BACKGROUND: The wearing of trade or speciality badges was an old tradition in the German army and was adopted by the Waffen-SS to distinguish personnel who had successful completed the appropriate training courses. Initially Waffen-SS personnel wore the circular army pattern insignia, but eventually developed their own diamond patterned insignia. Originally the sleeve diamonds utilized by the SS were done in silver/aluminum threads for all personnel for wear on the black service uniform. With the introduction of the field-grey uniform all ranks were to wear the insignia produced in the silver grey threads, and the silver/aluminum versions were to be worn by Officers with the walking-out dress. The trade/specialty insignia was to be worn on the lower left sleeve of the field blouse and the service tunic and this example indicates a qualified medical orderly.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Elongated vertical, black wool diamond base with a machine embroidered, outline of a caduceus, (serpent entwined on a staff), in silver/grey threads with a black interior. The insignia is the same motif as the Medical Officer’s badge but only in outline. The reverse of the diamond retains all of its original, translucent, protective glue like backing. The insignia is in overall excellent, unissued condition.