I'm researching the history, organization and uniforms of Quisling's bodyguard, the Foerergarden, which existed - mostly with a ceremonial function - from 1942 to the liberation of Norway in May 1945. They wore interesting uniforms, rich with insignia, to include the "VQ" monogramme.

Amongst the many photos available is one showing a sword being worn with the blue (so-called "Gala") uniform. Although not very clear, this looks a lot like a German SS- or Polizei-Degen.

Information out of Norway is conflicting: one version has it that this is a pre-WW2 Norwegian Army sword, whereas others state that there was no such sword and this had to be SS or Polizei. Surfing the Net I've found no Norwegian sword that looks anything like it.

Any information on this rather obscure aspect would be much appreciated. The photo can be seen at http://www.pluto.no/doogie/vol...en/Dokus_gimle90.htm.


Thanks.

P.S. Hi Fred! It's been a long time...

I believe this is the photo he refers to.

While the link is interesting, it takes a long time to download and is not in English.

This should make it easier to answer your question.

I quite agree it looks like third Reich police or SS sword.

Thanks to Jim, whose technical computer skills far outweigh mine.

Yes, this is the photo.

And I note that Jim favours the view that this is a German TR sword. In fact I found curious the suggestion - made by a Norwegian collector - that this was a pre-war Norwegian Army sword.

One path to follow will be to see if this member of the FG served in the German SS or Polizei.

hpt

Hi,
Maybe it would not be so curious if they used old pre-war norwegian side-arms. After all their parade uniforms in Førergarden were the same as HMKG used pre-war, but with some different insignia.
Most of the members of Førergarden were either former SS / frontkjemper or NS police, but if any sidearms were approved it would have to be of a single type in my opinion.
The pictured sidearm I really cannot tell what is. It more resembles a TR police sword than a pre-war norwegian army sword.

Best regards,