Original RARE WWII German PANZER PANZERJÄGER Major SHOULDER BOARD. (Schulterstücke) Cut Off By A U.S. Veteran

SOLD

Original RARE WWII German PANZER PANZERJÄGER Major SHOULDER BOARD. (Schulterstücke) Cut Off By A U.S. Veteran.  Although military ranks and rank designations can be traced back to the mercenary armies of the 17TH century it wasn’t until the creation of standing armies in the early 18TH century that distinguishing insignia of rank began to be developed. Originally the shoulder straps were functional items designed to secure the saber and ammunition shoulder cross straps and the larger, metal trimmed epaulettes were a throw back to the protective shoulder pieces worn on medieval armor. By 1800 the epaulettes had lost their protective function and were retained as a badge of rank. In 1866 a new system of rank distinguishing Officer’s shoulder boards were introduced to replace the previously worn epaulettes although the epaulettes were retained for the parade and dress uniforms. Although the officer’s shoulder boards underwent numerous minor modifications they remained basically the same right up until the end of WWII. The different branches of service within the German army were allocated a specific, identifying, waffenfarbe, (Branch of Service Color), with with pink being chosen for Panzer, (Armored), and Panzerjäger, (Anti-tank), personnel which was generally displayed as the base on the shoulder boards. Of Note: The general waffenfarbe for all armored units was pink although other colors were utilized including red for armored artillery units, golden yellow for armored reconnaissance units and the 24TH Panzer Division, lemon yellow for armored signals units and, for a short time, alternating black and white for armored engineer units. The German armed forces utilized a wide variety of shoulder board/strap cyphers that indicated numerous specific, assorted trades, careers, functions and/or units. Regulations decreed that the shoulder board/strap cyphers were embroidered in the appropriate branch of service color for EM’s and Junior NCO’s, in silvered metal for Senior NCO’s and in gilted metal for Officers ranks. Originally the shoulder board/strap cyphers for Senior NCO’s and Officer’s used during the Third Reich were a low, flat pattern that had been utilized by the Weimar era Reichsheer until regulations of September 10TH 1935 introduced new Wehrmacht pattern cyphers that featured a horizontal ribbed interior and raised outer edges. Sew on shoulder boards in matte, silver/aluminum Russian braid with   the gilt washed, stamped alloy, September 10TH 1935 Wehrmacht pattern, Gothic “P” cypher mounted on a pink wool waffenfarbe bases. Of Note: The Gothic “P” cypher indicated, Panzerjäger, which literally translated means “Armor hunter”, but figuratively indicated “Anti-tank” personnel.  Nice example showing the expected minor age and wear overall good cut from uniform  condition.   Gettysburg Museum Certified (COA) provided. 100% Guaranteed to be authentic brought home by a U.S. Veteran. Sold for historic purposes only. See our other pieces on our web site. Also note when browsing our web site there are several pages of items, at the bottom of the list look for other page numbers. Great artifact! don’t miss it! Uniform removed  RARE   GOOD USED CONDITION!