Gone But Not Forgotton

Intro...

Here are some items that have flown the coop, generally to finance other acquisitions. Such is the life of a collector with champagne tastes and a beer budget.

Given the nature of the hobby, I might get these back, one of these days (only to be replaced here by something else!).

Since I'm using Bill Gate's latest marvel, Expression Web, which has replaced FrontPage, and I'm a total twit at it, I will be posting all of these items on this page so as to avoid the creation of several hundred separate and individual pages. To get back here, just click on the back button.

To return to the main page, click here.

1st Hussars	1st Pattern US Tanker Jacket and Bib Overalls
Assault Gun Jacket for a Flash-Ranging Officer (B16)	Enlisted Panzer M43
1st Pattern Tropical recon Tunic	1st-Pattern Panzeraufklaerer wrap (Schoolboy)
2nd Pattern Panzeraufklaerer NCO Wrap	SS Panzer Enlisted Overseas Cap
1st-Pattern, Mouse-Gray Denim Panzer Wrap	Nebelwerfer Overgarment
Child's M36 (Panzer-Regiment 8)	Gabardine enlisted field-gray M43
Oberleutnant Moellenstedt	Cavalry Crusher with Braunschweiger Skull
Enlisted Panzer Overseas Cap Named to Stabsfeldwebel Mylius of Panzer-Regiment 4	Kavallerie-Regiment 5 Officer Visor Cap
Junior NCo in PzAA "GD"	Oberleutnant Kraenkel, Panzer-Aufklärer
Black Enlisted M43 Panzer Field Cap	Leutnant in Aufklärungs-Abteilung 6 (summer-weight M36 in moleskin)
Unteroffizier Gerhard Holzweiß Panzeraufklärungstruppe Grouping	Black Enlisted M43 (Part 2)
Leutnant in Kradschützen-Bataillon 3 (Summer tunic)	Waffenrock for an Obergefreiter in Aufklaerungs-Abteilung 3 (mot.)
Oberleutnant in Aufklaerungs-Regiment 9	Aufklaerungs-Lehr- und Versuchs-Abteilung
1st-Pattern Reed-Green HBT Panzer Wrap	Spieß in Kavallerie-Regiment 5
Grouping of items belonging to Wilhelm Rüger, German Cross in Gold Recipient of Kradschützen-Bataillon 25	Rittmeister der Reserve of Aufklärungs-Abteilung 20 (mot.)
1st Patter Mouse Gray NCO Panzer Wrap	Sample M-1944 Collar for Panzer Wrap
Panzernachrichten Cap	Enlisted Black M43

US Tanker Items

1st Pattern US Tanker Jacket (3AD)
2nd pattern US Tanker Jacket (3AD)
Tank destroyer Ensemble
Early 2nd-Pattern Tanker Jacket (1AD)

1st Hussars...

Canadian Battledress for a 1st Lieutenant of the 1st Hussars, which landed on D-Day and fought to the end of the war.

1st-Pattern US Tanker Jacket and Bib Overalls...

Hard to find set of the 1st pattern US tanker outfit, generally phased out after Africa. No insignia, never had any.


Most characteristic feature of the 1st pattern jacket: External patch pockets

Later pattern bib overalls had snaps at the cuffs for adjustment.	The 1st pattern had tie strings for adjustment
The 2nd-pattern bib overalls had more zippers: A ""relief" zipper on the front and side access zippers on both sides.	The 1-st pattern bib overalls had only one side access zipper (right side).

Assault-Gun Style Jacket for a Flash-Ranging Officer in a Flash-Ranging Battery...

This tunic was found in a clothing drive in Darmstadt in the mid-80's. The insignia had been removed and were found in the inside pocket.

The Oberleutnant was assigned to Panzer-Beoachtungs-Batterie 16 of Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 16 of the 16. Panzer-Division.

Despite numerous efforts, I was never able to identify the owner of the jacket, even though he had a Stammrollennummer sewn in thread tot he interior.

I probably had this jacket longer than any other in my collection. Alas, all good things...

	The moths found the insignia tasty.


	One of the caps coupled with the uniform.

The Stammrollennummber sewn into the lining

Another cap coupled with the tunic.

Enlisted Panzer M43...

Oh, boy! The controversy never ends. I bought this cap in the belief it had a chance. I think it's is good, but beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.

1st-Pattern Tropical Tunic for a Panzeraufklaerer/Kradschuetze...

This was another super tunic that I sold to help pay bills. Sometimes you could just kick yourself.

