Eagle timeline

[Marc Garlasco]

Gents,
When did the Fliegerschaft eagle with the droop tail switch over to the flying 2nd pattern eagle? Clearly on helmets it seems to be with the wartime helmets. But with uniforms, caps, and shooting lanyards I have a harder time saying one is pre-war and the other wartime.

Was there a hard and fast order that changed the eagle or did it just happen over time?
Thanks!
Marc

[Scott C.]

I think the second pattern was introduced in the 36-37 timeframe (I have a second pattern cap eagle dated 37). However, I think there was a generous provision to use existing stocks of droop-tail insignia until exhausted. Period photos show droop-tails worn into the mid war period.

[Marc Garlasco]

Thanks Scott. I am trying to date the droop-tail shooting lanyards. I am pretty sure they were 1936 when the new system came into being but were soon changed. I have seen too many pre-war photos with the second pattern to think the first pattern ones were around too long. They were also one maker so that may also have something to do with it.

[John Hodgin]

I think the second pattern was introduced in the 36-37 timeframe (I have a second pattern cap eagle dated 37). However, I think there was a generous provision to use existing stocks of droop-tail insignia until exhausted. Period photos show droop-tails worn into the mid war period.

Agree Scott, most likely 1937. Have had 38 dated hats, 38 dated tunics, and a 38 dated smock, all with second pattern eagles. Droop tails appear to have remained in use alongside second pattern eagles until the first patterns were used up.

[Marc Garlasco]

Thanks John - appreciate your expertise