Waffen-SS Einheits. M43 EM

[Glenn McInnes]

My thought was that the SS clothing works could not meet the demand for hats, camo jackets etc thus it was sub contracted out to some larger factories (that would produce Heer clothing etc) to produce hence the RB # s in some W-SS items.

A number beginning with RF is what I believe to be an item of foreign manufacture and not "made in Germany".




Glenn

[Luca Ongaro]

My thought was that the SS clothing works could not meet the demand for hats, camo jackets etc thus it was sub contracted out to some larger factories (that would produce Heer clothing etc) to produce hence the RB # s in some W-SS items.

A number beginning with RF is what I believe to be an item of foreign manufacture and not "made in Germany".

Glenn

As I think Glenn
Luca

[Bob Hritz]

IF, I were to suppose that there could be late-war M-43 caps bearing RB numbers, would they not have the trapazoid one piece insignia, not the earlier 2 piece insignia? If I am to follow logic, I would think RB on an SS item would indicate very late production.

See why I stay away from RB marked SS caps?

Bob Hritz

[Glenn McInnes]

IF, I were to suppose that there could be late-war M-43 caps bearing RB numbers, would they not have the trapazoid one piece insignia, not the earlier 2 piece insignia? If I am to follow logic, I would think RB on an SS item would indicate very late production.

See why I stay away from RB marked SS caps?

Bob Hritz

Rb#s came into use sometime in late 42/ early 43, so 2 pc insignia in some cases is of course possible I would think. I can only remember seeing RB#ed hats with a trapazoid.



Glenn

[Luca Ongaro]

IF, I were to suppose that there could be late-war M-43 caps bearing RB numbers, would they not have the trapazoid one piece insignia, not the earlier 2 piece insignia?

A trapazoid one piece insignia is what I would expect to see on M-43 caps bearing RB numbers otherwise as Glenn told the 2 pc are possible.
Luca

[Bob Hritz]

In 1942 and 1943, the SS were procuring their clothing equipment from SS channels. It was in late 1944 and 1945 that the supply system was having difficulties.

Bob Hritz

[Bob Hritz]

A lesson on HRITZ'S RAZOR OF RELATIVE VALUE

The value of an item is in inverse proportion to the length of the explaination. Or, the longer you must explain an item, the shorter the price for that item.

Bob Hritz

[Glenn McInnes]

In 1942 and 1943, the SS were procuring their clothing equipment from SS channels. It was in late 1944 and 1945 that the supply system was having difficulties.

Bob Hritz

What about the "Statni" marked caps with 2 pc insignia? I always considered these late. Don't recall seeing one with a RB# though.


Glenn

[Bob Hritz]

Glenn,

I have never seen a Statni marked cap and never even heard of them until the last 10 years, so cannot comment on them.

Bob Hritz

[billbert]

I believe the SS trapeziod and SS 2 piece insignia timeframes OVERLAPPED each other a bit more than many people would believe...
have seen original examples of both 43 dated caps with traps and 44 dated caps with 2 piece..Billbert

[Luca Ongaro]

I believe the SS trapeziod and SS 2 piece insignia timeframes OVERLAPPED each other a bit more than many people would believe...
have seen original examples of both 43 dated caps with traps and 44 dated caps with 2 piece..Billbert

Yes I am agree with you Bilbert, the M43 I posted in this thread is marked 1944.
Luca

[Glenn McInnes]

I believe the SS trapeziod and SS 2 piece insignia timeframes OVERLAPPED each other a bit more than many people would believe...
have seen original examples of both 43 dated caps with traps and 44 dated caps with 2 piece..Billbert

Yes I agree as well.





Glenn

[90th Light]

I believe the SS trapeziod and SS 2 piece insignia timeframes OVERLAPPED each other a bit more than many people would believe...
have seen original examples of both 43 dated caps with traps and 44 dated caps with 2 piece..Billbert

I agree with Billbert on this. The two caps with RB numbers which I described in my previous posting are as follows;

a/ German field grey wool, satin lining with seperate eagle and skull machine stitched and marked "RB Nr 2/ XXXX/ XXXX" with a size & 44 date

b/ Italian dark green wool, HBT lining with a field grey trapazoid machine stitched and marked "64/ XXXX/ XXXX" with a size but no date.

Now what would be a help is if other members could please post details of their RB Nr or similar numbered cap & other SS items. This way we could start to build up a pattern. (Also a big thank you to those who already have)

Without boring all of you with stories as to why these caps are right and of pre-May 45 manufacture. Please take my word that they have been seen and passed by some very advanced collectors.

Hoping we might work something out on this one, Chris

[B. N. Singer]

I believe the SS trapeziod and SS 2 piece insignia timeframes OVERLAPPED each other a bit more than many people would believe...
have seen original examples of both 43 dated caps with traps and 44 dated caps with 2 piece..Billbert

True Billy,

As a matter of fact, I have even seen examples of the "Dachau" made "exposed bill" M43 hats having two piece insignia configurations (though a Rare bird indeed).

As for the issue of RB numbers, well, I'll just "keep my own council" as to that, if you folks don't mind!

B. N. Singer

[TONY Q.W.]

You may have something with the non RB prefix, but a similar numbering system. It would make sense for a uniform type of code for reporting the durability, and making recommendations for changes or improvements. I will check my SS camo M-44 tunics.

Bob Hritz[/quote]

Hi Bob, I just show your ss camo markings and I just realize that mine has the exact markings as yours, both code numbers and size numbers are identical. My jacket has the rayon lining type, would that be the case on yours?

Best Regards,