DAF / KDF Thread

[Mike Peters]

I thought it might be interesting to start a Thread just for DAF and KDF related items ..
************************************************** ************************
A brief History of the DAF (Deutsche Arbeitsfront) can be found here –
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Labour_Front

"The German Labor Front (German: Deutsche Arbeitsfront, DAF) was the amalgamated National Socialist (Nazi) trade union organisation which replaced the free and diverse Weimar Republic trade unions that Adolf Hitler outlawed on 2 May 1933, after his rise to power.
DAF's leader was Robert Ley, who stated its aim as 'to create a true social and productive community' (Smelster, 1988). Theoretically the DAF existed to act as a medium through which workers and owners could mutually represent their interests. However, in reality it was a means by which workers were controlled, ensuring wage demands were not made too often."
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Outline of the KDF (Kraft durch Freude) program --
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kraft_durch_Freude

“Kraft durch Freude (KdF, literally "Strength through Joy") was a large state-controlled leisure organization in the Third Reich, a part of the German Labor Front (Deutsche Arbeiterfront - DAF), the national German labor organization at that time. Set up as a tool to promote the advantages of National Socialism to the people, it soon became the world's largest tourism operator of the 1930s”

[Mike Peters]

I'll start off with a Gold DAF Flag ..multi piece construction and an early example that does not have the War Merit Cross in the upper corner.

[Mike Peters]

an example of a DAF window sign --

[Mike Peters]

Here's an odd ball item ...not sure how it survived since I bet some Antique dealers would have cut the buttons off and sold them one by one.

[K. Lindblom]

Hi Mike.

Neat items and I think the labor organizations are under rated in the market to be honest.

Best,

Kris

[wilhelm saris]

For those that cannot read the Suetterlin-script (sorry, I do not use the Umlaut, as every time I have a problem doing that).

The upper part says:
Vorschriftsmaessige Steinnussknoepfe (buttons according regulation from ivory nut, the word I found in my dictionary)
second:
fuer den Festanzug der Deutschen Arbeitsfront (for the festivities dress for the DAF).

The golden flag was for NS-Musterbetriebe, announced by Ley February 1, 1936 and by Hitler's decree from August 29, 1936. The first 30 were handed over April 30, 1937 during a meeting from the Reichsarbeitskammer. A nice document completed the granting; the one with the KVK was instituted by Hitler April 23, 1942 and granted to Kriegs-Musterbetriebe. The first 19 were handed over May 1, 1942. Two patterns seem to exist

[Mike Peters]

Thanks for translating this for us Wilhelm ...as Kris just mentioned , the DAF is pretty much underated and overlooked by many. Here is one of my favorite Flags though , you can only see part of it because of the Tunics.
This was a hard one to find ..and it's not in great condition but considering the Company it belonged to , I don't mind the condition. :)

[Mike Peters]

Some "Vacation" cruises from the KDF perhaps ? --

[Mike Peters]

The last shot shows a Group of SA Men taking a Cruise on the KDF ship "Oceana"

[Mike Peters]

You could attend a Concert in Minsk --

[Mike Peters]

Or ..perhaps a New Car might be of interest ? :001_rolleyes:

The last photo is interesting as it shows that you didn't have to complete your "savings book" by just buying the Stamps ...you could also pay for the stamps and get a document proving you paid the extra money (even though the stamps are not in place)

[Mike Peters]

Look at the Swastika on the Flag behind the Band ...could that be original ??:w00t:
:wink:

Sorry about not posting in depth info on these pictures guys but ..I'm running late right now so , gotta run.
Hope you like the shots :)

[wilhelm saris]

Nice things you show us and indeed many people do not collect it while they think it is of no interest, but it can be of much interest. See for example my chapter about NSBO/DAF/Werkschar/KdF in volume 3 from the series "Headgear of Hitler's Germany". I wrote about headgear only in over 38 (NSBO/DAF) and over 50 (Werkschar/KdF) pages. If the subject was not interesting I never could have written that much and in fact I could have done much more, but there was no more space for it!
When I collected (stopped in about 1983/1984 when I sold all of my buckles. The uniforms went out in about 1979/1980) I owned a complete DAF-flag with pole and top with the patch Wilhelmshaven 16; further from one person a complete Festanzug der DAF and at least 14 NSBO and Werkschar buckles, including a golden version rectangular type.
No leaders one, as all I have ever seen were fakes, largely coming from the European continent. In Angolia all three are fake or at least very, very dubious, as they all are made from the wrong metals. If an original was made then it should have been one from aluminum or light-weight metals. Period!

