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AC032. Army EM/NCO's Cap Cockade. Good looking bevo Army EM/NCO's Cap Cockade from a strip of un-issued cockades. The price is per cockade. See pictures...$ 15.00 (Pictures)
AC037. Army EM/NCO's Cap Cockade. Good looking mint bevo Army EM/NCO's Cap Cockade from an original partial box of 200. I have quite a few available. See pictures...$ 15.00 (Pictures)
AC065. Army EM/NCO's Cap Trapezoid. Good looking un-issued Army EM/NCO's Cap Trapezoid being in the light-brown/light-green shade. I have a few available in mint condition. See pictures...$ 35.00 (Pictures)
AC076. Army Officer's Visor Cap Wreath, Factory-Un-finished. Good looking hand embroidered bullion Army Officer's Visor Cap Wreath being an un-cut and un-finished example removed from the factory. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures)
AC107. Army EM/NCO's Cap Trapezoid, Subdued Eagle on Dark Green. Good looking un-issued cotton Army EM/NCO's Cap Trapezoid having a subdued eagle on a dark green background. I have a few of these that I purchased directly from the vet's family. See pictures...$ 35.00 (Pictures)
AC182. Army Oberschütze Rank Insignia, Hand-Embroidered Bullion. Good looking Army Oberschütze Rank Insignia, Hand-Embroidered Bullion. See pictures...$ 40.00 (Pictures)
AC183. Army Oberschütze Rank Insignia, Hand-Embroidered Bullion. Good looking Army Oberschütze Rank Insignia, Hand-Embroidered Bullion. See pictures...$ 40.00 (Pictures)
AC184. Army Oberschütze Rank Insignia, Hand-Embroidered Bullion. Good looking Army Oberschütze Rank Insignia, Hand-Embroidered Bullion. See pictures...$ 40.00 (Pictures)
AC226. Army EM/NCO's Cap Trapezoid, Cap-Removed. Good looking Army EM/NCO's Cap Trapezoid being a nice cap-removed example that saw action. See pictures...$ 85.00 (Pictures)
AC230. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Breast Eagle on Piece of Tunic. Nice looking Army EM/NCO's Bevo Breast Eagle on Piece of Tunic being an indirect vet-estate purchase. See pictures...$ 125.00 (Pictures) SOLD
AC239m. Cossack Breast Insignia. Great looking un-cut and un-issued Cossack Breast Insignia. See pictures...$ 195.00 (Pictures)
AC283. Army Officer's Visor Cap Eagle Unterlagen. Good looking Army Officer's Visor Cap Eagle Unterlagen being the template for the hand embroidery. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures)
AC287. Army Gefreiter Rank Insignia. Nice looking Army Gefreiter Rank Insignia being in bullion on fine wool. See pictures...$ 30.00 (Pictures)
AC288. Panzer Gefreiter Rank Insignia. Nice looking Panzer Gefreiter Rank Insignia being in felt on felt. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures)
AC301. Set of Army Officer's Breast and Cap Eagle Unterlagen. Good looking Set of Army Officer's Breast and Cap Eagle Unterlagen being the templates for the hand embroidery. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures)
AC304. Wehrmacht Steuermann Badge (Assault Boat Pilot). Nice looking bullion Wehrmacht Steuermann Badge (Assault Boat Pilot) showing some mothing worn by engineers with this qualification. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures)
AC322. Bevo Panzer Beret Cockade/Wreath. Good looking Bevo Panzer Beret Cockade/Wreath being an un-issued example. See pictures...$ 250.00 (Pictures)
AC332. Army EM/NCO's Breast Eagle on Piece of HBT Tunic. Nice looking Army EM/NCO's Machine-Embroidered Breast Eagle on Piece of HBT Tunic. See pictures...$ 85.00 (Pictures) SOLD
AC334. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Breast Eagle on Piece of Tunic. Nice looking Army EM/NCO's Bevo Breast Eagle on Piece of Tunic. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures)
AC351. Army EM/NCO's Tunic Eagle. This late-war cotton Army EM/NCO's Tunic Eagle shows a good amount of use. See pictures...$ 40.00 (Pictures)
AC402. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Cap Eagle, Some Fraying. Good looking un-cut and un-issued Army EM/NCO's Bevo Cap Eagle having some fraying. See pictures...$ 25.00 (Pictures) SOLD
AC427. Army EM/NCO's Cavalry Collar Tabs. See pictures...$ 60.00 (Pictures)
AC438. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Cap Eagle. Nice looking un-issued example. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures)
AC439. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Cap Eagle. Nice looking un-issued example. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures)
AC450. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Cap Eagle. Nice looking un-issued example. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures)
AC481. Army EM/NCO's Tunic Eagle, Tunic-Removed. Good looking bevo example showing use and having a rip at the wing. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures)
AC484. Panzer Obergefreiter Chevron. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures)
AC495. Army EM/NCO's Cap Trapezoid. Good looking un-issued Army EM/NCO's Cap Trapezoid. See pictures...$ 35.00 (Pictures)
AC507. Panzer Gefreiter Chevron. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures)
AC519. Wehrmacht Steuermann Badge (Assault Boat Pilot). Nice looking bullion Wehrmacht Steuermann Badge (Assault Boat Pilot) showing some mothing worn by engineers with this qualification. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures)
AC520. Panzer Obergefreiter Chevron. This one has a nice salty worn look. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures)
AC541. Army Gefreiter Rank Insignia, Un-Issued. This example is from an un-issued bundle of ten. Price per piece. Different shade of green than AC542 and AC543. See pictures...$ 35.00 (Pictures)
