RD207.)WAFFEN-SS RECON COLONEL'S SHOULDER BDS: a fabulous old matched pair that I was pretty convinced were genuine period. An expert, a friend of ours, said that he wasn't too convinced of that. You'll agree that they look about as convincing as can be. Back in the day, there was a German dealer (first name Hans) who used to frequent the larger militaria shows here in the States and he offered some of the finest fake cloth I've ever seen. These pieces were just wonderful if all you were looking for was a good fake set of boards or straps -- or a bullion wire eagle -- but his stuff was so good that it was most often bought as fake and then sold as genuine. You follow me. Well I suspect that this fine pair is an example of his work....from way back in the early 1990's. Matched pair for opposite sides with the loops properly turned in as they should be. Wartime subdued silver braided cord on black wool underlay and with black wool tongues. Piping is golden-rod yellow wool for reconnaissance troops. Each board has two gold pips (appear to be genuine period) for rank of W-SS Stardartenfuhrer (regimental commander) and with original period gothic letter 'A' devices for aufklarung (reconnaissance). EXC++++