Rare Stahlhelmbund Sleeve badge - Freikorps Reinhard

[Brian L.]

Stahlhelmbund Ärmelabzeichen für ehemalige Angehörige im Freikorps Reinhard
(Stahlhelmbund Sleeve badge for former members of Freikorps Reinhard)


I just picked this up. Since it appears at the end of the illustrated card that shows the Stahlhelmbund commemorative sleeve badges for the various armed services, I assume it was covered by the same order (Verfügung der Bundesführung (Bk/IIa1625/32).

(see: http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...ad.php?t=52619)

This one is uncut and unissued. I was told many years ago, when I saw a photocopy of one being sold by Verkuilen Ager, that it was worn on the left sleeve of the Stahlhelm tunic. Although, I have never seen a photo of it being worn.

Regiment Reinhard continued to wear their Freikorps era metal badge, but on the right sleeve, instead of the left. So, this one may well have been authorized, but perhaps never worn. Or, they wore both badges. I have photos of Regt. Reinhard, but only from the right side. So, I can't see their left sleeve to see if they're wearing this badge. It appears, judging from the reverse, that the backing may have faded and was originally an ultramarine blue, the same color as the chain stitched border. I'll know better when I actually have it in hand.

If anyone has a photo of it on a tunic, please post it. Also, if anyone has additional info please share it.

[Brian L.]

I've recently discovered that this is in fact the rare specialty badge for Radfahr-Truppen (bicycle troops), not for Regiment Reinhard.

It is the embroidered version worn by a Bundesführer. The blue border matched the border on the leader's "Riemen" (cross-belt).

[Brian L.]

The rank should be Führer einer Kameradschaft.

[Gilles C.]

rare specialty badge for Radfahr-Truppen (bicycle troops), not for Regiment Reinhard

It would make sense, as other patches are for weapons specialists & Co.

However, what a surprise, great research!

[Brian L.]

rare specialty badge for Radfahr-Truppen (bicycle troops), not for Regiment Reinhard

It would make sense, as other patches are for weapons specialists & Co.

However, what a surprise, great research!

I owe thanks to Wilhelm Saris for the correct information. He knows more about Stahlhelmbund than just about anyone I know.

[Gilles C.]

Then thanks to both of you for sharing this piece of information!
Regards

[Brian L.]

The ever knowledgeable and informative Wilhelm Saris has provided additional contemporary information on this scarce Radfahr-Truppen Leader's badge in 2 Stahlhelmbund newspaper clippings in which the badge is described in detail. The badge was first mentioned in the Führer-Nachrichtenblatt nr. 32, that it was ordered from September 20, 1926.

Here is an early June, 1929 photo from Wilhelm's collection of Bavarian Stahlhelmbund enlisted men wearing the metal 'R' with helmet above on the left sleeve.

The original illustration of the badge from the 1932 chart with the 2 newspaper clippings. The first clipping describes (highlighted in yellow) the enlisted man's badge with metal 'R' and then the leader's badge.
The second clipping describes in detail (highlighted in yellow) the leader's badge.