Opinions Please on this Allgemeine SS Shoulder Board

[checkit]

I consider this to be a very lucky find - an Allgemeine SS Oberfuhrer/Obergruppenfuhrer Shoulder Board. Button is not SS/RZM proofed but is dated 1937 which seems right. An F Series SS/RZM Tag also seems right to me. I have never seen an original though so don't know what to look for. Of course, totally UV negative.

[checkit]

2

[checkit]

3

[checkit]

4

[Bob Hritz]

Don,

The F code tag is not original.

I have attached photos of an original general rank, slip on, board for comparison.

Bob Hritz

[checkit]

Thanks Bob - I really should know more about RZM Tags than I do - must admit it reminds me of the shellacked Tags that were glued to the inside of Bundeswehr visors for sale at flea markets back in the 80's (those often had brown splatters added to them as well).

I thought the black wool base fabric might get a red flag because I would expect a fine badge cloth instead of this rougher weave, but I see your example also has an open weave, unless that is because the wool is heavily worn. I also see that the middle braid is slightly sunken in just like mine.

Hope you don't think I am being too argumentative, but I have actually had a few otherwise original items that had fake RZM tags or rubber stampings added to them at some time in the past in order to make them more acceptable or some other unknown reason. So would like to go beyond the RZM tag and understand the other issues.

[Bob Hritz]

Don,

On original allgemeine SS boards, of general rank, the inner braid of bullion is a completely different weave and a bit slightly brighter color. Every allgemeine slip on board, that I have ever seen, has the two loops, on the bottom, to hold the board close to the tunic or coat. Also, all of them have had a nickle grommet for the button hole.

Your board is too different for a level of confort that I would like.

Bob Hritz

[checkit]

Thanks Bob - I think it is beginning to soak in now.

[Robert H]

I am on a search for a sew in board or set