Garth Thompson

Here is a HG MUSIKINSPIZIENT. Initially the HG bands were under the RLM and officials used a black background. Later the white was authorized. I think only 4 or 5 officers over the life of the band could have been authorized these tabs.

Here is an example of the post 1938 NCO musician insignia with tabs for the greatcoat

Here is an example of the 1935-38 NCO/Official board. This type of tab would have been worn but I believe the lyre would be gilt.

I thought I would make a short presentation on Luftwaffe Musician insignia for the group. I hope you find it informative. There were two distinct patterns of musician rank insignias. 1935-1938 and post 12 April 1938. The reason for this is order LV 38A No. 116 changed the status of musicians from officials to soldiers and granted musicians full uniform of the regular forces. There are five officer ranks: MUSIKMEISTER 2nd Lt OBERMUSIKMEISTER 1st Lt STABSMUSIKMEISTER Captain MUSIKINSPIZIENT Major OBERMUSIKINSPIZIENT Lt. Colonel There was no Colonel grade rank. All non officer musicians were given senior NCO status. The 1935-38 pattern of tabs for officer grade were either a ? wreath with lyre or a full wreath with lyre. After April 1938 the gulls were added. For example a Major grade would have full wreath, lyre and one gull. A captain would have ? wreath, lyre and three gulls. Here is an example of a 1935-38 Company level band leader. I have never seen or handled a field grade tab of this type.

Thought I would lke to share a recent acquizition from a local "seller" of militaria who really doesn't have a clue. It is a very nice silver example of the 79th Order of Merit, 1819, 1st type. The riband is incorrect. The original riband would been 2 inches of Regimental Tartan. The medal in silver was basically awarded for 12 years of service; however years as a Sergeant counted double, each "remarkable" action counted as 1 year and it could be awarded for conspicuous conduct on the field length of service non-withstanding. ref REGIMENTAL and VOLUNTEER MEDALS by Balmer vol I page 220/221. I've encountered very few of these regimental medals but again there doesn't seem to be a lot of interest. Garth

I thought I'd post this example of the Ceylon Volunteer Service Medal. I have always thought this was an under appreciated WW1 medal. Being a non-wearable award probably explains the lack of interest in this medal. It was awarded to volunters from the Ceylon Forces who served overseas. Ceylon was the only British Colony to award such a medal for war service. Garth

Reverse

Ed, Here is the one I have in my collection. A couple of questions if you don't mind. 1) Is there any significance between the green ribbon on yours and the purple mine has? 2) Is the number on mine (599) traceable at all? Thank you, Garth

Tony,Your man in the photo is wearing two different badge. The crossed rfifles is the Marksman badge and the "S" in the wreath couls be one of two things either a competion sharpshooter or a Scout. The aussies also used a similar badge for Qualified Battery Surveyor. Kind of hard to tell from the angle of the picture which one it is. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Garth

Bill, I found the farrier years ago at a show. I sold it to Mike Heuer when he was collecting and bought it back when he sold some of his material. I talked to Geo. Peterson one time about the farrier patch and he told me had only seen three in all his years of collecting LW. Garth

And a few more. Thanks for looking, Garth

Another view of different badges.

Here are some close-ups of different construction styles.

Here is an example of the LW Farrier trade badge. It took me literally years to find one.

I'll post some detail pictures of different construction styles. While it is obvious to us all there are reproductions we shouldn't forget military insignia manufacture in the TR was a "cottage" industry and there are going to be quite a few styles of construction on perfectly good insignia.

Thought the group would like to discuss LW trade and specialty patches. Here is my collection. I've included DLV and NSFK badges as these organizations were the parents of the Luftwaffe. Garth

Rick, Thanks for the comment. I have them hanging in a display case by my British victorian medals. Garth

Finally King's Crown Badges

Recruiting Sergeants from Victoria, EdwardVII/GeorgeV/GeorgeVI and Elizabeth II.

Piper Major exact period unknown

Royal Marines Color Sergeant

Bandmaster Irish Rifles??

RSM Guards Regiments

Color Sergeant Crimean War period. Tentatively identified by the NAM as 63rd Rifles if I remember correctly. Short term use.

Color Sergeant Rifle Regiments