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 the 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.