BACKGROUND: The SA, "Sturmabteilung" (Storm-troops), were originally formed in August of 1921 as a protective guard unit for the political leaders of the fledgling NSDAP, "Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei" (National-socialist German Worker's-party). As with the Nazi party, the SA was structured along para-military lines. Most of its recruits were from the ranks of the various "Freikorps" groups of the day, composed mainly of disgruntled ex-soldiers, and they were first utilized at a Nazi party meeting in Munich in November of 1921. Shoulder straps were introduced for their uniforms in May of 1933, with significant changes made to them immediately before the outbreak of war. At that point, the use of two shoulders straps on the tunic and greatcoat was authorized.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Second pattern (1939) shoulder board comprised of four doubled cords in silver-white rayon upon a stiff, crimson wool base, which extends along their edges to form visible piping. This pattern was that used by the ranks of "Sturmführer" (Second Lieutenant) to "Hauptsturmführer" (Captain) from their introduction until the end of the war. Original RZM tag.