Mystery HG division panzer straps- punishment unit?

[Patrick W]

Hi Guys,

I picked up these very unusual un-piped black straps which are clearly WW2 period with Luftwaffe subdued piping. I haven't been able to match them to anything except perhaps HG Panzer which would be piped white. The only un-piped straps I know of are for penal units. These straps do interestingly show signs of rank demotion with a removed pip and bottom bar of tresse- Feldwebel down to Unteroffizier.

What are your thoughts? Anyone seen such before?

Many thanks

Patrick

[OSS]

I don't believe there were any Panzer disciplinary units.

[Patrick W]

No I had heard that also but maybe he wore the same tunic in a non armoured unit? They must be HG panzer straps - as they are sew in it is unlikely they are WSS. Or perhaps they are just a tailors variation made with no piping?

[PaulR]

From what I understood, the zero waffenfarbe internees were stripped of rank and all performed demeaning and hazardous roles. Definitely not working with armored vehicles or etc. I think this is a board done he removed the piping from.

NCOs in charge of punished personnel wore the waffenfarbe of their parent unit/personnel.

[Patrick W]

Thanks Paul, makes sense, I guess why give these guys new straps when they can re-use their existing ones and were expendable anyway?