Kriegsmarine Single Shoulder Board for a Feldwebel of Coastal Artillery
dark green, for the field gray uniform, matte gold braid, lightly worn, with loop, condition 2
Kriegsmarine Single Shoulder Board for a Feldwebel of Coastal Artillery
This individual shoulder board for a Sergeant (Feldwebel) of the Coastal Artillery of the Kriegsmarine represents an important aspect of German naval organization during World War II. The Coastal Artillery formed a crucial component of German coastal defense and was formally subordinated to the Navy.
The present shoulder board is rendered in dark green and was intended for the field-grey uniform. This coloring corresponded to the regulations of the Army Service Regulations and special provisions for naval personnel in land-based units. The matte gold braid identifies the rank of Feldwebel, which represented an important non-commissioned officer rank in the German military system.
The Kriegsmarine's Coastal Artillery was systematically expanded from 1935 onwards, as Germany intensified its rearmament. According to the Naval Artillery Regulation of 1936, the coastal artillery was responsible for protecting important ports, naval bases, and strategic coastal sections. Sergeants in these units bore considerable responsibility for training personnel and the technical operation of heavy guns.
Kriegsmarine rank insignia followed strict regulations established in the “Uniform and Equipment Regulations for the Kriegsmarine” of 1936. Shoulder boards for Feldwebel were characterized by their distinctive braid design, with the matte gold execution indicating membership in technical weapon branches.
During the war, Germany massively reinforced its coastal defenses, particularly after the establishment of the Atlantic Wall from 1942. Coastal artillery units were stationed from Norway to the French Atlantic coast. The sergeants of these units were often experienced non-commissioned officers who mastered both maritime and land-based artillery tactics.
The lightly worn appearance of this shoulder board suggests practical use. The present loop corresponds to the standardized attachment to the uniform. The indicated “Condition 2” classifies the piece as well-preserved with minor signs of use, which is of particular significance to collectors of military historical objects.
