Chevron

[jmcm]

What was this chevron for, please, thanks

[TPK]

I believe its a SA Old Fighter one. TPK

[Br. James]

I agree. The Old Fighter's Chevron was authorized by Hitler in February of 1934 for wear by the members of all NSDAP uniformed organizations who had joined prior to January 30, 1933 and who maintained unbroken service. This is the SA version; the SS had their own version of this chevron.

Br. James

[Erich B.]

Correct, and the S.A. Reserve (Stahlhelm) and NSKK also had different chevrons. I would think this one would have been intended for wear on the overcoat, as the wool appears more roughly textured than that used for the tunic.
Shortly after the assassination of Röhm, the long service sleeve rings were introduced and the SA chevrons were phased out.
Erich

[Br. James]

Thanks, Erich. The sleeve rings provided a greater degree of longevity detail as to length of service than the chevron did, which only stated that the wearer had been a faithful member of the SA during the Kämpfzeit. But the SS and other NSDAP uniformed organizations didn't adopt the sleeve ring system, so they continued to wear the chevron.

Cheers,

Br. James

[squidney86]

Thanks, Erich. The sleeve rings provided a greater degree of longevity detail as to length of service than the chevron did, which only stated that the wearer had been a faithful member of the SA during the Kämpfzeit. But the SS and other NSDAP uniformed organizations didn't adopt the sleeve ring system, so they continued to wear the chevron.

Cheers,

Br. James

I find that the sleeve rings can be somewhat complicated as it doesn't correlate to how long someone had been in but to when the member joined if that makes sense.

Sydney

[DEBERTEX]

Hello,

Wouldn't it be the one with the brown bands that of the SA ? The chevron with the red bands is for the members of the Politische Leitung (?!)

Best regards

[Br. James]

As I understand it, the chevron with the two red stripes/bands was for the SA; I'm not sure which organization the one with the brown stripes was intended for...perhaps for the PL?

Br. James

[Br. James]

I agree, Sydney, it can be complicated, given that there were eight possibilities for sleeve ring longevity indication! But for the person wearing the ring(s), like every other item of uniform distinction, I'm sure he was happy and proud to show off...and in the matter of sleeve rings: "The more the merrier!"

Cheers, my friend,

Br. James

[DEBERTEX]

Hello,

As you can see, the chevron with the red strips is golden.

The SA sleeve rings were silver. So, I believe (until I have the prove that I'm not right) that the silver chevron with brown strips is the SA one. This chevron is very rare because it was worn only a few months in 1934.

The Old Fighter's Chevron for NSKK members (they were at first Motor-SA) is also silver with brown strips.

Best regards

[DEBERTEX]

Hello,

I WAS WRONG !!!... and here is the prove :

"Munich, 3rd February 1934

Order

SA officers and -men who had joined the SA during the period from 1st Jan. 1923 to 31st Dec. 1932 and who furthermore have been with the SA uninterruptedly since at least 1st Jan. 1933 wear on their right upper arm a chevron of 1-centimeter-wide gold braid interwoven with red. (The braid for SS officers and -men is of the same style, but silver interwoven with black.)

All those SA officers and -men who had first joined the SA after 31st Dec. 32 as well as SA candidates do not receive this badge.

The chevron is to be worn on the brownshirt, service tunic and greatcoat. The chevron's open side faces upwards.

Authorization for wearing this chevron is to be noted in the membership book by the immedate superior officer.

So as to assure a uniform appearance and appropriate quality, the braid is to be obtained from the Reichszeugmeisterei and its retail outlets only, starting 20th February 1934.

The Stabschef:

Röhm."

Sorry, and best regards

[jmcm]

WOW thanks guys

[Br. James]

Yes -- many thanks to DEBERTEX for this detailed confirmation.

Br. James

[squidney86]

Can never beat the period orders. Thanks a ton for posting this, Debertex!

Sydney

[Erich B.]

I've seen a few chevrons that were represented as those of the PL 'old fighters' but I've never found any period reference that mentions a pattern for the PLs, nor any photos showing them in wear. The examples I've seen have been made with the early gold or silver bullion swastika Tresse (as used on collar tabs) on a chevron shaped piece of fabric. IMO fantasy pieces?
Erich