A pair of original German Second World War Feuerschutzpolizei (Fire Protection Police) shoulder boards, constructed in the typical Ordnungspolizei style with silver aluminium braid surrounding a black woven centre cord, mounted on a pink / carmine wool base.
The boards display the distinctive pink Waffenfarbe piping associated with the German Fire Protection Police, the uniformed fire brigade service incorporated into the Ordnungspolizei during the Third Reich. The silver braided border encloses a black cord centre, a pattern typical of police and police-related ranks of the period.
These examples are the sew-in pattern, with wool backing and buttonhole slots to the underside for attachment to the tunic. The construction, materials and style are consistent with wartime production.
No rank pips are present, suggesting they most likely represent the rank of Wachtmeister (equivalent to sergeant) or a closely related NCO grade within the Feuerschutzpolizei.
Approx. Measurements – Length: 11.2 cm. Width: 3.3 cm.
History Note: The Feuerschutzpolizei was established in 1938 when Germany’s municipal fire brigades were absorbed into the Ordnungspolizei (Order Police) system under the control of the SS and the Reich Ministry of the Interior. Firefighters were placed into a police-style organisational structure and adopted ranks, uniforms and insignia closely modelled on those of the police services.
During the Second World War the Feuerschutzpolizei played an important role on the German home front, responding to fires and destruction caused by Allied bombing raids, assisting civil defence operations and supporting rescue and recovery efforts in heavily bombed cities. Their uniforms carried the distinctive pink Waffenfarbe, differentiating them from other police branches such as the Gendarmerie or Schutzpolizei.
Original insignia from this branch has become increasingly sought after by collectors due to the relatively smaller size of the organisation compared with the Wehrmacht and other police formations.
*Condition* Overall good original condition. Some wear to the ends where the boards were originally stitched into a uniform, with minor fraying and thread loss visible. The wool backing shows age and handling wear but remains structurally sound. The aluminium braid retains good definition and shape. No rank pips present. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
