BACKGROUND: The origins of the 3RD SS-Panzer-Division "Totenkopf" can be traced back to the formation of the SS-Wachverbände, (SS-Guard Units) in March 1933 which was re-designated, SS-Totenkopfverbände, (SS-Death’s Head Units), on March 29TH 1936. The SS-Wachverbände began to wear the distinctive Death’s head collar tabs on both collars sometime in 1935 with the death’s heads positioned horizontally on the collar tabs. In October 1939 personnel from the SS-Totenkopfverbände were recruited to compose the cadre of the newly forming SS-Totenkopf-Division and continued to wear the death’s head, positioned vertically, on the right collar tab. In May 1940 personnel of the SS-Totenkopf-Division altered the positioning of the death’s head from the vertical position to the horizontal position while personnel remaining with the SS-Totenkopfverbände did the exact opposite by exchanging the horizontal positioning for the vertical positioning, on the same date. The horizontal positioning of the death’s head and the lack of any outer edge piping on the collar tabs, which was abolished in August 1940, indicate this example was intended for wear by a member of the SS-Totenkopf-Division, which was upgraded and re-designated, SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Division "Totenkopf" on November 9TH 1942, and 3RD SS-Panzer-Division "Totenkopf" on October 22ND 1943.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Right hand side, unit designation, collar tab features a machine embroidered, horizontally positioned, skull superimposed over crossed bones in silvery/grey threads on a black wool base. The skull has black teeth, eye and nose accent threads. The collar tab is mounted on a light tan buckram backing. The collar tab is in overall very good condition with minor nap wear and light age toning. Excellent example.. very tough pattern to find.