Original Item: Only One Available. The SS (Schutzstaffel) was originally formed in 1925, ostensibly to act as a small, loyal bodyguard unit to protect the Führer, Adolf AH. Under the direction of the Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, the SS grew to be the most ruthless and feared organization of the 20th century. They were the vanguard of Germany eventually controlled nearly every function of German life and much of Occupied Europe.

As the apple of the NSDAP eye, the SS received special treatment at all party functions, which of course included the infamous yearly NSDAP Reichsparteitag "Nuremberg Rallies". In keeping with their paramilitary terminology, the location for SS members was called a biwak (bivouac). Important members were given gifts, one of which were lovely white porcelain vases in the shape of a goblet, made by the well known manufacturer Allach of Munich, the "home" of the NSDAP.

Here we have one of these vases, offered in excellent condition, showing just a bit of age and wear to the exterior. We cannot see any chips, cracks, or other major damage, and it seems to be a prime example of this type. The vase measures 5 inches wide at the top, 3 ⅛ inches wide at the base, and has a height of 5 ⅝ inches. One side has an embossed high relief Reichsadler eagle facing to the right, while the opposite side has an embossed panel with the following text in blackletter typeface:-

Biwakabend
der ᛋᛋ
Reichsparteitag
Nürnberg
1938

This roughly translates to "Bivouac evening of the ᛋᛋ - Nuremberg Party Rally 1938". We have seen other examples of this exact style vase, as well as some from other years. We assume they may have been used as the centerpieces for floral arrangements at the tables, or something similar. The bottom of the vase is marked by maker Allach under an SS-Kulturzeichen proof marking, indicating that it is an official SS approved item.

These vases are extremely rare, and this is the first example we have ever had. This great example would be nearly impossible to improve upon. Ready to add to your collection!

The Allgemeine-SS, (General-SS), was originally formed in May 1923 as the Stosstrupp Adolf AH, (Shock Troops Adolf AH), and was redesignated Schutzstaffel, (Protection Squad), in April 1925 with the official acceptance of the name verified on the second anniversary of the failed Munich "Beer-Hall" Putsch on November 9TH 1925. On January 6TH 1929 Heinrich Himmler was appointed as Reichsführer-SS, (National Leader {of the} SS), and on July 20TH 1934 shortly after the, June 30TH 1934, purge of the SA, Sturm Abteilung, (Storm Troopers) on the "Night of the Long Knives", the SS was rewarded by AH by being granted the status of an independent organization under direct control of the NSDAP, Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, (National Socialist German Worker’s Party). The SS developed the distinctive SS style cap skull and cross bones on October 6TH 1934 and introduced the SS pattern national cap eagle in February 1936. After their introductions the skull and eagle were to be worn on all forms of SS headgear. In 1944 the SS developed a single piece of cap insignia which incorporated both the skull and eagle on a one piece trapezoid base for wear on the M43 field cap. Originally these trapezoidal pieces of insignia were produced in a machine woven version until a final, embroidered version was introduced in late 1944. The first versions of the trapezoidal cap insignia featured dual rows of teeth in the skull while later versions only had a single row of teeth. Panzer personnel’s cap trapezoids were produced with a black base to match the color of the cap it was to be worn on.