SS Obersturmbannführer Collar Tabs

Elevate your historical collection with these authentic SS Obersturmbannführer Collar Tabs, a meticulously crafted WWII German military collectible. Featuring four metallic silver stars, one line of aluminum litzen, and silver piping on a black wool background, these collar tabs were designed for the Obersturmbannführer rank, equivalent to a lieutenant colonel in the Waffen-SS, used during World War II (1932–1945). Below, we explore their historical significance, material composition, and value for collectors and historians.

Historical Background

The SS Obersturmbannführer Collar Tabs were worn by senior field-grade officers in the Waffen-SS during campaigns like the Battle of Arnhem (1944) or the Defense of Berlin (1945). Established in 1932, the Obersturmbannführer rank denoted leadership over regiment-sized units or staff roles. Sewn onto uniform collars, these tabs, crafted under RZM standards, signified the rank’s authority, making them a significant artifact for studying the Waffen-SS’s officer hierarchy.

Material & Condition

These SS Obersturmbannführer Collar Tabs feature four metallic silver stars, one line of aluminum litzen, and silver piping on a black wool background, measuring 5.5 cm by 4.5 cm and weighing 15g. Designed for sewing onto Waffen-SS uniforms, the wool ensures durability, while the silver stars, litzen, and piping provide a striking contrast. Authentic period pieces may show slight wear, such as star tarnishing or wool fading, with consistent stitching indicating wartime production. Collectors should distinguish originals from reproductions, which may use synthetic materials or lack the precision of wartime craftsmanship.

Collector’s Insight

The SS Obersturmbannführer Collar Tabs are a prized piece of Third Reich memorabilia, valued for their connection to the Waffen-SS’s senior field-grade officers and their intricate design. The four silver stars, litzen, and piping on black wool make them a focal point for collectors of WWII German military collectibles, particularly those interested in SS insignia and senior officer artifacts. Their historical significance lies in their association with the Third Reich’s paramilitary forces, appealing to enthusiasts of German military history.

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 highly sensitive historical context, collectors must handle this artifact with utmost respect, using it to educate about the Waffen-SS’s role in WWII rather than glorifying the associated regime. For preservation, store the tabs in an acid-free, archival-quality sleeve or case to protect against moisture, UV light, and wool degradation. Displaying them in a museum-quality shadow box with historical documentation enhances their educational value, offering a tangible link to the era of Nazi Germany’s paramilitary forces.