Reichspost Postschutz Wreath & Cockade Insignia
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 71.GOR.03.01.004.000
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
Two-piece construction, consisting of an aluminum wreath in the shape of oak leaves that are tied together via a ribbon in the centre, with lightning bolts emanating from the ribbon; the reverse with two of its three crimped prongs fully intact (one missing); maker marked with the Assmann manufacturer’s logo on the reverse; measuring 87 mm (w) x 49 mm (h). 2) Accompanied by a metal tri-colour cockade; the reverse with both prongs fully intact; marked “RZM 39”; measuring 23 mm in diameter; in overall near extremely fine condition.
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 wreath & cockade insignia features an oak leaf wreath with most leaves extending to the sides and two leaves forming a circle that is open at the top around a national tricolour cockade. The leaves are held together by a ring at the centre. Three horizontal bolts of lightning are superimposed over the leaves on each side, extending from the middle ring. It was generally silver-coloured and made of metal.
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