BACKGROUND: Physical fitness of its personnel was a prime concern of the German armed forces and each new recruit was issued a specific sport uniform that consisted of a pullover "tank top" style shirt, navy blue, later black, shorts and athletic shoes. Regulations of October 22ND 1932 introduced the Troop Sports Badge that was to be applied to the front center of the sports shirt with a smaller version to be applied to the right front of the sports shorts. Of Note: On May 14TH 1935 the M35 sports shirt eagle for EM/NCO’s was introduced to replace the previously used Reichswehr era Troop Sports Badge. Also Of Note: NCO ranks were identified by the addition of a black stripe around the neck of the sports shirt.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The insignia consists of a roughly, 130mm tall, 75mm wide, machine woven white rayon construction, vertical, shield shaped base with a vertical, machine woven, black and white, Roman style broad sword superimposed on a black and white bordered black shield. The hilt of the sword extends beyond the top of the black shield. The insignia is still on its original white rayon factory roll. Scarce, short-lived Troop Sports Badge. Nice!