Could This Be Peiper At The Battle Of The Bulge?

[Mirofsoft]

Perhaps the BoxArt from Andreas bust is correct
http://www.communication-marketing-...uste-joachim-jochen-peiper-1944-pi-10896.html

 

[Sturm Grenadier]

Hello Mirofsoft, This bust of Peiper is taken from the photograph of him in Hungary 45. Life Miniatures also has a bust taken from this picture. It is possible he could have worn this U-Boat jacket during the Bulge, but I would like to see an accurate picture of him during the battle. Thanks for the link. Regards SG

 

[Mirofsoft]

Something exhaustive but a big part is in Russian
http://peiper.reibert.info/gallery/gallery_en.htm you can use autoamtic google translation, it can help
but have a look at this picture
http://peiper.reibert.info/gallery/1943-1945/KG_Peiper_in_Ardennes_by_David_Pentland.jpg

 

[T50]

Okay. Can we agree that this photo was taken during the BoB judging by the condition of the
canvas cover on the binoculars, the rank shown by the shoulder board, and oak leave to the knights cross?

This leather coat seems to be the same one he wore since 42-43:

Also seen here in same leather coat in early 44. I think this is basically how he would have looked like in late 44 during BoB as well... of course with high ranking shoulder boards.

 

[Johan]

Hi Taesung,

1) Battle of the Bulge - what he surely was wearing :
- definetely the same black panzer uniform, with Obersturmbannführer rank + RK with oak leaves + other decorations particular to Peiper - as in pictures of 9 november '44 taken in Westphalia. I'd go for the black ss pz side cap as headdress.
- Gebirgsjäger or mountain boots, perhaps with privately purchased gaiters (I think in one of the pictures of 9 November 44 you can see a small strap + buckle on top of one of the boots.
2) I think the first photo in your post above was certainly taken not long after the november 44 pics, and he has the same binoculars as in Hungary. So logically if it's not a picture of the Ardennes, then it's close... a matter of weeks.
We have no confirmed pictures of Peiper during the BoB, and as we live now, today, I'd say go for the first picture if you want to sculpt Peiper in the Ardennes ...
Is that really a long leather coat you think he's wearing in all three pics ? Not a grey U-boot captains coat ?

btw If there would be another Peiper figure in the Alpine range, my personal preference would be for one in 1/16 scale in the black uniform of an ss panzer lt-colonel as in the pics of 9 nov 1944 (you could still say with 100% justification it's Peiper during the BoB ! as he did wear this uniform underneath either a coat or a flying overall ) - in that scale you could do a great study of the face and try to get a real good likeness of the man. But that's just my personal preference of course ... just some wishful thinking, sorry

hope this helps, and wishing you and the other guys at Alpine a very happy and prosperous 2013 !

Johan

 

[T50]

1/16 Peiper in black pz uniform and all the bells and whitles...that is exactly my plan.
I just need to make sure my skill is good enough to capture the likeness.

Yes, I do think he wore the long leather coat as Peiper was not riding in a tank during BoB.
Instead, he hitched a ride in Diefenthal's 251 halftrack and various other smaller vehicles if
I'm not mistaken. After all, commanding an entire combat group in a tank would be not so
easy. He would have to race up and down the column in a smaller vehicle. Hence, long leather
coat would be possible.

Now, his mountain boots... who has a clear shot of them in a brand new condition and in a size 12?

Happy and Healthy New Year to you all pF members!!!!

 

[Johan]

1/16 Peiper in black pz uniform and all the bells and whitles...that is exactly my plan.

... YESSSSSS !!



(Sent you an e-mail with description of all the "bells and whistles" )

Happy New Year !!

 

[Sturm Grenadier]

Hello Taesung, I think you maybe on to something here. In the top two photos the right collar has the same wrinkles. These two photos are years apart. It seems that he favored this coat, along with the bino cover. In the Osprey book Peiper and Skorzeny, on page 50, there is a picture of a Panther tank rolling down the road. In the center of the road an officer appears to be wearing this coat as in your 3rd photo. I'll try to find a better photo.Thanks Taesung, Regards SG

 

[Rich Sculpts]

Now, his mountain boots... who has a clear shot of them in a brand new condition and in a size 12?

Look like size sevens to me...

 

[T50]

Guys
I think those were ski boots that he bought privately.

Look here
http://www.sixtharmygroup.com/forums/general-quarters/16778-gebirgsjager-boots-questions.html

 

[Sturm Grenadier]

Hello Taesung, I think you may be right about the ski boots. Heeresbergfuhrer would surely know, with his expert knowledge of ski, and mountain troops. Here is another photo of Peiper wearing ski boots from the winter of 41-42 showing that he prefered them. The search seems to be narrowing. Regards SG

 

[Rich Sculpts]

Guys
I think those were ski boots that he bought privately.

Look here
http://www.sixtharmygroup.com/forums/general-quarters/16778-gebirgsjager-boots-questions.html

Quite so - but think about it...

...is he going to wear what the rank and file have to put up with?

German officer - image to keep up - free ride to the front when ever he wants?

Utility boots - not an option...

 

[Martin64]

Also seen here in same leather coat in early 44. I think this is basically how he would have looked like in late 44 during BoB as well... of course with high ranking shoulder boards.

Hi Taesung,
without being a Peiper-expert the coat worn by him in this picture looks in my eyes more like a woolen greatcoat while the other pictures clearly depict a leather fabric.
Atached below is another in-action-picture I found which is without a certain date and therefore not any proof about his appearance in BOB but maybe a good reference about his facial features for your upcoming project.

All the best, Martin

 

[Alex Long]

Nice to see this thread has been pulled back on track with some constructive and informative input.

Taesung, I will look forward to a rendering of Peiper in 1/16th by your skilled hands. I wouldn't doubt your ability to capture his likeness.

Alex.

 

[Sturm Grenadier]

Hello Everyone, Happy New Year. I have some photos of what Peiper may have been wearing during the BoB. These photos are not sealed in cement, so to speak, but I do believe they are the closest evidence until a documented photograph becomes available. I'm still new to posting pictures, so if they are not visible I will try to post again. Some of the photos have already been posted, but I want to use them forthis discussion. This one is the starting point.

 

[Sturm Grenadier]

Peiper was said to be wearing a leather coat, black panzer uniform, and mountain boots. The headgear is unknown, but my guess would be, an officers crushed peak cap. Here are two examples, one being a sidecap.

 

[Sturm Grenadier]

The coat may be a Kreigsmarine version, but I think it may be a standard officer leather coat, or a civilian, or a personal tailored one. Photos of Peiper wearing this coat are many, dating back to 41. It seems to be one of his favorites. More examples show it to be a light grey color, but probably closer to field grey. I've included a black version to show the design.

 

[Sturm Grenadier]

The boots could be civilian or standard issue. A few examples.

 

[Joe55]

Pardon me SG, I have a question regarding Peiper but not involving your original focus of Peiper during Battle of the Bulge. I have Life Miniatures bust and have been wondering if I should paint the cap with "pink piping". What are your thoughts, or anyone's on this? Thanks

Joe

 

[Sturm Grenadier]

The black panzer uniform is the wss version. His awards and decorations are well documented so I won't post those.