totenkopf skulls, iron cross and patches

[evilmike]

hello, firstly what a fantastic web site, my first post i do with mixed feelings, i guess i find out soon what i have is real or not

i was given these items by my grandfather when i was about 15 i guess 10 years ago or so now because of my interests. As i understand he was given them by his uncle who i believe served in the war although ive no idea what regiment or where, iam guessing poss north africa, italy as i was also given some bank notes, algeria, italy etc

now i have these following items if better pics are needed i can do some more.



whats always puzzled me is that theres no sign of a clasp or ribbon holder or visable sign of one broken off. it is constructed of 3 parts, not sure if centre is magnetic.



next i have 4 deaths head skulls, some of which are showing signs of needing some care to stop them rotting??

they dont appear to have makers marks on the back





now some patches 2 near identical and a 3rd which is similar.









and finaly this, which i doubt is even german but i havent a clue



any information is greatly apprieciated, what the various items where used for by who etc many thanks!

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Mike, first of all welcome to the forum!

The Iron Cross is an original Iron Cross second class. The suspension loop is missing as you suspected. Could be an unfinshed example taken from a factory?

The deathsheads again are original, but are not SS. These are Heer (Army) Panzer collar tab skulls. Once again these appear unfinished, lacking the pins.

The triangular shaped cloth badges are unknown to me, sorry.

The final cloth item is British and is an Officers rank "pip" worn on the shoulder strap of the Battledress blouse. A single pip would equal the rank of 2nd Lt. If the backing is a very dark blue it is for a member of the Royal Signals or Royal Engineers.

Hope this all helps?

Cheers, Ade.

[evilmike]

Excellent, thanks very much for your help Ade
mike