I picked up my first Wolchow stick in 1977 at a flea market for DM 5 and about a month later my second one for DM 8 and over the years these started building up. As I was the only one in our area that collected these, any time that one showed up it was offered to me and if the price and quality was right I picked it up. A few years ago I weeded these out and got rid of many of my de-nazified sticks or those of lesser quality but still have over 40 Wolchow and other areas as well as about 15 or so Reservisten sticks.
-
-
these are often referred to as "Wolchow" sticks but they were made also in many other locations and was at the time fashionable to have. These were often carved by the Russian Hiwis (Hilfswillige) or voluntary Wehrmacht helpers and is based on a traditional Russian carving style. Typical is mis-spelling of the German words and varying quality. Each stick is one-of-a-kind which I find interesting. There are also sticks which were German carved and can be of a very high quality down to amateur depending upon the skill of the carver. A leather strap was often used for sticks that were really used for walking.Last edited by PzV; 12-02-2009, 12:15 PM. -
It is also not unusual to find a flare shell being used as the tip of the stick.Comment
-
more flare cartridges used as tipsComment
-
this is for me only a side-line but many are unit marked and I once had a Luftwaffe JG 54 stick with 24 aircraft mounted on aluminum plates which was also quite interesting.Comment
-
more details, notice that the fourth stick from the bottom has been de-nazified with the eagle completely cut out.Last edited by PzV; 12-02-2009, 12:13 PM.Comment
-
Wolchow stick in use by a Luftwaffe unitComment
-
another photo of an Army Wolchow stick being used by Gebirgsjäger. Notice that the carving on these sticks is similar but still unique.Comment
-
an SS soldier with a Wolchow stickComment
-
another Army Wolchow stick userComment
-
another interesting collection item is the Reservistenstock or reservist stick. These were privately purchased by the soldiers at the end of their term of duty and often have the company Troddel with the colors of the company represented. These were also purchased in the imperial army.Comment
-
detail of the ResevistenstockComment
-
SS soldier with Wolchow stickComment
-
Very cool! I love your collection! Thanks for sharing.
best wishes,
jeffLooking for a 30 '06 Chauchat magazine.Comment
-
WOW to be honest I have never seen nor heard of them before. That is fantastic
Comment
Comment