Sold as Stahlhelmbund Group photo

[coldstream]

Gentlemen

This photograph was advertised and sold as a group of early Stahlhelm members. Having researched what I can find I'm pretty sure thats not the case.

What I am trying to establish is what formation these men belonged to.

It appears to me that its early 3rd reich period, no national eagles on caps or uniforms and the only evidence of NSDAP markings being the flag and armbands. The flag pole appears to be a length of bamboo pole and just visble on the flag are the letters 'PAR' perhaps for 'partei?'

The badges being worn do not enlarge well and apart from the sports badge on the figure 2nd right I would guess that the rest are day badges or tinnies.

The lower armbands being worn appear to be plain with no markings and I have no idea of their purpose.

Six button tunics and shoulder straps on both shoulders and all appear to be the same rank.(whatever that is)

No markings to the reverse and I'm unable to ascertain anything from the building in the background.

I'm sure its an obvious question to someone but any assistance would be most welcome.

Simon

[coldstream]

An enlarged view of the flag bearer.

[sambolini]

Hi,

The collar tabs look like they might be Weimar era police.

Regards,

Sam

[coldstream]

Many thanks for that Sam, I'll try and see what I can find out in that area. :cheers:

[Guest Rick Research]

That was my initial impression, with the V edged shoulder straps, but this is so small and blurry (Epsssssson Epppppppson) that can't be sure if those are plain round collar tab BUTTONS (= Polizei) or some sort of DEVICES ( = ???) Police also wore 8 button front tunics and these are 6 front.

The white or very light piping on the caps is also atypical for recently ex-Weimar era police.

Puzzling!

[coldstream]

Thanks for that Rick, I know still not epsonised! I'll try to get a higher resolution scan done as work allows and re-post

Simon

[coldstream]

A couple of attempts at higher resolution scans to assist identification (afraid a deadline with the tax office on the 31st has postponed an epson purchase again!)

[coldstream]

The buckle and badges.

[Freiwillige]

It's obviously Weimar Republic-period police unit and its members wore an armband with swastika as a symbol of support of NSDAP. I've seen several photos with just plain white armbands but unfortunately I have no idea what it means... As for the collar patches they look like those used by the staff of prisons but in this case I'm not sure.

Anyway here we have policemen from Weimar era.

[coldstream]

Many thanks for that Freiwillige, another photo identified.

Simon