SS Unterfeldwebel Feldgendarmerie Shoulder Boards

Enhance your collection with these SS Unterfeldwebel Feldgendarmerie shoulder boards, a meticulously crafted WWII German military collectible. Designed for the Unterfeldwebel rank within the Waffen-SS Feldgendarmerie (military police), these shoulder boards feature orange piping and silver tresse on a black wool background. The Feldgendarmerie, known as the ‘field police,’ enforced discipline and security within the Wehrmacht and SS. Below, we explore their historical significance, material composition, and value for collectors and historians.

Historical Background

The SS Unterfeldwebel Feldgendarmerie shoulder boards were worn by non-commissioned officers in the Waffen-SS Feldgendarmerie, active from 1939 to 1945. The Feldgendarmerie maintained order, conducted traffic control, and enforced military law in occupied territories and frontlines, participating in operations across Europe, including France, the Soviet Union, and the Balkans. The Unterfeldwebel rank, the second-lowest NCO rank in the Wehrmacht and SS, denoted experienced sergeants who led small units or performed policing duties. The orange piping signified the Feldgendarmerie branch, while the silver tresse indicated the NCO rank, worn on uniforms like the M40, M42, M43, and M44.

Their connection to the Feldgendarmerie’s role in maintaining military discipline and security makes these shoulder boards a unique artifact, offering insight into the Third Reich’s internal policing mechanisms during WWII.

Material & Condition

These SS Unterfeldwebel Feldgendarmerie shoulder boards are crafted from black wool with orange cotton piping and silver tresse (braided lace) along the edges. Measuring approximately 4.5 cm wide by 11 cm long, they were designed to be sewn onto the shoulders of Waffen-SS Feldgendarmerie uniforms. The black wool ensures durability, while the orange piping and silver tresse provide a distinctive contrast, signifying the military police branch and NCO rank. The boards feature a reinforced internal lining for structural integrity, designed to withstand field and policing conditions.

Authentic period pieces may show signs of wear, such as slight fading of the black wool, minor fraying of the orange piping, or tarnishing of the silver tresse. Collectors should distinguish originals from reproductions, which may use synthetic materials or lack the textured wool weave. Genuine shoulder boards often exhibit subtle variations in tresse alignment or stitching, reflecting wartime production by German textile workshops. These traits make the shoulder boards a coveted historical German artifact for authenticity seekers.

Collector’s Insight

The SS Unterfeldwebel Feldgendarmerie shoulder boards are a rare piece of Third Reich memorabilia, valued for their connection to the Waffen-SS Feldgendarmerie and their historical craftsmanship. Their association with WWII’s military police operations makes them a focal point for collectors of WWII German military collectibles. The orange piping and silver tresse design enhance their appeal as a testament to wartime artistry.

These shoulder boards 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 boards 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.