Leigh, I've always understood that the numbered buttons for the shoulder strap indicated Company level designations, and were used from the WW1 period through to the end of WW2. Some would be white metal, or painted Feldgrau, and it is possible that Reichswehr examples could have been produced in a gilt finish, but I've always assumed that gilt/gold insignia was reserved for Generals. It's another of those niche subjects that can turn a man to drink.
But the one you show with 41 puzzles me, and it is an assumption that it could be a regimental designation. I am not aware of any German unit that would have had 41 consecutively numbered companies on its strength. For example, a regular WW2 Infantry regiment could consist of 3 battalions, each having 4 companies, and so the highest company number within that regiment would be 12. I suppose further investigation of the 41 button should be directed to one of the wehrmacht forums?
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