Panzer Wrap

[Glenn McInnes]

Apparently Helmut Ritgen someone thinks. Several critical items are missing that would make it his.

Was he a recipient of the Honor Roll clasp? (Heer)





Glenn

[LRRPS]

Yes. It's not an EKII-ribbon in the buttonhole, but and EBS. The swastika object is missing, but clear traces of 4 holes and a circular object on it.

Maj. Ritgen was also awarded PAB25.

Pic of Helmut here:

http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtop...Ritgen#p833867

Of course, there is no way to be 100% sure but the similarities are striking.

[Glenn McInnes]

Yes. It's not an EKII-ribbon in the buttonhole, but and EBS. The swastika object is missing, but clear traces of 4 holes and a circular object on it.

Maj. Ritgen was also awarded PAB25.

Pic of Helmut here:

http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtop...Ritgen#p833867

Of course, there is no way to be 100% sure but the similarities are striking.

Thank you. Agree based on the ribbon.

I suspect the DKiG wreath and clasp were most likely removed as perhaps someone thought they were gold and of value.

What information is missing to tie this jacket to Ritgen other than the EK1?.. The jacket and period photo of the jacket appear identical (insignia placement,eagle,DKiG,ribbons etc)




Glenn

[BenVK]

but the similarities are striking.

They are indeed...

[90th Light]

What a find !

What an amazing piece of history.

Thank you for such a great thread,

Chris

[besslein]

wow fantastic wraper

[Mark Gibson]

A truly magnificent and rare panzer wrap.
I'm willing to bet that the Panzer assault for 25 engagements is original to it as Ritgen is on a list for having this badge.

Just beautiful and I wish that I could afford it but sadly no.

Mark

[Panzer Bob]

Pab 25

Mark,
Well, he's not only on a list, there's a photo of him in his wrap (not necessarily this one) with what appears to be a numbered PAB.
A great piece of history...
Regards,
Bob

[PaulChep]

It is possible that Ritgen service record is in the US Archives in College Park, MD. You could write to the archive and see if they have it and how many pages are in it. If you want you can purchase the microfilm for $85 or a PDF of the roll from $125. I have done a fair amount of research at the US Archive and I wouls say there is a 50% chance they will have his record.

[Glenn McInnes]

Another photo (pictured in the center wearing the #'ed PAB,silver wound badge,EK1) and some information on this officers service.


Perhaps the award loops/tailored holes for screwback awards,if any (I can see a few award loops in one of the photos) on the jacket will match up with these.






Glenn

[Panzer Bob]

Privately Purchased?

Glenn,
So much for the privately purchased theory from the book you showed. I guess, technically, it was a private purchase, since officers were supposed to buy their own uniforms. Whether he purchased it or it was just issued to him, it still bears the stamping of the original unit of issue, the 2./Pz-Lehr-Abt.
Great stuff!
Bob Edwards

[Glenn McInnes]

Glenn,
So much for the privately purchased theory from the book you showed. I guess, technically, it was a private purchase, since officers were supposed to buy their own uniforms. Whether he purchased it or it was just issued to him, it still bears the stamping of the original unit of issue, the 2./Pz-Lehr-Abt.
Great stuff!
Bob Edwards

Indeed Bob...Just an upgraded factory produced wrap. I remembered this photo from the name on the command flag but could not find the book




Best,
Glenn

[Panzer Rob]

Beautiful wrap, and based on the rank and awards (EBS, single TDB, three award loops, etc.) I think there's a very good chance that this could have originally belonged to Ritgen. The IAB and GAB (and most likely PAB) were added by the vet who brought it back. Perhaps the EKI was traded for one of these??? Speculation of course!

Would it be possible to see a close-up shot of the eagle, as well as the collar tabs - particularly the reverse of the collar where they are sewn on?

Rob

[Panzer Bob]

Additional Photos

Rob,
I'm sure Tracie can post those images, but there is no doubt this is Ritgen's wrap, since Tracie has also provided background information on how his grandfather acquired it, which jibes perfectly with Ritgen's account of how the jacket was taken (none of which was ever public knowledge).
Regards,
Bob Edwards

[Gene]

Great comparison Ben, I believe they are one and the same wrap. Look at the gap between the collar tab and the collar piping, its angle, the distance of the DKiG to the eagle, etc. The shoulder board arch from where it is sewn in the shoulder, etc. Too many coincidences. A fantastic piece Tracie!