Although the straps look to be pink, they are actually copper brown.

Original photos on PvL's site.









	Pink and copper brown comparison shot.

1st-Pattern Panzeraufklaerer Wrap for an Enlisted Man Assigned to the Reconnaissance School...

Yes, it's true. I was reluctant to reveal the "dark" secret, but I have traded this away. (I know where it is, though!)

Actually, it got me the Kraenkel wrap, which I like better. I know--on a jacket-for-jacket basis, this is rarer--but I'm a sucker for field-worn tunics. This boy probably just sharpened pencils for the First Sergeant in the orderly room.

Anyway, I'll get it back one day!

From Wade's book...




	The killer unit stamp!

2nd-Pattern Panzeraufklaerer Wrap for a Noncommissioned Officer.

I acquired this from Mike some time ago in some sort of massive trade deal. The wrap was originally found in a pawn/gun shop in San Antonio. The loops appear original to me, which means our boy was a CCC recipioent!

Another great jacket that has been replaced by a similar one...details to be revealed shortly!

Enlisted SS Panzer Overseas Cap

Probably replaced insignia, but a nice worn example. Picked up by the famous (infamous) Lafe at a MAX in Baltimore years and years ago.

It has been replaced by something else...to be revealed shortly.



	Gee, I thought I had more photos!

"Nebelwerfer" Tunic
as also worn by Panzer and Panzeraufklärer Crews

Another HBT overgarment that has been primarily associated with Nebelwerfer and artillery crews, but which was also worn by armored forces as well. This tunic has been temporarily outfitted with a pair of field-made, HBT straps with copper-brown piping.

Click on the thumbnail for the full Monty.

Panzer soldier of the 23. Panzer-Division (and close up - right)
Example in another collection (Thanks Chris!)	Variant in another collection (Thanks again, Chris!)
	Another Panzer soldier with this overgarment (Note "Skull" Tabs)

Leutnant
Panzeraufklärer
1st-Pattern, Mouse-Gray Denim Panzer Tunic

One rare bird, which happened to fly away from the collection. This is the only one I have ever seen. It is now in the hands of a fellow Panzer enthusiast, who has promised me the right of first refusal if I ever grow weary of it.

Child's M36 Tunic (Panzer-Regiment 8)

This is actually for a toddler of about 18 months or so. The uniform was made up in a fashion very similar to the "Real McCoy", featuring an officer cap eagle for the breast eagle, an Imperial IC stickpin for the IC 1st Class, shortened panzer enlisted Litzen, etc.

Hated to sell this, but I needed to dough for other impulse purchases! (Collector's madness...where will it ever end?)

Gabardine Field-Grey Enlisted M43

Another item that was not in the collection too long. It had to go to pay for some other purchases. Pretty rare bird; I cannot recall having seen another Army M43 in gabardine.

Oberleutnant Moellenstedt

These two jackets come from the widow of Paul Moellenstedt. Moellenstedt was an artilleryman until early in the war, transferring to the Panzertruppe. He lost his left arm in combat and, after convalescing, requested a return to frontline duty. He was KIA in late 1944 as the commander of an armored car company within a corps headquarters.

Both jackets werre modifed to account for Moellenstedt's disability. Eaxtra padding was added to both so that the jackets would sit properly on his shoulders. In the case of teh Panzerjacke, it appears that the collar was also removed and reattached.

Panzerjacke

Units of assignment fromt he WaSt	Gebrueder ? - I've never seen this maker before, but the stampings are typical for an M38 jacket
	Interior shoulder area modified to account for Moellenstedt's amputation.













Two sets of award loops














	The uniform appears to be the same one in the photo.

M42 (modified to look like a M36)






I believe this is the spot where a Krimschild was oncve sewn on.

Waffen-SS
Panzer M40 w/ Soutache

I'll let the images do the talking.

With flash	Without flash

Stabsfeldwebel Mylius, Stab/Panzer-Regiment 4: Cap, Shoulder Straps and Photos

The title says it all! (Pretty much...) One of the nicest Panzer overseas caps (enlisted) I have ever owned.

Click on the thumbnail to get the full Monty!

Kavallerie-Regiment 5 Officer Visor Cap

Once again, the title pretty much sums up everything.

Click on the thumbnail to get the full Monty!

Junior NCO in Panzer-Aufklaerungs-Abteilung "Grossdeutschland"

Due to my immense good fortune in recently fining a "no-questions-asked" pair of shoulder straps for the above, I decide to compete a uniform to reflect the theme.