[RaymondG]

Hi Mike

Now that is a great collection. The savings cards are fascinating and something I have not come across before.

Some of the items Mike has posted up are really unusual and seldom seen. I have always thought that the DAF emblem is the finest piece of design to come out of the period.

Thanks for posting them up

Raymond

[Patrick-V]

Here you go Wilhelm your old DAF festanzug.

[Ray]

Here's 3 cufftitles. Unfortunately I traded away the top one.

[Ray]

Visor cap with the twist cord chinstrap.

[Ray]

Early style flag pole tops.

[Ray]

Later style pole tops.

[Ray]

I think these are wall plaques but not 100% sure.

[Ray]

1st Flag.

[Ray]

2nd flag.

[Ray]

Close up of patch.

[Ray]

Overseas style cap.

[Blinky]

A small contribution. Has anyone else seen this badge before?

eric

[Jody]

Hello folks,
Here is my small contribution two cap tallies from the Wilhelm Gustloff and Robert Ley. Both of these tallies are full length and I find that they fit in nicely with my KM collection.

I am currently working on getting a white tally for the W. Gustloff. I also own several mailed postcards from these ships.

Here is a great link to a web-site that focuses on the W. Gustloff and the disaster that occured in 1945. http://www.wilhelmgustloff.com/

Happy New Year!

Regards,
Jody

[Mike Peters]

Great items Ray ..I love those Gold DAF Flags. Does yours have the War Merit in the corner ? Mine doesn't so I'm hoping someday I'll find another example with the Cross.

[Mike Peters]

Nice things you show us and indeed many people do not collect it while they think it is of no interest, but it can be of much interest. See for example my chapter about NSBO/DAF/Werkschar/KdF in volume 3 from the series "Headgear of Hitler's Germany". I wrote about headgear only in over 38 (NSBO/DAF) and over 50 (Werkschar/KdF) pages. If the subject was not interesting I never could have written that much and in fact I could have done much more, but there was no more space for it!
When I collected (stopped in about 1983/1984 when I sold all of my buckles. The uniforms went out in about 1979/1980) I owned a complete DAF-flag with pole and top with the patch Wilhelmshaven 16; further from one person a complete Festanzug der DAF and at least 14 NSBO and Werkschar buckles, including a golden version rectangular type.
No leaders one, as all I have ever seen were fakes, largely coming from the European continent. In Angolia all three are fake or at least very, very dubious, as they all are made from the wrong metals. If an original was made then it should have been one from aluminum or light-weight metals. Period!
Thanks Wilhelm and ..it's nice to finally "meet you" :) ...and I agree , the DAF is very interesting and there's so much more that we have not even covered.
Even though you stopped collecting , I'm glad to see you're active and still part of our "community".

[Mike Peters]

Hello folks,
Here is my small contribution two cap tallies from the Wilhelm Gustloff and Robert Ley. Both of these tallies are full length and I find that they fit in nicely with my KM collection.

I am currently working on getting a white tally for the W. Gustloff. I also own several mailed postcards from these ships.

Here is a great link to a web-site that focuses on the W. Gustloff and the disaster that occured in 1945. http://www.wilhelmgustloff.com/

Happy New Year!

