The Coburg Badge

[Br. James]

Erich -- My bad! You are certainly correct that that was Gauleiter Fritz Wächtler of Bayreuth and not Sprenger. I guess the two look so similar to my eye that this is not the first time I have mistaken Wächtler for Sprenger.

I also stand corrected as to the ID of the speaker -- Wilhelm Schepmann was apparently Acting Stabschef from May 2, 1943 -- the date of Stabschef Viktor Lutze's death in an auto accident -- and officially became the third SA-Stabschef on November 9, 1943.

Joe -- I too initially thought that I recognized the man in the SS uniform immediately to Schepmann's right as being Dr. Alfred Meyer, Gauleiter of Westfalen-Nord. But while Meyer included the rank of SA-Obergruppenführer among his several titles and responsibilities, he was not a member of the SS.

Br. James

[ErichS]

I agree, Erich! Martin has provided a photo new to me, too, and a fine one. I assume this captured an event at the 1942 Commemoration of the Battle of Coburg as the Political Leaders are wearing the results of the 1939 major PL uniform revision. Isn't that Wilhelm Schepmann at the microphone? If it is, he was still SA-Obergruppenführer of Sachsen at that time. And in the line behind the speaker, to the far left, I notice Gauleiter Jakob Sprenger of Hessen-Nassau. Interesting, too, that neither Schepmann or Sprenger were Coburg Badge Trägers!

Br. James

Interesting that none of the VIPs seem to be Coburg Badge holders. Can't see a one on any of their uniforms.

[JoeW]

Erich -- My bad! You are certainly correct that that was Gauleiter Fritz Wächtler of Bayreuth and not Sprenger. I guess the two look so similar to my eye that this is not the first time I have mistaken Wächtler for Sprenger.

I also stand corrected as to the ID of the speaker -- Wilhelm Schepmann was apparently Acting Stabschef from May 2, 1943 -- the date of Stabschef Viktor Lutze's death in an auto accident -- and officially became the third SA-Stabschef on November 9, 1943.

Joe -- I too initially thought that I recognized the man in the SS uniform immediately to Schepmann's right as being Dr. Alfred Meyer, Gauleiter of Westfalen-Nord. But while Meyer included the rank of SA-Obergruppenführer among his several titles and responsibilities, he was not a member of the SS.

Br. James

James, I was referring to one of the two NSDAP men in the front row, to the Shepmann's right (the man between Shepmann and Wachtler), not the SS Brigadefuhrer or SS Obersturmbannfuhrer, both of who are standing behind the two party leaders. But examining the cap of this unknown PL, the piping appears to be light colored, so he is either in the Reichsleitung (golden) or is the local Kreisleiter (white) of Coburg.

[Br. James]

Thanks Joe...this has been a total strike-out for me...should have kept my hands away from the keyboard!

Br. James

[Martin M.]

[QUOTE=JoeW;6156163]Well who is the person between Schepmann and Wachtler. He looks like another Gauleiter and must carry some weight to be up front. But he is not mentioned in the photo description on the reverse.


Could it be the mayor of Coburg August Greim ? It sure looks like him.Below link is the only photo i could find of him.
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/August_Greim

[ErichS]

The guy could also possibly be Ludwig Ruckdeschel, Waechtler's Deputy.

[Br. James]

Wouldn't it be ironic if that was Ruckdeschel...the man who presided over Wächtler's execution just 2 1/2 years after this photo was taken?!

Br. James

[JoeW]

[QUOTE=Martin M.;6157742]

Well who is the person between Schepmann and Wachtler. He looks like another Gauleiter and must carry some weight to be up front. But he is not mentioned in the photo description on the reverse.


Could it be the mayor of Coburg August Greim ? It sure looks like him.Below link is the only photo i could find of him.
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/August_Greim

The guy could also possibly be Ludwig Ruckdeschel, Waechtler's Deputy.

Martin, I believe you are correct. It should be Greim. Again look to the piping of the visor: white. Your link indentifies Grimm as a Kreisleiter and shows a picture of him with dark piping on the tunic (black for pre-1939 Kreis level). Now he has the post 1939 uniform on with white piping. Ruckdeschel would have dark Gau level piping on the visor.

[Br. James]

Before anyone else notices it, I again mis-spoke as to the execution of Wächtler -- it took place only 1 1/2 years after this photo was taken.

Br. James

[ErichS]

Looking at some old HH actions, I came across this cool cigar box done in .800 silver dedicated to pg. Singer who was a very early member and holder of both the CB and BO. The box is from the 15th anniversary of the march in 1937. Wish it was in my Collection!

[Erich B.]

I wonder if it's one of a kind, or if perhaps similar boxes were given to other CB Träger? Not that I've ever seen one before.
Erich

[ErichS]

I wonder if it's one of a kind, or if perhaps similar boxes were given to other CB Träger? Not that I've ever seen one before.
Erich

Good question and the first I've seen as well. This looks like a premium piece, so maybe given to a few honored guests at the anniversary celebration?

[Military]

If only we knew who bought it and request for inside photos! I think the inside would be plain but why a rectangular shaped box elongated sideways rather than the type Stan bought? It would make more sense to have a case such as the one for the BO?

Mil

[ErichS]

If only we knew who bought it and request for inside photos! I think the inside would be plain but why a rectangular shaped box elongated sideways rather than the type Stan bought? It would make more sense to have a case such as the one for the BO?

Mil

Silver marking

[ErichS]

Interior.