During WWII the German army fielded nine Mountain Divisions with an additional six Waffen-SS, (Armed-SS), Mountain Divisions. Generally speaking the Mountain Divisions were specially trained and equipped Infantry Divisions. In October, 1943 Waffen-SS personnel serving with Mountain troop units were authorized wear of the traditional Edelweiss as an identifying insignia.

The Edelweiss insignia was issued in two forms with one designed for wear on the left side of the Bergmütze, (Mountain cap), and another design for wear on the upper right sleeve of the greatcoat and tunic. The design of these badges closely followed the pattern of the earlier introduced, (1939), Heer Edelweiss badges, however the Waffen-SS cap Edelweiss was only produced in a cloth version as opposed to the metal version utilized by the army.

Machine embroidered in rayon, the Edelweiss has fourteen, silver-gray petals, a seven bulb, yellow stamen and dual, silver-gray leaves and stem mounted on a cut-out, black wool base. The insignia is roughly, 70mm tall and 50mm wide, at it’s widest point. Passes the black light and burn test, but is likely postwar manufacture for veterans. Unissued.