Regards,
Jody
Great set Jody ..looks like we took the same direction because I also have the same set and they are NOT easy to find --and the white example is even harder.
Check out post number 8 of this Thread as I've posted a few of the Cruise Programs from the Gustloff. The KDF Cruise Programs and Postcards can still be found ..for now at least.
Here's my set --

[Mike Peters]

In a way ..Hitler created a “Fraternity” and made every German a “member” …and the DAF was defiantly a part of the larger “Fraternity”. It instilled a pride in a normal citizen no matter what he did for a living …what he was doing mattered .
Here’s an interesting grouping to a Gent who was a Waiter ..even came with a shot of him at work.
The grouping came from a Family cleaning out an estate but they were not sure when the pic was taken. I'm guessing pre War since he has a bottle of Coke on his tray :001_tongue:

[Mike Peters]

I've posted these before but , they are 2 of my favorites. These are massive cast Iron Plaques that were actually Awards and mounted on the front of a Factory for all to see.

[Mike Peters]

Here's an interesting item I bought ahhh , last year :001_rolleyes:...it's the die that the printer would use when the Company Stationary was being made. This would be embossed on the Paper showing that the Factory had been given this Award Plaque

[Mike Peters]

Here’s another DAF factory related Award …even though it’s not a cast Iron Plaque , it falls in the same category.
Horst was good enough to provide the translation. It reads :
"Quality Business - Quality production through Quality Knowhow."

[Ray]

Hi Mike and Happy New Year. I don't think the flag has the cross. It's been awhile since I've seen it as it's packed away. When I get a chance I'll double check and let you know. Here's two magazines dated October and December 1938. The one from October has a nice photo of Hitler walking with the 'Blood Flag' behind him. Lots of period advertizements also. The only cap tally and two pair of shoulder boards.

[Ray]

Here's some photos of my DAF related draw. Sorry for the mess, I need to straighten it out.

[Ray]

Another.

[Ray]

middle of draw.

[Ray]

bottom.

[Ray]

Booklet.

[Blinky]

A small contribution. Has anyone else seen this badge before?

eric

I found my note on this badge, it's for a KDF event in Gau Munich and was given to me by a friend of the family who grew up in Berlin during the war. Unfortunately she never talked much about the war and I never was able to find out if it was something she was given for the event or if it was something she picked up later. It's one of my favorites, it seems very well made and is a nice, solid piece.
Interesting topic, not the sort of items you seem to come across every day.

[Mike Peters]

I found my note on this badge, it's for a KDF event in Gau Munich and was given to me by a friend of the family who grew up in Berlin during the war. Unfortunately she never talked much about the war and I never was able to find out if it was something she was given for the event or if it was something she picked up later. It's one of my favorites, it seems very well made and is a nice, solid piece.
Interesting topic, not the sort of items you seem to come across every day.

Hi Blinky ...thanks for posting that Badge. I've seen 2 of these before ...one was for sale on a dealers site (and sold QUICK) and , I think I might have seen your example on another Post . I like the script and overall design ...not common.

[Mike Peters]

Hi Mike and Happy New Year. I don't think the flag has the cross. It's been awhile since I've seen it as it's packed away. When I get a chance I'll double check and let you know. Here's two magazines dated October and December 1938. The one from October has a nice photo of Hitler walking with the 'Blood Flag' behind him. Lots of period advertizements also. The only cap tally and two pair of shoulder boards.

Happy New Year to you too !! Cool Magazines Ray ...the one on the left looks like it covers designs used on Cruise Ships and I bet it has some KDF ads in it. The right one would have been a great one to post for Christmas ..do they mention any Christmas Cruises ?

[Mike Peters]

Here's some photos of my DAF related draw. Sorry for the mess, I need to straighten it out.

