Veteran Bring Back WWII German Waffen-SS Collar Tab for “Skanderberg 1.Waffen-Gebirgs-Division der SS (albanische Nr.1) or the (21st Waffen Mountain Division of the SS Albanian No. 1) This tab was most likely produced at the SS cloth production facility at Dachau, but probably never issued to Division members since it was disbanded fairly quickly due to undisciplined behavior. The 21.Waffen-Gebirgs-Division der SS (albanische Nr. 1) “Skanderbeg” was only in existence for approximately six months before being broken up (the Division’s German cadre was later incorporated into the “Prinz Eugen” Division). This example of the Divisional collar tab shows a Skanderbeg helmet, machine-embroidered in an interesting, slightly burnished grey colored thread on a soft napped, black felt rhomboidal tab. The reverse has the correct lacquered stiffener, with the typical white tack down threads. We have several of these in stock, and the one you receive will be as good as, if not better than the one in the photo. These were acquired directly from the family of a veteran we will supply the name to the buyer. Excellent example!
History: The 21ST Waffen-Gebirgs-Division der SS “Skanderberg”, was first formed in early 1944 and consisted primarily of Albanian Moslems with a cadre of German personnel. This group was formed to serve in an anti-partisan role in the Balkan region. The division proved to be so troublesome to the Germans. There were well over 3,000 desertions within its first two months of formation, and this group was quicky disbanded after only six months. The reliable personnel of the division were transferred to the 7TH SS-Freiwilligen-Gerbirgs-Division “Prinz Eugen”, to form the SS-Gebirgs-Jäger Regiment 14. Due to the racial makeup of the divisional personnel Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler forbade wear of the SS runes on the collar insignia, and this special Skanderberg collar tab was introduced and produced in small quantities.