SS use of Lugers

[VIPER]

Could it be correct for a 1936 holster and Luger combination to be worn with a 1935 SS issue belt and nickle silver enlisted buckle configuration. In other words would the then embrionic Waffen SS use whermacht issue weapons at that point in time..Thanks Jimmy

[besslein]

Could it be correct for a 1936 holster and Luger combination to be worn with a 1935 SS issue belt and nickle silver enlisted buckle configuration. In other words would the then embrionic Waffen SS use whermacht issue weapons at that point in time..Thanks Jimmy

[VIPER]

Markings?

Would there be any markings indicating SS use or would just the standard acceptance marks be seen as the pistols would be requisitioned from Whermact stores.........Thanks Jimmy

[sszza2]

Of course this combination would be appropriate and period correct in '36.

Historically, the SS obtained the majority of its weapons through wehrmacht allocations. In '36 the P08 was the primary service pistol of the wehrmacht. As to the other equipment combinations - I always use SS Clothing Regulations of '34 which lists/predicts 'Service Life in Months' as my guide to putting rigs togeather.

However, the reality is that with items like pistols and holsters I have experienced huge swings in date range coming out of the vets bag. Something to keep in mind more for a late war rig.

[sszza2]

If received as an allocation from Wehrmacht stores there would be no indication of SS ownership. The assumption that the SS marked all of their arms is false.

[phild]

The only weapons that would normally be found with SS specific markings would be those that were repaired, refurbished or modified in higher lever (not unit armourers) SS ordance facilities.

It is true that the SS (VT to later become the W-SS) received allotments from the OKW (small arms controlled by the Heer) but you will find that in 1936 these allotments were practially nothing in terms of new arms.

This gradually changed a little and by 1939 or so some few new made up to date small arms started being made available to the SS.....not nearly enough to fully equip them.

A S/42 1936 Luger may certainly have been used by the SS but I doubt seriously that it would have been given to them in 1936. I would think that it would have ended up there much later and by more indirect means.

You will find that most all of the small arms in use by the SS prior to around 1940 or so were of WWI (usually modified and updated), as handed down from Protection Police, Reichsheer or captured confiscated SA stocks, or commercial (like Mauser banners..) or foreign re-issue (Like CZ arms)...with a very few newer small arms thrown in for measure.

[sszza2]

Phild,<O></O>
<O></O>
I generally agree with your comments but would add a few as well as a question:<O></O>

The only weapons that would normally be found with SS specific markings would be those that were repaired, refurbished or modified in higher lever (not unit armourers) SS ordance facilities.

In addition to reworks, refurbs or modified variations - the SS also marked new rifles assembled within their system from new components. <O></O>


It is true that the SS (VT to later become the W-SS) received allotments from the OKW (small arms controlled by the Heer) but you will find that in 1936 these allotments were practially nothing in terms of new arms.

This gradually changed a little and by 1939 or so some few new made up to date small arms started being made available to the SS.....not nearly enough to fully equip them.

A S/42 1936 Luger may certainly have been used by the SS but I doubt seriously that it would have been given to them in 1936. I would think that it would have ended up there much later and by more indirect means.

You will find that most all of the small arms in use by the SS prior to around 1940 or so were of WWI (usually modified and updated), as handed down from Protection Police, Reichsheer or captured confiscated SA stocks, or commercial (like Mauser banners..) or foreign re-issue (Like CZ arms)...with a very few newer small arms thrown in for measure.

I agree that weapons allocations during the SS/VT period were not always first rate equipment. As you say many 98b's, 98m's, GewfurDRP, and captured Polish and CZ. Although I have information on arms allocations I am unaware of period documentation, which covers a complete breakdown of type and vintage. I am curious as to what reference you are using for this breakdown? <O></O>
<O></O>
Absent such documentation I would be hard pressed to say with certainty that an S/42 1936 P08 was not included in a contemporary allocation. Agreed less likely though.

Scott<O></O>
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