BACKGROUND: On December 22ND 1920 the Weimar era Reichsheer instituted a system of sleeve rank insignia for enlisted personnel which remained in effect until the newly formed Wehrmacht Heer introduced a new system on September 25TH 1936. In March 1938 the Allgemeine-SS adopted the Wehrmacht style rank chevrons for enlisted ranks with minor variations and this in turn was carried over to the Waffen-SS on its inception. Originally the tress chevrons were worked in bright silver/aluminum wire threads until regulations of April 25TH 1940 introduced a new less visible subdued tress of matte blue/grey rayon for wear on the field uniform and a subdued golden tan rayon tress for wear on the tropical uniform although the change over was never completely achieved. Of Note: The Allgemeine-SS and the SD abolished the use of rank chevrons on January 17TH 1942 but they were still utilized by the Waffen-SS until the end of the war. Also Of Note: Army regulations of April 25TH 1940 dictated the base color of the rank insignia was to match the color of the uniform being worn and as a result Panzer Gefreiter’s also wore this type of rank chevron.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The insignia consists of a single, bright silver/aluminum, diamond patterned, tress chevron, machine sewn to an inverted triangular, black wool base. Small tear to upper left corner.