An exceptionally attractive and highly desirable Original Pre-1942 SS-Gruppenführer Collar Tab, produced for wear by a senior general officer of the Allgemeine-SS or early SS-Verfügungstruppe (SS-VT). Constructed in the classic pre-war style, this example displays the distinctive combination of three silver rank stars (pips) and the vertical aluminium braid, denoting the rank of SS-Gruppenführer before the April 1942 revision of SS rank insignia.
€ 1.600
An exceptionally attractive and highly desirable Original Pre-1942 SS-Gruppenführer Collar Tab, produced for wear by a senior general officer of the Allgemeine-SS or early SS-Verfügungstruppe (SS-VT). Constructed in the classic pre-war style, this example displays the distinctive combination of three silver rank stars (pips) and the vertical aluminium braid, denoting the rank of SS-Gruppenführer before the April 1942 revision of SS rank insignia.
Unlike the later oakleaf-pattern general officer collar tabs, this earlier design represents one of the most recognisable insignia worn during the formative years of the SS. Consequently, original examples remain highly sought after by advanced collectors of Third Reich insignia.
The collar tab is manufactured from high-quality black wool, finished with the correct hand-applied silver twisted bullion edge piping. The three finely die-struck silver rank stars retain crisp detail, while the woven aluminium rank braid remains securely attached along the leading edge.
The reverse displays several desirable period construction features, including:
Furthermore, the materials and construction are entirely consistent with known original examples manufactured during the mid-1930s through early wartime production.
Prior to April 1942, SS general officer collar tabs followed a distinctive ranking system based upon combinations of silver braid and rank stars. During this period, the rank of SS-Gruppenführer was identified by three silver pips positioned diagonally together with the characteristic vertical aluminium braid.
Following the 1942 reorganisation of SS insignia, these earlier patterns were replaced by the familiar oakleaf collar tabs. As a result, surviving pre-1942 insignia represent a comparatively short production period and are significantly scarcer than their later counterparts.
Senior officers holding the rank of SS-Gruppenführer frequently commanded SS-Oberabschnitte, major administrative districts, or served in senior leadership appointments within the expanding SS organisation. Some officers later transferred into the Waffen-SS during the Second World War.
This example remains in very good original condition. The black wool retains strong colour, while the bullion piping displays an attractive aged patina. The original wire attachment prongs survive on the reverse, and the buckram stiffener remains intact. Light age-related wear and minor thread loss are entirely consistent with an authentic period insignia over eighty years old.
Overall, the collar tab presents extremely well and would make an excellent addition to an advanced collection of original SS insignia.
Original pre-1942 SS general officer insignia have become increasingly difficult to obtain due to their limited production period and strong demand from specialist collectors.
This example offers several characteristics sought after by experienced collectors:
Its historical significance and relative scarcity make it an important surviving example of early SS rank insignia.
Based upon the photographs provided, the construction, materials, reverse assembly, bullion edging, and attachment method all appear consistent with an original period-manufactured example. As with all high-value Third Reich insignia, final authentication should include an in-hand examination under magnification of the stitching, metallic threads, backing materials, and die characteristics.
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