SS Unterfeldwebel Polizei (Police) Shoulder Boards

Complete your collection with these SS Unterfeldwebel Polizei shoulder boards, a meticulously crafted WWII German military collectible. Designed for the Unterfeldwebel rank within the Waffen-SS Polizei (police) division, these shoulder boards feature green piping and silver tresse on a black wool background. The Unterfeldwebel, a non-commissioned officer rank equivalent to a sergeant, played a key role in police units during WWII. Below, we explore their historical significance, material composition, and value for collectors and historians.

Historical Background

The SS Unterfeldwebel Polizei shoulder boards were worn by non-commissioned officers in the Waffen-SS Polizei division, active from 1939 to 1945. The Polizei division, originally formed from SS police units, participated in combat operations, including the Eastern Front and occupation duties in Europe, while also performing security and policing tasks. The Unterfeldwebel rank, the second-lowest NCO rank in the Wehrmacht and SS, denoted experienced sergeants who led small units or managed administrative duties. The green piping signified the Polizei branch, while the silver tresse indicated the NCO rank, worn on uniforms like the M40, M42, M43, and M44.

Their connection to the Waffen-SS Polizei, which balanced combat and policing roles, makes these shoulder boards a unique artifact, offering insight into the Third Reich’s multifaceted military structure.

Material & Condition

These SS Unterfeldwebel Polizei shoulder boards are crafted from black wool with green 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 Polizei uniforms. The black wool ensures durability, while the green piping and silver tresse provide a distinctive contrast, signifying the Polizei branch and NCO rank. The boards feature a reinforced internal lining for structural integrity, designed to withstand field and administrative conditions.

Authentic period pieces may show signs of wear, such as slight fading of the black wool, minor fraying of the green 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 Polizei shoulder boards are a rare piece of Third Reich memorabilia, valued for their connection to the Waffen-SS Polizei division and their historical craftsmanship. Their association with WWII’s police and combat operations makes them a focal point for collectors of WWII German military collectibles. The green 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.