For Research Unidentified Hauptmann with Treuekreuz des Freikorps von Neufville and Reiterabzeichen

[Odulf]

Recently I added this portrait to my collection, a Captain with the scarce Cross of Loyalty of the Freikorps von Neufville (Schwarze Garde / Black Guard) in combination with the German Horseman's Badge (Christmas 1937).

Is it possible to identify this chap?

[bolewts58]

The photo is to someone named Kluckert and from Heinrich Grauz, if I read it correctly. So, I assume he's Grauz. It's interesting that he's wearing the Freikorps cross in 1937 which was against regulations, it having been banned in 1935. This however happened quite a lot. Freikorps vets serving in the armed forces didn't want to give up their awards so easily, at least prior to the war.

Just for interest's sake, here's the Treukreuz from my collection.

Edited December 27, 2014 by bolewts58

[Chris Boonzaier]

Maybe he bends the rules a bit as not being regular army but rather an official?

Am guessing regular army were stricter? With officials maybe noone knew the rules...

or he just put it on for the photo...

[speedytop]

Hi,

I think, that the name is Franz

Meinem lieben

Kluckert zur

Erinnerung an die

gute Kameradschaft

Ihr Franz

Weihnachten 1937

Uwe

[bolewts58]

Hi,

I think, that the name is Franz

Meinem lieben

Kluckert zur

Erinnerung an die

gute Kameradschaft

Ihr Franz

Weihnachten 1937

Uwe

Yes. You're correct. my mistake.

[Odulf]

Thank you Gents for your opinions, and yes I share the opinion of Uwe that the guy is named Franz.

However, it is a peculiar portrait for the following reasons:

- The shoulderboards look different from ordinary Army issue, also - considering the little metal crest between the pips - could this be a Stabsmusikmeister or is the shadow/light playing trics?

- The Sam Browne belt looks like laquered black leather, instead of brown.

- He is wearing the old style (Reichswehr) Dienstrock with 8 buttons and the old style hat with the 1st pattern eagle.

- From the right shoulder, the old (1934) pattern aiguilette; in June 1935 a new pattern with 2 metal tips, was introduced but the old Achselband was allowed to be worn for some time. In 1938 (after thhis picture was taken) for Army bandmasters a red-silver Aguilette was introduced.