the marshall batton.doc

8/12/2019 the marshall batton.doc

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The Luftwae

Luftwae Generalmajor uniformThis tunic is believed to have belonged to Hermann Plocher.(private collection)

Luftwae Generalleutnant uniform (un-named)(private collection)


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Luftwae Generalmajor tunic (un-named)(private collection)


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Luftwae General der Flieger tunic and White topped visor

(Ron Richter collection)


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The Kriegsmarine

Kriegsmarine Konteradmiral olf !ohannesson"s #lue

uniformJohannesson was veteran destroyer commandant, eventuallybecoming Chie o the !th"estroyer #lotilla and $cting Commandero %attle &roups 'orway in ! * !!. Post+war Johannesson wenton to become Commander o The #leet (&rand $dmiral euivalent)in -/0 and served in this position until his retirement in -1-.(private collection)


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Kriegsmarine $i%eadmiral von Trotha"s #lue uniform(private collection)


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Kriegsmarine Konteradmiral"s Field Gra& TunicThe very rare 2eld gray $dmirals tunic with its stunning bluebac3ed $dmiral ran3 insignia (private collection)


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Kriegsmarine Field Gra& 'dmiral"s tunic(private collection)


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Kriegsmarine $i%eadmiral Kliamp"s Greatcoat4li3amp was the commader o the 5chlesswig Holstein when it2red the opening salvos at "an6ig to start 7orld 7ar Two.(private collection)


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olitical* +iplomatic and ,ivil

inister of the .nterior Wilhelm Fric tunic(private collection)


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0' Gruppenfuhrer* 1234 an .nsignia Tunic(private collection)


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0' Gruppenfuhrer* 1233 an .nsignia Tunic(private collection)


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Waen 00 Gruppenfuhrer und Generalleutnant a6 0imonThis tunic was given to 5imons deense attorney as partialpayment or his deense against war crimes. (private collection)


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Waen 00 7/ergruppenfuhrer Georg Keppler tunic4eppler was the 2rst Commanding &eneral o "er #uhrer regimentwhen he was awarded his 4nights Cross and over the remainingcourse o the war held more senior commands in the 7a:en 55than any other &eneral.


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Waen 00 #rigadefuhrer und Generalmajor un-named tunic(7illi 5chumacher collection)


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Waen 00 Gruppenfuhrer tunic* un-named(7illi 5chumacher collection)


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Waen 00 7/erGruppenfuhrer piped tunic* un-named(7illi 5chumacher collection)


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Waen 00 7/erGruppenfuhrer Greatcoat* un-named(7illi 5chumacher collection)


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7/erst-gruppenfuhrer und Generalo/erst der Waen 000epp +ietrich"s Leather 7vercoat(private collection)


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olice Generalmajor un-named tunic(private collection)


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Waen 00 General"s visor cap(7illi 5chumacher collection)


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00 7/ergruppenfuhrer Karl Wol tunic(private collection)


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00 7/ergruppenfuhrer Werner Loren% tunic(private collection)


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00 Formal +ress tunic of Foreign inister !oachim voni//entrop

(private collection)


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00 ess +ress Tunic for a 0tandartenfuhrer* un-namedThough not o &eneral o;cer ran3 (Colonel euivalent), this is ane


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The 'rm& General"s (:eer)

Generalo/erst :ein% Guderian"s #lac an%er 9niform(rom the 8unster museum, courtesy "aniel Robinson)


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Period photo o &uderian wearing his blac3 pan6er wrap. 'otice how the three pips

are centered in the middle o his shoulderboards, as on the e


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German 'rm& General der .nfanterie Kuno-:ans von #oth&eneral der =n. >on %oth was one o the most highly decorated&enerals in a career spanning two 7orld 7ars. He was awardedthe Pour le 8erite (%lue 8a


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German 'rm& Generalmajor :ans #essel5ervice tunic o &eneralma@or %essel, who directed the engineering

o the &ustav line orti2cations under the direction o&eneraleldmarschall 4esserling. (private collection)


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Generalleutnant ;rich 0chopper uniform(private collection)


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Generalleutnant ;rwin ac"s uniform and visor8ac3 was the commander o the ArdPan6er "ivision and was3illed by a 5oviet mortar barrage on $ug A1 -!A near 'owoPoltaws3o@e in the Caucasus region o southern Russia. Three othe o;cers o his sta: were 3illed right ne


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Generalmajor tunic* named to :ermann #acher(Thomas 5uter collection)


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Generalmajor overcoat* un-named'icely tailored overcoat or a &eneral o;cer. 'otice the large,oversi6ed &enerals shoulderboards designed or use on theovercoat. (Thomas 5uter collection)


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'rm& Generalleutnant tunic(private collection)


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'rm& Generalmajor Waenroc arade +ress Tunic(private collection)


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'dministrative Generalintendant tunic(private collection)


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General der .nfanterie 0chu/ert groupingPersonal soldbuch and 3nights cross award recommendationdocument or &eneral 5chubert. (John 8. "onovan collection)


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'rm& Generalleutnant :ein% Greiner"s uniform&reiner was the commander o the &erman orces at $n6io duringthe $llied beach landing and was also one o the &erman $rmycommanders at 8onte Cassino. (private collection)


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'rm& Generalleutnant :ans Greiner"s Greatcoat(private collection)

'rm& Generalo/erst Falenhorst"s tunic(Howard 4elley collection)


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'rm& 'dministrative General"s tunic(Howard 4elley collection)


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'rm& General"s 9niformsThese 2ve e


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'rm& General"s 9niformsThese three e


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'rm& Generalmajor Fangohr"s 9niform and Greatcoat(private collection)


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'rm& Generalmajor $on der Lochau"s Waenroc


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are General 7


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Hermann &orings white summer tunic. The breast eagle is missing but the many loops or hisribbons and decorations are still intact. (photo courtesy o samlerorumet.net)


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$ close up o the let side collar tab on &orings white uniorm showingthe highly detailed insignia or the Reichsmarschall.


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$ close up o &orings Reichsmarschall shoulderboard. =t appears as though theboard may have been restored to the tunic at some point due to the poor sewing

@ob on the seam and the act the retaining button is silver (it should be gold).(=mperial 7ar 8useum collection * photo courtesy Colin #indlay)

Hermann &orings shoulderboard insignia or the ran3 oReichsmarschall.


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-!- pattern Reichsmarschall collar tab or the right collar showing thecrossed marshals batons surrounded by laurel leaves. The let collar tab

was also a mirror image o this design (as seen on the &oring uniorme


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Construction detail o the Reichsmarschall tab. $ge and corrosion has ta3enaway some o the color detail o the silver and gold bullion, but still reveals ahigh amount o uality in the wor3manship and materials used to ma3e the

highest ran3 o 7orld 7ar Two.(private collection)


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$ pair o -!- pattern Reichsmarschall collar tabs.'otice the very distinct brocade bac3ground abric that all o the &oring tabs e


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-!- pattern Reichsmarschall collar tab


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Reichsmarschall shoulderboard.

7hat is interesting about the gold R8 shoulderboard ran3 devices arethe lac3 o detail on the crossed batons in comparison to the silverbaton devices on boards (which were 2nely detailed accuraterepresentations, see But or Heer pages). The R8 batonsare also shorter and do not have an accurate representation o the

number o =ron CrossF7ehrmacht eagleF%al3an cross symbols that areon the actual R8 baton.
http://www.themarshalsbaton.com/Luft%20GFM.htmhttp://www.themarshalsbaton.com/GFM%20and%20High%20Ranks.htmhttp://www.themarshalsbaton.com/GFM%20and%20High%20Ranks.htmhttp://www.themarshalsbaton.com/Luft%20GFM.htm


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Butwa:e &enerals breast eagle rom the &oring tunic.


