UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons Edged Weapons Accoutrements Forum Unusual RAD Sr. hanger and Luftwaffe Portepee

Hello - I have 2 items to share which I believe are unusual and may be of interest. I would like to start by saying that both pieces were purchased on/with daggers in the late 50's/early 60's from private (not dealer/collector) sources. They may not be factory, but I am certain that they are definately 3rd Reich period. Russ (Ruski) has agreed to upload the pictures for me, and they will follow shortly. Thanks Russ!

The first is an unusual RAD Sr. hanger. I purchased an E. Pack RAD Sr. dagger with 2 hangers: the normal style, and the plain one pictured. It is unmarked except for the D.R.G.M. on the clips, and "LP By" stamped on the reverse. It is obviously well used.

The second item is a standard short Luftwaffe portepee, in rather worn condition. It was purchased on a 2nd model Luftwaffe dagger. It is apparent that it started life as a normal Luftwaffe portepee. The unusual thing is that the silver ball portion has an overlay attached. The overlay consists of alternating double twisted carmen (1 row) and double twisted gold (2 rows) which completely covers the ball portion. This overlay is attached (glued?) under the bottom edge of the twisted silver crown cord, and appears to be "cinched" at the bottom with a hidden drawstring. It is not glued to the ball and is moveable. When parted on the side, it reveals a pristeen silver ball beneath. This leads me to believe this portepee, for whatever reason, spent its entire life with the overlay attached.

As mentioned earlier, I do not doubt the authenticity of the hanger and portepee, but would like to know if anyone has anything similar, and opinions as to the possible purpose of the portepee.

Thanks, Dan

Posting for Dan.

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Regards

Russ

Dan, we've found many nonstandard hangers over the years. There was recently a very interesting one posted over on WAF
http://www.wehrmacht-awards.co...823&highlight=saddle
Times were tough in the 30's and often times accoutrements were made up or modified locally. There were lots of shoe makers etc around to do such work.
As far as the portepee. That's odd but again remember that most of this stuff came out of small cottage makers. I would also imagine that some was taken home by women and done on a piece-work basis. Perhaps this was done as a "government job", that's what we used to call small personal jobs guys would do in the shop for themselves. They of course always took priority!!

Lakesidetrader - Thanks for the reply. When I was young and worked as a machinist, I was very familiar with "government jobs".

I think you are on the right track with both items.

I find it interesting that the clips are D.R.G.M. marked and the correct type for a RAD Sr. Also, this hanger came with a dagger that also had the standard hanger - was this perhaps for "field" use? It certainly shows enough wear. I wonder about the "LP By" stamp, some sort of RAD marking?

As for the portepee, the overlay was definately added post factory. The ball underneath is standard Luftwaffe, and it was obtained on a 2nd Luftwaffe dagger. As we all know that colors on portepees and troddels define certain information about the wearer, I am curious as to the specific purpose of the carmen/gold cording.

Dan

The clips look and it's a bit hard to tell like deluxe luft clips. They are all DRGM marked, that was part of the casting. "LP by", no idea. I think the portepee overlay is Fire Police?

The leather hanger may be for a fire axe with the two rings-----I say that because both straps are of an equal length and almost all dagger hangers of this type have one short strap and one longer one. There are also a few hirschfangers that have two rings on the top fitting. At any rate IMO it is unofficial and IMO could be for just about any edged weapon with two rings on either side of the top fitting. The standard knot seems to have been covered by a ball covering from another unknown knot--unknown purpose--but again--unofficial IMO

Lakesidetrader and Houston - Some very good thoughts and comments on these 2 items. As for the hanger, since it came with the RAD dagger and a bunch of other stuff, I just assumed it was for the dagger.

The Hirschfanger or fire axe theory, based on the equal legnth straps, is very interesting, and opens up a world of speculation.

I would like to thank you both for taking the time and offering some genuine and very interesting possibilities (and not just saying "fake, never saw anything like it").

Regards, Dan