BACKGROUND: In an attempt to emulate historic Imperial German army units the high command of the Weimar era, (Circa 1919-1933), Reichswehr, (National Defence Force), introduced three different "Traditions" cap insignia in 1921 and allocated them to certain new military units. One of the traditions cap badges was a Brunswick style skull and crossbones that was allocated to the 1ST and 4TH Companies of the 17TH Infantry Regiment in commemoration of the 92ND Imperial Brunswick Infantry Regiment. Later, (Circa February 1938), the traditions insignia was also authorized for wear by the Staffs, of the 1ST and 2ND Battalions and 13TH and 14TH Companies of the Infantry Regiment, as well as 4TH Troop, and the 2ND Battalion of the 13TH Cavalry Regiment, in commemoration of the 17TH Imperial Brunswick Hussar Regiment. Finally in May 1944 personnel of the 41ST Cavalry Regiment "South" were also authorized wear of the insignia. Regulations of February 1939 dictated that the Brunswick style skull and crossbones were to be replaced with the Prussian style skull and crossbones although it appears the regulation was not strictly adhered to as the Brunswick style skull and crossbones were utilized through-out the war. The traditions badge came in two, slightly different, patterns with a shorter pattern for EM/NCO’s and a slightly taller pattern for Officer’s ranks. Regulations dictated that the traditions badge was only to be worn on the visor cap although photographic evidence indicates this regulation was also not strictly adhered as the badge can be seen worn on overseas and M43 field caps. Of Note: The 17TH Infantry Division fought in Poland in 1939, France in 1940 and participated in the invasion of Russia in 1941. Pulled out of Russia and sent to France in mid-1942 the 17TH was transferred back to southern Russia in February 1943. After fierce fighting and heavy casualties the 17TH Infantry Division was withdrawn to southern Poland in late 1944, and ended up surrendering in Czechoslovakia in April 1945.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly 30mm tall, 28mm wide, silver washed, die stamped alloy construction Officers pattern, Brunswick style skull and crossbones features a "face-on", skull with two rows of teeth with the jaw bone resting on two, diagonally angled, crossed femur bones. The skull features embossed and recessed detailing, dual, horizontally oval, eye cut-outs and dual, vertically oval nose cut-outs. The reverse of the insignia is a mirror image of the obverse and has both of the original, soldered, attachment prongs is still intact. The insignia has no visible manufacturer’s markings. Scarce traditions cap badge. Nice!