Fuhrer Grenadier shoulder board device

[Tom Pearcy]

Any appreciate any input as to this being good or bad? I believe it is for the Fuhrer Grenadier Regiment? Batallion? Brigade?

[longislandercjv]

Tom;
I saw this on Estand but it was already sold (to you..).
I know of no known original example of the Fuhrergrenadier cypher.
Yours seems to be aluminum with 4 prongs. This is odd since it's a late war unit and you'd expect it to be made of zinc rather than aluminum.
I look forward to the opinions of those collectors who are familiar with the"FG" -"GD" lineage. Scott Prichett's opinion would be the one I'd value.
(and OSS too!)

[OSS]

Tom;
Scott Prichett's opinion would be the one I'd value.
(and OSS too!)

Thanks for the kind words but I, like you, have never seen an original nor a photograph of one being worn. The unit wore GD cyphers (and cufftitles) to my knowledge. I cannot however rule out the possibility of the FG cypher being made or issued. I would like to hear Scott's view on the subject as well.

[djpool]

I remember Weitze or Niemann offering a FGD shoulder board decades ago. I never saw the device. Brian Davis mentions them and has a drawing in his book. The design matches the one pictured. Jim

The device looks awful new in the pictures, no tarnishing etc

[Schulterklappen]

Fg

I can't comment on the cypher; but, Scott might have a Foto surprise in realm of FG!

[Tom Pearcy]

I believe it is aluminum. Aluminum does not tarnish when protected from the elements. As far as I know, it came from a Vet's cash. I too have Brian Davis' book and line drawing of this device. It matches. I would also note that it is slightly larger than the "GD" device.

[brooksbz]

Aluminum does tarnish. The dull layer is called Aluminum Oxide. The only way it won't is with a layer of laquer.

[Tom Pearcy]

I stand corrected, thank you.

[djpool]

I believe it is aluminum. Aluminum does not tarnish when protected from the elements. As far as I know, it came from a Vet's cash. I too have Brian Davis' book and line drawing of this device. It matches. I would also note that it is slightly larger than the "GD" device.

I was just wondering if it might be a silver wash. I like it and would have taken the chance if I saw it. Jim

[Tom Pearcy]

That's it? No one else wants to chime in?

[Johnny R]

As those faults on the surface or damage?

[Tom Pearcy]

Damage: nicks, dings, scratches.

[Johnny R]

To me they look thin and the rough serrated appearance of the edges all around the stamping on the back is unusual, normally the edges are smooth and finished. It must be a very soft metal/alloy. The detail compared to original castings even of numbers etc. is less in recessed areas. Probably not what you wanted to hear but you have asked for opinions.

[echoe]

FG device

seldom offered for sale in the past


will be interesting so see how many begin to appear in the next 18 months or so

[CSP]

Tom asked me several times for my thoughts on the "FG" device under question.

I do not know if the device is original or not. I have run across so few examples in 40 years as to be insufficient to form staunch opinions.

That said, some personal observations:

AHM regulations document their institution

A good, common sense case can be made that 'some' number were produced and probably issues/worn

I have one portrait of an other ranks soldier wearing the insignia embroidered in his shoulder straps (to be published: Schiffer Publishing, Panzer Feldjacke, German Armored Crew Uniforms of the Second World War, Heer Book 2...expected out in early 2014)

The book will also illustrate what is believed to be an original embroidered strap quite similar/assess as nearly identical to the portrait example

A similar strap with metal device will not be illustrated since I could not (yet) find photographic evidence for (but I believe it exists)

A few examples in metal and embroidery exist in an older collection of which I am aware and of which I retain images ... examples I believe are original, yet would need permission to post (an could only be arranged by snail mail)

The devices/embroidery were larger than the corresponding "GD" devices/embroidery. Estimated as twice the size. Don't know why. But such a size might account for a device having more than two prongs

Those I have observed have not has this light white metal finish - instead they have been dull grey, similar to a lot of later war manufactured metal insignia and devices. Such would make sense given all of the other evidence of lesser quality metals being used as the war progressed

Hope this helps advance the discussion.