History

The SA (Sturmabteilung, storm detachment) was established in 1921 as a paramilitary protection squad of the NSDAP. The members of the SA were tasked with protecting party leaders at political rallies and meetings from the paramilitary forces of the opposing political factions. The SA was first utilised on November 4, 1921 at a meeting held in Munich’s "Hofbräuhaus" beer hall. The organisation was banned after the failed putsch in 1923 and was reactivated in February 1925.

In 1934, a trade collar insignia worn next to the collar tabs was implemented for Medical SA members to identify their field of specialty. Initially, these insignia were in gold and made of metal, but in 1936 this was changed to reflect the wearer's button colour, either gold or silver. Additionally, embroidered rather than metal insignia were allowed as well.

Doctors wore the Aesculapian staff, dentists wore the letter "Z" (for Zahnarzt), Veterinarians wore a snake, and pharmacists wore the letter "A" (for Apotheker), one next to each collar tab.

The SA Medical Collar Insignia were discontinued in late 1937.