Original SS-Sturmmann collar tab of the early piped pattern, constructed from black cloth over a stiff buckram core. A single silver-aluminium Litze rank stripe with characteristic black centre line identifies the rank of SS-Sturmmann. Importantly, no rank pips are missing because this single stripe constitutes the complete prescribed rank insignia.
Twisted black-and-silver/aluminium perimeter piping indicates the earlier pre-1940 form, most consistent with the 1934–1940 period. The reverse retains extensive original stitching, exposed period buckram and clear evidence of removal from a uniform.
€ 350
1 in stock
The rank configuration is straightforward once the SS enlisted collar-tab system is understood.
An SS-Mann wore a blank rank collar tab.
By contrast, an SS-Sturmmann wore:
one silver-aluminium rank stripe with a black centre line and no pips.
Higher enlisted and NCO ranks added further stripes, metal pips or combinations of both.
Consequently, the present insignia should be catalogued unequivocally as an:
Original SS-Sturmmann Rank Collar Tab
MedalBook’s reference for Allgemeine-SS insignia likewise records the SS-Sturmmann collar tab as carrying a single aluminium stripe.
This point is particularly important for collectors.
No holes need to be found for lost rank pips because an SS-Sturmmann did not wear them on this collar-tab configuration.
The surviving single braid is the complete rank device.
Accordingly, the tab must not be confused with officer ranks that combined similar-looking Litze with several metal pips.
Its correct sequence is:
SS-Mann – blank
SS-Sturmmann – one stripe
SS-Rottenführer – two stripes
The present tab therefore retains its correct Sturmmann rank insignia.
Another important feature is the twisted piping around the perimeter.
Early SS enlisted and NCO collar tabs were piped. Reference material records white piping on the earliest examples, followed in October 1934 by alternating black-and-aluminium twist cord.
In 1940, regulations discontinued piping on enlisted and NCO collar tabs.
The cord visible on this example appears to display the alternating dark and metallic construction associated with the intermediate pattern. Consequently, the tab is most consistent with manufacture or use during approximately:
1934–1940
This significantly increases its interest compared with the more commonly encountered later unpiped type.
The principal insignia consists of a single strip of silver-aluminium Litze.
A narrow black centre stripe divides the metallic braid. This distinctive black-centred construction is clearly visible in the photographs.
The braid remains strongly defined despite age and previous uniform use.
Comparable original SS-Sturmmann insignia appears in established auction and specialist reference archives. Ratisbon’s described an unissued Allgemeine-SS Sturmmann tab with silver bullion, black piping and rank tress in its April 2025 USA auction.
Another documented Waffen-SS example consists of black wool over buckram with a single silver-aluminium bullion band and central black thread stripe.
The face uses dense black cloth typical of SS rank insignia.
Rather than relying on the decorative elements alone, examination should consider the entire construction. The cloth, buckram foundation, metallic braid, perimeter piping and stitching must all form a coherent period assembly.
Here, those components display considerable age and integration.
No modern synthetic backing is apparent from the supplied photographs. Likewise, the face lacks the overly clean, mechanically perfect character commonly encountered on recent reproductions.
The reverse is particularly valuable for examination.
A substantial section of the original tan buckram stiffener remains exposed. Black cloth survives around the perimeter, while numerous old sewing threads reveal how the component was constructed and subsequently removed.
The Litze wraps naturally over the edge.
Twisted perimeter piping also remains clearly visible from behind. Its irregular hand-finished appearance is consistent with period textile manufacture.
Loose black thread, disturbed backing cloth and the exposed buckram indicate that this was not an untouched unissued example.
Instead, the physical evidence strongly supports describing it as:
Uniform removed.
That history should remain visible rather than being restored away.
The supplied photographs show several favourable construction characteristics.
Features supporting period manufacture include:
Ratisbon’s has documented an original Waffen-SS Sturmmann collar tab using the same basic rank configuration and buckram-backed construction. Their 2018 example sold for €172, while a Hermann Historica Dave Delich Collection example realised €320 in 2024.
Photographic assessment alone cannot provide absolute scientific authentication. Nevertheless, the visible construction is consistent with established original examples.
The SS used collar tabs to identify both rank and organisational affiliation.
For enlisted personnel and junior ranks, the left collar tab normally displayed rank. Depending on date and formation, the opposing tab carried runes, unit numbers, skull insignia or other organisational devices.
The rank of SS-Sturmmann sat immediately above SS-Mann within the enlisted hierarchy.
Although the surviving collar tab appears simple, its single stripe had a precise regulatory meaning. Uniform insignia allowed rank to be recognised immediately within the organisation.
From a modern historical perspective, such objects survive as material evidence of the uniform and administrative systems used by the SS, an organisation centrally involved in Nazi repression, persecution and mass murder.
For broader historical context, collectors and researchers should consult the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and Bundesarchiv rather than relying exclusively on militaria dealer descriptions.
Condition: Good original uniform-removed condition.
The black face retains a strong appearance.
Metallic rank Litze remains complete and clearly defined. Likewise, the characteristic black centre stripe survives well.
Perimeter piping is largely intact, although age-related movement and minor looseness can be seen.
The reverse shows significant disturbance from previous removal. Part of the black backing has opened or disappeared, exposing the period buckram foundation beneath.
Numerous original threads remain present.
Importantly, however:
No rank pips are missing.
The single Litze stripe represents the complete SS-Sturmmann rank configuration.
This SS-Sturmmann collar tab has several desirable characteristics for a specialist collection.
Its principal features include:
The early perimeter piping gives the tab additional interest because post-1940 examples generally omitted this feature.
For collectors studying SS uniform development, early textile construction or rank insignia, this is a particularly useful reference piece.
A documented SS-Sturmmann collar tab from the Dave Delich Collection sold through Hermann Historica in May 2024 for €320. It was described as black cloth with a single silver-aluminium Litze stripe incorporating a black centre.
Ratisbon’s sold another Waffen-SS Sturmmann rank tab in 2018 for €172, although market levels and individual condition vary substantially.
MedalBook currently estimates approximately US$400 for a pair of pre-1934, 1934–1940 and post-1940 Allgemeine-SS Sturmmann collar tabs.
The early piping on the present example is desirable. However, reverse disturbance and uniform removal need to be reflected in the valuation.
Estimated Specialist Retail Range: €275–€350
The tab should not be restored.
Adding pips would make the insignia historically incorrect. Equally, replacing the reverse covering or reworking the perimeter could remove useful evidence of its original construction.
Preservation in its current configuration offers the strongest historical and collector value.
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