What is this arm patch

[Naxos]

Any ideas?

Hardy

Edited March 13, 2008 by Naxos

[Chip]

I hate to say, since I have a bid in on it! Actually, I am not sure. I collect photos of unofficial insignia. The number very closely resembles the early war spiked helmet cover unit numbers. Due to the 200 series regimental number on the shoulder straps, I would guess it is an unofficial company designation.

Chip

[Naxos]

Chip, I'm glad you mentioned that - I was going to bid on it but I will not bid against you.

Good luck, Hardy

[Ulsterman]

are you sure that is a patch and not a number written on the negative? The position of the "5" doesn't follow the angle of the sleeve and it doesn't appear to be 3 dimensional.

[Chip]

It has the puckers that indicate to me that it is sewn on. I don't believe it is drawn in.

Chip

[Fritz die Spinne]

What was the verdict on this--I seem to recall you mentioning this recently, Chip?

[Chip]

I don't think there has been a positive ID on these. I have seen other numbers like this. It appears to be a Pickelhaube cover number. I have a bunch of loose ones that I bought at the Stuttgart show back in the early 80's and they are this style and size.

It looks like this guy is from a 200 series Reserve unit.

Chip

[Chris Boonzaier]

From the pic I am thinking when he straightens his arm it is not an upright 5 but a turned to the right quite a bit.... could it have been a regimental thing that company numbers were worn for a very short time in the regiment? I assume it must have been for some identification within the unit, for a short time, and maybe only guys within the regt would have known what it meant?