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?ne e


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This e


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Period color photo o &oring showing the bright gold embroidery andreIective brocade underlay o the collar tabs.


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&oring in his ull Reichsmarschall uniorm and regalia (his R8 baton can beseen a;


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German eichsfuhrer 00 > :einrich :immlerReichsuhrer Heinrich Himmlers white summer tunic. This is the

only 3nown surviving e


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>iew o the uniue Reichsuhrer collar tabs and single shoulderboard.(private collection)


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Bet and right collar tabs or Reichsuhrer 55. This pattern was used rom -! untilthe end o the war.



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5houlderboard or the ran3 o Reichsuhrer 55. This board is rom the same outstanding whitetunic that the above collar tabs came rom. =ts a standard $llgemeine 55 &enerals

shoulderboard with the addition o a ran3 device consisting o three oa3leaves (as in the R#55collar tab). This device was colored silver rom -! until "ecember o - at which time itas changed to bron6e. $pril o -!A ound another regulation changing it bac3 again to silver.


s a note o interest, there were #=>D men that held the ran3 or title o Reichsuhrer+55, inronological orderK

) Julius 5chrec3, $pril -A/ to $pril -A1) Jose %erchtold, $pril -A1 to 8arch -AL) Drhard Heiden, 8arch -AL to AE January -A) Heinrich Himmler, AE January -A to E $pril -!/) 4arl Hen3e, E $pril -!/ to his murder L 8ay -!/ at the hands o C6ech partisans

ear 'eudor in the 5udetenland.

$nother original e


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Himmler wearing his standard 2eld gray Reichsuhrer uniorm.

eichschancellor 'dolf :itler"s #rown olitical LeadersTunicHitler was, o course, the highest ran3ing individual in the ThirdReich, being not only the Chancellor and President o &ermany, butalso sel appointed 5upreme Commander o all the &erman $rmed#orces. (private collection)


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eichsleiter artin #ormann"s White TunicThis 7hite 5ummer Tunic ? 8artin %ormannMs 7as Retrieved #rom

The %asement ? The %ergho %y 7arrant ?;cer Robert &. Diland,rd =nantry "ivision, . 5. $rmy. (private collection)


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eichsjugendfuhrer 'rtur '6mann$ pair o matching collar tabs or the ran3 o Reichs@ugenduhrer, aposition held by $rtur $


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$ period photograph o $rtur $


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The above insignia in wear by 7alter %uch.

eichsleiter of the ?0+'This was the highest 'a6i party ran3 (below Hitler, who was #uhrer)and was held by several di:erent men. #or a study o thisinteresting ran3 and the individuals who held it, see theReichsleiter ?verview. (private collection)
http://www.themarshalsbaton.com/Reichsleiter%20Overview.htmhttp://www.themarshalsbaton.com/Reichsleiter%20Overview.htm


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eichsleiter Walter #uch"s collar ta/s

These tabs belonged to '5"$P Reichsleiter and 55?bergruppenuhrer 7alter %uch and were veteran acuired.


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This rare grouping was acuired by Joe 5tepnic3 (pictured above) when heremoved them rom 7alter %uchs cabin on Ba3e $mersee while with the

Third $rmy in the 5pring o -!/. 5tepnic3 pic3ed up this insignia, a photoalbum and %uchs 55 insignia as well (which can be viewed in detail in the

55 Personality insigniapage).

?0+' Gauleiter ,ollar Ta/s* 12@A > 123B attern(private collection)
http://www.themarshalsbaton.com/W-SS%20tabs.htmhttp://www.themarshalsbaton.com/W-SS%20tabs.htm


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German WWC Luftwae Leitender Fliegeringenieur

,heDngenieur (Generalsta/singenieur)


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This was the highest ran3 o the Butwa:e Corps o Dngineers,roughly the euivalent o a &eneralleutnant and was held by asingle person. (Hol6auge collection)

&eneralstabsingenieur collar tab or wear on the let collar. (Hol6auge)

German WWC Luftwae Fliegeringenieur ,heDngenieur(%oward collection)


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=m always loo3ing or rare high ran3s or this page. = you havesomething youd li3e to contribute, whether its something not shown

here or additional e


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The German

'rm& (:eer)

Generalfeldmarschall.nsignia

GF von anstein

5ince the early days o organi6ed warare there have always beenleaders on the battle2eld and in the war room whom have utili6ed

some orm o ultimate authority over the direction o their armiesduring wartime. The ran3ing system evolved out o the need todirect and manage varying numbers o men and euipment and asthe armies e


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1stattern (12@E-@2)&eneraleldmarschall shoulderboards in gold and silver bullion with early stylecrossed batons. This particular e


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Cndattern 1231 st&le ('pril @* 1231 - 123B)This second pattern incorporated yet another change the shoulderboard itselwas now altered in that the inner silver cord was now replaced by a gold cord.

This beautiul e


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'rm& st&le /atonsClose+up view o the -!E pattern

&eneraleldmarschall batons or the $rmy(Heer). The $rmy pattern alternates

between the iron cross, wehrmacht eagle

and a repeat o the iron cross. Thise


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"etail o the Andpattern, silver rosted Heer batons.


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$nother e


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5hown here are 5eptember -!E invoices rothe @eweler J. &odet 5ohn or an order o shoulderboard baton devices. This order is orpair o devices or each #ield 8arshal, li3elycorresponding to the July -!E promotion o -

&eneraloberst to the ran3 o &eneraleldmarsc( Heer and Butwa:e). 7e can assume thatthis was an initial provision made upon promoto each , the si< pair li3ely being to accouor wear on the shoulderboards adorning the&reatcoat, leather overcoat, dress, service an2eld tunics and perhaps a shirt. ?ne can alsoassume that each li3ely ordered moredevices as needed. There is no indication o aorder or speci2c pattern, ie Heer or Butwa:e


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AndPattern (-!- style) &eneraleldmarschall boards with all three gold cords asper the $pril -!- regulation change. This e


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$ close up o the silver hallmar3 o N0EE stamped in the end cap o the batons.(Hol6auge Historical)

$n all gold cord bullion e


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$nother e


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-st pattern &eneraleldmarschall batons on the white summer tunic o Bist.

(8i3e Peters collection)

&eneraleldmarshcall Ritter von Beebs -stPattern &eneraleldmarschallshoulderboards in gold and silver bullion with early style, silver crossed batons.

(Hol6auge Historical)


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-st pattern silver &eneraleldmarschall batons on early gold bullion and silvershoulderboards o the rare 2ve loop variant. These are slip+ons and considering the

si6e o the boards are li3ely or use on the greatcoat.(private collection)

$nother e


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o photographs o von Paulus in captivity. The earlier picture, on the let, shows him shortlyer surrendering his army at 5talingrad. 'otice he is wearing the insignia o &eneraloberst on hisoulderboards, though Hitler had already promoted him to &eneraleldmarschall. Hitler awardedthe promotion while Paulus was surrounded by the Russians in hopes that Paulus would not

surrender. The later picture, on the right, shows Paulus in captivity. 'otice his breast eagle ismoved, yet he now e


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12@2 > 1234 pattern#rom the -Es until $pril o -!- &eneraleldmarschall wore the same standard

pattern collar tabs as all other &eneral ?;cers, which e


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1231 pattern=n $pril o -!- an order was issued to create a separate collar tab design speci2callyor &eneraleldmarschall, adding a third Gprong or Glea in the middle o the design.This e


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&eneraleldmarschall pattern collar tab in 2ne gold wire rom the uniorm o von8anstein.