The tunic was acquired separately. It was from captured Soviet stocks but had the golden-yellow tabs on it (which appear to be original to the 1940-dated Holz & Binkowski wrap. I picked up the late-pattern GD cuff band from Mr. GD, Scott Pritchett. Finally, and a tip of the hat, tot he man who got this all started. (He shall remain temporarily nameless, since I hope to talk him out of more things! Ha, ha, ha, Dr. Eeeevil!)

Panzeraufklärer
Unissued Field-Gray Assault Gun Tunic

Although various loops and ribbons have been added, I've come to the conclusion that this tunic was never issued. The jacket did not have skulls on the tabs when originally purchased and had to be added. For a late-war wrap, this would have been the norm when issued form the factory. I have kept the various "hero" devices on for the time being.

The M43 has since been sold, and the uniform is displayed without headgear.

Please click on the thumbnails for the full Monty!

US Tanker Items

These consist of a 1st-pattern US tanker jacket with tech/5 stripes and 3AD patches, a 2nd-pattern US tanker jacket with 3AD patches and late-war/early occupation "Spearhead" flash and, finally, a mint, unissued pre-war US tanker's helmet, one of only about five known to exist. (Much rarer than a Panzer beret and, frankly, probably even uglier!)

Black Enlisted M43 Panzer Field Cap

This was purchased off of WAF. It was one of those 6 or 7-page emotionally charged discussions there. While i can't prove it's good, I also feel comfortable with it. It came at a relatively good price and considerably less than a "one looker" would cost.

Here are the facts...fair & balanced...you decide...

Leutnant
Panzeraufklärer
Aufklärungs-Abteilung 6

Tailor-made, summer-weight moleskin 4-pocket M36-style field jacket for a Leutnant in Aufklaerungs-Abteilung 6.

Click onthe images for the full Monty.

Oberleutnant
Gustav Kraenkel
Panzeraufklärer

Besides being named, this tunic has an interesting history, inasmuch as contact has been established with the Oberleutnant Kraenkel's son, who is currently in the process of getting his father's service records from the Deutsche Dienststelle!

What is known is that Oberleutnant Kraenkel was in command of the Begleit-Schwadron (OKH), which was repsonible for providing security for the OKH complex at Zossen. Toward the end of the war, Kraenkel personnaly received orders from the Army's Chief-of-Staff, Generaloberst Krebs, to conduct reconnaissance to the east of Zossen, in light of reports of approaching Soviet forces and the distinct sounds of fighting.

Out of the 200 men of his company, Kraenkel lost nearly 90% in the ensuing clash with a reported 40 enemy tanks.

As such, he can arguable be credited with conducting one of the last armored reconnaissance actions of the war, albeit with no effect on the final outcome.

As soon as more details are known, they will be posted here.

In the meantime, please enjoy the images of this 2nd-pattern, collar-piped wraparound

Unteroffizier Gerhard Holzweiß Panzeraufklärungstruppe Grouping

Fantastic grouping, including a black overseas cap with golden-yellow soutache and Schwedter Adler and teh Wehrpaß to back it up!

Cavalry "Crusher" with Braunschweiger Skull

Once again, the title pretty much sums up everything.

Click on the thumbnail to get the full Monty!

Black Enlisted M43

This black enlisted M43 represents one of the hardest pieces of Third Reich field headgear, it seems. perhaps even rarer than the Panzer beret. I was fortunate enough to receive help in this from a good friend recently and thought I'd share the results of a long quest with you.

PS There's a secret to the cap, which will be revealed in due course. See if you can discover it ahead of time!

Leutnant
Kradschützen-Bataillon,
3. Panzer-Division

Old-style summer white tunic for a Leutnant in Kradschützen-Bataillon 3,one of the few reconnaissance formations entitles to wear theSchwedter Adler on its headgear as a linkage to the traditions of the old cavalry regiment. I have since replaced the "incorrect" crusher with an officer oversea's cap with a Schwedter Adler.

Click on the images to get the full Monty!

Waffenrock for an Obergefreiter in Aufklaerungs-Abteilung 3 (mot.)

This outfit came with the issue cap. Since both are issue pieces, there are no interior markings (Darn!). Nonetheless, a nice display piece for a recon soldier.

