SS-Sturmbannfuhrer Martin Tappe

[grip3846]

Hard looking man

Dr.Strangelove,
I totally agree with you,a tough looking guy,coupled with the fact that he was a top horseman of his day,so he would be controlled and calm to go with it.IMO a good mix of qualities.Oh and one hell of a cap!!!!
Regards,Ivan

[Panzer Rob]

Martin Tappe was awarded the Knights Cross on 11th Dec 1944.He was Commander of the 4th SS-Polizei.Panzer Grenadier Div.
He survived the War.
He was a very accomplished horseman,here are his riding boots,stamped inside with the Unit stamp,along with some photos.Note the killer crusher.
I must mention the great work done by Ross J. Kelbaugh in his patient and time consuming research that put a face to the boots.Thanks Ross.
I must also thank Markus Bertram for letting me purchase the boots,he aquired them from Herr Tappes Son.
Hope you enjoy.Ivan.

I'm curious... was it SOP to unit stamp the inside of the boots like this?

Thanks,
Rob

[dblmed]

Great Set of RKT's Boots(!)

Great Set of RKT's Boots(!)

Well Done Grip! ...Any item which is attributable to a RKT is indeed a very special item.
Having provenance through his son, is also quite special.

Mark's superbly Documented (& Illustrated) RKT Books are an in-depth look into the
'heart & being' of these brave men of the SS. We certainly differ with their ideology -
but we respect their bravery on the field of battle. The 1945 RTK's hold an even more
special level, IMO, because at that time - they certainly knew (or had an ominous
feeling deep inside of them) - that the end was near. So, their deeds of bravery take
on even more significance.

Grip - I know that these 'riding boots' are also extra special to you - as you are an
accomplished Horsemanship man yourself! CONGRATS! .... Dave/dblmed

[juoneen]

I would take it one step further...contact herr trapps son ,and veify the story, as the boots are nice but a little too nice as these boots look like they were rarely worn. They do not appear 65 years old by any means, do they to you in person.
Has anyone else another set of riding boots with waffen rubber stamp marks inside?

[grip3846]

Tappes Son

Thank you for the comments.
I bought these from Markus Bertram (COA obtained),I know that is little to some,however,it was the best that I could get at the time.As to the unit stamp in the boot,it looks ok,I can say no more.As to the boots,this man was a dressage expert and teacher,now if you watch dressage you will see that the riders are immaculate,as are the horses,these boots were not used to muck out the stables or run around muddy fields,they are dressage riding boots.As to whether I can contact Herr TAPPES Son is another matter.There are other items that the family are guarding,so to speak,the small matter of a Knights Cross,a sword and an SS chained dagger to name but 3,so you can imagine that M.Bertram is not forthcoming with details.I have to make do with what I have,low end boots that mean the world to me,an assurance from a dealer that I trust and who will have these back in a heartbeat,as he didnt want to sell them in the first place.
Kindest Regards,Ivan