luft death pillow

[tinmantis]

I know what you're saying, this thread's in the wrong place, but I think this is the nearest I can get!!

I have a Luft 'medal-funeral-pillow' (for want of a better word) which is an absolutely fascinating bizarre item. All the badges are sadly missing, but all have left their imprints nicely...
I'd like some more info on these items, does anyone out there have pics of another one, so I can compare?
I'd also like to see some period photos of these 'pillows' in use. I've seen some before but can't remember where...

any info would be gratefully received
thanks
jon

[jacques]

I know what you're saying, this thread's in the wrong place, but I think this is the nearest I can get!!

I have a Luft 'medal-funeral-pillow' (for want of a better word) which is an absolutely fascinating bizarre item. All the badges are sadly missing, but all have left their imprints nicely...
I'd like some more info on these items, does anyone out there have pics of another one, so I can compare?
I'd also like to see some period photos of these 'pillows' in use. I've seen some before but can't remember where...

any info would be gratefully received
thanks
jon

Here is the medal funeral pillow of Walter Oesau

[Jos L C]

Very nice ,Jaques..!

Any pics of the pillow closer than this ..?

Jos.

[François SAEZ]

Well, well.....

I have a wording issue with "funeral"

After the War it was often the case (true for all nations, all branches and probably even true now) for a vet to put all his badges and medals on pillow as a "souvenir" of his service BUT that doesn't mean (except if it is mentioned) that he was dead.

[tinmantis]

ahh, I see....
I had considered all pillows to mean 'death'!
That's probably just me being morbid.
Here's mine by the way:

http://pic8.picturetrail.com/VOL256/...7/35009327.jpg
http://pic8.picturetrail.com/VOL256/...7/35009322.jpg

It does seem to be well constructed, as if purchased at the time. Maybe meaning that this one is actually a 'funeral pillow' as surely the swastika would not appear on post-war keep-sakes?
I've ID'd most of the missing badges, Silver and black wound, Krim, East medal, Anti Aircraft badge, clasp with pendant, army tank badge? Luft gunner? am I going mad, or can you see some more that make sense?

Thanks so much for your picture Jaques. I'd love to see some more
Isn't there a famous pic of Heinrich's pillow?
thanks again
jon

[Mike Kenny]

Hi Jon,

That looks more like a "collectors" pillow. I can see multiple wound badges, what looks like an IMPERIAL U-boat badge, a Heer Panzer Badge and a ?Czech 23-53 pattern Pilot's Badge (middle right hand side). I think it highly unlikely that one guy could have been awarding this variety of badges.

Regards
Mike K

[François SAEZ]

Hi Jon,

That looks more like a "collectors" pillow.
Mike K

I agree with Mike

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Jon, I too would agree with Mike. I think an original pillow would be more "fancy" too. Even though it is a collectors pillow, yours still has an original sports vest eagle on it.
I would also like to see any other period photos of these items as each appears different to the next.
Cheers, Ade. .

[tinmantis]

Yes, I wondered about the 'variety' of badges all to one man! And no iron cross...
If this was someone's collection, it was sewn onto this pillow for a very considerable time. It looks and feels mighty 'period'

I agree too, more pillows please!

thanks
jon

[Brian S]

And it's not black. Looks like the sport shirt insignia sewn to the top. Definitely a collector's display item.