SS Officers’ Sleeve Eagle – Silver Bullion

The SS Officers’ Sleeve Eagle was one of the characteristic uniform insignia worn by SS personnel during the Second World War.

It was positioned on the upper left sleeve and depicted an eagle with outstretched wings above a circular wreath containing a swastika, following the design adopted for SS uniform insignia.

Versions intended for officers were generally more elaborate than those produced for enlisted personnel. Among the better-known types were examples embroidered in silver bullion, using metallic or metal-effect threads worked onto a black textile backing.

This embroidery technique produced a slightly raised surface with a pronounced metallic appearance. The body, wings, claws and other elements of the eagle were defined through different directions and arrangements of the bullion thread, creating separation and depth within the design.

Original hand-embroidered examples can display variations in the shape of the eagle, thread arrangement and execution of individual details, reflecting differences in manual workmanship and manufacture.