Original Item. Only One Available. This is a great cast aluminum Luftwaffe Air Force Trommelgehänge (Drum Hanger), which would be used with the various types of Marschtrommel (Marching Drum) used by military bands. At the time often each regiment would have their own band, and would have a large number of drummers to keep parade formations in time. This is a later pattern belt hanger, with a "straight-tail" eagle insignia, which is on the bottom portion of the hanger surrounded by high-relief embossed "oak leaf and acorn" designs, a standard of German design.

There are a pair of heavy duty steel hooks held on by sturdy steel rivets to the reverse which loop forward to sit in front of the main molding - these engage in the hanger mount holes at one side of a side drum. The bottom of the this also serves as a stopper to excessive rearwards motion when mounted. A double action swivel mount is located into the top of the hanger - a short loop of sewn dark brown leather is attached, which has a D-Ring at the end. Measures 10 inches in overall length, and is about 3 1/2 inches wide at the largest point.

We have checked thoroughly, and this example is not marked at all, as some were. The leather is in good shape, with intact stitching, though there is some damage to the finish and it is overall a bit dried out. The aluminum and steel are in good shape, showing light oxidation but no major rust on the hanger claws.

This is a complete and well-preserved Luftwaffe marching-drum hanger retaining both steel suspension hooks, the double-action swivel mount, and its original dark brown leather loop with D-ring. The unmarked cast-aluminum body shows only light oxidation, while the steel claws remain free of significant rust. With its later straight-tail eagle design, intact hardware, and honest service wear, it is an attractive example of German military band equipment.

The Luftwaffe, the air force of the German military during the Third Reich, was established in 1935. Over the next 10 years, Luftwaffe troops wore a huge variety of uniforms. Enlisted men generally wore uniforms issued from military depots. Most enlisted soldiers had wool trousers and a short jacket with two internal lower pockets, called a Fliegerbluse, as well as a dressier 4-pocket tunic, the Tuchrock. Officers wore the same general uniform styles, but as officers had to supply their own uniforms, they usually wore tailor made versions. There were also myriad varieties of specialized uniforms worn by certain units or in specific situations, from the tuxedo-style “gala” formal wear uniform of the pre-war period, to the plain coveralls worn by crews of anti-aircraft cannons. There were work uniforms, tropical and summer uniforms, and camouflage clothing for airborne troops and other Luftwaffe soldiers in ground combat. Flight crews had their own specialized gear, including leather jackets and warm, electrically heated suits. Most but not all Luftwaffe uniform jackets bore the Luftwaffe emblem of a flying eagle holding a swas.