Bavarian Infantry Officer Candidate Shoulder Boards – Feldwebel-Aspirant

This is a fine and rarely encountered pair of Bavarian Infantry Feldwebel-Aspirant shoulder boards, dating to the period of Imperial Germany in the First World War. These boards were worn by non-commissioned officers in training for officer status, marking them as candidates (Offizier-Aspiranten) on the path to receiving their commission.

The boards are constructed with alternating silver and black chevron-patterned wire cord, interwoven with the distinctive narrow blue Bavarian state stripe. This braid sits upon a red underlay, denoting the wearer’s branch of service as line infantry. The red cloth backing remains intact and correctly stitched, showing expected period wear but still vibrant.

Officer candidate boards were a unique hybrid of enlisted and officer insignia: the red backing and silver cord echoed the officer pattern, while the chevron-patterned braid indicated the provisional status of the wearer. Candidates were generally promoted from among the most capable senior NCOs, often Vizefeldwebel or Feldwebel, and were groomed for leadership roles in the officer corps.

These shoulder boards represent the transitional rank between senior enlisted authority and full officer command—an essential step for maintaining leadership within the Bavarian regiments of the Imperial German Army. By World War I, Bavaria maintained a semi-independent military structure within the larger Imperial command, with its own traditions, uniforms, and insignia.

Condition: The pair remains in excellent displayable state. The cords are tight and retain their original form, with slight fraying at the ends consistent with age and service. The red underlay is strong and retains deep color, with light wear on the reverse.

Historical Significance: This pattern of shoulder boards was worn during one of the most turbulent times in Bavarian military history. Officer candidates formed the backbone of a wartime officer corps depleted by heavy casualties, and many of those who wore these boards went on to serve as Leutnants at the front. Collectors will recognize these as scarce insignia, particularly well-preserved matched pairs such as this.