Germanic Proficiency Runes Badge

Germanic   Proficiency  Runes Badge – Bronze - Silver Class.  

Germanische Leistungsrune (der SS) Bronze Klasse, (der SS) Silber Klasse.

Instituted on. 15 August 1943

Known Makers – Un- marked

Rarity – Extremely Rare, Extremely Rare.

Germanic Proficiency Runes Badge – Bronze- Obverse.

Germanic Proficiency Runes Badge – Bronze- Reverse.

  

GermanicProficiencyRunes Badge – Silver - Obverse. 

GermanicProficiencyRunes Badge – Silver - Reverse.

The firm of Kremnitz, in the Protectorate, was reportedly the only maker of these badges, which is produced from fine zinc, which has as a design, two victory runes of the SS superimposed upon a mobile swastika. The swastika measures 46.5 mm across the legs with the individual leg measuring 8mm. These have a raised edge line with 3 similar ones 1 mm apart. The runes measure 28.5 mm tip to tip and 9.5 mm at the widest point. They are produced from bronze that is silvered with a black opaque enamelled field. These badges had no markings of any kind on the reverse, and had a semi-broad standard pin with barrel hinge and flat C type hook at the base. All the components of the hinge pin and hook are produced from bronze. The enamelled runes were fastened to the badge with two pins per rune, flattened over on the reverse.  It has been reported that there are two variations, defined as A and B types, which are determined by the reverse of the sun wheel being flat and the pins that attach the Runes slightly shorter on A type badges. There is another type that is even rarer. This is slightly larger and is not as valued as the A and B types. The reverse shows more differences, the runes are attached by small rivets and at the center are the impressed boxed SS runes. This badge was produced by the firm Otto Gahr. The badge in question came with its Proof book, photos and some 270 personal letters.

Himmler officially introduced the German Proficiency Runes on 15August 1943. It was instituted in two grades, bronze and silver, with a higher standard required for the attainment of the silver.He wanted an award that would be available to both the General SS in Germany and the Germanic SS abroad. No proficiency badge was available for all branches of the Germanic SS and in fact only in Holland had any SS sports badges been introduced at all. In the institution document he stated that it “should be an example in physical training and tests in the use of weapons in the National Socialist spirit, and confirmation of the voluntary attainment of the Germanic joint destiny”. His rational for such an award was mullty faceted.His desire was to encourage SS men to be athletically fit, with their minds attuned to Nazi ideology. For the essentially non – combatant SS members, to stimulate a competitive interest in basic military training.On a more grandiose plain he aimed at strengthening the pan – Germanic idea within the entire political SS organization.

It was presented with an exam record book and worn in the centre of the left breast pocket of the service uniform.

 Seehagen Alfred - SS-Oberscharführer - Germanic Proficiency Runes Badge - Bronze.

The design was to appeal ostensibly to the Germanic SS, being the formation sign of the “Wiking” division of the Waffen – SS, and later adopted by the entire III. Germanic SS Panzer Corps, which was made up largely of volunteers from the Germanic countries.  Records show only awards in Holland, Denmark and Norway, with one presentation ceremony known for these three countries. Although there may have been others later in the war. Exams were held in the Beneshau/Prague area of Czechoslovakia, but it is not known if official award ceremonies were held.  It is possible that the Runes were awarded to members of the Flemish SS, but as this formation was on the decline in 1944, none of its members received them.

In Holland; several thousand applied to undergo the tests, however only 95 passed, giving rise to the first awards being made on 1st, February 1944 at the Dutch SS School Avegoor. near Arnheim. The Higher SS and Police Leader in Holland, SS-Obergruppenführer Rauter, greeted Himmler. Also present were Reichskommissar Seyss-Inquart, leader of the N.S.B. Mussert, and Chief of the SS-Hauptamt, SS-Obergruppenführer und General der Waffen-SS Berger. Himmler presented the badges, carried on a board by an Unterscharführer from the "Germania" regiment of the "Wiking" SS division. Himmler, who then promoted the Dutch Volunteer Legion to a grenadier brigade SS-Grenadier- brigade “Nederland”, in particular delivered a speech praising the achievements of the Dutch SS and the “Westland” regiment. It is interesting to note that the presentation pillows held 9 silver and 45 bronze on the left and 45 bronze on the right.