N-I-C-E grouping ...I copied you photo and reposted it here so I could point something out ...look at the DAF Shoulder Boards , the DAF were the ONLY ones who used a certain style for their numbers and SB insignia. If you look at the numbers you'll see a specific "cross pattern" design in the center ..I've even seen this used on the Gear Swas.
Many times I've seen some Collectors (and Dealers) try to "Embellish" an Army Tunic's Shoulder Boards by adding numbers --thing is , they didn't know the numbers they added were DAF pattern and that grid pattern /style & size tells the story right away.
("Yes Sir ..See the #16 on the Shoulder Boards ? This Tunic belonged to the 16th Panzer who fought in Stalingrad --that's why it's SO expensive")

I've never seen this mentioned in any of the Books so ..I thought I'd point it out .
See ..another FIRST for WWM --that info and $1 gets you a cup of Coffee in our Forum Coffee Shop :tongue_smilie:
Another thing ...most of the time I see Collectors/Dealers call the Cogwheel pins "Lapel Pins" or think they're for neckties ...they don't know that the ones with the small safety pins on the back are typically for the Shoulder Boards

Check it out and you'll see what I mean. (not the Coffee part)

[Mike Peters]

Here are a few pictures of the Pattern .
This is the later (hollow stamped) style on the shoulderboard

I've also included a shot of 2 earlier pattern devices...and the backs showing the small pins
I've run into stick pins with this pattern as well so it could have been easier for a company to have one die and just change pins according to what model they needed but , that criss crossed grid design seems to be a DAF theme for sure as every Uniform or untouched SB I've seen has it.
I have never seen a Cogwheel device with crimp style pins (like a Visor Eagle) ..I don't know if it was ever done ...have any of you ever run into one ?

[RaymondG]

What an informative thread with some excellent offerings from members.

Great stuff and please do keep them coming

Raymond

[Ray]

Mike, the magazines have lots of advertizements and articles on just about everything. From political to culture. Here are a couple of shots of the inside. They even still have there postcard inside. There's even one article in english and in the back they have there schedule.

[Ray]

Here's the one from Dec.

[Ray]

There are three types of cogwheel. The stickpin, pin back and the prong back. The shoulderboards should have the prong back (like the Army visor hat eagles). The prong backs are also thicker and hollow back.

[Ray]

Your right about the crosshatch design in the numbers and cogwheel. I'm still looking for numbers to complete my tunic. I've been told they used other styles but I'm more comfortable with the crosshatch style. I do have a pair with a pebble design that I think are original.

[Ray]

I think the pin back style is for the 1st pattern field cap.
In Angolia's "Labor Organizations of the Reich" he says the piping on the shoulder straps is as follows:
Light blue---------Orts & Betreib level
Black---------------Kreis
Red-----------------Gau
Golden-Yellow----Reich
The straps without unit numbers are for Administrative personal.
The white metal colored insignia was for members of the Betreibswerkschar and the matte gold for members of the Stammannschaften and Stammabteilungen.

[Mike Peters]

Thanks for posting the prong back example ...I'll start keeping a watch for them now since I know they exist.
Your Magazines remind me of the Robb Report ..latest trends and high end items for sale all with the German Tourist in Mind :biggrin:
How did you find your DAF Tunic ?

[TxGauleiter]

Here is my contribution, a large DAF enamel sign.. I am not entirely sure, but I suspect that the purpose was to denote 100% membership in the DAF for the factory it adorned.

[Mike Peters]

Here is my contribution, a large DAF enamel sign.. I am not entirely sure, but I suspect that the purpose was to denote 100% membership in the DAF for the factory it adorned.

You know ...it looks like they left a space above the "100%" (and below it as well) so a Company could customize it by adding their Corp Name or a message.
Just a guess but ...that's a nice example. Any markings on the back ?

[Santi]

Here is my contribution, a large DAF enamel sign.. I am not entirely sure, but I suspect that the purpose was to denote 100% membership in the DAF for the factory it adorned.

Maybe it means it's a 100% original period piece! :lol:

Very nice thread guys, very enjoyable.

[RaymondG]

My most humble contribution...

[Ray]

Mike, I got the tunic from John about 12 years ago. I think he got it from Walt.

[Mike Peters]

Mike, I got the tunic from John about 12 years ago. I think he got it from Walt.

