BACKGROUND: As with any nation’s military the Germans had garrisons and barracks to house and care for its troops when they were not in the field. Following the old adage that, "an army runs on its stomach", one of the major concerns and main benefits of military life was the guarantee of three "square" meals a day. When in garrison/barracks these meals were served in mess halls that had to be outfitted with enough cutlery and flatware to serve the number of personnel stationed there. This also applied to the Waffen-SS and control of the mess hall rations and supplies was under the auspices of the SS-WVHA, SS-Wirtschafts und Verwaltungs Hauptamt, (SS-Economic and Administration Department).

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly, 9" diameter, 1 1/4" tall, white glazed stoneware construction mess hall dinner plate with a central, circular, recess and raised outer edges. The bottom of the plate is well marked with the green, print under glaze, manufacturer’s name and logo that appears to be, "Bauscher Weiden", within an oval cartouche and, "SS-Reich 1940", with SS runes. The plate is in overall very good condition with light age toning and surface scratching.

GRADE ****                             PRICE $238.00