WW2 German SS Handschar Collar Tab

The WW2 German SS Handschar Collar Tab is an insignia associated with the 13th Waffen Mountain Division of the SS “Handschar” (1st Croatian). Formed in 1943, this division was primarily composed of Bosnian Muslim volunteers and operated under the command of the Waffen-SS during World War II. The collar tab features a distinctive embroidered motif—a scimitar over a swastika—symbolizing the division’s regional and religious heritage. Constructed from black wool, the tab is bordered in silver-gray piping and measures approximately 55mm x 40mm. Worn on the right collar of the uniform, the tab helped to distinguish division members from those of other SS units. The Handschar Division was involved in anti-partisan operations in the Balkans from 1943 to 1945. Today, original examples of this collar tab are of interest to collectors and historians studying military insignia and the diverse composition of Waffen-SS formations during the conflict.