History

Members of the SS-Totenkopfverbände wore the same shoulder straps with the black uniform as were worn in the Allgemeine SS and the SS-Verfügungstruppe. With the introduction of the earth-brown uniform, the 1st pattern SS-TV shoulder straps were established for Enlisted Men (EMs). They were of the early Army style, with pointed tips, but in earth-brown.

The second pattern was introduced in April of 1936. The straps were now rounded and made of black cloth, with alternating black and silver-coloured piping. In July of 1937, the wearer's regiment (Standarte) number was added to the strap, made of silver-grey thread.

Shortly after, the third pattern was introduced. The straps were once more made with a pointed tip, in black, and without piping.

In 1939, SS-TV-specific shoulder straps and boards were discontinued. Instead, members of the SS-TV now wore the same straps and boards as did members of the Waffen-SS, but with brown piping. For more information, please refer to the Waffen-SS shoulder boards section.