Unterfeldwebel Shoulder Boards

[DonC]

Hi All -

A question for our shoulder strap experten - on Unterfeldwebel straps (ends closed with tress but no pips), would the numerals on the boards be embroidered or sewn like an Unteroffizier's, or would they be metal like a Feldwebel and above? I haven't been able to find any good resource books with photos. As always, any help appreciated!

Don

[Tim Curley]

Technically, the numbers would be metal. However, occaisionally, particularly on waffenrocks, Unterfeldwebel, Feldwebel or Oberfeldwebel shoulder boards are found with embroidered numbers.
My best guess is this anomaly is found on waffenrocks because the uniform was left at home and in many cases the soldier returned to be married in it. He added the silver tress at the end of the shoulder board (Unteroffizier changed to Unterfeldwebel) and perhaps a pip or two to show his current rank. He probably had more important things to do on his short leave then to worry about picking out the embroidered numbers and either leaving his board blank or finding the correct metal numbers.

[CWP]

I believe that technically they should be embroidered. I believe that embroidered was regulation for Unteroffizier ohne Portepee (below Feldwebel) and that the metal cyphers were used by Unteroffizier mit Portepee (Feldwebel and above).

[DonC]

Tim and Chris, thanks very much!

Don