BACKGROUND: The different branches of service within the German army were allocated a specific identifying waffenfarbe, (Branch of Service Color), which was displayed as piping on the shoulder straps, with copper brown being chosen for Kraftradfahrer, (Motorcycle), personnel. The slip on shoulder strap slides for wear by EM/NCO’s were originally introduced on January 24^TH 1940 for economic and security reasons. The slides were cheaper and easier to produce then full shoulder straps and could be exchange easily if an individual was transferred or removed in the field to conceal unit designations. The shoulder strap slides generally had a unit numeral or specific designation letter chain stitched in the appropriated waffenfarbe. Of Note: Motorcycles were generally utilized in reconnaissance and signals dispatch roles as well as mobile support for Infantry units and there were usually also small motorcycle units attached to Headquarters, Supply and other assorted units in a mobile ancillary/support roles. 

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Slip on shoulder boards in interwoven, bright, silver/aluminum Russian braiding with double, gilt washed, stamped alloy, rank pips to each mounted on light brown wool waffenfarbe bases