What is this... Police Dienstausweis

[R. X.]

Hi all, I'm not even sure if this is the most perfect place to post this. I see this for sale on a German website. May I get some opinion on it? Would they really use an early TR period photograph on a 1957 document?? And note that attractive looking badge. All too good to be true?

Ran

[R. X.]

Photo

[W.Unland]

the stamps seem to line up on the photo but it is very odd.

in the photo he has the rank of hauptwachmeister, the next rank would be "Meister", so that part is reasonable, assuming a postbwar promotion. But he is wearing a cross strap in the photo dating this to before 1941. That would make the photo 16 years old by the time this pass was put together

If this was dated just after the war I wouldn't have a problem, but 1957 is 12 years later, using a 16 year old photo, that seems impossible.

It is also important to note the guy is old in the photo, and is wearing a silver or gold long service ribbon. In 1957 this guy would be really old, with at least 30 years of police service. His WW1 ribbons suggests an age around 60 in 1957. Impossible, no. But a 60+ year old sergeant would be unusual I think.

In the first post I thought he was a fireman, but the larger photo suggests he was indeed a police officer wearing M36 uniform.

Regards,
Bill Unland

[JoeW]

I don't know Bill. Men back then showed their age more than guys like you and me. He could have been born in 19oo, served in the war and joined fire fighting services later. Long enough to get the long servive. I think he is wearing a FSchupo tunic, new in 1939/40. That would make him 57 and a Meister in Reserve. He was a pencil pusher in the office.

[Dave C.]

Recycled picture is possible and I would also think an updated picture would have been in order although maybe a function of being in Reserve (i.R.) and service branch? Interesting thought on possibly being FSP.

Looks like Munster Xxx.. on the sleeve insignia name and just looking at the map seeing Stadtlohn is close at 50'ish miles from Munster. Is another possible connection.

It is iteresting to see, thanks for posting!

[R. X.]

Thank you very much for the replies gentlemen. All your thoughts were very similar to mine. As Bill stated, this is not impossible. But it is just very odd. I can't see anything wrong with the pass itself.

I'm just thinking, would a Third Reich period photograph really fly with this post war government personnel pass?? Granted the man might be old, but I imagine photography would be even more common and affordable in the late 50s than during or right after the war?

But again, if he was in the reserves, then who cares. A portrait photo is another pocket of change that he could of saved after experiencing two worlds wars.

Thanks again gents!

Ran

[RonR]

And note that attractive looking badge. All too good to be true?

Ran

The Elefantenorden......


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[Dave C.]

Good eye Ron!

[R. X.]

Thanks Ron! I've never seen this before. A pretty rare colonial badge I assume?

Ran

[RonR]

Thanks to you!

Here is a miniature on an awards chain.......

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[RonR]

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