Wacht Battalion Wien Cipher

[djpool]

I got this cipher from Bob Hritz yesterday and I believe that its a regulation cipher for Wacht BN. Vienna. There really isn't much info out on the unit or cipher so I'm looking to fellow members for their comments. This style is shown as the official style in the Anglia Schlicht book and Davis' book. The line drawing below is from Davis and the other appears to be an illustration from a period sample board or catalogue. Heres the reference pics. Any comments are welcome.WR Jim

[djpool]

Here are 3 pics of my cipher. 1 (The cipher was loose, I put it on the board)

[djpool]

2

[djpool]

3

[djpool]

Now the confusing part of referencing the W cipher is this one, which I've seen referenced as both the Wien cipher as well as SS Westland. Any comments or help would be appreciated.Jim

[CSP]

x I'm convinced!

[Johnny R]

That be it

Nice rare cypher. It is indeed for Vienna. Sometimes you can mount a replacement prong with super glue. Just don't try to solder it or you will have a tiny alloy puddle of goo. I did this once in my youth to a WWI helmet plate, quite the sad day.

[tgn]

Jim, great topic

I have wondered about this one I have had for many years. Always thought it might be for Wacht Battalion Wien...Tom

[djpool]

Thanks for the comments.

John, fortunately the cipher sits okay with the one prong, so I won't need to try adding the other one.

Tom yours appears to be a nice WIEN cipher in the Reichswehr pattern.

Theres not a lot of info out there but from what I've read only 5 types of units used the W in latin letters (including WB WIEN). Two of them the Recruiting offices and Wehrkreiskommandos had a different style W. The remaining two, Operations Companies and Field waterwaterway detachments are so obscure that I can't find a picture of them.

There were only two Guard Battalions(with distinctive insignia) in the German Army, Berlin and Wien. Of course Berlin had a Gothic W that was only worn by that unit. I'm assuming the W for Wien was specifically produced for them.

I'm no SB expert so I hope our more experienced members will correct me if I've misstated anything.

WR Jim

[tgn]

Jim, intersting comment on my W cypher. But why would they have a Reichswehr pattern for WB Wien, when Austria wasn't annexed until 1938?

Or did they use this pattern much longer than I was thinking?

Tom

[tgn]

...

[tgn]

btt

[djpool]

Jim, intersting comment on my W cypher. But why would they have a Reichswehr pattern for WB Wien, when Austria wasn't annexed until 1938?

Or did they use this pattern much longer than I was thinking?

Tom

Tom,
I couldn't find a definitive answer. In Angolia/schlicht the only thing they say is:

New patterns for numbers were introduced by an order (HV35,No 505)dated 1935. Instead of the flat pattern produced earlier the new pattern was stamped high with horizontally chamferred surfaces and slightly raised bright rims. Pins were affixed to the rear for attaching to the shoulder board. The earlier flat pattern of the Old Army and reichswehr period with diagonally chamferred design was still used.

You could imply that the old/reichswehr patterns continued to be manufactured for a period after that.Or there was a W made for some other reason prior to the 35 order. That I don't know.The order authorizing the special insignia for Wach Bn W came about on 7 sept 1938. WR Jim

[Michael Kuligowski]

Guys... some time ago I run accros this picture online - its in the possesion of a guy whos grandmother was a Finnish nurse in Wiena SS lazarett

are this boards for a SS Wach-Bataillon Wien ??

[MisterX]

Yours is WESTLAND