Help Identifying Uniforms on photo!

[12thPanzer]

Hey guys,
Ive searched the web and looked through old books I have, but still cannot figure out what the Uniforms on the soldiers lined up with the crown-type caps are!
Does anyone know what army this is from?? The photo was taken in Niedersachsen, Germany if that helps any. My guess was that they were an Egyptian or maybe some Eastern outfit, but I dont know?? Thanks for any help.

[ww1czechlegion]

Hi,

I'm not familiar with the "crown style caps", but the "X" shaped device visible on a few of the cap fronts is for the German Miner's Association (Bergbau), I believe. It's interesting to note the 2nd guy from the left is also a musician, as he has the musician swallow nest visible on his right shoulder.

You may wish to see if anyone agrees with me on them being Bergbau/Miners Association.

All the Best,

Alan

[Hoss]

Can I take a guess?
Is it possible they could be Firemen?


Eric

[12thPanzer]

Hi,

I'm not familiar with the "crown style caps", but the "X" shaped device visible on a few of the cap fronts is for the German Miner's Association (Bergbau), I believe. It's interesting to note the 2nd guy from the left is also a musician, as he has the musician swallow nest visible on his right shoulder.

You may wish to see if anyone agrees with me on them being Bergbau/Miners Association.

All the Best,

Alan

You know what, you could be very correct! I looked closer under magnifying lens and it looks like a pick axe and a hammer crossed insignia on the caps!! I would have never guessed that to be honest, but I think you are right. Thanks alot. And you are right about the musician on the left there....good eye. I will have to look into that further unless anyone else has an opinion!?

[12thPanzer]

Can I take a guess?
Is it possible they could be Firemen?


Eric

Im happy with any guesses! I am done guessing myself as I couldnt come up with a logical answer, but I am leaning toward the miners association opinion. Firemen......maybe? I honestly dont know. Thanks for the guess though, will take it into consideration!

[12thPanzer]

Well, after looking into this.....It seems that the Crossed pick axe/ hammer insignia on the caps do indeed represent the Bergbau/Mining Association. I was able to find out that this association was put into effect by the NSDAP as a plan for German economic growth and self suffiency of raw materials in 1936. Part of Germany's "four year plan". So I guess I put this under the wrong forum topic as this is actually not a ww1 photo. Thanks to Alan for putting me on the right track here! As always in this hobby, I have learned something new today about a group that is not often spoken of.

[ww1czechlegion]

Here's an eBay Germany link to an auction with the type of hat shown in your photo. First time I've ever seen one of these very unusual hats up for auction.

http://cgi.ebay.de/2-102-DEUTSCHE-KA...item27b76fd28a

They also had the Bergbau during the Imperial era as well.

Neat photo, something definitely not seen often. Thanks for sharing it with us.

All the Best,

Alan

[12thPanzer]

Oh wow. look at that huh? Ya, I can honestly say I hadnt even known about this association before. Just when u think youve learned it all......something else comes up! haha Thanks alot for the information ww1czech. that was neat seeing that actually for sale

[Hoss]

That is too freaky. Incredible

Eric

[RonR]

A related thread.............


http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...ghlight=Miners

[chrispaulodale]

Yep, miners they are. There's an illustration of them in Blandford's Third Reich Uniforms book. Also when I was in Bayern a little while back I went to a salt mine museum... and the chap showing us around still wore this type of uniform!

Cheers
Chris

[12thPanzer]

Yep, miners they are. There's an illustration of them in Blandford's Third Reich Uniforms book. Also when I was in Bayern a little while back I went to a salt mine museum... and the chap showing us around still wore this type of uniform!

Cheers
Chris

Really, the guy was wearing one? haha thats awesome. Glad to hear this association wasnt forgotten. Also, thanks for the thread RONR. Someone actually owns one of the caps. pretty neat. It seems like after this thread I have seen more german mining things around......someone was selling a german mining association membership Pin on estand too