Collar Patch Question.

[Paul B]

This question is fairly obscure, but I am curious...
On several EM's M36 tunics bearing standard M38 collar patches, I've noticed two distinct methods of application. On method is where the patch is attached complete with backing cloth, and is applied by the backing cloth being stitched to the collar. The other method is where the patches are applied without the backing, and the field-grey bars are stitched directly to the collar itself.
I know that both methods are correct for application of this insignia, but wondered if there was any methodology to it -was it just down to the individual appying the insignia, or is one type of application more typical of one period than another? (For example, are patches with the backing more typical of the pre-early war period?)
As I say, very obscure question, but I'm sure some of you guys can put me straight on this one.
Many thanks in advance, Paul.

[Dave Suter]

All has to do with time of manufacture. Here's the breakdown:

Litzen with colored bars on badge cloth introduced late 1935.

Same design but with all waffenfarbe colors bluish-dark green introduced late 1938.

Same design but with mouse-grey center bars introduced mid-1940

Patches with no backing and on mouse-grey introduced at the end of 1940.

Of course they would have used up the available stocks, so the introduction time periods are pretty general.

[Paul B]

Collar Patches

Thanks Dave
It's really helpful to have a rough time-scale like the one you posted. The design that I found confusing was M1938 patches applied directly to the collar, so presumably these would date from late 1940 -the tunic I saw them on was actually 1940 dated.
Many thanks for the info and prompt response. All the best, Paul.