Collar Tabs - Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring

The collar tabs of Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring represent one of the most distinctive and symbolically significant rank insignia associated with the German military during the Second World War.

The rank of Reichsmarschall des Großdeutschen Reiches was created in July 1940 by Adolf Hitler and awarded exclusively to Hermann Göring. This title placed Göring above the rank of Generalfeldmarschall, making it the highest military rank established within the German armed forces of the period.

These collar tabs were worn on the uniform of the Luftwaffe, the German air force, of which Göring served as Commander-in-Chief (Oberbefehlshaber der Luftwaffe).

The design of the insignia was highly symbolic and consisted of:

two crossed marshal batons,

surrounded by a laurel wreath,

embroidered in gold metallic thread on a white cloth backing.

The marshal batons symbolized the highest level of military command, while the laurel wreath has historically represented honor, victory and authority, a motif widely used in European military heraldry.

The white background corresponded with the branch color associated with Luftwaffe general officers, further emphasizing the senior command status represented by the insignia.

Since the rank of Reichsmarschall was granted exclusively to Hermann Göring, the insignia associated with this rank was likewise unique and intended solely for his uniform.

Original collar tabs were typically produced using gold bullion or metallic thread embroidery on high-quality wool backing, manufactured by specialized German uniform and insignia workshops responsible for producing high-ranking officer insignia.

The Reichsmarschall collar tabs therefore represent the insignia of the highest rank ever established within the armed forces of the Third Reich, uniquely associated with Hermann Göring, commander of the Luftwaffe during much of the Second World War.