totenkopf
German word for "dead man's head" (skull).
A specific form of skull and crossbones 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). It consists of a skull without the mandible at 3/4 view over two crossbones.
