Gun Porn Vs The Law

After expressing my disatification - having a rantette - about Flames of War the other day, I thought I would check with the German embassy about the legal position should I purchase an official Battlefront bag, resplendent with SS badge, and turn up with it at a wargames event in Germany.

This is the reply I recieved today.

"Thank you for your enquiry of 14 July 2011 asking if you are allowed to bring a carry case bearing a patch of the SS into Germany.

The object in question contains a clearly visible symbol connected to Nazi Germany. You were right to assume that to possess and carry with you such objects in Germany, might cause difficulties in certain situations.

According to information received from the Federal Criminal Police Office, we can advise you as follows:

You are allowed to take such an object with you to Germany.
*However, it is forbidden to display it in public.*

Therefore, when taking the object with you on a plane, you must not take it out of your suitcase and show it to other people. You should rather pack it safely in your suitcase. In case a customs officer wants to inspect the suitcase you must make clear that you are taking it with you for a games convention and emphasize the private purpose of the matter. As for the games convention, I suggest contacting the organisers to find out if any special regulations apply.


The Embassy cannot give any guarantee that the possession of this object would not cause any difficulties during your stay in Germany. Depending on the situation, displaying the object might be considered as a criminal offence.

I hope the above helps."

So there you have it.

In order to be sure not to get arrested in Germany, and number of other European countries that have similar laws, you need to hide your 'geek chic', Battlefront approved, bag inside another bag.

Shouldn't there be some sort of warning on the Battlefront website?

Meh! If you're dumb enough to think there is not a problem, and are willing to stand up in court and make arguments about it is just a game, it's no worse than the Confederate flag, etc then you deserve everything you get.

Especially if you claim it is an historical wargame....

peace:)

ps call me childish, but embassy in German is Botschaft.