BACKGROUND: The Luftwaffe introduced a series of three rank chevrons on March 4TH 1938 for wear by the enlisted ranks of Gefreiter, Obergefreiter, Hauptgefreiter with one chevron indicating the rank of Gefreiter, two chevrons for the rank of Obergefreiter, and three chevrons for the rank of Hauptgefreiter. These chevrons were worn on the upper left sleeve of the Service Dress tunic, the Uniform tunic, the Flight blouse and the Greatcoat. Originally the tress utilized on the chevrons was in bright silver/aluminum wire threads until regulations of September 1ST 1942 discontinued production of the highly visible tress and introduced a less visible subdued blue/grey rayon tress. Further regulations dictated that the bright tress be replaced by the subdued tress by October 1ST 1942 although the change over was never fully achieved. In late 1940, with the impending German entrance into the North African campaign, the army quickly developed and issued tropical uniforms, insignia and equipment in time for DAK, Deutsches Afrika Korps, (German Africa Corps), personnel’s arrival in Tripoli in February 1941. At the same time the Luftwaffe also developed and introduced their own version of the tropical uniforms, insignia and equipment independently from the other branches of service. The tropical items followed the same basic designs as the continental items but in different materials and colorations. Of Note: With the introduction of the rank of Stabsgefreiter on February 4TH 1944, the rank chevron for Hauptgefreiters was altered to two chevrons and the addition of a single rank pip, and the earlier triple chevron insignia was allotted to the rank of Stabsgefreiter.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The Obergefreiter’s rank insignia consists of a dual, machine woven, subdued matte grey rayon, waffle patterned, chevrons machine stitched on a tan, cotton/rayon blend, inverted triangular base with an HBT, (Herring Bone Twill), weave. The insignia is in overall very good, unissued condition with minimal age toning.