Original SS Honour Chevron for the Old Guard

More about the product

Original SS Honour Chevron for the Old Guard

An original SS Honour Chevron for the Old Guard (Ehrenwinkel der Alten Kämpfer), woven in silver-grey thread with twin black dividing stripes on the correct black cloth backing. This distinctive sleeve insignia was awarded to qualifying members of the Schutzstaffel who had joined the NSDAP or an affiliated Party organisation before 30 January 1933, marking them as one of the movement’s early members.

The chevron retains the classic V-shaped configuration specified by SS uniform regulations and was worn on the upper right sleeve of the black Allgemeine-SS uniform and later on other authorised SS uniforms. Its woven construction and folded ends are consistent with period manufacture, while the silver-grey weave contrasts sharply against the black cloth foundation to create one of the most recognisable distinctions worn within the SS.

Historical Background

The SS Honour Chevron for the Old Guard was authorised by Adolf Hitler in February 1934 to recognise those who had joined the NSDAP, the Allgemeine-SS, or another Party organisation before Hitler became Chancellor on 30 January 1933. The insignia symbolised early political commitment and quickly became one of the most prestigious distinctions visible on an SS uniform. Eligibility was later broadened in certain circumstances, including for some Austrian members after the Anschluss and for certain former police and military personnel under separate qualifying rules.

Construction

This example features:

• Original silver-grey woven construction.
• Correct twin black dividing stripes.
• Black wool backing.
• Traditional V-shaped configuration.
• Original folded attachment ends.
• Period machine-woven manufacture.
• Honest age and service wear.

Condition

The chevron remains in very good original condition with light service wear consistent with age. The woven silver-grey threads retain strong definition, while the black backing remains sound. Minor fraying at the folded ends is consistent with previous uniform attachment and careful removal.

Collectability

Original SS Honour Chevrons for the Old Guard are among the most desirable SS sleeve insignia. They represent a visible distinction awarded only to qualifying early Party members and therefore carry considerable historical interest. Original examples with correct woven construction and untouched backing remain increasingly difficult to obtain.

Estimated Market Value

Current retail value (2026): £300–500

Examples with documented provenance, original uniform attachment, or named attribution to a known SS member may command substantially higher prices.

Why Collect This SS Honour Chevron?

• Original SS Honour Chevron for the Old Guard.
• Awarded to qualifying pre-1933 Party members.
• Correct woven silver-grey construction.
• Twin black dividing stripes.
• Original black cloth backing.
• Increasingly scarce collector’s item.
• Significant historical and display appeal.

Related items

Explore related listings: Insignia, Shoulder Boards and Breast Eagles.

References and further reading

For further research, consult:

• Andrew Mollo – Uniforms of the SS
• Robin Lumsden – A Collector’s Guide to the Allgemeine-SS
• John R. Angolia – Cloth Insignia of the SS
• Imperial War Museums (London) – comparative examples of German uniform insignia.
• Deutsches Historisches Museum (Berlin) – collections of original SS uniforms and insignia.