Evolution of the Heer collar tab

[Fred Green]

Hello,

The Heer collar tab as we know it showed up by Decree 11 July 1927 for use by the Reichsheer. Prior to this it was a similar design but larger.

The 1927 design on the right , and the 1919 design on the left.

[Fred Green]

1927 Infantry on Reseda Green

The 1927 pattern tab has two stripes in the of service color ,Infantry for this example, and a center stripe of a light or medium green. It was mounted on a rectangular backing of a "Reseda" green.

[Fred Green]

1927 Moleskin Backing

The Reichsheer also mounted collar tabs on moleskin backings for the moleskin uniform.

[Fred Green]

1935

By a decree HV 35, No.505, on 10 Sep 1935 the collar tab was changed to have a dark green center line and to be mounted on a dark green rectangular badge cloth backing.

[Fred Green]

Existing Stocks

As with most armies, old stock needed to be used up first. Here is a pair of earlier tabs, not quite a perfect match, mounted on a dark green backing.

[Fred Green]

1938

The Army used this colored tab mounted on a dark green backing throughout the war.After 1938 they were mainly seen on walking out or better dress uniforms. The decree HV 38B, 26 Nov 1938 directed the use of a new pattern collar tab. This was called the einheits tab and the branch of servive stripes now matched the center stripe in a dark green color. This helped in logistical supply by only having one style/pattern of tab to use. At this time also it is seen that the backing material of dark green badge cloth was no longer being used on issue tunics. You will see these einheits tabs mounted on dark green badge cloth backings, but again it is on the better quality, walking out dress uniforms. I do not have a reference to the backing material at this period, this is only from my observation.

[Fred Green]

Einheits Tabs mounted

Here is a pair of einheits tabs mounted on dark green badge cloth. This pattern of einheits collar tabs and the next pattern were used mounted on dark green badge cloth backing and piped in a secondary color for lower level Heer specialists.

[Fred Green]

1940

A decree HV 40B, No. 314, on 9 May 1940, established a new style/pattern of collar tab. The 3 stripes were now to be of a mouse grey and to be on a grey background.

These were to be applied directly to the collar. You will see period photos and examples where these tabs are mounted to a dark green backing.

[Fred Green]

1940 tabs mounted

Here is an example of the 1940 2nd pattern einheits tabs on a dark green backing

[Fred Green]

The later manufactured 1940 2nd pattern einheits tabs were simplified even more by eliminating the loose threads on the sides and having them incorporated into the tab proper. There was no longer a need to cut and fold the tab. You just sewed on a rectangular tab.

[galizien41]

Very nice collar tab development Chronology. Thanks for posting. Maybe should be pinned.

[nonameno]

Hi Fred,
Very well done and presented!
Thank you for sharing,
Curtiss

[Richard T]

Very nice collar tab development Chronology. Thanks for posting. Maybe should be pinned.

[longislandercjv]

I agree!
Very nice presentation!

[Johnny R]

The moleskin tab is very interesting. I have never seen one like that before. Thanks for posting this info.