D and R lettering
Availability: Very Rare (2 known examples)
The D and R letters were found on some (but not all) trains with the D positioned to the left of the eagles oak leaf wreath and the R located to the right. These were used from the spring of 1938. Generally engines did not carry the letters , although there were exceptions. These were not as frequently collected by allied soldiers and collectors after the war and consequently very few examples remain. The D and R stand for “Deutsches Reich” and not Deutsche Reichsbahn as is often assumed. Deutsches Reich indicating the corporate property of the German State. The “D” is 8.9cm high by 5.4cm wide. The “R” is 8.9cm high and 6.6cm wide. They are both made of GAl-Mg-Si (Aluminium with Magnesium and Silicon).
The only known example in a private collection was brought back after the war by Capt. William C McCormick. McCormick was a member of the 772nd Battalion and rolled over the Rhine into Mainz Germany in 1945 for the express purpose of rebuilding the rail lines and communications. He obtained a 24″ GPH eagle and the letters mounted alongside it. All are foundry marked for GPH. This is the only known example of an eagle complete with the letters outside of a museum (Eisenbahnmuseum Bochum). All as the studs are present not only on the bird but on the letters themselves. This was packed carefully and sent it home to his wife in Georgia and the original shipping box is still intact.
Round “Deutsche Reichsbahn” Signage
This design was introduced around 1922. Due to the high cost of the materials the metal signs were soon replaced with painted versions. This sign also came in an enamelled version. The original version was composed of two parts – a raised Nouveau-style eagle and an outer ring of styled letters. The outer ring had the word “DEUTSCHE REICHSBAHN” surrounding a Weimar Republic state eagle with drooped wings. These were located on engines, passenger cars, buses and trucks. This symbol was used in the mid 1930’s. This style is very similar to the Deutsche Reichspost version.
Material versions:
- Original – Rotguss – 65% Brass, 35% Zinc (32cm diameter) – very few produced.
- Aluminium
- Aluminium (Gold painted)
Sizes:
- 320mm
- 330mm
- 150mm
Rectangular “Deutsche Reichsbahn” Signage
This train sign came in varying sizes (between 58cm to 60cm long by 10cm high) and with varying materials. The very early versions had the lettering riveted on. Additionally they came in 4 and 6 hole versions.
Material versions:
- Brass
- Aluminium
- Iron
Sizes:
- 585mm x 101mm
- 587mm x 101mm
- 600mm x 100mm
- 607mm x 105mm
- 610mm x 100mm
This signage was also used on the Deutsche Reichsbahn after the war (during the period of the DDR), being discontinued in the late 80’s/early 90’s. There are many examples of this sign situated above the DR eagle during the Third Reich period.
Train Signage – General
Many Reichsbahn eagle makers also made general Reichsbahn signage. Below are some examples from the maker PS. The material is GAL Mg 3(Cu).
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