Two questions:

[mikecbowlz]

#1: I hear a great deal about the mythical 'Sniper patches' (Scharfschutzen), in three grades; but nowhere can I seem to find any info on where/how these patches would have been worn on a uniform? Assuming someone was suicidal enough to actually wear one when still serving anywhere where he might be captured (and given a fate far worse than death)? Where did this award actually belong on a uniform?

#2: I have a small (about 1cm diameter) pin-backed lapel pin, with the SS
runes in an oak-leaf wreath, tiny and poorly-struck RZM on rear-- presumably it's for a suit lapel while an SS member is off-duty and wearing civvies; but again, I cannot find any references or information on the pin-- anyone know anything about this? I've had this one since the mid-1960's but never saw anything official on it--

Thanks in advance if anyone can provide enlightenment on either or both of these Q's--

MC

[Sniper 1987]

MC,

The only reference that I have is "World War II German Battle Insignia" by Gordon Williamson, which is a brief, but decent, beginner-level book published by Men-at-Arms. The Sniper Badge (actually a patch) was introduced on 08/20/1944, and it was worn on the lower right sleeve of the tunic. It is generally accepted in the collecting community that original examples were manufactured and likely awarded. However, actual wear by recipients, especially in combat zones, is not likely.

I have never encountered a photo of the patch in wear. Maybe somewhere there is a photo of German sniper school cadre wearing one, which in my opinion would be about the only personnel likely to wear it. A good friend of mine has an original example with a Detlev Niemann certificate of authenticity, but most examples you are likely to encounter will be fake.

As for your second question, it would be best to post a photo of the SS pin in the SS insignia collector area of this forum.

Hope this helps you some.

Matt
U.S. Army Sniper School class 02/1987

[Niblet]

sniper patch

I believe I have a photo somewhere,,,of a patch in wear,,,I wont be able to get to it for at least a week but I think it is in the book "Awarded for Bravery"

[Bob Hritz]

There are many threads on the Heer Badges forum.

Bob Hritz

[Don D.]

I believe I have a photo somewhere,,,of a patch in wear,,,I wont be able to get to it for at least a week but I think it is in the book "Awarded for Bravery"

I'd like to see that.

[VonLuger]

If I remember the patch was NEVER worn because since they were a SNIPER, if captured they would be EXECUTED on the spot...