Leave it to John to come up with one :wink:
Just so you guys know , we're talking about John T who owns "German War Booty" . John is one of the better Dealers our Hobby has ..and one of the few I trust. Here's his site --
http://www.germanwarbooty.com/main.htm
I just don't understand why we don't see more DAF Tunics for sale ..or even in Collections. It's as if these are either overlooked or , they just are not out there. Maybe they were all "de-nazified" after the war and worn ..or re tailored for daily use ? We see a lot more DAF Visors than Tunics out there.
I have 2 Tunics ...one Orts and one Reich level.

[Mike Peters]

My most humble contribution...

Nice one Raymond ...as soon as I saw it another similar style I have came to mind. But when I looked them up , they didn't match. I remember seeing a picture somewhere showing 4 or 5 people sitting around a table making Wooden "Tinnies" like yours ...a real home industry !
Here are the ones I thought of ...I'm not sure why they are mounted like this --maybe these were examples passed out so people could use as patterns ?

[RaymondG]

Hi Mike

I like those two examples. It is interesting how they have been mounted and numbered.

It makes you wonder if they were part of a larger card for selling?

Raymond

[Mike Peters]

I thought the same thing Raymond..just like one of those "Salesman Sample Boards" that some of our WONDERFUL Dealers enjoy cutting up these days to make an extra buck.
Maybe some other members have examples mounted like this ? ..anyone ?

[RaymondG]

Personally, I have never seen one like that before Mike. I suppose if they were selling them, it would be a very easy way to see how many they have sold as it is numbered underneath.

Going back to your point about tunics, you are quite right that you just do not see them out there. I find that strange as you would imagine that they would have been a common sight at the time. Hmm, another one to ponder on

Raymond

[Mike Peters]

Personally, I have never seen one like that before Mike. I suppose if they were selling them, it would be a very easy way to see how many they have sold as it is numbered underneath.

Going back to your point about tunics, you are quite right that you just do not see them out there. I find that strange as you would imagine that they would have been a common sight at the time. Hmm, another one to ponder on

Raymond

yes it's strange ..the only thing I can think of is , maybe many were stripped of all insignia and Shoulder Boards (re-tailored a little) and just worn after the War. They look a bit like a Battle Blouse or Ike Jacket so they would have stuck out a lot less than if one tried wearing an old Panzer Wrap in 1946 :001_rolleyes:.
Could be what happened to many M44's as well.

I started another Thread that covers TR Factory items ...
Since hopefully everything from Tinnies to Paper will be posted there including some DAF and KDF items , I thought I'd provide a Link to this Thread as well since it is related in a way.
It can be found here --
http://worldwarmilitaria.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2835

:thumbup:

[Mike Peters]

The DAF and KDF promoted many Sports related activities for the Factories ….looks like they wanted a Healthy workforce. I’ve never seen a 1944 (or 45) dated one which leads me to believe they suspended these activities near the end of the War. Here are a few commemorative Tinnies.
First …here’s one for a Ski Competition .

[Mike Peters]

Another Sports example ...RZM'd as well

[Mike Peters]

Now here’s one I always found interesting ..it’s dated 1938 but does not have the normal DAF Cogwheel design.
Maybe the designer took it upon himself to “stylize” the design a tad ?

[Mike Peters]

I wonder if I'll ever find an unopened '43 Trockenbeerenauslese with a KDF marked Label ?
Hmmm ..I'm not fussy , it's not as sweet but I'll even take a Spätlese:001_tongue:

[Mike Peters]

Various regions or districts were very proud of their Industry/ natural resources and what their Factories produced ..here’s an interesting Gautag Tinnie from Ost Hannover

[RaymondG]

Hi

I loaned this from John T's site with his permission germanwarbooty (www.germanwarbooty.com) before it disappears.

Marked 'Muster-Möbel', it has a stamped number '303'

Raymond

[John T]

Hello Everybody:

Here is a large paper banner that measures about 9 foot by 3 foot having 6 gromets for attachement. I do suppose the blank area was meant for lettering of some sort to be temporarily applied?

Cheers!

John

[Albion]

Picked up last weekend at the market -Tag der Deutschen Arbeit 1 Mai 1933.