Reichsführer Heinrich Himmler speeks with Anton Mussert, Dr. Seyss-Inquart, Reichskommissar in Holland, is behind. To the right is SS-Obergruppenführer Karl Demelhuber .

The first award ceremony of the Germanic  Proficiency Runes held at the Dutch SS School Avegoor on 1st February 1944. from left to right, SS-Gruppnführer Gotlob Berger, Chief of the SS-Hauptamt, Reichsführer Heinrich Himmler, Dr. Seyss-Inquart, Reichskommissar in Holland, Anton Mussert, Leader of the N.S.B and Henk Feldmeijer, Vooman of the Dutch SS.

SS-Hauptsturmführer Johannes Tjapko  wearing the Germanic Proficiency Runes and Feldmeijer in field-grey uniform.

SS-Untersturmführer wearing the Germanic Proficiency Runes in Silver. 

In Denmark the presentation was made on 2nd June 1944, at a memorial ceremony for the Danish SS volunteers killed in action, at Hovelte by the Chief of the SS-Hauptamt. SS-Obergruppenführer und General der Waffen-SS Berger. The test schedule had been timed so that the results would be ready for this ceremony. Berger spoke of the Danish SS volunteers killed in action, and how "their spirits could rest in peace knowing that new columns of Germanic fighters stood behind them." He stated that it was in the memory of the dead Danish SS volunteers and in their spirit that the first Germanic Proficiency Runes were being awarded on Danish soil.

The Higher SS and Police Leader in Norway, SS-Obergruppenführer Rediess, acting upon instructions from Himmler on 16th August 1944, presented the awards in Norway. The ceremony was held at the Norwegian SS School; also present at the ceremony were SS-neststandartfØrer Riisnæs, and the leader of the Germanische Leitstelle in Norway, SS-Sturmbannführer Leib. Once the commander of the Norwegian SS School had bade his guests welcome, Rediess spoke of the badge's meaning, and how the 25 recipients, ten in silver and fifteen in bronze, had, though their behaviour, been a good example to their comrades in the Germanic SS, and to the youth of Norway.

Himmler having decided upon instituting the Germanic Proficiency Runes, he delegated to Berger and his SS – Hauptamt the task of devising the badges attainment rules and regulations.  These were published on 15 July 1943 and the introduction proclaimed,

“Regulations for the award of the Germanic Proficiency Runes.  The Germanic Proficiency Runes shall be awarded to those that have distinguished themselves in sports competions and shown spiritual maturity and sound personal thinking in the ideological field. It can be won by German and other Germanic men.

To be qualified for the Germanic Proficiency Runes one must fulfil the regulations laid down in the following three categories:

(1)   Individual achievement;

(2)   Team achievement;

(3)   Test in theoretical education (ideology).

The award shall be made by the Chief of the SS – Hauptamt following consultation with the Reichsführer – SS.  Recipients of the Germanic Proficiency Runes receive at the same time a diploma witnessing the award.

Those that wish to try for the Germanic Proficiency Runes and are not members of the Germanic SS, nor aspirants in that organization, must hold a political leaders card issued by an SS service centre to be able to join a preparation course.  The test for the Germanic Proficiency Runes requires a preparation of three weeks.  Applicants must then take part in a course laid down for the attainment of the Proficiency Runes, or be able to complete 120 satisfactory hours of training, which must not be spread over more than six consecutive months.

The test shall be carried out by a fully qualified representative of the SS – Hauptamt, Instruction Section, assisted by two members of a Germanic SS service centre.  The Proficiency Runes shall be worn on the left side of the uniform, more correctly with service dress.

The Chief of the SS – Hauptamt can from time to time insist that the tests be taken again.  Those unable to achieve the requirements, or who do not take part, forfeit the badge.

It is at the discretion of the Chief of the SS – Hauptamt whether or not the badge shall be withdrawn on account of minor infringements or for other reasons.

