Panzer Hermann Göring Enlisted Men's Collar Tabs

Elevate your collection with these authentic Panzer Hermann Göring enlisted men collar tabs, a meticulously crafted WWII German military collectible. Made from black wool with metal skulls and white piping, these collar tabs represent the distinguished insignia of the Hermann Göring Panzer Division, an elite Luftwaffe unit. Below, we explore their historical significance, material composition, and value for collectors and historians.

Historical Background

The Panzer Hermann Göring collar tabs were worn by enlisted men of the Hermann Göring Panzer Division, a prestigious Luftwaffe formation named after Hermann Wilhelm Göring, a key Nazi Party figure and military leader. Active from 1935 to 1945, this division evolved from a police unit to an elite Panzer force, fighting in campaigns like the invasion of Poland (1939), the Eastern Front (1941–1945), and Italy (1943–1945). The metal skulls and white piping on black wool symbolized the division’s elite status within the Luftwaffe’s ground forces. Crafted under strict RZM (Reichszeugmeisterei) standards, these collar tabs reflect the division’s role in the Third Reich’s armored warfare, making them a significant artifact for WWII military studies.

Material & Condition

These Panzer Hermann Göring collar tabs are crafted from black wool with metal skulls and white piping, measuring 6 cm by 4 cm and weighing 10g per pair. Designed to be sewn or pinned onto Panzer uniforms, the black wool provides a durable and elegant base, while the metal skulls and white piping create a striking contrast, denoting enlisted rank. The metal skulls feature detailed casting, and the white piping enhances the tabs’ authoritative appearance. Authentic period pieces may show slight wear, such as minor wool fading or metal patina, with subtle variations in skull casting or stitching indicating wartime production by RZM-approved workshops. Collectors should distinguish originals from reproductions, which may use synthetic materials or lack the intricate metalwork.

Collector’s Insight

The Panzer Hermann Göring collar tabs are a rare piece of Third Reich memorabilia, highly valued for their connection to the elite Hermann Göring Panzer Division and their detailed craftsmanship. The combination of black wool, metal skulls, and white piping makes them a focal point for collectors of WWII German military collectibles, particularly those interested in Luftwaffe history and armored units. Their historical significance spans key WWII campaigns, appealing to enthusiasts of Nazi Germany’s military evolution.

These collar tabs 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 these artifacts with respect, using them to educate about WWII’s complexities rather than glorifying the associated ideology. For preservation, store the tabs in an acid-free, archival-quality sleeve or display case to protect against moisture, UV light, and metal oxidation. 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 elite Panzer forces.