Oberleutnant in Aufklärungs-Regiment 9 (4. leichte Division)

Update: Carsten Fries has provided some additional information as to why the jacket may be missing the depot stamps:

Bob,
First of all, what a find! Absolutely beautiful!
I've attached a short excerpt of my book that may help in illustrating the uniform situation of the former Austrian Bundesheer units. Although it focuses on Kavallerie-Regiment 11, I think that many of the shortfalls mentioned were also faced by other ex-Austrian units. Thus, it's very possible that one of officers of the II./Aufkl. Regt. 9 (the Panzerspaeh squadron per Tessin), went out and picked up a proper uniform, albeit one that hadn't gone through a depot. Quite a few uniform items appear to have been sent directly from German manufacturers to Austria after the "Anschluss" without going through Germany-based depots. The new Austrian Wehrkreise were just being stood up, so if the jacket was issued, that may explain the lack of depot markings. However, since the regiment remained in easten CZ after the takeover, I think that any direct connections to Vohenstrauss in this context are a bit tenuous. A jacket with a Vohenstrauss maker was likely just the one that this specific officer was issued or procured. Interesting, BTW, that this company is still around....
Make any sense?
W/best regards,
CF

This second-pattern, custom-ordered golden-yellow collar-piped wrap was worn by an Oberleutnant in AAufklärungs-Regiment 9 of the 4. leichte Division. The formation was only relatively short lived, since the Germans were not happy with the results achieved by the light divisions and converted them to Panzer division shortly after the start of the war. In this case, the 4. leichte Division became the nucleus of the 9. Panzer-Division, with the reconnaissance regiment eventually forming the cadre of both the motorcycle and reconnaissance battalions.

This jacket is of interest for a number of reasons and not only because it was owned by a member of a relatively short-lived formation. The jacket was apparently privately purchased from the firm of J. Hoeztl in Vohenstrauss, a company that is still in business today. There is no depot stamp, as would be indicative of a privately purchased jacket. In addition, the shoulder boards are original to the jacket. Unlike many issue jackets, there is no sign of shoulder straps having once been sewn into the jacket shoulder and along the outside edge of the straps. The eagle is a Bevo-style silver-wire officer version that has been machine sewn to a patch of wool cloth and then hand sewn to the jacket, mimicking a pattern of application often found on Waffenroecke and other tunics of the period.

Of interest is the fact that a movie ticket stub was found in the jacket when originally purchased. The movie theater was located in the Sudetenland, where the regiment was stationed for much of 1939 after having participated in the occupation in late 1938. Geographically, the Sudetendeutsch town of Znaim is geographically located within a short distance, marching north, from the regiment's peacetime garrisons in northern Austria.

For those who read German, here is the corresponding entry for the regiment from Lexikon der Wehrmacht:

Das Aufklärungs-Regiment 9 wurde mit Stab und II. Abteilung in Krems, im Wehrkreis XVII, am 1. August 1938 aufgestellt. Die I. Abteilung vom Regiment wurde aus dem Kraftfahr-Jäger-Bataillon 4 in Stockerau, ebenfalls Wehrkreis XVII, aufgestellt. Für die Aufstellung der II. Abteilung wurden Abgaben der Aufklärungs-Abteilung 5, 7 und 9 verwendet. Das Regiment wurde mit einer I. (Kradschützen) Abteilung, zu 4 Schwadronen, und einer II. Panzer-Späh) Abteilung, zu 3 Schwadronen, aufgestellt. Nach der Aufstellung wurde das Regiment der 4. leichten Divisionunterstellt. Schon während der Aufstellung marschierte das Regiment vom 9.-18. Oktober 1938 in die Slowakei ein. Dort blieb das Regiment, bis es am 19. August 1939 in seinen Bereitstellungsraum westlich der Hohen Tatra verlegte. Der Polenfeldzug begann am 1. September 1939 mit dem Vorstoß aus den Beskiden über Tarnow, Rzeszow bis zum San. Danach nahm das Regiment an der Umfassungsschlacht bei Tomaszow mit Front nach Westen teil. Nach Beendigung des Polenfeldzuges blieb das Regiment noch bis zum 25. Oktober 1939 in Polen und verlegte dann in die Heimat, bevor es schließlich in den Westen des Reiches verlegt wurde. Während des Aufenthalts in Polen wechselte auch die Führung des Regiments. Oberstleutnant von Hauschild übernahm das Panzer-Regiment 7 und für ihn trat mit Oberstleutnant Vichytil, Kommandeur des I. Bataillons, ein Mann aus den eigenen Reihen an die Spitze des Regiments. Dort wurde die 4. leichte Division in die 9. Panzer-Division umgewandelt, das Regiment unterstand auch weiterhin dieser Division. Im Westfeldzug trat das Regiment am 11. Mai 1940 zur Vereinigung mit den bei Moerdijk abgesprungenen Fallschirmjägern an und stieß kämpfend nach Rotterdam hinein. Nachgezogen an die Somme zum Einsatz bei Dünkirchen brach das Regiment ab dem 5. Juni 1940 über Amiens Richtung Paris bis Clermont vor. Nach Süden abgedreht, ging es am 10. Juni von Coulommiers-La Charité, wo die Geheimakten des französischen Generalstabes erbeutet wurden. Weiter ging es Richtung Lyon und Roanne, welches am 19. Juni genommen wurde. Von dort wurde das Regiment nach Südwesten herumgeworfen, kam das Regiment noch bis nach Bordeaux, bevor Frankreich kapitulierte. Im Anschluss an den sofortigen Heimmarsch wurde das Regiment am 31. Juli 1940, nach fast genau 2 Jahren ihres Bestehens, aufgelöst. Aus der Masse der I. Abteilung wurde das Kradschützen-Bataillon 59 gebildet. Aus der II. Abteilung und der 4. Schwadron der I. Abteilung wurde die Aufklärungs-Abteilung 9gebildet.

