BACKGROUND: The Kriegsmarine adopted rank chevrons for all enlisted ranks in 1933. The chevrons were worn on the upper left sleeve of most garments, with a few exceptions and the base color of the chevron was to match the uniform it was worn on. The Kriegsmarine rank chevrons underwent four modifications between 1933 and 1940, in an unsuccessful attempt to conform to the army EM’s rank chevrons. Of Note: Quite often the rank chevrons were combined with the individuals career insignia. This example was first introduced in 1935 with a tress chevron and rank pip for the rank of Stabsmatrose. In 1936 the chevron was reassigned to the rank of Obergefreiter with more then six years service and in 1938 it was re-designated as the old style Obergefreiter’s insignia. In 1940 this chevron was delegated for the rank of Stabsgefreiter and remained in use for the duration of the war.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The insignia consists of a single, interwoven, machine embroidered, chevron flanking a rank pip, all in bright, golden celleon rayon threads, mounted on an inverted triangular, deep navy blue wool base.