History

The German Reichspost (national postal service) was founded as a result of the transition from empire to Weimar Republic after the First World War. During the time of the empire, several German states had had their own postal service, but during the time of the Weimar Republic, the postal service was transformed into a unified, national, government-run operation. As such, during the time of the Third Reich, the postal service conformed with the NSDAP ideology and was used to further it. The Reichspost incorporated the postal services of annexed territories (i.e. Austria, Sudetenland) as well as conquered territories (i.e. Poland).

The Postschutz (postal service protection) was a paramilitary organisation tasked with protecting postal buildings and property. It was established in March of 1933. During the war, postal protection personnel stationed outside of the German borders in occupied territories were referred to as Deutsche Dienstpost.

Just like the Reichspost, the Postschutz used orange piping and orange cloth underlay for their garments and insignia. Unlike the Reichspost, however, the Postschutz uniform colour was field-grey. This was changed to brown in 1941.
Members of the Deutsche Dienstpost used the same uniforms and insignia as the Postschutz, but with green piping and cloth underlay.

In March of 1942, the Postschutz came under control of the Allgemeine SS and shortly after under control of the Waffen-SS. It was henceforth known as SS-Postschutz.

Feldpost (field mail) is the term for all mail sent to and from soldiers, either private letters for individuals or orders sent from one unit or office to another. Feldpost was entirely controlled by the German Wehrmacht (armed forces) and not a part of the regular Reichspost.

The Postschutz Leader Dagger was introduced in 1939. It was only worn by selected individuals of higher rank and position.

The fittings were made from nickel. The dagger features an unadorned, oval pommel and a black wooden grip with the Postschutz insignia, an eagle emblem with three bolts of lightning on each side. The crossguard is in the shape of an eagle’s head, the quillons represent its outstretched wings. The crossguard also features a mobile black enamelled swastika on each side. Most daggers feature the abbreviation DRP (Deutsche Reichspost) and a serial number on the underside of the crossguard. The blade is plain and only features a maker’s mark. The scabbard is painted black with nickel fittings. Two rings are attached to the fittings for the chain dagger hanger to be attached to.

The dagger could be worn with a silver-coloured portepee with an interwoven orange/red thread and an orange/red bottom centre portion.