BACKGROUND: Trade and Specialist badges were introduced at varying times through-out the Third Reich to distinguish EM/NCO personnel who had achieved proficiency at a particular trade, specialty or function. The identifying insignia was most commonly worn on the lower right sleeve of the service or field tunic of qualified personnel holding the ranks of Schütze to Stabsfeldwebel inclusively. Some of the trades were only open to enlisted ranks while those open to NCO’s ranks were distinguished by the addition of a silver cord piping.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly 55mm diameter blue/green badge cloth base with hand embroidered crossed rifles in heavy golden yellow cotton threads. The blue/green badge cloth base is piped in bright, interwoven, silver/aluminum cord indicating NCO ranks. The reverse of the badge has a loosely woven protective white fabric backing. The insignia is in overall very good, clean condition with a few minor moth nips to the front.