$nother -!- &eneraleldmarschall standard pattern collar tab embroidered in two tonegold wire, very similar in manuacture to the von 8anstein e


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&eneraleldmarschall collar tabs rendered in celleon with yarn highlights.$lmost a match to the Beeb tabs (probably same manuacturer) showing

heavy staining to the celleon areas o the embroidery with the yarnhighlights not showing any a:ects.


&eneraleldmarschall standard pattern collar tab produced in a mi


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'rm& GF 0leeve Grade .nsignia

&eneraleldmarschall sleeve ran3 insignia or use on all uniorm garmentswithout shoulderboards, e:ective $ugust -!A.

(Pieter >erbruggen collection)

The Generalfeldmarschall"s +agger


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Kaiser Wilhelm .."s Generalfeldmarschall 0houlder/oardsThese large boards belonged to 4aiser 7ilhelm == as Chie o the4ings -st%avarian hlan Regiment --/ in the ran3 o&eneraleldmarschall. They are the ultra+rare eldgrau patterndisplaying crossed batons, royal cipher and =mperial crown.(Courtesy the 5cott 8cCaleb collection, "ahlonega, &$, 5$)


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Generalfeldmarschall Friedrich Fran% ..* Grand +ue ofeclen/urg-0chwerin 0houlder/oards


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These boards are rom the -0EEs and are courtesy the Thomas5uter collection.


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The Luftwae

Generalfeldmarschall.nsignia

$lbert 4esselring

=n the &erman Butwa:e o 7orld 7ar Two there were only si< menpromoted to the highest ran3 o &eneraleldmarschall (or a brieoverview and mini biographies o the But , go to the But %iospage). 7hen you consider that one o them, von &reim,

was only promoted in the last -A days o the war and another,Hermann &oring, was early in the war promoted up to

Reichsmarschall, it is a very rare ran3 indeed. $s such, originale


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The 2rst pattern -1+- Heer baton devices were also utili6ed, thise


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Qet another e


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Close+up views o the large si6e, Butwa:e pattern highly detailed solid cast aluminumbatons. =ts possible this si6e may have been manuactured or use on the large

overcoat boards though there is photographic evidence that some o the Butwa:e used them on tunic boards as well, more than li3ely to correspond with the

inherent oversi6e ego o their personalities, uite be2tting o this ran3. ?ne mighteven assume that Hermann &oring had a hand in the design o this larger style o

batons.



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riod photos o 8ilch and &oring both wearing the oversi6e batons on their tunic shoulderboards.


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&oring wearing the oversi6e batons on overcoat shoulderboards.(photos courtesy o Humberto Corado collection)


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4esselring with the larger si6ed batons on his tunicshoulderboards.

0ilver #aton ;6amples and +etail-


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Close up o the 2ne detail in the o stamping o these batons9.note that eventhe chest eathers o the 7ehrmacht eagle are visible in the stamping. =ncontrast, the Heer baton devices typically have much soter and less crisp

detail. Tiny detail li3e this is what set the &ermans apart rom other nationsin the uality o their military uniorms, and what 3eeps them at the orerontvalue+wise in the militaria 2eld o collecting today. 7hen you consider howew men held this ran3, it is almost unbelievable in todays world that suchattention to detail would be observed or a ran3 that only a handul o men


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would reali6e.

This set o silver batons have a silver rosting applied.(private collection)


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5ilver batons are sometimes mar3ed with silver content, in this case G0EE, which istypically stamped on one o the end caps.



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$ comparison o the larger Butwa:e baton devices in both aluminum (on thelet), and silver (on the right).


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$ set o the larger boards with bright gold cords and large silver batons.They were li3ely designed or use on the greatcoat and or more ormal,dress occasions, though photographic evidence shows that these were

also worn on tunics by 8ilch and 4esselring. 'ote that this is not aNmatched pair in that the button loops are both or the same side. =

you study period photographs you will notice that it is not unusual at allor 2eld grade and &eneral o;cers to have a mismatched set o boards

li3e this on their uniorms.(Costello collection)


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4esselring wearing a pair o the large, oversi6edshoulderboards on his tropical tunic. =t appears by the aint outlineo the batons that these boards have the oversi6ed batons as well.'ote the interim sta: tuc3ed under his arm and the white cap

top with removable eagle.


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$nother somewhat common tailors error was to put the boards on

the wrong sides (or bac3wards), thereby tilting the ace o theboards to the bac3 o the tunic rather than the ront, as seen hereon 5perrles tunic. Dvidence li3e this is a good thing or

collectors to 3eep in mind when adhering too tightly to Nabsolutes.Dven at the &eneraleldmarschall level the simplest regulations werenot always ollowed and their choice in tailors may not have alwaysbeen aware o regulations, nor been given a matched set to wor3

with.


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$nother Nabsolute oten bantered about by collectors is that the retainingprongs o boards should not protrude through the bac3ing. This is not

always the case, as the reverse o the above 8ilch boards shows. 8ost donot protrude, but some do. 8aterials used or the prongs can also vary.

(Costello Collection)


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wa:e s 8ilch, 5perrle and (to the right o Hitler and &oring), 4esselring. This is an interestio in that it shows the variance in si6e o shoulderboards that were worn amongst these thrn, with each wearing a di:erent si6e o boards. The largest man, 5perrle, is wearing the smallesds. 8ilch is wearing a very large, at set o boards (possibly overcoat si6e) and 4esselring appea

to be wearing a larger, or longer set as well.

$nother 8ilch shoulderboard in matte gold bullion, with G0EE stamped, silver batons.These are the slip+on style with screw post buttons, which also could be worn on the overcoat,

leather coat, shirt or 2eld tunic.(private collection)


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Close+up view o the highly detailed Butwa:e pattern batons stampedin 0EE silver.



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%ac3 o the slip+on shoulderboards showing the tongue and reverse o a screw+on button.(private collection)


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Period photograph o Reichsmarschall Hermann &oring and &eneraleldmarschall Drhard8ilch. 8ilch is wearing tunic si6e slip+on shoulderboards on his leather coat, very similar to

the e


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Regulation Butwa:e &eneraleldmarschall collar tab, beautiully handembroidered in gold bullion, gold wire and silver thread. The design

reIects a Butwa:e eagle overlaying wreath o oa3leaves andclutching two crossed, highly detailed batons on a white cloth

bac3ing. &old bullion piping edges the tab. $ stunning, te


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"etail view o the three basic design elements wreath, eagle andbatons.



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'otice the amount o detail present in the rendering o the batons, aeature the reproductions routinely ail to accomplish. $s these tabs

age they all e


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Regulation Butwa:e &eneraleldmarschall collar tab rom the uniormo 8ilch. $nother beautiully e


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Close+up view o the batons on the 8ilch tunic collar tab.(Hol6auge collection)


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$ matching set o collartabs or the let and right collars. 'otice that thisparticular set is edged and highlighted in celleon while the rest o the tab isembroidered in gold bullionFwire and silver. Ddging &enerals tabs in celleonwhile the basic design was in bullion seemed to be a common practice in the

Butwa:e.Courtesy 4ai 7in3ler


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Here is a rather interesting photograph o Drhard 8ilch wearing&eneraloberst tabs with a blac3 bac3ing, which was believed to be a

short term practice or &eneral o;cers when wor3ing with theReichslutahrtministerium ($ir 8inistry). Pictures also e


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&eneraleldmarschall Drhard 8ilch. 'ote the bright gold cords andlarger si6e shoulderboards. The collar tabs have shorter wing

e


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Piped service tunic with -!- regulation pattern shoulderboards andcollar tabs.


