Originally posted by Glenn McInnes
So far everything that can be presented on the discussion of this beret can be very easily challenged (most don't seem to care though, which is really odd):
- There was no HG formation until mid-42 and then only a regiment until the HG Division was formed in 1943; up to then it was the RGG.
- There is some mention of the eagle being like one found on the Hermann Meyer cap; yes, it does appear similiar in style but the Meyer cap came out in 1942 and was discontinued in 1943.
- It does appear that there was Panzer Späh Zug as part of the 8th Kradschützen Kompanie which was part of the III. Wach Batallion of the RGG and was formed as of Oct. 1, 1937 (disbanded on Nov. 1, 1938 according to one source). So, at best we MAY have 4 armored cars for about 13 months and we think they may have made special eagles and put them on the '40 depot dated Heer beret? Where is the proof of that Zug using any armor? And, did they were any special uniform items during a timeframe when most units were just evolving? Certainly no HG wrap was worn then.
- The 13th Panzer Kompanie was first formed in late 1942. Assuming the Späh Zug existed and was disbanded in 1938 and no other armored formation appears to have existed between 1938 and 1942; how can we support what we see on this beret? Were Panzer berets still worn then?
- Why does the beret still have Heer depot and unit markings on a item adopted by the Luftwaffe? Why not cross them out and replace with the Luftwaffe unit? Can someone show me another uniform item used from that timeframe where this makes any sense?
- What about that cockade?
- Then there is the eagle application.
- Much of what I hear in it's favor is concerning it has been around since the '70s and was in a respected collection. Honestly, so what? I can easily show you fake FJ helmet covers from the '60s. All from collectors who swear by them. Could go on and on.
Too many extremely weak "what ifs" for any collector I know who would have that kind of $$ to throw around without being absolutely certain in what they were buying. The same hold true if it were half the price, if not less. Only my opinions.
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