Totenkopf SS picture, what specific unit is this?

[sbas]

Hello guys,

I have this picture and want to sell it. But before that, I would like to know what specific unit this might be. They are wearing double decal SS helmets, and TK collar patches. Also they have black/white striped collar pipping. What does this pipping mean? (Is it early war or so?)

Notice that some of the soldiers have taken of their shoulder boards.







Thanks for the input

[Felix]

I dont see any silver/black borders of the collar tabs?

Waffen SS TK div around 1940.

[willysproject]

I agree with Felix

Kind regards,
Gerd V

[C. Betz]

Piping

I believe Sturmman is referring to the collars of the uniforms themselves; not the tabs as he does not specifically state "collar tabs". Nonetheless, there is no "collar-piping" on the blouses either. The full removal and partial removal of the shoulder straps is puzzling to say the least.

Sincerely,

Charles Betz

[derek]

The removal of the shoulder boards is a security measure in combat situations to conceal the actual units taking part. Sometimes the boards are covered with cloth to conceal the unit or, as appears to be the case on one soldier at the back, turned over and buttoned in place upside down. Other members have plain straps so there is no need to remove them.
Derek

[sbas]

I dont see any silver/black borders of the collar tabs?

Waffen SS TK div around 1940.

What about this then? I can see it clearly on a macro picture I made

[Felix]

Thanks for showing! Now I see with magnified details! Yes thats a trait from the early days of TK. Maybe 1939 or 1940.

Nice photo

Best wishes,
"Felix" - N. Hansson

[C. Betz]

Piping on tabs and collars

Sturmman,
I retract my initial comments. Thank you you for posting more detailed images.

Sincerely,

Charles Betz