Are these shoulder boards early or late war?

[Stinkpotpete]

The whole private purchase idea really confuses me. I'm so used to issue items and learning what they look like. That's one reason I stay away from officers insignia. Now that the NCOs get to buy things for walking out or parade uniforms adds another layer of confusion lol Now this will pique my curiosity enough I'll have to look into it further so I can show off to my brother Thanks for all your help and information. It helps a lot to know a little so I don't get into a lot of trouble.

[Neil Hever]

Well, I like those chewed up NCO Shulterklappen with mis-matched pips! Looks like they have a real story to tell. I've seen plenty of insignia with incorrect pips applied. They do look ragged but I imagine this is the state they get in when you are in the field for a long time. NH

[Stinkpotpete]

Normally I like the items with the been there done that look. Cloth is totally new to me, and I get a little nervous with that. For any of my TR stuff it's pretty much a one off. I'm making a small shadow box for Germany and one for the USSR, then I'm done with the Eastern Front collecting and back to Brit kit.