Berlin, July 15^th, 1943.

Reichsführer – SS

Chief of SS – Hauptamt

(signed) Berger.

His introduction ended by referring to the rules and regulations for the attainment of the badge that had been prepared by the SS-Hauptamt.

Requirements for the Award of the Germanic Proficiency Runes

GROUP I: INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE

(Each test to be judged separately).

A: PHYSICAL TESTS

MINIMUM

REQUIREMENTS

No.              TEST                             BRONZE                   SILVER                   DRESS

1.              400 meter sprint                     72.5secs.          68 secs.             Sports kit

2.               Long jump                               4 meters           4.75 meters      Sports kit

3               Grenade throw                       35 meters           45 meters         Sports kit

Tests 1-3 must be carried out during a single day

4. Choice of exercises.                                *                        *

    Riding, motor sport, winter sports, etc

* To pass this unspecified test satisfactorily, the applicant must fulfil the conditions required for the award of the National Sports Badge ("Reichssportabzeichen"), or receive a certificate for solo flying, or pass with distinction in riding, motor sport, winter sports, etc.

5.           Swimming 300 meters                  12 mins.         9 mins.            Sports kit

Tests 1-5 to be performed following normal competition rules.

B: DEFENCE SPORTS

6. Free hand shooting with small calibre, 10 shots prone, 50 meters from target. 2 test shots allowed which are shown separately. Shooting on a new instruction target for each shot. Time limit of 10 minutes- shots fired after time is up invalidate the test.

                                                                 40 points         60 points     Service uniform

7. Field Exercises:

(a) Description of a terrain; judgment of a terrain for a particular purpose e.g. approach possibilities.

                                                                 Good          Excellent        Service uniform

 (b) Estimation of 3 distances (near, intermediate, far); estimation of 2 distances sideways.                                   3 satisfactory estimates (margin of error allowed 30%)

(c) Orientation following points in the terrain; knowledge of the elementary rules in the use of map and compass.

                                                                 Good          Excellent

(d) Description of terrain and passing on of information (moving up in a terrain that can be observed by the enemy).

                                                                  Good          Excellent

(e) Camouflage against detection by the enemy according to the principle of "See and not be seen”; observation and description of objective.

                                                                  Good           Excellent

Tests 6 and 7: carried out during a temporary stay or training period in the respective SS school. The men are tested one at a time on selected positions of the terrain.

Test 7 (a) to (e) may be omitted by candidates that have completed six months military service.

GROUP II: TEAM PERFORMANCE

On the basis of individual performance the training leaders (invigilators) select teams of 4 to 6 men.

A: PHYSICAL TESTS

8. 100 meter relay                                      17 secs.            14.5 secs.             Sports kit

9. Rope climbing                                        12 secs.               9 secs.               Sports kit

Test 9: Norwegian: Each team has two 5 meter long ropes that hang free. 80 cms. apart. Each man climbs the first rope, changes over to the other, and lowers himself down on it.

Dutch: Each team has to climb three 5 meter long ropes, which are suspended, from a carrying frame 60 cms. apart. The men have to climb up one rope, touch the carrying frame. And then descend by the other.

Mutual assistance was permitted in Test 9.

10. 110 meter obstacle race with grenade throw.    60 secs.   50 secs.   Service uniform

Obstacles:                       Canal:    3 meters long. 1 meter deep.

                                        Wall:     2 meters high.

                    Crawling obstacle:     0.50 meters high. 4 meters long.

                    Climbing obstacle:     (cross beams) 0.90 meters high.

                    Defence trenches:       on the 110 meter finishing line.

                    Throwing target:     a crater 5 meters in diameter the centre of which is 20 meters from the finishing line.

Width of path and obstacles: 4 meters.

Time calculation is to allow for throwing the hand-grenades.  The men start in closed formation equipped with 3 grenades each, and mutual assistance is permitted. The grenades are to be thrown from cover, and the men are permitted to get up on their knees for a moment to throw the grenades. The race finishes as soon as the last participant is standing upright in the shelter having thrown his last grenade.

