How Rare? Luftwaffe Hauptmann Collar Tabs

[Tristan]

Thank you Tempelhof, I thought I got a decent deal comparing them to the others I have purchased. Although this is the first Luftwaffe Tabs in my collection. I do see what you mean by the center thread dropping down without the closed loop. That is a good question! I have seen a few other Luftwaffe collar tabs in other branches that have nearly identical threads. Here is an example for a Luftwaffe Lt Medical troop, nearly the same center thread (very worn nonetheless); Luftwaffe Leutnant of Medical Troops Collar Tabs - German Luftwaffe Cloth and Metal Insignia - Jessen's Relics Military Memorabilia

[Tristan]

The picture didn't post from my last comment, here is the example I mentioned (middle thread)

[tempelhof]

there are tabs i collect and have and have had in hand but luftwaffe lies outside my experience except in a more superficial sense. the material and general quality of workmanship look good to me in the original pair you have shown with respect to what one finds in period tabs in the most general sense, but i simply lack the more in depth experience to know whether what differences i am seeing from what i am accustomed to in luftwaffe tabs specifically is simple variation or a red flag of some sort.

i tend to thing they're OK and this is a variant. but that opinion doesn't have a lot behind it and i'm just hoping to scare up someone with authority on this.

[Tristan]

I couldn't agree with you more! It's always best to double guess, you really have to if you are collecting, otherwise money out the window! I feel good about the purchase

[KMMorris]

No the tabs posted are labeled as TR not BW.
Morris

[zwerge]

No the tabs posted are labeled as TR not BW.
Morris

I agree,they are TR,but for the rank of Oberst (colonel).

[ObKrieger]

What's the difference between BW and TR sets? I have a similar pair that I was told are BW.

[Jerry B]

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but are these not Bundeswehr collar tabs?

No, BL examples are very different, try a search on ebay!

[Jerry B]

i'm no luftwaffe collar tab expert, but i've seen a few and there is something about the gulls on these i've never seen before.

the center thread in each gull drops straight down and extends quite a bit below the device itself. generally, i've seen that central thread drop down to form a sort of ring which is tight up against the wings. you can see what i'm used to seeing in the example shown from eMedals above.

anyone with more experience want to comment on this? is it a variant in embroidery pattern i've not seen before?

authentic tabs at this rank... 60 for the pair is a VERY good deal and were i into these i'd take them at that price in a new york minute.

Agree that they look odd,the gulls as you mention, also the U shape formed by the exterior braid on the reverse where they are tied off is something I have seen on copies previously.

[tempelhof]

i've been looking and looking for one like this and can't come up with one.