Description
5 mm wide white herringbone pattern cotton rank tape for lower ranks. During the war this white cotton tape was usually used instead of the official silver colored metal threaded tape, most likely because of supply issues.
From 27th of May 1939 to 13th of June 1941 the lower ranks were to be indicated with a number of sewn silver colored fabric tape chevrons with a 135 degree angle pointing upwards on the middle of the epaulettes. There was to be a 3 mm gap between the chevrons.
With an order on 13th of June 1941 the separate conscript and reservist insignia were abolished. Conscript and reservist NCOs were to use the same collar tabs as cadre NCOs with no epaulette chevrons.
Conscript and reservist Privates (Sotamies) and Privates First Class (Korpraali) would use the same empty collar tabs, but Privates First Class (Korpraali) would have single chevrons on their epaulettes as before.
However, there seemed to be a significant lack of collar tabs during the war, and most lower ranks indicated their rank by sewing this white tape onto their epaulettes instead.
From wartime photos, it seems the tape was rarely sewn onto a chevron shape as per regulations and was instead sewn in a straight line.
- Private (Sotamies): no chevrons
- Private First Class (Korpraali): one 5 mm chevron
- Corporal (Alikersantti): two 5 mm chevrons
- Sergeant (Kersantti): three 5 mm chevrons
- Staff Sergeant (Ylikersantti): four 5 mm chevrons
- First Sergeant (Vääpeli): one 35 mm chevron
This tape was used on wool tunics, summer blouses and overcoats.
Price is for one 10 cm long piece of tape. This is enough for one stripe on one epaulette.
