Waffenfarbe (literally "arms color") is piped trim used on uniform items in the German military, the color of which is indicative of the wearer's specialty. Waffenfarbe is most commonly utilized on shoulderboards and Schiffchen, though initially also intended for use on Schirmmutzen. As wartime practicalities lead to shortage of materials and need for more timely production, use of specialty Waffenfarbe in this capacity was lessened, as were the number of colors seen. The chart below is a guideline, as true colors would vary slightly depending on lot and manufacturer, and there is a degree of debate today about the "end-all" guidelines for piping.
For the purposes of the hobby, members of our unit are authorized to purchase specialty Waffenfarbe for shoulderboard use only. All members should consult with command to ensure their choice of Waffenfarbe is both authorized for their personal use, and acceptable for their impression.
White
Weiss Infantry, Mortar Crews, Cartographers/Surveyors, Sport/Music Schools, Recruiting (1942-1945) Rose
RosaPanzer Troops, Anti-Tank Personnel, Transport, Motor Technical School Crimson
CrimsonVeterinary Personnel
Wehrmacht: General Staff Officers Bordeaux
BordorotSmoke and Chemical, Anti-Gas Schools, Legal Personnel Bright Red
HochrotArtillery Regiments, Anti-Artillery Units, Rockets Orange
Orangerot Military Police, Garrison Troops, Motor Technical School, Recruiting (pre-1942) Golden Yellow
Goldgelb Reconnaissance, Cavalry, Motorcycle Units Lemon Yellow
ZitronengelbSignals, War Correspondants, Dog and Pigeon Services Grass Green
WeisengrünPanzergrenadiers (1942-1945), Armed Infantry, Motorcycle Units (pre October '41) Light Green
Hellgrün Mountain Troops, Police Dark Green
DunkelgrünAdministrative Personnel, Specialists, Reserve Officers Blue Gray
GraublauSpecialist Officers Light Blue
HellblauTransportation, Field Post, Supply Training, Motor Technical School Cornflower
Kornblumen Blau
Medics/Medical Personnel, Supply Troops Violet
ViolettChaplains and Field Bishops Copper Brown
KupferbraunMechanized Reconnaissance, Motorcycle Units (post-October '41) Light Brown
LichtbraunConcentration Camps Light Gray
HellgrauGeneral Officers
SS: Himmler's Staff (post-June '42) Dark Gray
DunkelgrauPropaganda
SS: Himmler's Staff (pre June '42) Black
SchwarzEngineers/Pioneers, Railway Engineers, Construction Units, Technical Officers Gold
GeltWehrmacht and Luftwaffe: General Officers Silver
SilberSS: General Officers
