SS Pharmacist Sleeve Diamond

Product Description: This is a beautiful example of an extremely scarce SS Pharmacist Sleeve Diamond. The distinctive design of this occupational assignment diamond features a Gothic letter “A”, for “Apotheker” (Pharmacist), neatly executed in hand embroidered aluminum wire bullion over a cardboard underlay. The bullion work is very precise and tight, as one expects to see on an original piece. The Apotheker emblem is on a base fabric of typical SS black wool badge cloth, formed around a soft tan buckram fabric stiffener that is visible on the reverse.  This SS Pharmacist Sleeve Diamond measures about 2-3/4 inches tall by 1-3/4 inches wide. It shows minor wear and age, but remains in excellent condition overall. It’s a nice, rare patch for an SS officer with an interesting medical specialty. Choice piece.

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.

We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.

Epic Artifacts offers free evaluations and the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates.

Click the link here to learn more: Free Evaluation or Inquiries

or feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com