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Close up o the !- pattern shoulder boardshibiting the highly detailed silver batons and

all braid in gold as per regulation.

Close up o !- style collar tabs which are anelongated version o standard generals tabs

showing three prongs signiying&eneraleldmarschall.


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$ grouping o von %oc3 insignia reIecting a mi< o -!-regulation style shoulderboards in all gold cording with detailed

batons and non+regulation standard &eneral o;cer (not&eneraleldmarschall) collar tabs. This is not at all unusual. $ careulstudy o period photographs shows many wearing a mi


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Luftwae Generalfeldmarschall ;rhard ilchThis tunic belonging to 8ilch is courtesy o the Hol6augeHistorical collection. $n intensive study o 8ilchs insignia can beound in the Butwa:e &eneraleldmarschall page.
http://www.themarshalsbaton.com/Luft%20GFM.htmhttp://www.themarshalsbaton.com/Luft%20GFM.htm


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German 'rm& Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm List$ white summer tunic, cut in the old style with removable insigniaor Bist (8i3e Peters collection)


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German 'rm& Generalfeldmarschall ;rich von anstein?vercoat, tunic, pants and visor cap belonging to 8anstein.(private collection)


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Generalfeldmarschal ;wald von Kleist Greatcoat



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Generalfeldmarschal ;rwin ommel"s Tropical Tunic(#rom the 8unster museum, courtesy "aniel Robinson)


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Generalfeldmarschal ;rwin ommel 9niforms* +eath as8 Grave(#rom a private museum in Herrlingen, &ermany, courtesy JimPurdy, 5windon 4)


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Generalfeldmarschall von Lee/"s Greatcoat(courtesy Peter 7hamondFThe Collectors &uild)


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The Grossadmiral"s

Grossadmiral (Grand 'dmiral) Karl +onit%"s /lue uniformand visor cap(private collection)


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German Generalfeldmarschalls of WW2

The Heer (Army)


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(This page will be continuously updated with brief bios and interesting anecdotes throughout the year.Please check back)

Werner on !lomberg

Promotion "ate# $pril 2%& '*

G+, on !lomberg was the first of

-itlers appointed field marshals& and

also the first to be discharged. -e was

remoed from serice in ' due to

what some beliee was a manufactured

/scandal alleging his wife was a

former prostitute.


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Gerd on :undstedt

Promotion "ate# 0uly '& '1%

5ne of the more well respected field

marshals ne8t to :ommel& on

:undstedt came from a Prussian family

with a long military history. +aoring

the uniform of the honorary 6olonel

in hief7 of his old :egiment&

:undstedt always coneyed a sense of

class and authority. :undstedt was

appointed ;upreme ommander West

and was taken in and out of serice

many times due to disagreements with

-itler. -e was one of the few Germancommanders who were neer tried for

war crimes. +or an in depth character

study of on :undstedt& please isit my

von Rundstedt page.

+edor on !ock


G+, on !ock achieed early

notoriety in the capture of Paris&

earning him the marshals baton. !ock

spent the ma


266/449

Wilhelm :itter on =eeb


G+, on =eeb was a deeply religious

man who had a dislike of the 9a>i

party. $s an honorary general /at

disposal of $rtillery :egiment 9o. ?&

he was entitled to wear the uniform of

his regiment (pictured here& note the

collar tabs of the regiment). =eeb was

the commander of the armies that

made the rapid assault on =eningrad&

only to be stopped short by -itler and

doomed to a winter stalemate. =eeb

asked to be relieed and after 0anuaryof 12 spent the remaining years of the

war in retirement.

Wilhelm =ist


G+, =ist was known to be more of an

administratie tactician and was at one

time ;upreme ommander ;outh 3ast.

-e was sacked by -itler in the fall of

'12 after refusing to commit battle

weary troops to further action and

spent the remainder of the war on the

inactie list.


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Werner on :eichenau


G+, :eichenau was one of the few

loyal 9a>is and anti@;emites amongst

the General officer corps and was not

faored by his peers& seeral refusing

to sere under him. -e was& howeer&

a faorite of -itlers which sered to

adance him in the rank hierarchy. At

was to be a short lied ride as

:eichenau was killed in a plane crash

in early '12.

3rwin :ommel

Promotion "ate# 0une 22& '12

Probably one of the most well known&

respected and popular Generals of alltime& G+, :ommel was a tireless

frontline commander who showed an

early talent for innoation in tank

warfare. Though known as a post war

hero for his implication in the plot

against -itler and his related suicide&

history suggests there may hae been

no connection.


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Georg on 4uchler

Promotion "ate# 0une %& '12

3arly success in capturing !elgium

and the 9etherlands earned G+,

4uchler faor with -itler& who put

him in charge of $rmy Group 9orth

as =eebs replacement. -e was later

sacked& like many others of his rank&

for a disagreement with -itler oer

withdrawing troops from a hopeless

situationB.a common thread you will

read throughout the descriptions of

these field marshals.

3rich on ,anstein

Promotion "ate# 0uly '& '12

G+, on ,anstein was a brilliant

infantry and field commander who at

one time commanded up to *%

diisions on the :ussian front.

,anstein was so admired by his

adersaries that a group of !ritish

officers actually paid for his defense

during war crimes trials.


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+riedrich Paulus

Promotion "ate# 0anuary '& '1

Paulus was in the unfortunate position

of being promoted field marshal by

-itler while surrounded by :ussian

troops in ;talingrad& and then ordered

not to surrender. $t the time& no

German field marshal had eer been

captured and -itler belieed that by

ordering this promotion surrender

would not occur. This was not to be

and Paulus lied the remainder of his

life in communist captiity as their

war souenir.

3wald on 4leist

Promotion "ate# 0anuary %& '1

G+, on 4leist was one of the first

pan>er commanders of General officer

rank and led the well known

!lit>krieg against +rance. 4leist had

much success on the :ussian front&

but like many other commanders was

eentually sacked by -itler and spent

the last year and a half of the war out

of serice.


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,a8imilian +reiherr on

Weichs


G+, Weichs was another in the long

line of Generals who e8perienced

early success in the Polish and +rench

campaigns& leading to Cuick

promotion on up the General

hierarchy. Weichs was in charge of

$rmy Group ! during the disastrous

siege of ;talingrad and ensuing

encirclement and capture of the *th

$rmy and Generaloberst Paulus.

Weichs warnings to -itler of thisimpending doom sent him into resere

status& only to be actiated later in the

war to oersee a retreat from Greece

and Dugoslaia.

3rnst !usch


G+, !usch had a strong military

background haing been a field

commander throughout the entire first

World War. Though apolitical& !usch

had a tendency to relentlessly follow

-itlers orders een at the cost of

large numbers of his own troops&

leading to many promotions. Though

at one time sacked by -itler& !usch

was there at the end to preside oer

surrender terms to the $llies.


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Walter ,odel

Promotion "ate# ,arch '& '11

G+, ,odel was another of the front

line commanders who could often be

found leading his troops into battle.

