Stephan98k
aka 8x57IS
I see it often that some collectors misinterpret where K98k rifles with R.F.V. marking at the buttplate were mainly used. These rifles get called "bank guard" rifles for interbank transfers etc.
It's unlikely that these R.F.V. marked rifles were used as "bank guard" rifles, they rather served in the Zollgrenzdienst/Zollgrenzschutz (Customs Border Guards). The Customs Border Guards was subordinate to the Reichsfinanzverwaltung (abbreviation R.F.V.) and their members had a R.F.V. badge as shoulder mark on their uniform.
The Zollgrenzschutz was charged with guarding Germany's borders, acting as a combination Border Patrol and Customs & Immigration service. In 1938 and 1939 the Zollgrenzschutz took part in the occupation of Austria, the Sudetenland, the "Rest of Czechoslovakia" and the Memelland. The Zollgrenzschutz was used from 1939 in most occupied countries to guard the borders, fight smuggling and partisans, later they got even used directly at the frontline.
Here is a photo of Zollgrenzschutz members of Zollgrenzschutz Frankreich in the Pyrenees near Saint-Béat:
On June 22, 1941 Germany started Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union and already in 1941 the Zollgrenzschutz was used at the Eastern Front to fight against partisans. I could find a combat report from the Zollgrenzschutz which was deployed 115 miles north-eastern of Kiev and I have translated it for you.
If somebody has a rifle with R.F.V. marking at the buttplate, it would be nice when you share the data and some photos. Until now I know K98k, Karabiner 98a and vz.24 with Reichsfinanzverwaltung property marking. In particular I need more data of the Karabiner 98a.
Regards,
Stephan
It's unlikely that these R.F.V. marked rifles were used as "bank guard" rifles, they rather served in the Zollgrenzdienst/Zollgrenzschutz (Customs Border Guards). The Customs Border Guards was subordinate to the Reichsfinanzverwaltung (abbreviation R.F.V.) and their members had a R.F.V. badge as shoulder mark on their uniform.
The Zollgrenzschutz was charged with guarding Germany's borders, acting as a combination Border Patrol and Customs & Immigration service. In 1938 and 1939 the Zollgrenzschutz took part in the occupation of Austria, the Sudetenland, the "Rest of Czechoslovakia" and the Memelland. The Zollgrenzschutz was used from 1939 in most occupied countries to guard the borders, fight smuggling and partisans, later they got even used directly at the frontline.
Here is a photo of Zollgrenzschutz members of Zollgrenzschutz Frankreich in the Pyrenees near Saint-Béat:
On June 22, 1941 Germany started Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union and already in 1941 the Zollgrenzschutz was used at the Eastern Front to fight against partisans. I could find a combat report from the Zollgrenzschutz which was deployed 115 miles north-eastern of Kiev and I have translated it for you.
If somebody has a rifle with R.F.V. marking at the buttplate, it would be nice when you share the data and some photos. Until now I know K98k, Karabiner 98a and vz.24 with Reichsfinanzverwaltung property marking. In particular I need more data of the Karabiner 98a.
Regards,
Stephan