Speculation on a varied history...

Ron Smith · 12-24-2006, 11:34 AM

Geo and Don,

I sent you both e-mails on my ZW theory, but thought that I would post it for posterity. Or to make a fool of myself. However it turns out.

Early in 1919 a Paramilitary unit was formed. The Zeitfreiwilligen (Short Term Volunteers)later refered to as "Freiwilligen", made up of Nationalist college students and others , as a Freikorps reserve force to fight the Communists. This organization grew and spread rapidly across Germany. It remained in force as a Freikorps type organization well up to the dissolution of the Freikorps units and after. It was recognized and taken seriously by the German Gov't. and "maintained" by the Reichswehr as a reserve unit. Consisting of Artillery and Infantry units. Probably comparable to our National Guard.

Ref; The Reichswehr and the German Republic 1919-1926 by Harold Gordon.

Just a theory based on information I have found, but coincides with the high early 73rd Regiment stamp on the pistol.

Ron

12-24-2006, 11:34 AM	#4
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Geo and Don, I sent you both e-mails on my ZW theory, but thought that I would post it for posterity. Or to make a fool of myself. However it turns out. Early in 1919 a Paramilitary unit was formed. The Zeitfreiwilligen (Short Term Volunteers)later refered to as "Freiwilligen", made up of Nationalist college students and others , as a Freikorps reserve force to fight the Communists. This organization grew and spread rapidly across Germany. It remained in force as a Freikorps type organization well up to the dissolution of the Freikorps units and after. It was recognized and taken seriously by the German Gov't. and "maintained" by the Reichswehr as a reserve unit. Consisting of Artillery and Infantry units. Probably comparable to our National Guard. Ref; The Reichswehr and the German Republic 1919-1926 by Harold Gordon. Just a theory based on information I have found, but coincides with the high early 73rd Regiment stamp on the pistol. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...