Monday, April 4, 2011

Bundesgrenzschutz Patches, BEVO style


Here is the newest addition to the Bundesgrenzschutz collection and set-up for the BGS bicycle.  I picked up this group of Bundesgrenzschutz patches off of eBay the other day and they arrived this weekend.  I'll use the patches on the uniforms that I will be setting up to go along with the bicycle and gear.

These patches are all the "BEVO" style, woven construction, with various backings.  These patches were worn on the left shoulder of the service tunics, shirts, overcoats and field jackets.  Here is a little history about "BEVO" style patches:  The term BEVO, originated in Germany in WW2, and designates the style of woven patches that were developed at the firm of Bandfabrik Ewald Vorsteher, in Wuppertal-Baren (hence the initials BEVO).  These German style patches are machine woven in very tightly, almost micro-woven strips, which are then cut into individual patches.  The term BEVO is also seen spelled as: BeVo, Be Vo, and BEVo.

Here are the new Bundesgrenzschutz patches (group, individual, fronts and backs):



From 1952 to 1976, only the eagle was worn.  From 1977 to 2001, both the eagle and arched "Bundesgrenzschutz" name were worn together, with the arch over the eagle.  After July of 2001, the word "Polizei" was added to the eagle patch.  In 2005 the Bundesgrenzschutz were renamed the Federal Police and the BGS Arch was dropped.  At this time the uniforms were changed from green to police blue.  

Here are how the three different BGS patch configurations look...... the last "Polizei" configuration is an archive photo and not from my collection.

1952 - 1976
1977-2001
2001 to 2005
Here are a few historical photos showing the patches in use on various uniforms;