
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.
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White
Weiss |
Infantry, Mortar Crews, Cartographers/Surveyors, Sport/Music Schools, Recruiting (1942-1945) |
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Rose
Rosa |
Panzer Troops, Anti-Tank Personnel, Transport, Motor Technical School |
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Crimson
Crimson |
Veterinary Personnel
Wehrmacht:
General Staff Officers |
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Bordeaux
Bordorot |
Smoke and Chemical, Anti-Gas Schools, Legal Personnel |
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Bright Red
Hochrot |
Artillery Regiments, Anti-Artillery Units, Rockets |
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Orange
Orangerot |
Military Police, Garrison Troops, Motor Technical School, Recruiting (pre-1942) |
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Golden Yellow
Goldgelb
|
Reconnaissance, Cavalry, Motorcycle Units |
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Lemon Yellow
Zitronengelb
|
Signals, War Correspondants, Dog and Pigeon Services |
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Grass Green
Weisengrün |
Panzergrenadiers (1942-1945), Armed Infantry, Motorcycle Units (pre October '41) |
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Light Green
Hellgrün |
Mountain Troops, Police |
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Dark Green
Dunkelgrün |
Administrative Personnel, Specialists, Reserve Officers |
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Blue Gray
Graublau
|
Specialist Officers |
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Light Blue
Hellblau |
Transportation, Field Post, Supply Training, Motor Technical School |
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Cornflower
Kornblumen Blau
|
Medics/Medical Personnel, Supply Troops |
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Violet
Violett |
Chaplains and Field Bishops |
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Copper Brown
Kupferbraun
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Mechanized Reconnaissance, Motorcycle Units (post-October '41) |
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Light Brown
Lichtbraun
|
Concentration Camps |
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Light Gray
Hellgrau
|
General Officers
SS: Himmler's Staff (post-June '42) |
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Dark Gray
Dunkelgrau
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Propaganda
SS: Himmler's Staff (pre June '42) |
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Black
Schwarz |
Engineers/Pioneers, Railway Engineers, Construction Units, Technical Officers |
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Gold
Gelt |
Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe: General Officers |
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Silver
Silber |
SS: General Officers |
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