4nown as the 6fuhrers fireman7&

,odel was often called upon by

-itler to take on the most challenging

situations& at one time commanding

oer '%% diisions as head of both

$rmy Group 9orth and $rmy Group

enter. An late $pril of 1E&

surrounded by F.;. troops in the :uhr

pocket and fearing surrender& ,odelcommitted suicide.


273/449

+erdinand ;chorner

Promotion "ate# $pril E& '1E

G+, ;chorner was the last army

Generals that -itler promoted to field

marshal. -e was one of the more well

decorated officers of both World Wars

and was known for being an ardent

party member& shrewd tactician and

always being on the front line of the

battle.

&erman &eneraleldmarschalls o 77A

The Luftwae

(This page will be continuously updated with brie bios and interesting anecdotesthroughout the year. Please chec3 bac3)


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Hugo 5perrle

Promotion "ateK July -, -!E

The gru: aced 5perrlewas commander o the CondorBegion during the 5panish Civil

7ar and one o theinstrumental commanders in

the %attle o %ritain. $s $irCommander 7est, his inability

to be a orce in stopping the'ormandy landing led to hisdismissal in $ugust o -!!.

$lbert 4esselring

Promotion "ateK July -, -!E

'ic3named G5miling $lbertor his enthusiasm and

penchant or a wide grin, Tesselring was probably best

3nown or his role as 5upremeCommander 5outh. =n this

capacity he commanded all osouthern Durope and $rica

(being Rommels superior) andwas a particular thorn in the$llies side during their slow,

costly battle up the leg o =taly.4esselring was also one o theew high ran3ing o;cers who

never ell out o avor withHitler and was never relieved

rom service.


276/449

7olram #reiherrvon Richthoen

Promotion "ateK #ebruary -1,

-!

$s distant cousin to theamous GRed %aron von

Richtoen, Richthoen wasalso a 77- Iying ace with

eight N3ills to his credit. 77Aound him with Begion Condor

early in the war and thencommanding a #lying Corps.

Richthoen was a very capablecommander who ormed an

e


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4arl "onit6

Promotion "ateK January E,-!

&rand $dmiral 4arl "onit6 willalways hold a notorious placein history as the last President

o the Third Reich, havingbeen appointed Hitlers

successor. $ successul +%oat commander in the 2rstwar, "onit6 was to becomethe main orce behind thebuild+up o the submarine

service in 77A and ather othe G7ol Pac3 strategy o

sub convoy attac3 that sentmany tons o allied ships to

the bottom o the sea. "onit6survived war crimes

allegations against him andlived in retirement in &ermany

where he wrote two boo3sabout his e


279/449

The Luftwae

#aton of Luftwae Generalfeldmarschall :ermann Goring&orings &eneraleldmarschall baton, courtesy the collection o the

'ational =nantry 8useum, #ort %enningFColumbus, &eorgia andproperty o the nited 5tates $rmy (Photograph courtesy o themuseum).

$dditional photographs below courtesy o 5teve Russell.


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#aton of eichsmarschall :ermann GoringHermann &orings Reichsmarschall baton, courtesy the collectiono the 7est Point 8useum.(Photographs courtesy o "ietrich 8aer6).


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The :eer ('rm&)

#aton of Generalfeldmarschall a6imllian Freiherr vonWeichs#reiherr von 7eichs &eneraleldmarschall baton, courtesy thecollection o the 'ational =nantry 8useum, #ort%enningFColumbus, &eorgia and property o the nited 5tates$rmy.

$dditional photographs below courtesy o 5teve Russell.


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#aton of :eer Generalfeldmarschall Gunther von Kluge 4luges baton, courtesy the Pan6er 8useum at 8unster in

&ermany. Photographs courtesy o Pieter >erbruggen.


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The Kriegsmarine

#aton of Kriegsmarine Grossadmiral Karl +onit%&randadmiral "onit6s baton, courtesy the 5hropshire Regimental8useum, 5hrewsbury, nited 4ingdom. Photographs courtesy"avid %loor.


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e Replica %atonspage or e


308/449

Generalmajor&old bullion cording with silver inner cord, no ran3 pips on a bright red

underlay.

Generalleutnant&old bullion cording with silver inner cord, single ran3 pip on a bright

red underlay.

General der .nfanterie* etc&old celleon cording with silver inner cord, two ran3 pips.


309/449


310/449

Generalfeldmarschall > Cnd attern* 0eptem/er 12345tandard &eneral o;cer construction o two outer gold bullion cords and silveraluminum inner cord over a red underlay, with crossed baton devices in the And

pattern design with highly detailed crossed, silver batons which bore resemblanceto the actual Heer 8arshals baton.

Generalfeldmarschall > Cnd attern* 'pril 1231=n $pril o -!- a new regulation reuired the replacement o the inner silver cord

with gold cord so that all three braided cords were in &old (either bullion orcelleon) continued use o the highly detailed crossed, silver batons.

Collar TabsThe collar tabs show mar3ed di:erence between the &erman armed orcesin the designation o &eneral ?;cers. The army had one basic pattern or


311/449

&eneral ?;cer until -!- when a separate pattern was designed e


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Generalfeldmarschall&old bullion or celleon embroidery, with three center Nlea patterns rather than two.

This particular e


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up to a ma


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General der .nfanterie* etc&old celleon cording with silver inner cord, two ran3 pips.

Generalo/erst&old celleon cording with silver inner cord, three ran3 pips.


315/449

Generalfeldmarschall > 1st attern* 12@E - 12@25tandard &eneral o;cer shoulderboards in gold bullion and silver inner cord with

=mperial era style silver crossed batons.

Generalfeldmarschall > Cnd attern* 0eptem/er 12345tandard &eneral o;cer construction o two outer gold bullion cords and silveraluminum inner cord over a red underlay, with crossed baton devices in the And

pattern design with highly detailed crossed, silver batons which bore resemblanceto the actual Heer 8arshals baton.


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Generalfeldmarschall > Cnd attern* 'pril 1231=n $pril o -!- a new regulation reuired the replacement o the inner silver cord

with gold cord so that all three braided cords were in &old (either bullion orcelleon) continued use o the highly detailed crossed, silver batons.

Collar TabsThe collar tabs show mar3ed di:erence between the &erman armed orcesin the designation o &eneral ?;cers. The army had one basic pattern or

&eneral ?;cer until -!- when a separate pattern was designed e


317/449

Generalmajor through Generalo/erst

&old bullion or celleon embroidery, no ran3 pips.This particular e


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Generalfeldmarschall&old bullion or celleon embroidery, with three center Nlea patterns rather than two.

This particular e


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the bullion with aluminum ta3ing the place o the silver. The underlaywas typically cardboard covered with a elt li3e badge cloth.

$ top uality shoulderboard in bright gold bullion with silver inner cord. This is o the typeo uality most li3ely meant or a parade dress or ormal dress uniorm. The manuacturing

style is similar to the e


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$ subdued matte bullion e


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$nother celleon e


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&eneral der =nanterie shoulderboard again showing the oversi6e &eneral o;cer ran3pips. 'otice how the edges o the pips e


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&eneraloberst shoulderboard in gold bullion and silver inner cord. This e


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&eneral der =nanterie board rom the uniorm o 4uno+Hans von %oth, a well decorated Russianront veteran and Pour le 8erite and 4nights Cross recipient.


TopK $ &eneral o;cer in the 7arF8ilitary $dministration ?;ce, designated by a dar3 greenbase underlay with a gray secondary underlay.

