Matching group of eight original TeNo Technische Nothilfe Uniform Buttons, manufactured by Brüder Schneider Wien (BSW). The distinctive silvered buttons display the specialised TeNo technical emblem and measure approximately 22.5 mm. The photographed reverse carries the BSW maker marking and 22.5 mm size designation, matching documented circa-1940 examples. An attractive and increasingly difficult-to-find group of original Technische Nothilfe uniform fittings.
€ 150
1 in stock
This matching group of eight original TeNo Technische Nothilfe Uniform Buttons represents the distinctive silver-coloured uniform fittings worn by Germany’s Technische Nothilfe during the Third Reich period.
Each button displays the instantly recognisable TeNo technical emblem, formed from stylised tools arranged within a wheel-like circular device. A raised inner ring surrounds the emblem, while the outer edge carries the characteristic block-pattern border.
Most importantly, the photographed reverse is clearly marked “BSW” together with “22.5 m”, indicating a diameter of approximately 22.5 mm. The BSW marking identifies the manufacturer as Brüder Schneider of Vienna (Brüder Schneider Wien).
An exact specialist comparison exists. CA Collecting currently catalogues a “silvered TeNo uniform button 22.5 mm, Technische Nothilfe circa 1940, manufacturer BSW” at €16 per button. This is essentially the same specification as the examples shown here.
CA Collecting – 22.5 mm BSW TeNo Uniform Button Reference
The reverse marking provides an important authentication feature.
BSW stands for Brüder Schneider Wien, one of the established Austrian manufacturers of military insignia, awards and uniform accessories. The firm manufactured numerous items for German organisations during the Third Reich period.
Helmut Weitze specifically identifies Brüder Schneider AG, Vienna, as a manufacturer of original Technische Nothilfe uniform buttons. Weitze currently lists a BSW-made TeNo example of approximately 21 mm diameter at €20.
Therefore, the maker attribution on this group does not rely simply on interpreting the initials. It is supported by documented original BSW TeNo buttons in specialist collections.
Helmut Weitze – Original BSW Technische Nothilfe Button
The 22.5 mm measurement is particularly useful because it gives us an almost exact published comparison.
CA Collecting describes its BSW example as:
Silvered TeNo uniform button – 22.5 mm – Technische Nothilfe circa 1940 – manufacturer BSW.
Consequently, I would date your group to approximately 1940, while using the broader catalogue period circa late 1930s–1945.
The 22.5 mm size represents a substantial tunic button rather than one of the much smaller shoulder-board or cuff sizes. Weitze records TeNo buttons in several diameters, including approximately 17, 20 and 21 mm, showing that different sizes served different uniform applications.
The Technische Nothilfe, normally abbreviated TeNo or TN, originated in 1919 as a technical emergency organisation.
Its members included engineers, tradesmen and other technically trained personnel capable of maintaining essential services and infrastructure. After 1933, the organisation became increasingly integrated into the National Socialist state apparatus.
In 1935, TeNo introduced a dark-blue dress uniform incorporating silver-coloured uniform buttons. Later wartime regulations altered parts of the uniform system, particularly for members serving outside Germany. Weitze confirms both the dark-blue uniform and the use of silver buttons.
The specialised button design therefore immediately distinguishes TeNo uniform fittings from ordinary Wehrmacht pebbled buttons.
The obverse is one of the strongest features of this set.
The TeNo emblem combines stylised technical implements within a circular framework. Its industrial appearance reflects the organisation’s technical and engineering role.
All eight examples appear to have been struck from the same general pattern. Small variations in surface toning come from storage, oxidation and handling rather than differences in design.
The border construction also matches documented originals extremely closely.
The photographed reverse shows convincing period manufacture.
A separate silver-coloured rear plate sits inside the rolled outer shell. At the centre is a substantial wire sewing loop surrounded by a pressed reinforcement pattern.
Natural oxidation has developed around protected areas. Meanwhile, the raised surfaces display appropriate wear without the uniform chemical darkening often associated with artificially aged reproductions.
The visible construction provides several positive indicators: the correct TeNo die pattern, rolled two-piece construction, period wire shank, naturally aged silver finish, BSW manufacturer marking and the correct 22.5 mm specification.
Taken together, these features make a strong case for original pre-1945 production.
I regard this group as original Third Reich-period TeNo uniform buttons.
The exact 22.5 mm BSW comparison is particularly persuasive because it matches both the manufacturer and dimensions visible on your reverse photograph.
I would catalogue them as:
Original Technische Nothilfe TeNo Silvered Uniform Buttons – 22.5 mm – BSW Brüder Schneider Wien – circa 1940
From the photographs supplied, I see no significant reproduction warning signs.
The eight buttons remain in very good original collector condition.
Their silver-grey surfaces display varying degrees of natural patination. Some examples retain brighter highlights, while others have developed darker oxidation in the recessed portions of the design.
Importantly, they appear largely untouched.
Do not polish them. Cleaning would remove exactly the surface character that helps demonstrate age and originality.
Individual TeNo buttons are obtainable. However, a matching eight-button group by BSW in the same 22.5 mm sizehas considerably greater display and restoration appeal.
The group could represent a substantial proportion of the buttons required for an original TeNo tunic. Furthermore, the presence of a clearly marked reverse example makes the set valuable as an authentication reference.
Weitze currently offers individual TeNo buttons at approximately €20 each, while CA Collecting asks €16 for the exact 22.5 mm BSW pattern.
For related original German uniform material on Nordmenn:
Nordmenn Militaria – Original Third Reich Uniforms and Insignia
For specialist external comparison:
