These Original German Army Infantry Major Shoulder Boards are a matching pair of officer’s rank insignia from the Wehrmacht Heer, dating to the Second World War. Constructed from high-quality silver aluminium Russia braid over a white Waffenfarbe underlay, they represent the rank of Major in the German Army Infantry.
€ 300
These Original German Army Infantry Major Shoulder Boards are a matching pair of officer’s rank insignia from the Wehrmacht Heer, dating to the Second World War. Constructed from high-quality silver aluminium Russia braid over a white Waffenfarbe underlay, they represent the rank of Major in the German Army Infantry.
Each shoulder board retains its original gilt rank star (Rangstern), correctly identifying the rank of Major (OF-3). The absence of regimental numerals or cyphers is entirely consistent with wartime regulations introduced in 1940, when most officer shoulder boards were simplified by removing unit designations.
These German Army Infantry Major Shoulder Boards are excellent examples of privately purchased officer insignia and remain highly desirable among collectors of Wehrmacht uniforms and officer equipment.
The rank of Major was the first field officer rank within the German Army officer corps. Majors normally served as battalion commanders, senior staff officers or executive officers within infantry regiments and divisions.
The white Waffenfarbe confirms service with the Infantry (Infanterie), the largest branch of the German Army throughout the Second World War. Infantry officers served in every theatre of operations and formed the backbone of the Heer.
These German Army Infantry Major Shoulder Boards display high-quality officer construction typical of privately purchased insignia.
Features include:
The Russia braid remains tightly woven and retains its original profile. Meanwhile, the gilt stars display pleasing age patina consistent with wartime service.
The shoulder boards remain in very good original condition.
The silver braid shows light age toning and honest service wear. The white underlay remains clean and clearly identifiable as Infantry Waffenfarbe. The original gilt rank stars are securely attached and display natural age-related patina.
The reverse retains the original black wool backing together with the original attachment fittings. Light edge fraying is present, although this is entirely consistent with wartime use and long-term storage.
The construction is consistent with original wartime manufacture.
Positive characteristics include:
Nothing visible in the photographs suggests modern manufacture or later alteration.
The German Army Infantry Major Shoulder Boards represent the insignia of one of the Wehrmacht’s key field officer ranks. Officers holding the rank of Major frequently commanded infantry battalions or served as senior staff officers during campaigns in Poland, France, North Africa, Italy and on the Eastern Front.
Original matching pairs remain increasingly difficult to obtain, particularly when they retain their original branch colour and rank stars.
Object: German Army Infantry Major Shoulder Boards
Organisation: Wehrmacht Heer
Branch: Infantry (Infanterie)
Rank: Major
Period: Circa 1940–1945
Materials: Aluminium Russia braid, wool backing and gilt rank stars
Construction: Officer-quality private purchase
Condition: Very good original condition
Authenticity: Original wartime matching pair
For further research into German Army Infantry Major Shoulder Boards, the following references are recommended:
These sources provide authoritative information on Wehrmacht officer ranks, shoulder board construction and Infantry Waffenfarbe.
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