Feldgendarmerie Military Police Officer Collar Tabs

Elevate your collection with these Feldgendarmerie military police officer collar tabs, a meticulously crafted WWII German military collectible. Hand-embroidered with silver thread on an orange wool background, these collar tabs are replicas of the insignia worn by officers of the Wehrmacht’s Feldgendarmerie, the military police, during World War II. Below, we explore their historical significance, material composition, and value for collectors and historians.

Historical Background

The Feldgendarmerie military police collar tabs were worn by officers of the Wehrmacht’s military police, tasked with maintaining discipline, enforcing military law, and conducting security operations from 1939 to 1945. Known as ‘Kettenhunde’ (chain dogs) due to their distinctive gorget insignia, Feldgendarmerie units operated across fronts, including the occupation of France (1940–1944) and the Eastern Front (1941–1945), managing traffic, deserters, and prisoner escorts. The orange wool background signified their unique role within the Wehrmacht. Crafted to Wehrmacht standards, these tabs reflect the Feldgendarmerie’s authority, making them a significant artifact for WWII studies.

Material & Condition

These Feldgendarmerie military police officer collar tabs are hand-embroidered with silver thread on an orange wool background, measuring 6.5 cm by 5.5 cm and weighing 10g. Designed for sewing onto officer uniforms, the orange wool provides a vibrant, durable base, while the silver embroidery denotes rank and authority. Authentic period pieces may show slight wear, such as wool fraying or thread tarnishing, with precise hand-embroidery indicating wartime craftsmanship. Collectors should distinguish originals from reproductions, which may use machine stitching or synthetic materials.

Collector’s Insight

The Feldgendarmerie military police officer collar tabs are a valued piece of Third Reich memorabilia, prized for their connection to the Wehrmacht’s military police and their distinctive design. The orange wool and silver thread make them a focal point for collectors of WWII German collectibles, particularly those interested in military police insignia and Wehrmacht history. Their historical significance lies in their association with the Feldgendarmerie’s disciplinary role, appealing to enthusiasts of WWII military organization.

These collar tabs are ideal for military historians, museum curators, and reenactors seeking accurate uniform components for educational displays or living-history events. Given their sensitive historical context, collectors must handle these artifacts with respect, using them to educate about the complexities of WWII rather than glorifying the associated regime. For preservation, store the tabs in an acid-free, archival-quality sleeve or case to protect against moisture, UV light, and wool or thread degradation. Displaying them in a museum-quality shadow box with historical documentation enhances their educational value, offering a tangible link to the Feldgendarmerie’s role in WWII.