BACKGROUND: The different branches of service within the German army were allocated a specific, identifying, waffenfarbe, (Branch of Service Color), with pink being chosen for Panzer, (Armored), personnel which was generally displayed as the base on the shoulder boards. Of Note: The general waffenfarbe for all armored units was pink although other colors were utilized including red for armored artillery units, golden yellow for armored reconnaissance units and the 24TH Panzer Division, lemon yellow for armored signals units and, for a short time, alternating black and white for armored engineer units. The German armed forces utilized a wide variety of shoulder board/strap cyphers that indicated numerous specific, assorted trades, careers, functions and/or units. Regulations decreed that the shoulder board/strap cyphers were embroidered in the appropriate branch of service color for EM’s and Junior NCO’s, in silvered metal for Senior NCO’s and in gilted metal for Officers ranks. Originally the shoulder board/strap cyphers for Senior NCO’s and Officer’s used during the Third Reich were a low, flat pattern that had been utilized by the Weimar era Reichsheer until regulations of September 10TH 1935 introduced new Wehrmacht pattern cyphers that featured a horizontal ribbed interior and raised outer edges.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Officer’s single shoulder board cypher. Armoured Train, Gothic "E". Prongs complete.