AC542. Army Gefreiter Rank Insignia, Un-Issued. This example is from an un-issued bundle of ten. Price per piece. Different shade of green than AC541 and AC543. See pictures...$ 35.00 (Pictures)
AC543. Army Gefreiter Rank Insignia, Un-Issued. This example is from an un-issued bundle of ten. Price per piece. Different shade of green than AC542 and AC541. See pictures...$ 35.00 (Pictures)
AC553. Army Ordnance Technician's Trade Badge with NCO's Piping. Some mothing but nice example. See pictures...$ 35.00 (Pictures)
AC554. Army EM/NCO's Cap Trapezoid, Cap-Removed. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures)
AC579. Bevo Flatwire Army NCO's/Officer's Breast Eagle. Great looking un-issued example. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures)
AC589. Army Smoke Troops Feldwebel's Shoulder Straps. See pictures...$ 350.00 (Pictures) NEW
AC596. Bevo Panzer Beret Cockade/Wreath. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) NEW
AC604m. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Cap Eagle. Excellent un-issued example. I have a few of these at the moment. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) NEW
AC611. Army Medical Officer's Collar Tabs. Excellent matching pair. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures) NEW
AC612. Army Administrative Hauptmann's Shoulder Board. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) NEW
AC615. Army Infantry Officer's Collar Tab. See pictures...$ 40.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC617. Army Transport Officer's Collar Tab. See pictures...$ 40.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC633. Army Oberschütze Rank Insignia. See pictures...$ 20.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC640. Army Officer's Tunic Eagle. Nice looking example that shows tunic use. See pictures...$ 85.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC649. Army Equipment Administration NCO Personnel Trade Badge. See pictures...$ 25.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC650. Army Oberschütze Rank Insignia. See pictures...$ 20.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC658. Pair of Army Administrative Official's Shoulder Boards. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AC661. Pair of Feldpost (Field Post) Shoulder Boards in Original Cellophane. The rank is Feldpostbote. Un-issued. See pictures...$ 275.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC679. Army Obergefreiter/Stabsgefreiter's Chevron. See pictures...$ 40.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC681. Army Panzerjaeger's Shoulder Boards, Matching Pair. The number "39" was removed from each board as per regulations. See pictures...$ 250.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC682. Army Pioneer's Unteroffizier's Shoulder Boards, Matching Pair. These may have had removed cyhpers or numbers. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC693. Army Officer's Visor Cap Wreath. Beautiful un-issued example. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC695. Army Gefreiter Rank Insignia. Nice looking Army Gefreiter Rank Insignia being in bullion on fine wool. See pictures...$ 30.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC712. Bevo Flatwire Army NCO's/Officer's Breast Eagle. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC713m. Army Gefreiter Rank Insignia on HBT. Unissued example from a bundle of 10. See pictures...$ 35.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC715. Army EM/NCO's Breast Eagle, Italian-Made. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC716. Army Articifer Trade Insignia. See pictures...$ 25.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC718. Army General's Tunic Eagle, French-Made. Excellent example. SS Officer sleeve eagles will also be found in this pattern. See pictures...$ 350.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC720m. Army Mountain Troops Bergmutz Cap Insignia. Mint and un-issued from a small vet grouping. I have a few available. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC722. Bevo Flatwire Army NCO's/Officer's Breast Eagle. Oxidized. See pictures...$ 35.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC723. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Cap Eagle. Nice looking un-issued example. See pictures...$ 45.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC725. Army Infantry Oberstleutnant's Shoulder Boards. Nice set, often sold as LW Hermann Goering boards for more money. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC738. Bevo Army EM/NCO's Cap Trapezoid. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC739m. Army Qualified Ferrier Trade Badge. Machine embroidered. Gold on dark green. Mint. See pictures...$ 30.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC740m. Army Qualified Ferrier Trade Badge. I have a few of these and they are all mint and hand embroidered. Gold on dark green. Various maker stampings on the reverse. Mint. Price per piece. See pictures...$ 35.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC743. Army Officer's Visor Cap Wreath. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC746. Army Tropical Specialty Rating, Medical. As worn by members of the Afrikakorps. Un-issued example. See pictures...$ 35.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC747. Army Tropical Specialty Rating, Artificers. As worn by members of the Afrikakorps. Un-issued example. See pictures...$ 30.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC748. Army Tropical Specialty Rating, Artificers. As worn by members of the Afrikakorps. Un-issued example. See pictures...$ 30.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC750. Army Tropical Specialty Rating, Signals. As worn by members of the Afrikakorps. Un-issued example. See pictures...$ 30.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC751. Army Tropical Oberschütze Rank Insignia. As worn by members of the Afrikakorps. See pictures...$ 20.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AC752. Army Weapons Maintenance Sergeants Trade Badge. See pictures...$ 20.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC753. Army Bevo Cap Trapezoid, Cap-Removed. Nice piece. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD pending payment (e)