%ottomK $n unusually constructed set o &eneralma@or boards or the $rmy in that the innercord which is typically in aluminum (when celleon is used or the gold cords) appears to bemade in a gray shade o celleon in a bas3etweave pattern. These boards were vet acuired

along with a group o other, original &eneral o;cer militaria, all un+issued.(private collection)


325/449

These boards are or a &eneral o;cer o the 7ehrmachtebeamte (an o;cial who did notpossess the status o a soldier, yet was a member o the $rmy) or the ran3 o

&eneralstabsintendant, or &eneralleutnant euivalent. The base underlay is a dar3 green witha secondary underlay o red.

(Hol6auge)


326/449

These boards are or a &eneral o;cer o the 7ehrmachtebeamte, who would have beenserving on the sta: o the ?47 or ?4H (High Command) and had the ran3 o &eneralintendant

or the euivalent o &eneralma@or. The base underlay is a dar3 green with a secondaryunderlay o red.

(Hol6auge)


327/449

$ set o boards or a &eneralma@or in the $dministrative 5ta: (Truppensonderdienst).

(Hol6auge)

The royal blue bac3ing and 8ercurian sta: indicate that this board was or a &eneral in

the $dministrative 5ta:, or Truppensonderdienst (the ran3 o &eneralleutnant).


328/449

%oard or a special career &eneral o;cer in the 8edical 5ervices, designated by theCornIower blue underlay and Caduceus insignia, in the euivalent o a &eneralma@or.

(Hol6auge)

%oard or a Heer &eneral o;cer in the 8edical 5ervices.(Ron Richter collection)


329/449

%oard or a "iplomatic Judicial &eneral. &old bullion and silver cord over wine redunderlay.

(courtesy Thomas 5uter collection)

%oard or a &eneral in the Judicial 5ervice. Celleon and aluminum cords over wine redunderlay.



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$nother 7ehrmachtebeamte o;cial with the ran3 o &eneral, serving on the sta: o theHigh Command.


&eneral ?;cer Ran3 =nsignia77A &ermany

The Butwa:eK

5houlderboardsThe Butwa:e in 7orld 7ar Two indicated &eneral ?;cer ran3 via insignialocated on the shoulder and collar. The shoulderboards began with a base

pattern o intertwined gold and silver cording. This base pattern, un+adornedwith ran3 pips designated the lowest &eneral o;cer ran3 o &eneralma@or

(euivalent to a %rigadier &eneral in the .5.F%ritish orces). #rom this baseboard pips were added consecutively as the ran3 increased up to a

ma


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Generalmajor&old bullion cording with silver inner cord over white underlay, no ran3

pips. This particular e


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General der Flieger&old bullion cording with aluminum inner cord over white underlay, two ran3pips.


Generalo/erst

&old bullion cording with silver inner cord over white underlay, three ran3 pipsarranged in a triangle ashion.(private collection)


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Generalfeldmarschall$ll three cords in &old bullion (as per regulation, $pril, -!-) over white underlay,

with crossed, silver batons which bore resemblance to the actual Butwa:e 8arshalsbaton. This e


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Collar TabsThe collar tabs show mar3ed di:erence between the &erman armed orces

in the designation o &eneral ?;cers. The Butwa:e, unli3e the $rmy or4riegsmarine, chose to display the individuals &eneral o;cer ran3 on thecollar tab in addition to the shoulder board. The ran3 was indicated by a

base gold wreath and a series o Nwings consecutively added in the middleor each progressive ran3 upgrade rom &eneralma@or through &eneral der#lieger. &eneraloberst and &eneraleldmarschall each had a Iying eagle,

clutching a swasti3a overlaying the base wreath. &eneraleldmarschall hadthe addition o silver, crossed batons.

Generalmajor&old bullion embroidered wreath over white underlay, with a single

set o wings.This particular e


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Generalleutnant

&old bullion embroidered wreath over white underlay, with two set owings.


336/449

General der Flieger&old bullion embroidered wreath over white underlay, with three sets

o wings.(private collection)


337/449

Generalo/erst&old bullion embroidered wreath, detailed with celleon highlights,

with Butwa:e Iying eagle clutching swasti3a superimposed over awhite underlay and edge piped in celleon(private collection)


338/449

Generalfeldmarschall

&old bullion embroidered wreath, with Butwa:e Iying eagle clutchingswasti3a over white underlay, adorned by a set o silver, crossed

batons.(private collection)


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eichsmarschall&old bullion embroidered laurel wreath surrounding highly detailed,

gold crossed marshals batons over a silver brocade abric.(private collection)

Butwa:e &enerals =nsignia &roupings$dditional D


340/449

$ matching set o Generalmajorcollar tabs in gold bullion.(Howard 4elly collection)


341/449

$ single collar tab or the let collar o a Generalmajor, inbullion.



342/449

$ single collar tab or the let collar o a Generalmajor, inbullion.

(Howard 4elly collection)


343/449

$n un+issued pair o Generalleutnanttabs still attached to cardboard bac3ing.(%oward+%rand collection)


344/449

$ sinlge collar tab or the let collar o a General derFlieger.



345/449

$ matched pair o collar tabs or the ran3 o General der Flieger.

The wreath and wings are embroidered in gold bullion and the edgeo the tabs is piped in celleon, which seems to be a somewhat

common practice.(Howard 4elly collection)


346/449

Generalo/erstcollar tabs, a very rare 2nd, manuactured in gold bullion with

celleon highlights and edging around the tabs.(Howard 4elly collection


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&eneraloberst von &reim portrait. 'otice the 2ne detail in the collartabs. $lso note the placement o the pips on his shoulderboards, with

all three pips centered in the middle o the board in a triangularashion. 8any collectors insist that the pips must be positioned down

towards the shoulder seam, yet photographic evidence shows that&eneraloberst used a variety o pip placements on their boards or

this ran3.

(%oward+%rand collection)


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&eneraloberst Rudel wearing the red branch color (or #la3) bac3ingon his collar tabs and shoulderboards indicating his position as Chie

o #la3.(%oward+%rand collection)


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8atching set or Generalingenieurin gold bullion.(Howard 4elly collection

Leitender Fl ,heDngenieurcollar tab or wear on the let collar.(Hol6auge Historical collection)

0houlder/oards


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5ingle shoulderboard or a Generalmajorin celleon and aluminum.(Howard 4elley collection)

5ingle shoulderboard or a Generalmajorin bullion and aluminum.(Hol6auge Historical)


352/449

Pair o shoulderboards or a Flieger-,heDngenieur(&eneralma@or euivalent) incelleon and aluminum.

(%oward+%rand collection)


353/449

5ingle shoulderboard or a Generalleutnantin bullion and silver.(Howard 4elley collection)

5ingle shoulderboard or a Generalleutnantin bullion and silver.(Hol6auge Historical)

5ingle shoulderboard or a General der Fliegerin bullion and silver.(Howard 4elley collection)


354/449

5ingle shoulderboard or a General der Fliegerin bullion and silver.(Hol6auge Historical)

5ingle, slip+on shoulderboard or a General der Fliegerin bullion and silver.(private collection)


355/449

5ingle shoulderboard or a General der Fliegerin bullion and silver.(Howard 4elley collection)

$ pair o shoulderboards or a General der Fliegerin bullion andsilver. 'ote the Nbas3etweave variant inner silver cording on this pair.

