totenkopf
German word for "dead man's head" (skull).
An insignia used by elite German units since the 18th century. Initially used by the cavalry. Commonly associated with the Totenkopf-SS, who used it as their emblem in World War II. It was also used by the armored corps and the tank crews of the Wehrmacht (who are often confused as Waffen-SS because of this and their black uniforms). The most well-known form (the 3rd SS Panzer Division Totenkopf) is a skull at 3/4 view overlaid on two crossed bones, however the insignia may lack the mandible or the crossbones and remain a totenkopf.
