zeltbahn pegs or stakes (zeltpflocke)

Some element regarding pegs or stakes (or Zeltpflöcke) designed for quarter shelter / tent (or Zeltbahn).

Each soldier was equipped with a quarter shelter (zeltbahn) that served both as an individual poncho and as camouflage (two different shades per side, one darker and one lighter for the Wehrmacht and autumn/spring for the Waffen).

This triangular canvas was used to create a tent based on 4 zeltbahn (four soldiers).
Each soldier had a set of accessories consisting of part of a pole, two sardines (or pegs / stakes) and a rope almost 2 metres long.
This set was sometimes contained in a fabric pouch that could be carried in the rucksack or rolled up inside the zeltbahn.

During the conflict, different types of manufacture were encountered.

At first, the pegs were made of:

- aluminium (mainly before the war, when this material was not requisitioned for aviation and there was no shortage).
This model can be recognised by its weight (light) and the presence of a central rib on the reverse (hollow side) to stiffen it.
The 'oldest' model in my possession is dated 1935.

- aluminium / zinc alloy made in the same way as the previous one (with a central rib on the reverse) but weightier and more responsive to magnets

- steel (with or without a protective grey or green coating). It's recognisable because it's heavier than the first model and, above all, it has no reinforcing ribs (because this metal is more resistant and saves on raw materials).
For my part, production began in 1940 until 1943. It should have continue to 1944 but not found any untill now.

- and finally in mixed pressed wood (manufactured from 1940 onwards, according to the markings found)

The main manufacturer codes (unfortunately rarely identified - any help / inputs appreciated) and dates are as follows

For aluminium models
- S&C., H (within a circle), C&C.W., L&F, RS, S (in a circle), GA, AWJR (JR letters within a circle with a A "in" a W above), BH (backward)

For alloy models with ribs (and therefore heavier than aluminium)
- S&C.

For steel models
- gyq, LGksP in a big L, C&C.W., GA, S (within a circle), Pine on top of a S, AWJR (JR letters with in a circle with a A "in" a W above)

For pressed wood models:
- DS, GS, WDL

In addition, there are stakes made for a contract with waffen ss involving marking with the double runes and the RZM logo.
The most frequently encountered models are marked with

SS (double runes) / 39-38 / RZM

It should also be noted that it is not impossible that posts dating from the First World War may also have been used.
Either iron/metal models or wooden models with the ends reinforced by metal pieces.

Summary table of codes

Manufacturer code	Aluminium	Steel with rib	Steel	Compressed wood	manufacturer name / comments
SS 39 / 38 RZM	X
SRM	37
B&C	35, 36
BH	37
S	35, 36, 37, 38		40
AF	36, 37
OC	37
S&C	34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40	40, 41
H	37
FEF	37, 38
LGK&F	40		41, 42, 43		Gebrüder Kugel & Fink from Lüdenscheid
L&F	37, 39
GA	37, 38, 39, 40		40
DMN	36, 37
C&CW	37, 38, 39		41, 42
AWJR	38, 39, 40, 41	39	41
qcy			41
NDM	39
NOWA	38, 39		X
RS	33	34	40, 41
SC with pine above			40, 41
SRM	35, 38
gyq	41		X
DS				40
GS				40, 41, 42
WAL	37		40, 41
WDL				40
WaA	?

The logos are as follows (click on the images to enlarge):

39/38 RZM

AF 37

AWJR 38, 39, 40, 41, 41, 39, 40

B&C 35/36

BH 37

C&CW 37, 38, 38, 38, 41

DMN 36, 38

GA 38, 39, 40, 40, 41, 41, 37

gyq 41, 41, 41, 41

gyq 43 (for big tent)

H 37, 38

FEF 37

L&F 35, 37, 39

LGK&F (Gebrüder Kugel & Fink from Lüdenscheid) 40, 43, 40, 40, 41, 42, 43, 41

NOWA 38, 39

NDM 39

OC 37

RS 35, 33, 33, 40, 40, 41, 34

S&C 34, 35, 37, 39, 38, 39, 40, 36, 36, 37, 29, 30, 34, 36, 37

S 41, 36, 38, 40, 35

SC with a pine above 41, 41, 40

SRM 35, 35, 38

WAL 41, 41, 37

Unusual WaA marking

WDL

DS 40

GS 40, 42

PS: Some of the photos of the logos shown here come from the web.
I apologise to their owners and authors for not having been able to ask their permission to use them here.

SETTINGS

Regarding the set that each soldier had, here are some examples found on the field:

Other examples of quarter shelters found with their pegs and bags

REMARQS

Models of tent pegs with the code DS 40 have been found that appear to be made of moulded white resin.
The authenticity does not appear to have been verified in any way. So ... be careful

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