(Howard 4elley collection)


356/449

5ingle shoulderboard or the rare ran3 o a Generalo/erstin bullion and silver.'ote the Nbas3etweave variant inner silver cording as with the above e


357/449

.nsignia Groupings and ersonalit&Groupings


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=nsignia grouping or a Butwa:e Generalmajorthat was oundin 'orth $rica. The shoulderboards are or use on the whitesummer tunic and ar rendered in gold celleon and aluminumcords. The collar tabs are nicely constructed with two tone

bullion highlights and edged in celleon.

(Private collection)

Luftwae General 7


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Luftwae General 7


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7a:en 55 &eneral ?;cer Ran3s

The 7a:en 55 wore armed orces style &eneral o;cershoulderboards using the same style pip arrangements to indicateran3, yet much li3e the Butwa:e, had their own style o collartabswhich reIected the individual ran3 o the wearer. This collar ran3system ollowed that o the shoulderboards in using a base pattern

o three oa3leaves to indicate &eneral o;cer ran3 and the additiono pips to indicate the higher grades. The e


367/449

the same style and construction as that o the other branches oservice consisting o interwoven gold bullion and silver cords (orgold colored celleon and aluminum cords). The underlay or all

7a:en 55 &eneral o;cers was a mouse gray color.

00-#rigadefuhrer5Generalmajor der Waen 00&old bullion outer cords with inner silver braided cord over mouse gray underlay, with

no ran3 pips.

00- Gruppenfuhrer5Generalleutnant der Waen 00&old bullion outer cords with inner silver braided cord on a gray underlay, with a

single, silver ran3 pip.This particular specimen is on the 2eld uniorm o &eneral #rit6 von 5chol6 ande


368/449


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eichsfuhrer 00tandard $llgemeine 55 &enerals shoulderboard with the addition o a ran3 device consisting o

three oa3leaves (as in the R#55 collar tab). This device was colored silver rom -! until"ecember o - at which time it was changed to bron6e. $pril o -!A ound another

regulation changing it bac3 again to silver.(private collection)

Collar Tabs


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00-#rigadefuhrer5Generalmajor der Waen 00The base ran3 is signi2ed by three oa3leaves

00-Gruppenfuhrer5Generalleutnant der Waen 00

The base ran3 is signi2ed by three oa3leaves, with the addition o onepip.


371/449

00-7/ergruppenfuhrer5General der .nfantrie* etc* Waen 00The base ran3 is signi2ed by three oa3leaves, with the addition o two

pips.

00-7/erst-Gruppenfuhrer5Generalo/erst der Waen 00The base ran3 is signi2ed by three oa3leaves, with the addition o

three pips.


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eichsfuhrer 00

Cluster o three oa3leaves surrounded by a laurel wreath.(private collection)

Clic3 here or a study o re-123C 00 General ran insignia

Clic3 here or an e


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re-'pril 123C

00-#rigadefuhrerThe base ran3 is signi2ed by two oa3leaves and a single pip,

embroidered in silver on blac3 velvet.(private collection)


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00-GruppenfuhrerThe base ran3 is indicated by three oa3leaves in silver, on blac3

velvet.(private collection)

00-7/ergruppenfuhrerThe base ran3 is indicated by three oa3leaves, with the addition o

one pip, embroidered in silver over blac3 velvet.(private collection)


375/449

eichsfuhrer 00

Cluster o three oa3leaves surrounded by a laurel wreath. This designremained consistent rom $ugust o -! until the end o the war in

8ay o -!/.(private collection)

0houlder/oards

$ll &eneral ran3 o;cers in the 55 wore the same shoulderboard toindicate &eneral o;cer status up until -, when an $rmy style

&eneral o;cer shoulderboard was introduced or each individualran3 in the 7a:en 55.


376/449

00-#rigadefuhrer through 00 7/ergruppenfuhrer

Three interwoven aluminum twist cords with the inner cord twisted in an opposite direction.nderlay is blac3 wool.

eichsfuhrer 005tandard 55 &enerals shoulderboard with the addition o a ran3 device consisting o three

oa3leaves (as in the R#55 collar tab). This device was colored silver rom -! until "ecembero - at which time it was changed to bron6e. $pril o -!A ound another regulation

changing it bac3 again to silver.(private collection)

7a:en 55 &enerals =nsignia, Personality

&roupings and Related =tems


377/449

$dditional D


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?bergruppenuhrer und &eneral der 7a:en 55.Pair o matching tabs or the let and right collars.

(Private collection)

%rigadeuhrer tab or the right collar.(private collection)


379/449

Pre+-!A style &ruppenuhrer tab or the let collar.(4urs3 collection)

&ruppenuhrer tab or the right collar.(private collection)


380/449

?bergruppenuhrer tab or the right collar.(Howard 4elley collection)

?bergruppenuhrer tab or the let collar.(Howard 4elley collection)


381/449

?berst+&ruppenuhrer tab or the right collar.(private collection)

Reichsuhrer 55 collar tabs. This particular pair has smo3y glass beadswithin the laurel leaves, instead o brass.



382/449

Reichsuhrer 55 single collar tab or the right acing collar. Thise


383/449

%rigadeuhrer &enerals shoulderboard in gold bullion and silver.(private collection)

?bergruppenuhrer shoulderboard in bullion and silver rom the uniormo 4arl Hermann #ran3.



384/449

$ pair o well worn 7a:en+55 %rigadeurher shoulderboards in bullion andsilver, o the slip+on variety.


These are actual e


385/449

?berstgruppenuhrer sleeve insignia or use on camouIageclothing. This is an e


386/449


387/449


388/449

$n 55 =nsignia grouping attributed to ?bergruppenuhrer 7alter %uch, who was also an'5"$P Reichsleiter (photos o his Reichsleiter insignia can be ound on the Rare Ran3s

page)(private collection)


389/449

=nsignia grouping attributed to ?bergruppenuhrer 4arl 8aria "emelhuber(7illi 5chumacher collection)


390/449


391/449

=nsigna grouping attributed to ?bergruppenuhrer 4arl Hermann #ran3(private collection)


392/449

=nsigna grouping attributed to ?berst+gruppenuhrer 4arl 7ol:. =ncluded isdocumentation rom 7ol: noting that this set o ?bergruppenuhrer boards

belonged to him. 'otice how 7ol: signs his ran3 as ?berstgruppenuhrer. Hewas promoted to this ran3 by Hitler in the last days o the war, though it was

never made o;cial.(Costello collection)


393/449


394/449


395/449


396/449

=nsigna grouping attributed to ?bergruppenuhrer &ottleb %erger. =ncluded isdocumentation rom %erger to the original collector who sourced this insignia directly

rom the &eneral himsel.(private collection)


397/449

$ set o ?bergruppenuhrer shoulderboard and collar tabs. Theshoulderboards are in celleon gold cord with aluminum inner silver

cord. These have been removed rom a uniorm but are, unortunately,

unattributed.(Private collection)

Close up image o the ?bergruppenuhrer tabs rom the above grouping.(Private collection)


398/449

ose up o the ?bergruppenuhrer shoulderboards rom the above grouping. 'ote that the grayderlay color o the boards in this image is o: due to a technical issue with the scanner and is no

reIective o the true colors.(Private collection)

55 Police =nsignia

The Poli6ei "ivision was in e


399/449

,ollar Ta/s

00 #rigadefuhrer und Generalmajor der oli%eio matching tabs or the let and right collars o a &eneralma@or euivalent in the Police (Poli6ei)

A+-!/ pattern rendered in gold over police green underlay, with gold bullion piping (oten seencelleon).


