SS Enlisted Men's Rune BeVo Collar Patches

Complete your historical collection with these SS enlisted men’s rune BeVo collar patches, a meticulously crafted WWII German military collectible. Designed for the field uniforms of SS enlisted men, this pair includes one silk-woven white rune patch and one blank patch, both crafted in the BeVo style. Worn by ranks such as Schütze and Sturmmann in the Waffen-SS, these collar patches symbolized their affiliation with the Schutzstaffel’s elite combat units. Below, we explore their historical significance, material composition, and value for collectors and historians.

Historical Background

The SS enlisted men’s rune BeVo collar patches were worn by enlisted personnel of the Waffen-SS, the combat branch of the Nazi Party’s Schutzstaffel, from 1933 to 1945. The Waffen-SS was renowned for its role in major WWII campaigns, including the Battle of Kharkov and the defense of Berlin, with divisions like Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler and Wiking. The right collar patch featured white SS runes, a potent symbol of the SS’s ideological commitment, while the left patch was blank for lower enlisted ranks, marking their position in the military hierarchy.

The BeVo weave, a machine-woven technique, was favored for its durability and ability to produce detailed insignia efficiently. These patches were integral to the Waffen-SS field uniform, worn during combat, training, and ceremonial duties. Their connection to the SS’s military operations makes them a significant artifact, offering a window into the Third Reich’s complex and dark legacy.

Material & Condition

These SS enlisted men’s rune BeVo collar patches are crafted using BeVo weave with silk-woven white runes on a black cotton background, paired with a blank black cotton patch. Measuring approximately 7 cm wide by 3.5 cm tall, they were designed to be sewn onto the collar of Waffen-SS field uniforms. The silk weave ensures a sharp, durable rune design, while the cotton backing provides resilience. The patches feature reinforced edges to withstand field conditions.

Authentic period pieces may show signs of wear, such as slight fading of the black cotton or minor fraying of the white silk thread. Collectors should distinguish originals from reproductions, which may use synthetic threads or lack the BeVo weave’s texture. Genuine patches often exhibit subtle variations in rune alignment or weave patterns, reflecting wartime production by German textile workshops. These traits make the collar patches a coveted historical German artifact for authenticity seekers.

Collector’s Insight

The SS enlisted men’s rune BeVo collar patches are a rare piece of Third Reich memorabilia, valued for their connection to the Waffen-SS’s enlisted ranks and their silk-woven BeVo craftsmanship. Their association with WWII’s major battles makes them a focal point for collectors of WWII German military collectibles. The white runes and blank patch design enhance their appeal as a testament to wartime artistry.

These collar patches appeal to military historians, museum curators, and reenactors seeking accurate uniform components for educational displays. Given their sensitive historical context, collectors should handle this artifact with respect, using it to educate about WWII’s complexities rather than glorifying the associated ideology. For preservation, store the patches in an acid-free, archival-quality sleeve or display case to protect against moisture, UV light, and fabric degradation. Displaying them in a museum-quality shadow box with historical documentation amplifies their educational value, offering a tangible link to a pivotal era.