11.        2,000 meter cross-country.                     10 mins       8 mins   Service uniform.

Each team has to cover a distance of 2,000 meters in closed formation in as short a time as possible.  Mutual assistance may be given.

12.    30 kilometer march with obstacles.       9.5 hours      9.5 hours   Service uniform.

The march is divided as follows: 0.75 along paths; 0.25 across terrain.

Programme:

(1) departure 3 hours before sunrise; night march of about 15 kilometers.

(2) putting up camp with tent constructing cooking facilities; technical skills; training breaking up camp; 3 hours allowed which must be carefully observed.

(3)   return march including overcoming terrain obstacles.  The last 5 kilometers of the march to be in closed formation.

(4)   March equipment.

GROUP III: PHILOSOPHY.

13. written (choice of subject). Time Limit: 2 hours. At the Dutch SS school Avegoor the choice of subject was as follows:

(1)   “Our enemies”.

(2)   “Being a Germanic and becoming one”.

(3)   “People and Fartherland”.

                                                                          Good                 Excellent.

14. oral group discussion on the National Socialist them. Test covers the same subjects as Test 13.

                                                                          Good                    Excellent.

If the candidate does not comply with the condition as laid down above, he may re-apply for the Germanic Proficiency Runes in six months' time after further training.

An exam record book was given to applicants, who contained the certificate for the founding of the award (p. 5), the regulations for the award (pp. 7-8), regulations on all categories including all sports, which the candidate had to fulfil (pp. 9-12), and the application for the three-week course for the Germanische Leistungsrune (p. 13). Pages 14- 22 listed the grades earned on the various exams and sports. Page 23 was the application form for the Germanische Leistungsrune in Bronze, and page 25 was the final document for earning/possessing the award. Page 26 contains additional regulations which explained that the award could be rescinded if the recipient was required to re-do the tests in the future, and then failed them. This is also mentioned in the last part of the " Bestimmungen " on page 8.

Germanic Proficiency Runes Badge – Fake.



Young Cossacks Badge

Young Cossacks Badge.

XV.Kosaken - Kavallerie - Korps Jung - Kosaken-Traditions-Abzeichen

 

Instituted.

Rarity – Very Rare.

Known Makers – Unmarked

 

 

 

 

Young Cossacks Badge - Obverse.

 

 

Young Cossacks Badge - Reverse.

 

This badge measures 52 mm high x 42.5 mm wide and comprises of a design that is produced in stamped sheet ferrous metal.  It is oval and formed of a partial wreath of single broad oak leaves, which have a raised fine outer edge line and a raised central field that has a raised vein.  Each leaf is slightly superimposed over the base of the next, obscuring the stalk and there are four leaves in each side.  The bottom portion of the wreath is formed from a flat fielded scroll.  Superimposed on to the scroll, with its wings outstretched, and superimposed over the lowest leaf on either side is the national eagle clutching a wreath of oak leaves with a swastika within it, in its talons.  The wreath just protrudes beneath the line of the scroll, splitting it in two.  From the top of the eagle's wings are crossed shashkas, Cossack sabres, with their blades superimposed across the wreath with their tips breaking the outer edge.  Between the blades and running up to the apex of the wreath is an Ataman's staff.  On the scroll, in raised cyrillic script, is the abbreviated inscription, 'W K. r O H.' on the left panel, and 'K O 3 A K O B' on the right, which translates to, Shkola Yunykh Kozakov and in English, School for Young Cossacks. 

The reverse shows the negative impression of the obverse.  At the top, directly over the top of the staff, is a semi-circular piece of metal with a punch mark on either side soldered to the body of the badge.  These punch marks produce two nipples which act as the pivotal axis for the pin.  This is of drawn metal in the form of wire curled round with an extension, which forms the spring tension.  The curl is positioned so that its centre accommodates the nipples.  Soldered at the base is a piece of metal that has two scollops at the tip.  The other ends are then reduced and bent at 90ø and similar slightly reducing lines in the form of elipses return to the top, which is turned over to form a 'C'.  The returned tip is formed by a semi-circle and this produces the catch for the pin.  The badge is silver-plated.  There is, however, an example of the badge having a gilt wreath and scroll.  This may indicate that the badge exists in more than one grade.  However, under certain conditions silver can take on the appearance of gilt, due to the oxidising process.