AC754. Army Flatwire Bevo NCO's Breast Eagle. Nice tunic-removed example. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC756. Army Specialty Rating, Medical. See pictures...$ 20.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC760. Late War Printed Army EM/NCO's Breast Eagle. Rare. See pictures...$ 250.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC764. Army Ordnance Technician's Trade Badge. See pictures...$ 30.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC765. Bevo Panzer Beret Cockade/Wreath. See pictures...$ 200.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC766. Bevo Panzer Beret Cockade/Wreath. Selvage trimmed. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC768. NCO's Motor Transport Trade Badge. See pictures...$ 40.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC769. Army Oberschütze Rank Insignia on HBT Material. See pictures...$ 20.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC770. Army Jäger Sleeve Insignia. See pictures...$ 45.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC774. Army Officer's Collar Tabs Pair - Artillery. For service use. See pictures...$ 85.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AC775. Army Officer's Collar Tabs Pair - Medical. For service use. See pictures...$ 85.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC776. Army Officer's Collar Tabs Pair - Engineer. For service use. See pictures...$ 85.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC778. Army Officer's Collar Tabs Pair - Panzer. For service use. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC779. Army Officer's Collar Tabs Pair - Transport. For service use. See pictures...$ 85.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC780. Army Officer's Collar Tabs Pair - Transport. For service use. See pictures...$ 85.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC781. Army Officer's Collar Tabs Pair - Signals. For service use. See pictures...$ 85.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC782. Army Officer's Collar Tabs Pair - Signals. For service use. See pictures...$ 85.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC783. Army Officer's Collar Tabs Pair - Signals. For service use. See pictures...$ 85.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC787. Set of Insignia for Army Waffenrock Tunic- Cavalry. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC789. Army Officer's Collar Tabs Pair - Feldgendarmerie -Recruiting. For dress use. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC790. Army Officer's Collar Tabs Pair - Feldgendarmerie -Recruiting. For dress use. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AC791. Army Officer's Collar Tabs Pair - Feldgendarmerie -Recruiting. For dress use. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC792. Army Officer's Collar Tabs Pair -Panzer. For dress use. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC793. Army Officer's Collar Tabs Pair -Veterinarian. For dress use. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC794. Army Officer's Collar Tabs Pair -Panzergrenadier. For dress use. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AC798. Army EM/NCO's Collar Tabs Pair -Artillery Troops. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AC800. Army Medical ASSISTENZARZT'S Shoulder Boards. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC805. Army Officer's Collar Tabs Pair - Infantry. For service use. See pictures...$ 85.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC806. Army Officer's Collar Tabs Pair - Medical. For service use. See pictures...$ 85.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC810. Set of Insignia for Army Waffenrock Tunic- Field Police- Recruiting. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC813. Army Oberstarzt Medical Colonel Shoulder Boards. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD pending payment (g)
AC814. Army Veterinarian Hauptmann's Shoulder Board. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AC820. Army Officer's Collar Tabs Pair - Panzer Grenadier, Tunic-Removed. Fantastic salty combat worn set. For service use. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC821. High Ranking Army Administrative Collar Tab. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC822. Pair of Army Artillery NCO's Shoulder Straps. Not an exact match but a good display. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC825. Army Bevo Cap Trapezoid, Cap-Removed. Nice piece. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AC826. Army Sport's Shirt Eagle on Piece of Shirt. Nice piece. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC827. Bevo Panzer Beret Cockade/Wreath. See pictures...$ 200.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC828. Army Panzer M-35 Breast Eagle. See pictures... SOLD (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AC829. Army EM/NCO's Collar Tabs Pair -Panzer Troops. See pictures...