific purpose and manufactured to exacting standards. This standardization not only streamlined production but also ensured that replacements could be readily issued. Collectors today prize these items not only for their historical significance but also for the insight they provide into the daily life of the German soldier.
When examining original field gear, one quickly notices the abundance of maker marks, waffenamt stamps, and date codes. These markings are crucial for authentication and often reveal the item's production facility and year of manufacture. For example, leather goods frequently bear three-letter codes such as 'bla' or 'bml', while metal items may display a manufacturer's logo or an Rbnr (Reichsbetriebsnummer). Understanding these codes can greatly enhance a collector's appreciation and ability to verify originality.
Below we explore several categories of German field gear that are commonly encountered on the collector market, offering practical advice on identification, variation, and historical context. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a newcomer, this guide will help you navigate the fascinating world of Wehrmacht equipment.
Personal Equipment: From Bread Bags to Gaiters
The German soldier's personal equipment was designed to be carried on a belt and suspenders system, distributing weight evenly across the torso. The standard load included a bread bag (Brotbeutel), canteen (Feldflasche), mess kit (Kochgeschirr), and entrenching tool (Schanzzeug). These items were typically made from canvas, leather, and steel, with variations depending on the branch of service and the period of the war. Early-war equipment often featured high-quality leather, while later production shifted to ersatz materials due to shortages.
Gaiters, or Gamaschen, were worn by both soldiers and police units to protect the lower legs and keep debris out of boots. The example listed as E196 is a well-marked, unissued pair, indicating they likely spent the war in storage. Such unissued condition is highly desirable, as most gaiters show heavy wear. When collecting personal gear, pay close attention to stitching, rivets, and the presence of any ink stamps or issue markings. For instance, police-issued items often bear a police eagle or a 'Po.' stamp.
A common item that collectors often overlook is the small field plate or bowl. The one listed as E085 measures 16.5cm in diameter and is a fine example of the simple, utilitarian design used by the German military. These plates were often made from enameled steel or aluminum and could be used for both eating and cooking. Check for signs of period use, such as chips in the enamel or staining, which can add character but reduce value if excessive.
Communications Gear: Keeping the Lines Open
Effective communication was vital to the success of German military operations, and a wide array of equipment was developed to facilitate it. Field telephones, switchboards, and telegraph keys were standard issue at various command levels. The Morse telegraph keys listed above (E197, E198, E199) are excellent examples of the type used by German signal units. These keys allowed operators to transmit messages via wire using Morse code, a method that remained reliable even when radio communications were compromised.
When examining a German telegraph key, look for the manufacturer's markings, often stamped on the base or key arm. Many were produced by firms such as Siemens & Halske, Lorenz, or Telefunken. The condition of the key's contacts and the presence of the original connecting wire are important factors in determining value. The keys listed here are described as local vet bringbacks in very nice condition, which suggests they were carefully preserved after the war. Such provenance adds to their historical appeal.
Other communications items that collectors frequently seek include field phones (Feldfernsprecher), cable reels, and even carrier pigeon equipment. As with all militaria, originality is paramount. Reproduction telegraph keys and field phones have flooded the market, so it is essential to study known originals or purchase from reputable dealers.
Illumination and Signaling: Flashlights and Beyond
Flashlights, or Taschenlampen, were ubiquitous in the German military, used for everything from reading maps at night to signaling between units. The many flashlights listed on this page (E171, E172, E173, E179, E180, E181, E182, E184, E185) represent the variety of models that were produced. These ranged from small pocket lights to larger, more robust versions with metal bodies and colored lenses for signaling.
Collectors should be aware of the differences between civilian and military models. Military flashlights often feature a field gray, ordnance tan, or black finish and may bear a waffenamt stamp. Some models were designed to accept colored filters that could be flipped into place for signaling. The 'Dynamo' type flashlight, which operated by squeezing a handle to generate power, was also issued to some troops. When purchasing a flashlight, check that the switch functions, the bulb is present (though often non-functional), and the battery compartment is free of corrosion. Original batteries are a bonus but rarely found.
Beyond flashlights, the German military used a variety of signaling devices, including signal pistols, flares, and even signal mirrors. These items are highly collectible, but caution is advised when dealing with pyrotechnic components due to safety and legal restrictions.
Specialized Equipment: Tool and Utility Items
Field gear also encompassed a range of tools and utility items essential for survival and maintenance. Axes, saws, wire cutters, and entrenching tools were standard issue for pioneer units but were also carried by regular infantry. The Luftschutz marked axe listed as E160cj is a particularly interesting piece, as it was issued to air raid protection personnel. Its markings indicate its specific role in civil defense, making it a unique collectible.
When examining tools, inspect the maker's marks and any unit or branch markings. Luftschutz items often feature the letters 'LS' or the stylized eagle of the Reichsluftschutzbund. The condition of the wooden handle and the sharpness of the blade are also important, though many collectors prefer items with honest wear from use.
Other specialized equipment includes gas mask canisters, medical pouches (such as the black leather medic pouch listed as E103), and horse equipment. Each category offers a wealth of variations and a deep field of study for the dedicated collector. As always, provenance and originality are key.
Collecting Tips and Final Thoughts
Building a collection of German field gear can be a rewarding endeavor, but it requires knowledge and diligence. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:
- Study originals: Familiarize yourself with known examples through reference books, online forums, and reputable dealer sites.
- Buy from trusted sources: Dealers with a good reputation, like German War Booty, often provide guarantees of authenticity.
- Condition matters: While some wear is acceptable, items in excellent or unissued condition command premium prices.
- Look for markings: Original markings are a strong indicator of authenticity, but beware of faked stamps.
- Consider the context: Items with a documented history or vet bringback provenance add intangible value.
Whether you are drawn to the utilitarian simplicity of a bread bag or the technical precision of a telegraph key, German field gear offers a tangible connection to the past. We hope this guide has provided useful insights and encourages you to explore our catalog further. As always, we are interested in purchasing quality items for our inventory, so if you have something to sell, please do not hesitate to contact us.