Grossdeutschland Pioneer Feldwebel’s Shoulder Straps

The Division “Großdeutschland was an elite combat unit of the German Army (Heer) that fought on the Eastern Front in World War II. The unit originally started out as a ceremonial guard unit in the 1920’s and by the late 1930’s had grown into a regiment of the combined Wehrmacht German armed forces. The regiment would later be expanded and renamed Infantry Division Großdeutschland in 1942, and after significant reorganization was renamed Panzergrenadier Division Großdeutschland in May 1943. In November 1944, while the division retained its status as a panzergrenadier division, some of its subordinate units were expanded to divisional status, and the whole group of divisions were reorganized as Panzerkorps Großdeutschland.

Early second pattern slip-on shoulder straps made of dark green wool with bright silver/aluminum rank tresse. One silver washed rank pip and silver washed, magnetic “GD” monogram cypher pinned in Place to each strap. Black wool waffenfarbe piping to the edges. Reverse is constructed of boiled wool which indicates “private purchase”. Narrow slip-on retaining tounges intact to the reverse. The narrow tounges indicates the pair was produced for an officer candidate.

The pair shows minor signs of age and handling.

Rare GD Officer’s candidate shoulder straps in very good condition!!