Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent German WWII Italian SS collar tab associated with the Italian volunteer formation that ultimately became the 29. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (italienische Nr. 1). This is the distinctive black-background second pattern, displaying the Italian fasces emblem embroidered in silver-gray thread with the characteristic small red accent.

The embroidered design represents a vertical bundle of rods with its accompanying axe. The fasces was an ancient Roman symbol that had been adopted as a principal emblem of the contemporary Italian regime, making it an appropriate national identifier for the Italian formation.

The tab is constructed from black wool over a tan buckram stiffener. The reverse clearly shows the folded black cloth edges secured around the exposed central buckram with contrasting stitching. The front features the detailed silver-gray embroidered fasces, including the small red stitched accent near the axe blade.

The collar tab remains in very good overall condition with light wear. The black wool retains a strong appearance with minor surface fuzzing. The embroidery remains substantially complete and well defined. There are a few loose fibers consistent with age, but no major loss is apparent.

Following the Italian armistice of September 1943, Italian personnel continuing to serve alongside Germany were organized into several formations under German control. The Italian SS formation passed through a number of organizational titles before becoming the Waffen-Grenadier-Brigade der SS (italienische Nr. 1) and, near the end of the war, the 29. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (italienische Nr. 1).

The Italian formation initially used distinctive red-backed insignia. Following its combat service in central Italy, black collar insignia was authorized in June 1944. Surviving examples of this later pattern use black cloth with a silver-gray fasces and small red detailing, precisely the arrangement seen here. The right collar tab served as a formation or national identifier, while the opposite tab carried the wearer's rank.