Register - Log In


FunTrivia Homepage


  • New Questions

  • Unanswered


  • Post a Question

    • Goto Qn #




    Archives

    Who or what inspired the skull used as a symbol on the uniforms of Schutzstaffel (SS)?

    Question #106132. Asked by author. (Jun 06 09 5:59 PM)


    raidersruleall

    		The symbol is called the "Totenkopf", from the German for "skull of a dead man".
    Julius Schreck, the leader of Hitler's bodyguards, was the first to use the symbol for his unit. It eventually came to be used by all the Schutzstaffel, and it became a symbol of the Nazis just as the swastika had.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Totenkopf

    Jun 06 09, 7:46 PM
    author

    		Yes, and as your source also says:

    Use of the symbol as a military insignia began with the cavalry of the Prussian army under Frederick the Great. Frederick formed Husaren-Regiment Nr. 5 (von Ruesch), a Hussar regiment commanded by Colonel von Ruesch. These Hussars adopted a black uniform with a Totenkopf emblazoned on the front of their Mirlitons and wore it on the field in the War of Austrian Succession and in the Seven Years' War.

    Jun 06 09, 8:21 PM
    author

    		Here are some more info/pictures of the uniform of this Prussian regiment.

    http://www.kaisersbunker.com/ht/tradition.htm

    Jun 06 09, 8:26 PM

    Find something useful here? Please help us spread the word about FunTrivia. Recommend this page below!


    Sign up to see all responses!

    Create a Free ID instantly to see all recent responses, post your own follow-ups or questions, and access over 1,000,000 trivia questions!

    Choose a User Name:
    Your Email Address:
    Choose a Password:

    I agree by the terms outlined in FunTrivia's Conditions of Use




    Other Similar Questions & Answers


    Stevan Sindjelic's skull was placed at the top of Skull Tower. Where was his body buried?

    It used to be very common to see a skull and crossbones on a Crucifix, however, the Catholic church diminished this practice. When, why and what did the skull and crossbones represent?

    The human skull is a fusion of bones. Does this mean that at some point during the development of the fetus the skull bones are separate and the unborn child actually has more bones than it does at birth?

    Suggested Related FunTrivia Quizzes - 90,000 currently online

    1 The SS
    A quiz about the Third Reich's most fanatical military organization.
    		Waffen SS Difficult
    10 Q
    pattons3rd
    Jul 16 06
    1200 plays
    2 The Used
    A basic quiz about the brilliant rock band, The Used!
    		Used, The Average
    10 Q
    the_nu_born
    Mar 06 06
    1233 plays
    3 The Used!
    This is my first quiz on the amazing rock band The Used! Hope you like it! Here goes...
    		Used, The Difficult
    10 Q
    runaway_drive
    Aug 10 08
    378 plays




    "Ask FunTrivia" is for entertainment purposes only, and answers offered are unverified and unchecked by FunTrivia. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or veracity of ANY statement posted. Feel free to post an updated response if you feel that an answer is inadequate or incorrect. Please thoroughly research items where accuracy is important to you using multiple reliable sources. By accessing our website, you agree to be bound by our terms of service.