History

In March of 1933, the SS-Wachverbände (SS-Guard Units) were instituted to administer the concentration camps of the Third Reich. In 1936, the administrative and guard units of the SS-Wachverbände were re-designated as the SS-Totenkopfverbände.

In April of 1933, SS-Totenkopfverbände personnel were issued trade insignia to identify which section of the SS they served with. They were worn on the lower left sleeve above th ...  e cuff title.

The general SS-TV insignia features a skull embroidered in aluminium wire. Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Enlisted Men (EMs) serving on the staff of a camp Commandant were issued insignia that were piped with twisted black and aluminium cord.

In 1939, a number of SS-TV personnel were recruited to join the SS-Totenkopf-Division of the Waffen-SS. The individuals who joined this new unit were no longer allowed to wear this SS-TV trade insignia.
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