Rank Pips

[Jock Auld]

Guys,

I never knew these things were marked on the reverse, no wonder they lost the war!  A few of the gold ones are RZM marked with contract M1/153.  Like who would even look behind a pip?

[Bernhard H.Holst]

Hello Jock.

I am quite sure some legal requirement made it necessary to emboss these rank pips in this way. Party and included formations such as SA and SS, DJ and HJ had the RZM stamped uniform components to demonstrate compliance with manufacturing procedures and quality. Military uniform components did not use such markings as RZM ( Reichszeugmeisterei was strictly party affiliated to my understanding). Later collector oriented interest as you know never play a role in the manufacturing process.

I just stepped off the soapbox!!

Bernhard H. Holst

[Jock Auld]

Bernhard,

It just made me chuckle that these stamps that I had to get a magnifying glass to see properly are even there on such a small item.  3 of them are Party and the 2 aluminium ones appear to be military probably army with maker mark and date stamp.  I think compliance with regulations is a very German illness? Happy New Year!

[Bernhard H.Holst]

Hello Jock.

And a Happy New Year to you and success of everything that comes your way.

Everything must be correct and the official paragraphed way in Germany. I believe the notion that one must occasionally throw away the book is unknown but then again I have been away many years.

Bernhard H. Holst