$ 40.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC830. Army EM/NCO's Collar Tabs Pair -Panzer Troops. See pictures...$ 40.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC831. Army EM/NCO's Collar Tabs Pair -Panzer Troops. See pictures...$ 40.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AC832. Bevo Flatwire Army NCO's/Officer's Breast Eagle, Tunic-Removed. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AC835. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Breast Eagle, Tunic-Removed. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC836. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Breast Eagle, Tunic-Removed. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC837. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Breast Eagle. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC838. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Breast Eagle. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AC839. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Breast Eagle. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC840. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Breast Eagle. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC841. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Breast Eagle. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC843. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Breast Eagle. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC844. Bevo Flatwire Army NCO's/Officer's Breast Eagle. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AC845. Bevo Flatwire Army NCO's/Officer's Breast Eagle. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AC846. Bevo Flatwire Army NCO's/Officer's Breast Eagle. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AC849. Army Cap Trapezoid, Cap-Removed. Nice piece. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC851. Army Officer's Panzer Collar Tab, Collar Cut-Off. Neat item. See pictures...$ 195.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AC854. Bevo Flatwire Army NCO's/Officer's Breast Eagle. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC855. Bevo Flatwire Army NCO's/Officer's Breast Eagle. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC857. Bevo Flatwire Army NCO's/Officer's Breast Eagle. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC859. Army Infantry Signal's Trade Badge. Hand embroidered example. See pictures...$ 20.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC861. Army Officer's Collar Tabs Pair - Panzer. For dress use. See pictures...$ 145.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC862. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Breast Eagle, Tunic-Removed. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC863. Army Officer's M44 Breast Eagle. Silver thread on green. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC864. Army EM/NCO's M44 Breast Eagle. White thread on green. See pictures...$ 65.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC865. Army Panzer EM/NCO's Bevo Breast Eagle. White eagle on black background. See pictures... SOLD (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AC866. Army Panzer EM/NCO's Bevo Breast Eagle. Gray eagle on black background. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AC867. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Breast Eagle. Selvage trimmed. See pictures...$ 25.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC868. Army Panzer EM/NCO's Bevo Breast Eagle. White eagle on black background. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC869. Army Panzer EM/NCO's M44 Bevo Breast Eagle. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC870. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Breast Eagle. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC871. Army Bevo Cap Trapezoid. Nice piece. Unissued. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC872. Army Bevo Cap Trapezoid. Nice piece. Unissued. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC875. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Breast Eagle. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AC877. Army Bevo Cap Trapezoid. Nice piece. Unissued. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AC878. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Breast Eagle. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC879. Army EM/NCO's Bevo Breast Eagle. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AC880. Army Bevo Cap Trapezoid. Nice piece. Unissued. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AC881. GROßDEUTSCHLAND" Cufftitle (Großdeutschland Ärmelstreiffen). Unissued, nice quality, black wool construction cufftitle with machine embroidered Sütterlin style script, "Großdeutschland", in silver/grey cotton threads. The top and bottom edges of the cufftitle are bordered in machine stitched on Russian braiding. 18 1/2 - 47cm. Issued in 1944 and known as the 3rd pattern, from a vet lot this year. Elite unit. See pictures... SOLD (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
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2019 New! Check our easy to use site www.originalgermanmilitaria.com >>>
Historical Overview of Army Cloth Insignia
The cloth insignia of the German Army, or Heer, during the Second World War served as vital identifiers of rank, branch, and unit affiliation. From the early campaigns to the final days, these small pieces of fabric and wire told a soldier's story at a glance. The designs, rooted in Prussian tradition, evolved as the war progressed, reflecting both practical needs and ideological shifts.
