Kriegsmarine M35 Enlisted Men's Coastal Artillery Shoulder Boards

Enhance your collection with these authentic Kriegsmarine M35 enlisted men Coastal Artillery shoulder boards, a meticulously crafted WWII German military collectible. Machine embroidered with a yellow thread emblem on a darkgreen wool background, these shoulder boards represent the insignia worn by enlisted men in the Kriegsmarine’s Coastal Artillery branch on the M35 uniform from 1935 to 1945. Below, we explore their historical significance, material composition, and value for collectors and historians.

Historical Background

The Kriegsmarine M35 Coastal Artillery shoulder boards were worn by enlisted personnel in the Kriegsmarine’s Coastal Artillery, a branch tasked with operating anti-ship artillery and heavy fixed guns in coastal fortifications during World War II (1935–1945). The Coastal Artillery defended strategic locations like the Atlantic Wall, Norwegian fjords, and Baltic ports against Allied naval forces. These shoulder boards, part of the M35 uniform, featured a yellow thread emblem to denote the artillery specialization. Crafted under Kriegsmarine standards, these shoulder boards reflect the branch’s critical defensive role, making them a significant artifact for WWII studies.

Material & Condition

These Kriegsmarine M35 shoulder boards are machine embroidered with a yellow thread emblem on a darkgreen wool background, measuring 11.5 cm by 4 cm and weighing 18g. Designed for sewing onto the M35 Coastal Artillery enlisted men’s uniforms, the wool provides a durable, structured base, while the yellow thread offers a vibrant contrast. Authentic period pieces may show slight wear, such as wool fraying or thread fading, with consistent machine stitching indicating wartime production. Collectors should distinguish originals from reproductions, which may use synthetic materials or lack the precision of wartime embroidery.

Collector’s Insight

The Kriegsmarine M35 Coastal Artillery shoulder boards are a rare piece of Third Reich memorabilia, valued for their connection to the Kriegsmarine’s Coastal Artillery and their distinctive design. The yellow thread and darkgreen wool background make them a focal point for collectors of WWII German military collectibles, particularly those interested in naval artillery and enlisted insignia. Their historical significance lies in their association with the defense of Nazi Germany’s coastlines, appealing to enthusiasts of Kriegsmarine history.

These shoulder boards are ideal for military historians, museum curators, and reenactors seeking accurate uniform components for educational displays or living-history events. Given their sensitive historical context, collectors must handle this artifact with respect, using it to educate about WWII’s complexities rather than glorifying the associated ideology. For preservation, store the shoulder boards in an acid-free, archival-quality sleeve or case to protect against moisture, UV light, and wool or thread degradation. Displaying them in a museum-quality shadow box with historical documentation enhances their educational value, offering a tangible link to the era of the Third Reich’s Coastal Artillery.