Original Item: Only One Available. This is a German WWII S.S. sleeve diamond of the type associated with personnel of the SS-Hauptamt (S.S. Main Office) assigned to duties described in German as Ergänzung, Erfassung und Schulung. In English-language collecting literature this insignia is commonly referred to as the Recruitment, Procurement & Education Sleeve Diamond, although “Recruitment, Registration & Training” more closely conveys the administrative meaning of the original German terminology.

The insignia is constructed in the characteristic rhomboid or diamond shape from black wool, with a machine-embroidered light gray/white Tyr rune at the center. The rune takes the form of a vertical shaft terminating in an upward-pointing angular head, giving it the appearance of an arrow. These sleeve diamonds were functional uniform insignia. Comparable examples were worn on the lower left sleeve, positioned above the cuff title when one was worn. The broader system included diamonds for medical personnel, technical specialists, signals personnel, and numerous other functions within the S.S. organization.

This example retains a strong black wool face with the embroidered rune remaining clear and well defined. The thread has developed an attractive light age toning. There is expected surface lint and minor handling wear to the wool, together with some slight fraying and wear around the raw-cut edges and points. The reverse shows an extensive residue or coating, likely from an old adhesive or mounting compound, now heavily dried and cracked with age. Please consult the photographs for the exact condition of the piece.

The SS-Hauptamt (S.S. Main Office) had its roots in the early administrative staff of the S.S. and was formally established as a Hauptamt in January 1935, during a major reorganization of Heinrich Himmler’s rapidly expanding organization. At that stage it functioned as one of the central coordinating offices of the S.S., overseeing a remarkably broad range of matters that included personnel administration, training, communications, supplies, garrison affairs, and the developing armed formations that would eventually become the Waffen-S.S. As the S.S. expanded, many of these responsibilities were gradually transferred to newly created specialist headquarters. By 1940, for example, much of the operational control of the armed S.S. had passed to the newly established SS-Führungshauptamt, leaving the SS-Hauptamt with a narrower but still important portfolio.

Due to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.