Early war insignia were typically made from high-quality wool and bullion, with intricate hand embroidery for officers. As the conflict dragged on and resources dwindled, the army simplified production, turning to machine-woven Bevo and printed cotton. These later examples, often cruder in appearance, are nevertheless highly collectible for their historical authenticity.
Insignia were sewn onto field blouses, service tunics, and caps, with regulations dictating exact placement. The breast eagle, for instance, was worn on the right chest, while collar tabs denoted the wearer's branch through the color of the piping or backing. Understanding these nuances is essential for any serious collector.
Manufacturing Methods and Materials
The production of Army cloth insignia utilized several distinct techniques, each with its own characteristics and timeframe. Bevo weaving was a machine process that created intricate designs directly into the fabric, often on long strips for efficiency. This method became increasingly common as the war progressed, particularly for cap eagles and cockades.
Hand embroidery remained the standard for officer-grade insignia, employing metallic bullion or silk thread on fine wool backing. These items were often made by skilled artisans and are prized today for their craftsmanship. Unterlagen, or templates, were used to guide the embroidery and occasionally surface as collectibles themselves.
Other materials included felt, used for rank chevrons and some specialty badges, and cotton, which replaced wool in many late-war items. The transition to cotton and simplified designs is a clear indicator of Germany's deteriorating industrial capacity.
Common Types of Army Cloth Insignia
A wide array of cloth insignia was worn by Heer personnel, each serving a specific function. The following list covers some of the most frequently encountered categories:
- Breast eagles – Worn on the right breast of the tunic, these came in various forms: Bevo-woven for enlisted men, machine-embroidered for NCOs, and hand-embroidered bullion for officers.
- Cap insignia – Including EM/NCO trapezoids (eagle and cockade on a single backing), officer's wreaths and cockades, and separate cap eagles.
- Collar tabs – Typically indicating branch of service through color (Waffenfarbe), with variations for armored troops, cavalry, and others.
- Rank insignia – Sleeve chevrons for enlisted ranks (e.g., Gefreiter, Oberschütze) and shoulder straps for NCOs and officers.
- Specialty badges – Such as the Steuermann badge for assault boat pilots, worn by engineers with that qualification.
Collecting and Authentication
Collecting Army cloth insignia requires a discerning eye, as reproductions abound. Original pieces exhibit period-appropriate materials and construction: examine the reverse for signs of age, such as loose threads, oxidation of bullion, or specific weave patterns. The backing material is often a telltale sign—early war items typically use wool, while later ones may be cotton or rayon.
Provenance can enhance value but is rarely ironclad; many items are sold without documentation. Condition is paramount: un-issued examples command higher prices than field-worn pieces, though the latter carry their own historical charm. Be wary of artificially aged reproductions and always buy from reputable sources.
Prices vary dramatically based on rarity, branch, and quality. For instance, a common Bevo cap eagle may be modestly priced, while a Panzer beret insignia or a hand-embroidered officer's eagle can reach significant sums.
Care and Preservation of Cloth Insignia
Proper care ensures your cloth insignia remain in good condition for years to come. Store items flat in acid-free sleeves or albums, away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity. Avoid folding or creasing, as this can damage delicate threads and wire. If cleaning is necessary, use only a soft brush to remove loose dirt; never apply water or chemicals, which can cause irreversible damage.
Mothing is a common threat to wool-based items. Regularly inspect your collection for signs of larvae or damage, and consider using cedar or other natural repellents. For bullion insignia, monitor for corrosion; a dry environment with low humidity helps prevent tarnishing.
Further Exploration
This page focuses on Army cloth insignia, but the German armed forces encompassed other branches with equally fascinating items. We invite you to explore our sections on Luftwaffe Cloth Insignia, Kriegsmarine Cloth Insignia, and SS Cloth Insignia. For a broader overview, our Cloth Insignia page provides links to all categories.