This badge was to recognise graduates of the Young Cossack School who had successfully completed their course.  This form of visible expression of graduation is common to many continental countries and could give rise to the issue of two grades, gold and silver.  It has been stated that the Young Cossack School badge is believed 'not to have been issued'.  The actual example illustrated was obtained from a POW camp in Yorkshire, England where the recipient had been a prisoner and had made an attempt to conceal it.  It was subsequently retrieved when the camp was inspected.  The occupants of the camp were returned to the Soviet Union where they were savagely dealt with.  The repatriation became the inspiration of the book, 'Rabbit Pie'.  This award needs much more research as this is a particularly rare badge with very few original pieces being available to study.  Incidentally, the solid versions that are currently available on the collectors' market, often marked with a Leipzig manufacturer, are reliably considered to be copies produced in newly liberated Czechoslovakia.

The school also had a cuff title which is green with silver lettering.  It is not known whether this was worn as a tradition badge after graduation.

An interesting photograph shows Dr. Josef Goebbels greeting a member of the Young Cossacks who served with the XV Cossack Corps at the front, wearing one in the company of four other Russian volunteers and three German officers.  The Young Cossack School was finally removed from the east to France.  The certificate that accompanied the badge is unknown to the author as is whether or not it was presented in a packet or presentation case. 

 

Members of Jungschultz Cossacks.

Young Cossacks Badge - Fake.

 

 

The Sniper’s Badge

The Sniper’s Badge - 3^rd class, 2^nd class, 1^st class.

Instituted on 20^th August 1944.

Rarity – Extremely rare, Extremely rare, Extremely rare.

Known Makers – Un-marked

The Sniper’s Badge was instituted on 20^th August 1944. Initially it was intended for members of the Army only, to distinguish marksmen who were designated as snipers. But was later extended to all eligible snipers regardless of service. The basic badge was identical in each of the three classes. It was oval and the base material was army green cloth.  Onto this was embroidered a black eagles head rising out of two green oak leaves formed in a V with a smaller leaf beneath to the right and a single brown acorn to the left. The body of the eagle is crossed with white cotton to resemble fletching while the eye and beak were executed in yellow cotton. The lowest 3^rd class was plain on the outer edge. The 2^nd class had a silver twist cord and an oval gold twist cord distinguished the 1st class.

In Daily order No. 11, 4^th November 1944, it was stated, “In order to stress the importance of snipers, to appreciate their achievements and to stimulate the efforts of beginners to fulfil the conditions for the award of the Sniper’s insignia, the following decorations and privileges are established”.

After 10 kills: 7 days special leave, Iron Cross 2nd class and mention in the divisional Daily Orders.

After 20 kills: Snipers Insignia 3^rd class.

After 30 kills: 14 days special leave and mention in corps Daily Orders.

After 40 kills: snipers Insignia 2^nd class.

After 50 kills: 20 days special leave, Iron Cross 1^st class and mention in army Daily Orders.

After 60 kills: snipers Insignia 1^st class.

After 70 kills: German Cross in Gold.

The badge was only awarded when no other award distinguished the skill. It was presented with a document and the details wee entered in the soldbuck. The badge was worn on the right sleeve positioned on the cuff above all other insignia. It was not authorised for wear on the great coat.

 

SS Sniper in action.

 

Dutch Waffen-SS Sniper.

 

The Sniper’s Badge - 3^rd class, 2^nd class, 1^st class. 1957 Type.

The Sniper’s Badge - 1^st class. 1957 Type.

This form is that which was authorised by regulation of 1957. It takes the design of the original, the Swastika was not a part of the design, with subtle differences. This has been offered as original by some Dealers. The statement is not untrue, but dose not take into account the Birthday of the pieces. Having said this, these are very rare items in their own right.

 

 

Possible 1957



The Sniper’s Badge - Fakes 3^rd class, 1^st class.