00 Gruppenfuhrer und Generalleutnant der oli%eiPair o matching tabs or the let and right collars o a &eneral in the Police (Poli6ei).

-!A+-!/ pattern rendered in gold over police green underlay.(private collection)


400/449

55 Police &enerals collar insignia pattern (or all &eneral o;cer ran3s)prior to the change to 7a:en 55 style &enerals collar tabs in #ebruary

-!A.(Hol6auge Historical collection)


401/449

$ matching pair o 55 Police &enerals collar insignia, pre+#ebruary-!A pattern.


Pre+-!A Police &enerals tab embroidered in gold wire and bullion.(private collection)

0houlder/oards


402/449

00 #rigadefuhrer und Generalmajor der oli%ei&enerals shoulderboard rendered in gold bullion and silver, with no ran3

pips over a green underlay.(private collection)

=m always loo3ing or good photographs o original tabs and otherPolice &eneral o;cer insignia. = you have something to contribute,

please visit the submitting photospage.

55 Related =nsignia, $wards and 8ilitaria

55 militaria is the most highly a3ed o the military collectibles in theworld. Here are some e


403/449

Reiter 5chule?berbayern "eutschland and the short+lived s3ull cypher or

?berbayern.$ll cyphers are nic3el+silver e


404/449

$nti Partisan badges, in %ron6e, 5ilver and &old.(private collection)

00 Long 0ervice edals

The 55 Bong 5ervice medals were instituted by order o $dolHitler on E January -0, the /thanniversary o him becomingChancellor. These medals were designed by Proessor 4arl "iebitsch

o 8nchen into the ollowing classesK

#irst Class was designed as a gold swasti3a with a wreathencircling a pair o runes on the obverse. This was to be awarded to

o;cers, 'C?s and men with A/ years o service.

5econd Class was the same as the 2rst class e


405/449

ear (second class) Bong 5ervice 55 medal * ronto award


%ac3 o award.


406/449

ear (2rst class) Bong 5ervice 55 medal * ront oaward.


%ac3 o award.


407/449

Cases or -A A/ Qear $wards(private collection)

Top o cases.

Third Class was a circular medal 0mm in diameter and mmthic3 with the same design as the 2rst and second class impressed onthe obverse. ?n the reverse was the number eight with the wording

superimposed over it. The medal was a bron6e color. This wasawarded to o;cers, 'C?s and men with 0 years o service.

#ourth Class was o the same pattern as the third class e


408/449

! Qear (ourth class) and 0 Qear (third class) 5ervice $wards, cased.(private collection)


409/449

Reverse o ! Qear (ourth class) and 0 Qear (third class) 5ervice $wards.(private collection)

ear Bong 5ervice 55 medal * ront o awardis a miniature o the 0+Qear 55 Bong 5ervice

dal with the cornIower blue ribbon in a bownd attached to a button to be worn on the

%ac3 o award.


410/449


411/449

Reverse o 8edal %ar.

55 Ribbon %ar.This ribbon bar has two long service ribbons, the second or our years service in the 55 and

has the small medallion, which resembles the medal. The ne


412/449

Heinrich Himmlers ribbon bar.chshrer+55 Heinrich Himmlers 8edal %ar showing the -A+Qear 55 Bong 5ervice 8edal on the leed by the -/+ and -E+Qear '5"$P #aithul 5ervice $wards, the ?ccupation o $ustria, C6echoslov

8emel and the 7est 7all 8edalhrer+55 Heinrich Himmler was authori6ed and wore the -A+Qear 55 Bong 5ervice 8edal and Rib


413/449

Period photograph o Himmler wearing the above ribbon bar.

Dven though the 55 didnt o;cially e


414/449

The Kreigsmarine

'dmiral 7


415/449

Konteradmiral&old bullion cording with silver inner cord over blue underlay, no ran3 pips.

$i%eadmiral&old celleon cording with aluminum inner cord over blue underlay, single ran3 pip.


416/449

'dmiral&old bullion cording with silver inner cord over blue underlay, two ran3 pips.

General 'dmiral&old bullion cording with silver inner cord over blue underlay, three

ran3 pips.

(picture is or reerence only, loo3ing or a good uality photo o thisran3)


417/449

Grand 'dmiral&old bullion cording with silver inner cord over blue underlay, withsilver crossed &rand $dmiral batons. (picture is or reerence only,

loo3ing or a good uality photo o this ran3)

5ilver crossed &rand $dmiral batons, which have an alternatingpattern o anchors and iron crosses with intertwined rope creating a

diamond shape.(picture is or reerence only, loo3ing or a good uality photo o this

ran3)


418/449

,ollar Ta/s

The 4riegsmarine, much li3e the $rmy, chose to identiy $dmiral ran3 on the2eld gray uniorm with a standardi6ed collar tab that indicated the wearer

was an $dmiral. nli3e the $rmy, which eventually had a separate collar tabto identiy the ran3 o 2eld marshal, the 4riegsmarine had no uniue tab

designated or &rossadmiral.

Konteradmiral through Grossadmiral&old bullion or celleon embroidered collar tab over blue underlay.

0leeve an .nsignia

The 4riegsmarine, as with the navies o many other nations also chose toidentiy $dmiral ran3 on the blue uniorm with a series o sleeve ran3 stripes

that indicated the progressive ran3s o $dmiral.


419/449

Konteradmiral$ single large, wide basic admirals stripe with a single smaller stripe

above.


420/449

$i%eadmiral$ single large, wide basic admirals stripe with two smaller stripes

above.


421/449

Grossadmiral$ single large, wide basic admirals stripe with our smaller stripes

above.

= am loo3ing or contributions o original e


422/449

von 8anstein tunic. &old wire and bullion.(private collection)


423/449

&eneralleutnant 8ac3 tunic. &old wire and bullion.



424/449

Celleon breast eagle.(Ron Richter collection)

Celleon breast eagle.(Ron Richter collection)

&old wire embroidered breast eagle.(Ron Richter collection)


425/449

&old bullion and gold wire breast eagle.(Ron Richter collection)

&old wire breast eagle.(Ron Richter collection)


426/449

&eneralma@or %eelit6 tunic. &old bullion.(John 8. "onovan collection)

n+named $dministrative &enerals tunic. &old wire and bullion.(Howard 4elley collection)


427/449

&eneraloberst #al3enhorst tunic. Celleon and bullion.(Howard 4elley collection)

&eneral der =nanterie 4uno+Hans von %oth tunic. Celleon.(private collection)


428/449

&eneralma@or Hermann %acher tunic. &old wire and bullion with threadhighlights.

(Thomas 5uter collection)

Bist summer tunic. &old plated metal.(8i3e Peters collection)


429/449

n+named &enerals tunic. &old bullion.


n+issued &enerals eagle. &old bullion.(private collection)


430/449

&eneralma@or $ngernn tunic.(8i3e Peters collection)


431/449

&eneralleutnant 5chopper tunic. Celleon with thread highlights.(private collection)

The Luftwae General"s


432/449

Butwa:e &eneraleldmarschall 8ilch tunic. &old bullion and wire.(Hol6auge Historical collection)


433/449

Butwa:e &eneral der #lieger tunic. &old bullion and wire.(Ron Richter collection)


434/449

Butwa:e &eneralma@or tunic. &old bullion and wire.(private collection)


435/449

Butwa:e &eneralma@or Hermann Plocher tunic. Celleon.(private collection)

the marshall batton.doc

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