BACKGROUND: The Kriegsmarine adopted rank chevrons for all Enlisted ranks in 1933. The chevrons were worn on the upper left sleeve of most garments, with a few exceptions and the base color of the chevron was to match the uniform it was worn on. The Kriegsmarine rank chevrons underwent four modifications between 1933 and 1940, in an unsuccessful attempt to conform to the army EM’s rank chevrons. Of Note: Quite often the rank chevrons were combined with the individuals career insignia. This example was first introduced in 1936 with dual braided chevrons and a rank pip for the rank of Stabsgefreiter. In 1938 the chevron was designated as Stabsgefreiter old style and in 1940 this chevron was delegated for the rank of Oberstabsgefreiter and remained in use for the duration of the war.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Final version, (circa-1940-1945), coastal artillery Oberstabsgefreiter’s sleeve rank chevron consists of dual machine embroidered, braided, bright golden/yellow artificial celleon chevrons flanking a hand embroidered rank pip mounted on a inverted triangular field-grey wool base. The reverse of the insignia has a protective, field-grey cotton backing.