An authentic Original Early SS breast eagle (SS Hoheitsabzeichen), finely machine embroidered in silver-grey rayon thread on a black wool backing for wear on the Allgemeine-SS black service tunic during the pre-war and early wartime period. This classic insignia represents one of the most recognisable symbols worn by members of the SS before wartime simplification of uniform insignia.
€ 300
1 in stock
An authentic Original Early SS breast eagle (SS Hoheitsabzeichen), finely machine embroidered in silver-grey rayon thread on a black wool backing for wear on the Allgemeine-SS black service tunic during the pre-war and early wartime period. This classic insignia represents one of the most recognisable symbols worn by members of the SS before wartime simplification of uniform insignia.
The eagle displays the elegant proportions associated with early SS manufacture, including long horizontal wings, a tightly woven central body, and the characteristic suspended wreath enclosing the swastika. The embroidery remains crisp and evenly executed, while the silver-grey rayon contrasts sharply against the black wool foundation, creating the distinctive appearance associated with original pre-war SS insignia.
An especially noteworthy feature of this example is the reverse, which retains its original period-applied black sizing compound. Over decades, this protective coating has developed the natural age-related craquelure frequently encountered on authentic wartime textile insignia. This characteristic is consistent with original manufacture and provides an additional point of interest for collectors.
The Early SS breast eagle became standard insignia for members of the Allgemeine-SS during the mid-1930s. Worn above the right breast pocket of the black service tunic, it served as the national emblem of the organisation and remained in use until later wartime uniform changes introduced revised patterns.
German manufacturers produced these eagles using high-quality machine embroidery on black wool. Many examples were removed from uniforms after 1945, making genuine surviving insignia increasingly scarce on today’s collector market.
This original example features:
These construction details are consistent with original pre-war and early wartime SS production.
The insignia remains in very good original condition with honest age-related wear. The embroidery retains excellent definition, while the black wool backing remains sound. The reverse preserves its original protective coating, displaying natural surface cracking developed through age. This ageing should be regarded as consistent with period manufacture rather than later damage.
Original Early SS breast eagles remain among the most desirable cloth insignia produced for the Allgemeine-SS. Collectors particularly appreciate examples retaining original construction features, including period backing materials and untouched embroidery.
Because many surviving examples have been heavily restored or altered, authentic insignia exhibiting original manufacturing characteristics continue to attract strong demand among advanced collectors and museums.
Current retail value (2026): £175–250
Examples retaining documented provenance, confirmed early manufacture, or original uniform association may command £300–450 or more.
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