3rd Reich Shakos in the DDR

[Mikhealc]

ON the collection thread there were some questions about shakos from the 3rd Reich used by the DDR (and BRD too).

Their is a nice German book on Shakos: Geschichte des Polizei-Tschakos (History of the Police Shako) by Erich Raedeke.

Here are some pictures from the Kopfbedeckungen book and the Shako history book.

[Mikhealc]

Another pic

Fyi

[Mikhealc]

In use

Here is a poor-quality picture of one in use. Could be in the East or West.

[Mike G.]

Thanks Mike,

I knew you had the info and for that reason in the other thread where the question came up, deferred to you. I recalled that initially both East and West wore the same Tschakos, but knew you had the definitive answers backed up with publications and photographic evidence. Thanks for taking the time to follow up. Very much appreciated.

[Garulfo]

There is a soviet soldier on the picture, certainly East-Berlin.

[Mike G.]

Yes and no.

Initially, the Soviets were all over Berlin - East and West. At great lengths and with much effort, they were finally made to withdraw into what became the Eastern Sector.

Astute observation Garulfo. And probably you are right.

[Mikhealc]

Soviet Soldier

I ampretty sure it is East too. Mike

[torstenbel]

Hi Mike, thank you very much for the info...the question about this in the other thread was mine... would you be able to provide the full title and ISBN number of the book that you are referring to??...thanks again. Torsten.

I ampretty sure it is East too. Mike

[Mikhealc]

Books

Hi Mike, thank you very much for the info...the question about this in the other thread was mine... would you be able to provide the full title and ISBN number of the book that you are referring to??...thanks again. Torsten.

Hello Torsten,

The two books are:

Die Geschichte des Polizei-Tschakos by Erich Radecke. There doesn't seem to be an ISBN Number because it is Selbstververlag des Autors or Published by the Author. I have the 1995 edition. It has Erich Radecke 22455 Hamburg.

Kopfbedeckungen I - Militärische Uniformierter Organisatsionen in Europa -
Deutsche Demokratische Republik 1945 - 1990. ISBN is 3-931533-51-4. Published in 2004 by Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall.

There are three used copies of the Radecke Book on Amazon.de.
Here is the link.

http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/tg/...818213-6435719

[torstenbel]

Thank you very much... does the second book cover the Tschakos well?...of course both books sound very interesting, but I would prefer to have one that covers things more generally and more widely...would you say the second covers all of the DDR hats well?? Thanks again...Cheers, Torsten.

Hello Torsten,

The two books are:

Die Geschichte des Polizei-Tschakos by Erich Radecke. There doesn't seem to be an ISBN Number because it is Selbstververlag des Autors or Published by the Author. I have the 1995 edition. It has Erich Radecke 22455 Hamburg.

Kopfbedeckungen I - Militärische Uniformierter Organisatsionen in Europa -
Deutsche Demokratische Republik 1945 - 1990. ISBN is 3-931533-51-4. Published in 2004 by Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall.

There are three used copies of the Radecke Book on Amazon.de.
Here is the link.

http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/tg/...818213-6435719

[Mike G.]

Torsten,

The second book covers a large volume of different military and non-military headgear unique to East Germany.

There however is some controversy about the book, primarily amongst German collectors. Some of it I think is based upon competition and ego, but some is to a degree, founded.

Like many publications, there are some errors or mistakes if you will. They are not major, but they are there just the same.

Also, apparently a few of the pictures depicting examples of older Visor Hats actually show hats that were created by someone in the Czech Repbulic. In other words, they are replicas using actual materials used to make the originals. So in a sense, they are fakes. But they at least give the reader a picture of what that type of hat (the real one) looked like.

I have the book and personally think in the context in which it was meant (as a reference guide to the many different hats made, used and worn) it serves its intended purpose adequately. It at least gives examples of how the hats looked, even if some are replicas. They are very good replicas.

I think part of the problem associated with this book is that some of the German Collectors who also are Dealers/Sellers, felt "Slighted" when they were not singled out and consulted by the author. So there is animosity involved in the criticism that is associated with the book.

If you can accept that there are mistakes, and get past the fact some of the more rare visor hats depicted in the book are actually replicas, then it is okay. I personally have seen my way past this.

There are a lot of different types of headgear in the book, and much of it I saw only in black/white pictures. This book provides an opportunity to see some of the more unusual headgear in color, closeup.

If you are interested in the history of the Tschako, then the first book to which M. CUSTER made reference is the way to go.

[Soviet]

West-Berlin or East-Berlin ?

[SCHUPO]

Soviet,

It is kind of hard to tell, but I suspect this is West Berlin. The Tschako worn by the policeman in the middle is of the old Prussian style that was retained by the West German Polizei. The East Germans settled on the more squat form of the Saxon style Tschako. Of course, both continued to wear out the old NS Zeit (Prussian style) Tschakos after the war ended. This photo looks to be from the late 1950s so if the Tschako was newly made, it would be West German.

[torstenbel]

I would also be more inclined to think it West Berlin, the two other uniformed men look more like the West German police type uniforms...but I am by no means an expert on those things... but what I would really like to know is, what is the scene depicted in the photo???...what is going on there???...where did you get the photo from???...Cheers, Torsten.

[Ralph P]

Probably already seen by others, but just incase, I see two police officers with a pistols in there hands. It appears to be some type of stand off or take down.

Question, Does anyone know the background of the vehicle in the photo? Which two Germany's would have used the vehicle?

I would also be more inclined to think it West Berlin, the two other uniformed men look more like the West German police type uniforms...but I am by no means an expert on those things... but what I would really like to know is, what is the scene depicted in the photo???...what is going on there???...where did you get the photo from???...Cheers, Torsten.