SS Sleeve Eagle 1st Pattern

Product Description: This SS Sleeve Eagle 1st Pattern is a rare piece of insignia to find. This one was worn, and has been removed from a uniform sleeve. It features the distinctive early first pattern SS eagle and swastika emblem, machine embroidered in off-white thread on a backing of typical SS black wool badge cloth. All of the stitching is intact, with some light, even soiling from wear. The backing fabric retains the original surface nap, with some very minor edge fraying. On the reverse, the bobbin thread from the embroidery can be seen peeking through the remains of the original blue paper backing. There is no damage to note, just signs of honest wear. This SS Sleeve Eagle 1st Pattern is a choice piece, that displays very well. The condition rates as excellent.

Historical Description: The German Armed Forces (Wehrmacht), as formed in 1935, and as they existed until the end of World War 2, consisted of the Army (Heer), the Air Force (Luftwaffe) and the Navy (Kriegsmarine). The Waffen-SS fell under the command of the Wehrmacht during the war. Each of these branches of service had a unique eagle design that was worn on both the formal dress and parade uniforms, and the field uniforms, of the members of that branch. These eagles were worn on soft headgear, including service and field caps, as well as on the uniform jacket. In the Heer, the Luftwaffe, and the Kriegsmarine, this eagle was worn on the chest of the tunic; collectors have termed these “breast eagles.” The Heer and the Luftwaffe generally used the same eagle style, though variations in color of the eagle or the backing distinguish between the two. The Luftwaffe used their own flying eagle emblem. The Waffen-SS sleeve eagle (and cap eagle) had wings that came to a distinctive tapered point. The cap, breast and sleeve eagles used by the various military branches were manufactured in many variations. There were machine-woven and machine embroidered versions, usually used by officers and NCOs. Hand-embroidered bullion wire eagles were typically for officers. There were metal eagles, for caps, or for uniforms that were intended to have detachable insignia. There were even eagles embroidered on camouflage fabric, intended for use on special field uniforms. There were also eagles in specific colors for use on tropical uniforms. Some of these eagles were mass-produced and are still common today. Others were, and are, very rare.

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