H005392 COMBAT ENGINEER EM'S SHOULDER STRAP. (Schulterklappen)

BACKGROUND: On November 26TH 1938 the first pattern, pointed tip, shoulder straps without waffenfarben, (Branch of Service Color), piping, utilized by EM/NCO’s were replaced with a rounded tip shoulder strap that included the branch of service waffenfarben. Originally these second pattern straps were manufactured in blue/green badge cloth until regulations in May 1940 altered their construction to field-grey wool. These second pattern shoulder straps were worn for the duration of the war although a third and final pattern was introduced in September 1944. The different branches of service within the German army were allocated a specific, identifying, waffenfarbe, (Branch of Service Color), with black being chosen for Pionier, (Combat Engineer), personnel which was generally displayed as piping on the shoulder straps. Of Note: Enlisted Combat Engineers personnel’s shoulder straps signify the ranks of, Pionier, Oberpionier, Gefreiter, Obergefreiter and Stabsgefreiter inclusively with the actual rank displayed as sleeve insignia.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Early, (Circa November 1938-May 1940), second pattern, blue/green badge cloth construction, sew on shoulder strap with black cotton, chain stitched, unit numeral, "52", and black wool waffenfarbe piping. NCO’s tress to the slip on end indicating an Unteroffizieranwärter, (NCO Candidates).

GRADE ****1/4                             PRICE $95.00