A Request

[SprogCollector]

There's an organic product called "Goo Gone" that works fairly well loosening up all types of adhesives. Given the poly-blend nature of most modern uniforms, I'd test it on a piece of scrap to ensure it doesn't dissolve or stain the fabric.

Alternatively, you can consider some heavier-duty solvents or thinners. Again, test on a piece of scrap fabric.

The brown residue might be rubber cement -- in which case alcohol will soften it.

The last option is to rebadge it with the correct BGS badging and try to position the jacket for display at an angle that hides the left arm.

[chiffonnier]

In holland we've got something called a stain scissors.
But we only use it as realy the final option.
Goo Gone sounds it might work.

Kees

[Nachrichten]

In holland we've got something called a stain scissors.
But we only use it as realy the final option.
Goo Gone sounds it might work.

Kees

Gentlemen,

Thank you for all the helpful suggestions.

I'll start with the alcohol-based product, then move up with the stronger options. If it looks like a 'no go', I'll try the creative display format.

Strangely, I'm actually finding this 'challenge' quite good fun (my life must be really boring). I'll post some more images later this week.

Gordon, I think this may be a 'legit loop'. The measurement is spot on and the method of construction is very good. I'll see if I can manage a really close in close up.

Again, many thanks for taking the time to contribute to my project.

N

[Collectinsteve]

I like challenges too, but I would rather spend my time doing something other than fixing needless destruction of otherwise good militaria. Bah!

I have a one of a kind (as far as I know) experimental BW Splittertarn jacket. I've never seen any pictures or documentation about it. Not just the jacket, but also the particular printing of the cloth. Plus, it's in almost unissued condition. But someone decided to color in all the white areas with permanent marker. I tried a bunch of products and after a TON of work and expense, I only lightened it in a few spots. Being defeated stinks

Steve

[Nachrichten]

I like challenges too, but I would rather spend my time doing something other than fixing needless destruction of otherwise good militaria. Bah!

I have a one of a kind (as far as I know) experimental BW Splittertarn jacket. I've never seen any pictures or documentation about it. Not just the jacket, but also the particular printing of the cloth. Plus, it's in almost unissued condition. But someone decided to color in all the white areas with permanent marker. I tried a bunch of products and after a TON of work and expense, I only lightened it in a few spots. Being defeated stinks

Steve

I know the feeling. The 'destruction' wreaked upon very early BGS and BW gear during the 1970's and 80's (all in the quest of early re-enacting) makes me weep.

That said, I am determined to try and conquer the 'glue challenge'. Who knows, out of this we may all gain some knowledge of how to treat these items when we are confronted with them.

N

[chiffonnier]

Question for the BGS experts;
is it possible that unissued wartime (SS or Heer) uniforms were used to dress the first BGS beambten ?
I mean uniforms almost similar like the one Nachrichten has,but produced pre '45.
Maybe someone heard of that.
As unissued,there would never have been ss badges on it .
So if you would strip it from badges now,you'll only see the gohsts of BGS badges.
Nachrichten,to motivate you even more;this is how it should look like without the glue.
All the best,
Kees

[Nachrichten]

A nice, unissued tunic. The removal of the insignia would be consistent with the way BGS uniforms are defaced/damaged before being 'released' to the market.

The topic of the early uniforms is reasonably well-covered in the BGS thread. I do not believe that pre-1945 uniforms were used in the early days. Some items of field gear were, however, recycled, eg. 98K's; 98K pouches; e-tools.

Your tunic does 'motivate' me and I thank you for your support. My tunic will be receiving some work later today.

N

[chiffonnier]

N;thanks for your answer,I did go over the whole BGS thread and the reason of my thoughts were that if BGS tunics were suitable as look-a-likes for SS,there must be some similarity between them so why not that old stock was reissued.
You see,I have a 5 procent hope that I have such a garment.
Came with a lot of BGS tunics but has different feel to it.
Slightly different collar as well as any other BGS tunic.
Maybe it was former zoll tunic,or just an early BGS ,I don't know.
It has the gohsts of BGS badges anyway.
Needs to be researched further.
All the best,
Kees

[Gordon Craig]

Kees,

This BGS tunic sounds as though it would be worth a thread of its own for research purposes. I have a very early BGS Praesidents tunic with rank insignia that resembles that used by the TR Diplomatic staff. The BGS Amt says this rank never existed and the eagles are probably early cap insignia but they are a different size.

Regards,

Gordon

[chiffonnier]

I've started that thread with that tunic and here are some sportsbadges in wear like for N's one.
picture is supposed to be taken at the 10 year annivarsary of the BGS in1961 (bundesarchiv) .

[Collectinsteve]

I see BGS tunics with paper tags on the left sleeve, no rank and no insignia very frequently on German eBay. Maybe 1-2 a month. I bought a couple over the years. Mine show no signs of ever having rank on them, which should indicate it is brand new and never issued.

Steve

[Nachrichten]

I see BGS tunics with paper tags on the left sleeve, no rank and no insignia very frequently on German eBay. Maybe 1-2 a month. I bought a couple over the years. Mine show no signs of ever having rank on them, which should indicate it is brand new and never issued.

Steve

I'd agree with that. Equally, I've seen (and owned) one's where the 'ghost' of the collar tabs and arm eagle (early ones, no crescent evident) were apparent and which still had the labels attached, ie. 'unissued'. I put the removal of the insignia down to the policy of 'de-facing' these garments before releasing them to the public. At least this was a better (from a collector's point of view) course of action than stampng a large 'A' on them or, worse still, slashing the garment.

I'm sceptical about the re-use of old TR garments, particularly in a para-military force such as the BGS was, in an (in the early days) ostensibly de-militarized nation. That said, the more I learn (and the longer I live), the more I realize how little I know.

N

[chiffonnier]

N;
the tunic with paper label came with a whole bunch BGS clothing and other items BGS related.
All arcs and eagles removed of the tunics,but on the blouses that came with it ,arcs and eagles are present.
So their must be another reason why they removed that badges only from the tunics.
Re-use perhaps.
On all tunics were paper labels attached;some with hand written measurements,others with a personal name on it .
A lot was worn however,and some were in a to bad shape to bring.
Only one greatcoat but also bad shape,only took the shoulder boards.
One remarkable fact is that no tunic was the same.
Looked almost like a tunic overview so to say.
Anyway good luck de-glueing.
K.

[Nachrichten]

N;
the tunic with paper label came with a whole bunch BGS clothing and other items BGS related.
All arcs and eagles removed of the tunics,but on the blouses that came with it ,arcs and eagles are present.
So their must be another reason why they removed that badges only from the tunics.
Re-use perhaps.
On all tunics were paper labels attached;some with hand written measurements,others with a personal name on it .
A lot was worn however,and some were in a to bad shape to bring.
Only one greatcoat but also bad shape,only took the shoulder boards.
One remarkable fact is that no tunic was the same.
Looked almost like a tunic overview so to say.
Anyway good luck de-glueing.
K.

I picked up a BGS greatcoat about 30 years ago (1984) which had the same treatment, ie. boards and shield removed, but otherwise was absolutely mint. No label(s) was evident, but neither (to my mind) did it appear to have ever been issued.

I still have it. I'll photograph it and add it into this thread.

By the way, I've fallen in love with your tunic (on the other thread). If you ever decide to sell it, tell me.

Anyway, the de-gluing continues ...................

N