Waffen SS Old Fighters Honour Chevron

Enhance your historical collection with this authentic Waffen SS old fighters honour chevron, a meticulously crafted WWII German military collectible. Featuring one row of special aluminum and black litzen on a black wool background, this chevron represents the honor awarded to SS members who served during the early years of the Nazi regime. Below, we explore its historical significance, material composition, and value for collectors and historians.

Historical Background

The Waffen SS old fighters honour chevron, also known as the Honour Chevron for the Old Guard, was authorized by Adolf Hitler in February 1934 for SS members who distinguished themselves during the ‘time of struggle’ before the Nazi Party’s rise to power in 1933. Worn on the upper sleeve of the right arm by enlisted men of the Waffen-SS, from SS-Mann to Hauptscharführer, this chevron was a mark of loyalty and service during the SS’s formative years. It was displayed on uniforms like the M34, M40, M42, M43, and M44, symbolizing the wearer’s veteran status within the Schutzstaffel. Produced under Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) standards, it underscores the elite status of early SS members.

Its connection to the SS’s early history and the RZM’s rigorous production standards makes this chevron a significant artifact, offering insight into the Third Reich’s recognition of its loyalists.

Material & Condition

This Waffen SS old fighters honour chevron is crafted from a black wool background with one row of special aluminum and black litzen, measuring 5 cm by 5 cm. Designed to be sewn onto the upper sleeve of the right arm, the black wool ensures durability, while the aluminum and black litzen provide a striking contrast, signifying the wearer’s veteran status. The chevron features reinforced stitching to withstand field conditions, adhering to RZM quality standards.

Authentic period pieces may show signs of wear, such as slight fading of the wool or minor tarnishing of the aluminum litzen. Collectors should distinguish originals from reproductions, which may use synthetic materials or lack the detailed litzen texture. Genuine chevrons often exhibit subtle variations in stitching or litzen alignment, reflecting wartime production by RZM-approved workshops. These traits make the chevron a coveted historical German artifact for authenticity seekers.

Collector’s Insight

The Waffen SS old fighters honour chevron is a rare piece of Third Reich memorabilia, valued for its connection to the early SS members and its exquisite aluminum and black litzen craftsmanship. Its historical significance as a mark of loyalty during the Nazi Party’s rise makes it a focal point for collectors of WWII German military collectibles. The aluminum and black litzen on black wool enhance its aesthetic and historical appeal.

This chevron appeals to military historians, museum curators, and reenactors seeking accurate uniform components for educational displays. Given its 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 chevron in an acid-free, archival-quality sleeve or display case to protect against moisture, UV light, and fabric degradation. Displaying it in a museum-quality shadow box with historical documentation amplifies its educational value, offering a tangible link to a pivotal era.