BACKGROUND: Originally shoulder straps for Allgemeine-SS, (General-SS), EM/NCO’s were introduced on May 26TH 1933 at the same time as the SA ,Sturm Abteilung, (Storm Troops), shoulder straps were introduced. These first pattern shoulder straps were also worn by SS-VT, SS-Verfügungstruppe, (SS-Special Purpose Troops), and, SS-TK, SS-Totenkopf units, (SS-Deaths Head units), which were to become the nucleus of the Waffen-SS, (Armed-SS). In July 1935 the first army style shoulder straps for EM/NCO’s were introduced to distinguish the armed SS-VT and SS-TK personnel from the political Allgemeine-SS personnel. By 1938 the transition to army style shoulder straps was pretty much complete and these army style shoulder straps would be worn by all EM/NCO’s of the Waffen-SS. In 1939 the Waffen-SS adopted waffenfarben, (Branch of Service Colors), with each branch of service being allocated a specific, identifying, waffenfarbe, with grass green being chosen for Rifle Regiment, SS Police Units and eventually Mountain Troop personnel, which was displayed as piping on the shoulder straps.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Black wool construction slip on shoulder straps with bright, Luftwaffe pattern (not uncommon), NCO’s tress to all outside edges, two silver washed, stamped alloy rank pips and green waffenfarbe piping to each. Nice pair!