Für die Ersatzgestellung des Regiments war anfangs die Ersatz-Abteilung für motorisierte Aufklärungs-Einheiten 9 zuständig. Ab dem 1. Dezember 1939 übernahm die Ersatz-Abteilung für motorisierte Aufklärungs-Einheiten 7 diese Aufgabe.

Waffenrock for an Obergefreiter in the Aufklaerungs-Lehr- und Versuchs-Abteilung

No particular story associated with this Waffenrock, other than it was originally offered by Bill Shea. It was then purchased by a member of the League, who sold it back to Bill Shea, who sold it to a different member of the League, who then sold it to me.

1st-Pattern Reed-Green HBT Panzer Wrap

Recently acquired from the venerable Mike Davis, this is a suer example of the 1st-pattern version of these jackets. As is typical, no evidence of insignia can be found, with the exception of the later-war "eagle." As with many of the HBT's, this one displays unique characteristics, in addition to an overwhelming similarity to the jacket on which it was modeled.

Spieß in Kavallerie-Regiment 5

Privately tailored M36 for a Hauptfeldwebel serving as a Spie in Kavallerie-Regiment 5.

Rittmeister der Reserve of Aufklärungs-Abteilung 20 (mot.)

This particular set came through Peter von Lukcas and I am using the photographs he originally sent me to let me know the set was available. A great ensemble, practically from head to foot for an officer of this reconnaissance battalion.






	Note the use of signals tabs on the collar and the cuffs. Appear to be period tailoring, so it's a mystery.



	Unique screwback mounting set-up.

Konopacki...
	...most highly decorated company-grade officer of the war?

Boards from one of the Lützow clan...does Waterlow ring a bell?


116PD Cap Badge

Copper-brown Oberfeldwebel strap for teh Panzer wrap

23PD sleeve insignia




Panzer-Lehr-Regiment dog tag

"K" board in lime green


"K" set in lime green






PR3 Enlisted strap w/ wool piping on black. (Field-added 3?)

Non-standard collar tabs on rayon base with rayon piping

A19 for Panzer uniform




K16 (16PD)s

Grouping of items belonging to Wilhelm Rüger, German Cross in Gold Recipient of Kradschützen-Bataillon 25

These items also came form Peter von Lukcas. Many thanks!



Field-made GCiG and Single-Hand TDB in wear











Second field-made TDB

Sample M-1944 Panzer Collar and Tabs

You may recognize this from the first book. I had sold it some time ago, but recently had the opportunity to get it back. A great, unique piece that obviates the need for me to get this type of jacket (complete, that is, unless I can find a good one to a Panzeraufklärer! :-)

1st Pattern Mouse-Gray Panzer Jacket for an NCO of Sturmartillerie/Panzerartillerie

Another pick-up in a cash/trade deal at the SOS. Great piece with original insignia!

Panzernachrichten Cap

Recently picked up this nicely marked Panzernachrichten cap. The soutache is faded to the extent that it works well with my 1st-pattern recon wrap, so it'll do until I can get a "real" recon cap. For some reason, both the soutache and eagle got buzzed. There is also slight mothing and wool napping on the cap. This is also a new manufacturer to me (for overseas cap), although the firm of Bachmanns Witwe contracted to the SS for visors.

In that regard, I'm open to trade offers or cash/trade, since my cap has soutache and eagle "issues."