Bahnschutz or bezirk ....??

[jwh44]

Hello

I have some Reichsbahn bayonets with Bz markings on the crosguard. I can see that some say hat Bz is for Bahnschutz and some other sayit is for bezirk. I would gues it is Bahnschutz beause I read in the book from D. Deuster about polizei that "Bez" was used for bezirk.
What's your opinion ?
Regards
Alain

[jwh44]

No ideas......
Regards
Alain

[SCHUPO]

Alain,

These BZ. and Bz. markings have always been problematic. I have leaned toward them being a Bezirk marking but the word is simply a generic word for district or area. The Reichsbahn markings are generally well known as R.B.D. and I would expect the contraction for Bahnschutzpolizei would be Bzp. as seen on their dog dags.

Still a mystery with differing opinions.

[jwh44]

Thanks Shupo !
Alain

[Frogprince]

Alain,

These BZ. and Bz. markings have always been problematic. I have leaned toward them being a Bezirk marking but the word is simply a generic word for district or area. The Reichsbahn markings are generally well known as R.B.D. and I would expect the contraction for Bahnschutzpolizei would be Bzp. as seen on their dog dags.

Still a mystery with differing opinions.

Short version: Luftwaffe markings in general are another even more notable area where the markings for some reason seem to lack consistency - just an observation, not that it’s directly related. And I’ve wrestled with the interpretation of these marking variations myself a time or three and even put together various and sundry notes over time looking for patterns of what is known of the German Railway system, its security forces, armored trains, etc. etc. Ultimately deciding that the (IMO) most likely end user is Railway related that may predate the more serious efforts to take control of the security forces by HH. Also noting that the marking(s) are often seen on the “slim” (ever so slightly smaller dimensioned) early wood griped rust blued bayonets. Best Regards, Fred