Condition: Exc
Measurement: Approximately 3 Inches Tall by 2 Inches Wide
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Product Description: This is a wonderful, unissued example of the very rare SS Construction Group Sleeve Diamond, complete with the original RZM paper tag. This sleeve diamond was used to indicate organizational assignment for personnel of the SS Wirtschafts Verwaltungshauptamt (Economic and Administration Main Office) assigned to the Gruppe Bauwesen (Construction Group). This group included architects who designed SS buildings. The front of this sleeve diamond depicts a compass and an eight-pointed star, embroidered in silver-gray thread on a backing of black SS wool. The reverse of this SS Construction Group Sleeve Diamond retains its original paper RZM tag. The tag bears the SS runic emblem, as well as the logo of the Reichszeugmeisterei, and has the stamped number of the manufacturer as well as the correct “B” tax code. The tag is in nearly perfect condition. This sleeve diamond was never worn and shows only extremely minor age toning. This tagged SS Construction Group sleeve diamond would be hard to upgrade.
Historical Description: The uniforms worn by the various SS branches before and during WWII used a variety of insignia to indicate rank, unit assignment, and role, including collar tabs and shoulder boards, cuff titles, and sleeve diamonds. The sleeve diamonds were initially authorized in October 1935. Each had a distinctive letter, symbol or emblem, with its own unique meaning. SS sleeve diamonds were used to indicate which SS organization the wearer was assigned to, specific roles of SS personnel, special achievements such as proficiency in sports or marksmanship, or to recognize former service in other Nazi Party organizations. Some diamonds were specific to certain SS branches, such as the Allgemeine-SS, Waffen-SS, or the SS-Totenkopfverbände. Other sleeve diamonds could be worn by a member of any SS branch. The materials and construction of original sleeve diamonds varied. Some were either hand-embroidered or machine-embroidered on black wool, while others were “Bevo” machine woven on a rayon base. Generally, silver-gray thread embroidery was used for enlisted ranks and NCOs, while officers wore hand embroidered wire bullion. Diamonds could be edged with silver-colored twisted wire cord for officers, or black and silver twisted cord for NCOs. Originals existed with paper or cloth RZM tags on the reverse, or were unlabeled. In total, there were dozens of different types and variations of these made between 1935-45. Some were produced in limited numbers, and others are more commonly encountered today, but all are desirable and collectible pieces of SS regalia.
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