The Sniper’s Badge - Fake 1^st class.

This is a convincing fake. The obverse is close, but the gold cord is of modern synthetic construction. The reverse clearly shows the imperfection, the netting is quite uncharacteristic of the reverse of an original.

The Sniper’s Badge - Fake 1^st class. 

The Sniper’s Badge - Fake 1^st class.

 

 

 

 

 

The Sniper’s Badge - Fake 2nd class.

 

 

Snipers Badge 1st class - Obverse - Fake - Bevo

 

 

Snipers Badge 1st class - Reverse - Fake - Bevo

Snipers Badge 2nd class - Obverse - Fantasy Piece.

 

SS Marksmen Badge.

SS Marksmen Badge.

2^nd class, 1^st class, Sharpshooter, Master Shooter Class.

Instituted – 1937

Rarity – Rare, Rare, Extremely Rare.

Known Makers – unmarked.

 Master Shooter Class.

Master Shooter Class - Reverse.

This award comprises of a round badge that measures 34 mm in diameter. It is formed as an open circle of oak leaves that are formed in a wreath. At the base and apex are identical ribbons that measure respectively 9 mm and 7 mm. these have raised edges that measure 1 mm. the ribbon at the base has the SS Sigrunen which are incused. From this on either side are six over lapping oak leaves. This circle is 6 mm wide. Into the centre of the wreath is placed a square on its point. Incused into this at its centre is a 5 ringed target.

In the case 2nd class, a square on its point with target and no oak leaves.

In the case of the1^st class, Sharpshooter, from the base ribbon is a pair of oak leaves one on either side of the ribbon.

In the case of the Class Master Shooter from the base ribbon is a pair of oak leaves one on either side of the ribbon with a third positioned vertically at the centre of the two other oak leaves and protruding upwards to the targets bull eye

The reverse is flat with a pin hinge and hook construction. Onto the target in raised letters is Ges. Gesh. At the centre is the raised square box with cut corners and the SS Sigrunen.

The question of an award for marksmen in the SS first arose prior to the end of 1936. Members of various branches of the SS had no insignia to show marksmanship qualifications. Several members of the SS-Verfügungstruppen returned from their periods of conscript army service with a marksmanship lanyard gain during their time in the forces. Were they to be allowed to wear this on their SS uniform? On 13th October 1936 the Chief-of-Staff of the SS-Oberschnitt Elbe asked the SS-Hauptamt if it would be permitted for personnel returning from service in the armed forces to wear their marksmanship lanyard (Schützenschnur) on their SS uniform.  Himmler ruled this out, and the decision was made not to allow the wear of the lanyard, but rather to allow the wear of the older shooting awards utilising a series of bars and chevrons worn prior to June 1935 by the army. These were to be worn on the lower left cuff of the SS service dress tunic. Himmler then ordered that a metal badge to be known as the Schützenabzeichen der SS-Verfügungstruppen be created. This would be worn on the right breast pocket of the tunic with parade, re-porting, guard and walking-out dress, but not with field and training dress. The order instituting this award is rather vaguely worded, but it states that, “The lowest grade shall be without a lower oak leaf.” The middle grade will have “two lower oak leaves.” The highest, or sharpshooter, grade 2 will have three oak leaves.” The grouping within each grade will be indicated by a numeral I to 10 at the top of the wreath. Himmler appears to have dropped the idea. He writes, “The SS will receive as its marksmanship award the marksmanship award of the NS Reichskriegerbund. This concept was even shorter lived. In November 1937 an order instituted a totally new series of marksmanship insignia in four classes to be worn on the lower right sleeve. The insignia was aluminium on a black wool diamond. The metal badges were manufactured in the work-shops of the München silversmith Otto Gahr at an individual cost, including engraving of 0.74 RM per thousand.

 

SS Marksmen Badge 2^nd class.

 

SS Marksmen Badge - FAKES.

SS MARKSMANSHIP BADGES.

In November 1937, an order instituted a totally new series of marksmanship insignia in four classes to be worn on the lower right sleeve. the insignia was produced in aluminum wir on a black wool diamond.