probably the wrong forum...

[toadboy65]

Probably the wrong forum, but I do not know where else to post this. Recently I have seen both at Auction and at some dealers, crucifixes sold as German WW2 military items. Some are listed as chaplain's crosses, others are claimed to be crosses carried by the individual soldiers. I have asked some of the sellers as nicely as possible what it is that identifies their item as a Third Reich relic. Usually what I get is a reference to a website where they saw a similar item claimed to be Third Reich. I personally believe that the presence of a skull and crossbones on the lower part of most crucifixes makes them think "SS". Maybe it indicates a pirate chaplain. Anyway, my real question is- Was there a standardized crucifix used by WW2 German military chaplains, or given to the troops? If so, how can we identify such items? Thanks, and if there is a better place for this post, I ask the moderators to move it as needed
-toad

[Volksgrenadier 44]

Interesting Toad i must say! My first reaction is that German Army Military Chaplins Crusifixs Are a rare as hens teeth so that would be my first red flag mate As for Crosses/Crusifixs carried by individual soldiers i would only buy the Item NOT the story Unless it comes direct from a a vets wife/family.
Just my 2 cents,

Kind Regards

Ross

[toadboy65]

cross

it is not that I was about to fall for the spiel, I just started wondering if such a thing as a standardized Chaplain Cross existed. I would think that a priest joining the Wehrmacht would probably already have his own cross. On the other hand, it is possible that a Christian organization would send religious tokens to the troops, and those items would have some marking or dedication that would make them different from non wartime items. This is obviously not my area of expertise, but I would like to know more.

[byterock]

If you are talking about a crucifix with a skull and crossbones on it then definitely NO it would not be used by any chaplain.

This type of crucifix would of been used for one of the following

1) coffin
2) memorial rosary.

The Skull and crossbones was never official and where a common style in southern Germany and England (after prince Albert died) during the 19th century.

[streptile]

Great question. Can we see some of them? I can't say I know what these look like.

I've got a crucifix with a skull and bones on it (somewhere, no idea where) that is supposed to be Polish. Very neat item that I got in 1990s Gdansk.

[Tony T-S]

I do. We have a thread here on chaplains that has pictures of actually chaplain's crosses. The skull and bones found on many crucifixes of late 19th and early 20th centuries allude to the bones of Adam (legend having them buried on Calvary above where Christ's cross was), and have nothing to do with the SS.

I'll see if I can find the thread for you.

Ok, found it. You can see examples of Protestant and Catholic ones on the first page. You can ignore the other interesting discussion.

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=429545

[streptile]

Great, thanks Tony. Interesting stuff. That WWI photo is awesome.

[Volksgrenadier 44]

Coooool,,Thanks for posting the link Tony

Ross