Oval `Erkennungsmarken` of the Schutztruppen ID Tag - In Excellent Condition
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Product details
This item is secondhand and in excellent condition selling as is. Please view images as part of description. Welcome to combine items. Please view our other listings.
Background
The first Erkennungsmarken were introduced in rectangle form in the 1860s to the Prussian Army but the familiar oval type date from 1878 and would change several times after 1915 to become basis of all German ID tags until today. Naturally the Schutztruppe in each colony also issued Erkennungsmarken to both their native and European soldiers but this area of research is very neglected. The Schutztruppe models varied sometimes considerably from the standard model used in Europe.
Deutsch-Südwestafrika
There were two different types of
Erkennungsmarken issued to the Schutztruppe of South West Africa. A rectangular type with rounded corners that was unique to South West Africa and the standard 50x35mm oval Modell 1878 as used by the army and navy in Europe. They had two holes punched for a neck cord and were stamped with either the wearers unit or more generic SCHUTZTR SWA followed by the soldier's service number 'Stammrollennummer' with the R prefix (possibly for 'Reich[struppe]'). The latter is more typical for the rectangular type. According to the Swakopmund Museum, they were introduced quite early in various forms, zinc for enlisted and NCOs and nickel silver alloy (Neusilber) for officers. Cords varied and were either black/white/red, colours of the wearers home regiment or neutral colour.
Oval Schutztruppe Erkennungsmarke
Stamped SCHUTZTR SWA followed by "R' and the service number.
