SS Totenkopf Collar Tab Value Guide

Sold at Auction: 4 WWII GERMAN REICH TOTENKOPF SKULL COLLAR TAB LOT

Estimated Value

$1,000 – $1,200

Period: 1933-1945
Origin: Germany
Materials: Felt, metal, embroidery thread
Category: Totenkopf collar tab

This SS Totenkopf officer collar tab is a significant artifact from the 1933-1945 era, featuring the iconic skull and crossbones insignia alongside the unit number '2'. It represents the specific unit affiliation of the SS-Totenkopfverbände or the 3rd SS Panzer Division, making it a highly sought-after piece of military history.

What Is SS Totenkopf Collar Tab Worth?

The typical price range for SS Totenkopf Collar Tab is $1,000 - $1,200 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

Physical condition of the felt and the lack of moth damage or fraying to the embroidery.
The rarity of the unit number '2' compared to standard unnumbered Totenkopf tabs.
Provenance and historical documentation linking the tab to the 3rd SS Panzer Division or concentration camp guard units.
Market demand for authentic SS insignia, currently ranging from $1,000 to $1,200.

How to Identify SS Totenkopf Collar Tab?

Examine the skull and crossbones embroidery for the specific high-quality craftsmanship typical of German officer-grade felt and thread.
Verify the presence of the number '2' which indicates a specific company or unit within the Totenkopf formation.
Check the reverse side for the correct buckram or stiffener material consistent with 1930s and 40s manufacturing techniques.
Look for the distinct metallic or high-quality embroidery thread used for the 'Death's Head' insignia.

History of SS Totenkopf Collar Tab

The Totenkopf, or 'Death's Head', insignia was a prominent symbol within the Nazi SS, particularly associated with the SS-Totenkopfverbände (concentration camp guards) and later, the 3rd SS Panzer Division Totenkopf. Its origins trace back to Prussian military traditions. These collar tabs denoted rank and unit affiliation, with the skull representing a commitment to absolute loyalty and readiness to die for the Nazi cause. The number '2' likely refers to a specific unit or company within the Totenkopf formation.