UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons Edged Weapons Accoutrements Forum Luftwaffe General Hangers

Is there one type of Luft Generals hangers that is more prevalent than other? ie; leather tabs, deluxe type etc.... or maybe less seen might be a better question. Or are they so rare it doesn't matter? I know the gold doesn't stand the test of time well so maybe there is no real scale of less encountered or more often seen.

Hello, such "gold" colored luft hangers do come in a wide vartion of colors. From almost faded, over a kind of brown, to a golden hue, to a more brighter goldbrown color. These are all the well known hangers which even have the RZM(!) mark on the reverse of the top fitting. These are all for sure no general´s hangers but imho should simply fit the brown leather parts (eg belt) of the common luft uniform.
I think that only hangers with a real deep and bright true gold color can be assumed to be general´s hangers and they for sure should pass the acetone test. Sorry I cannot show you a specimen because during all of my time of collecting until now I never came over a -for me- doubtless certain hanger which has been offered to me.
Regards,

Yes! I have seen them offered but with very high prices that I would just consider to have lacquer or some sort of factory finish. As you say hard to find them that are without question.

uniforms & Traditions of the Luftwaffe volume 1 by john r angolia and adolf schlicht page 203 gives a description of general hangers. From the book"An order(LV42,NO. 1498) dated 31 May 1942 introduced dark gold fittings for the hangers of the dagger of general officers. As further wear of hangers with the dark siler or aluminum-colored finish was permitted, hangers with gold fittings were rather rare". My opinion these were made very FEW were around, don't see someone like Galland going down to the PX to pick up a set of hangers. If I saw a set I would go the other way. My feeling is maybe 5-10 were made and these were more than likey special order. This is just my thought.

Hello, I have seen a list of about 120 luft generals and as we know some of them have been very vain and picky and I am sure some of them had more daggers and hangers than only one. So there should at least be more than 5-10 of these hangers around but nevertheless they are quite rare.
And you could be right with your idea that these were made only on special order.
Regards,

I once had the luck to buy one which was an original for sure, the hanger came with a E.Pack slant dagger.
Gilding partial eaten by the zink fittings, but on most parts still great.

Cheers
Ger

Gerrit, you do show us here a very impressive combo and the hangers for sure look beeing period general hangers. Armies are a little more evident, but Luft (the thread is about them) are much more difficult to find.
Regards,