WW2 German 18th Artillery Officers Shoulder Board Insignia Single

The WW2 German 18th Artillery Officers Shoulder Board Insignia Single is a representative piece of military insignia used by the German Wehrmacht during the Second World War. This shoulder board, designed for an officer in the artillery branch, features the characteristic braided silver bullion cord atop a red wool underlay, indicating the wearer’s branch of service. The gold-colored metal numeral “18” is affixed to the board, signifying the officer’s assignment to the 18th Artillery unit. Officers’ shoulder boards served both as rank indicators and as indicators of military branch and specific unit affiliation. This type of insignia was typically worn on the uniform’s shoulder and was secured by a button and tongue. Variations in construction and material can be observed, reflecting period production methods. Shoulder boards such as this played a significant role in military dress and identification during the era, adhering to the strict uniform regulations of the German military structure.