german Shoulder board, 10 year mystery.

[Gmac]

I found this in 2007

I got it from a small town antique shop in Alberta that would source local stuff and sort out the rare crosses and medals for retail but had no idea about this stuff.

I didn’t either and it looked German so I got it for 5$.

Since then I’ve been between Alberta and Ontario asking friends in the community what this is. I’ve even told it’s post war reused parts, ss, Belgian ss, Wehrmacht dress and Fantasy.

The pips look the part but there’s no piping.

The origin, pips, in hand condition,ware and fact it’s been cut off seem convincing but I’m stumped.

Much appreciated.

[Gmac]

Sorry, still not techy.

Here’s pics of the inside and bottom.

[leigh kitchen]

Looks cWWII to me. As it's a sew in shoulder board of a bright silver braid rather than a detachable dull silver it's a dress shoulder strap for a lieutenant of engineers or for an air force lieutenant of whichever branch wore black, I can't remember which branch that was although I think black may have been worn by different branches at different times.
There's no piping as the black arm of service colour forms the backing, other ranks straps would have black piping around the edge.
Waffen SS would have black backing but also a secondary backing colour of arm of service colour.

[RSM]

I agree with Leigh - engineers officer dress uniform, but the rank is of a Hauptmann (Captain).

[leigh kitchen]

Oops, I slipped into British rank insignia mode (well, I was posting at 5:48 in the morning and pre coffee).
The somewhat frayed end of the board doesn't necessarily indicate that it's cut off a tunic, it may have been unpicked from one or never worn, they were manufactured looking raw edged.

[ColdWar_Conan]

Could be East German... but the pips are the wrong colour - at the moment. Do they clean to a sort of gold colour?