BACKGROUND: The first pattern shoulder straps utilized by EM/NCO’s during the Third Reich period were a carry over from the Reichswehr era and consisted of a pointed tip strap with no waffenfarben, (Branch of Service), piping. Originally the first pattern straps were constructed in basic field-grey wool until regulations of December 10TH 1934 altered the material to field-grey badge cloth. Regulations of September 10TH 1935 altered the construction of the field-grey badge cloth straps to a blue/green badge cloth. The first pattern straps were to be replaced with the introduction of the second pattern, rounded tip, shoulder straps with waffenfarbe piping on November 26TH 1938 and production of the first pattern was discontinued in March 1939. Due to the lack of the waffenfarbe piping on the first pattern shoulder straps the particular branch of service can not be determined unless the straps have had the regimental numeral embroidered in the branch of service color. 

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: First pattern, (circa September 1935-March 1939), blue/green wool construction slip on shoulder straps with pointed tips and no waffenfarbe piping. The bottom of the straps and the slip on retaining tongues are in field-grey wool and the reverse of the retaining tongues have a ribbed greyish cotton/rayon twill reinforcement panel machine stitched in place. Excellent condition.

GRADE ****1/2                             PRICE $210.00