Original Item: Only One Available. Nearly every military, civil, political and paramilitary organization in existence during the Third Reich used armbands. Armbands were worn on military and civilian uniforms and also on civilian clothes, from suit jackets to work clothing. They were used to denote membership in organizations, to indicate a specific role or function of the bearer, and as insignia of rank. Many organizations would change the design of their armbands over time, which added to the variety produced. These were manufactured in countless variations, ranging from simple printed bands to elaborately hand-embroidered pieces of the highest quality. Some NSDAP armbands were worn by all members of large organizations and were made by the millions. Others were intended for use at a specific time and place and were unique. Many types were made in very limited numbers. Some bore metal insignia or special identifiers that indicated the wearer’s rank, unit affiliation, or nationality. Armbands were sometimes but not always marked with ink stamps by the issuing authorities.

This Sicherheits-und Hilfsdienst (Security and Assistance Service) Armband is a very interesting example, which looks to have been issued in occupied Czechoslovakia after it was invaded in 1939. It has the text in German and Czech, while most of these that have seen are just in German:

Sicherheits-u. Hilfsdienst

Bezpeč. a pomoc. služba

The Sicherheits und Hilfsdienst (SHD) was a Luftschutz auxiliary police organization tasked with maintaining order and assisting civilians during and after air raids in German cities and towns. This Sicherheits und Hilfsdienst Armband is the printed type, with the lettering printed in white Latin letters on a green cloth background. Earlier examples utilized gothic script, but later in the war the Luftwaffe changed to using Latin script. The armband is made of relatively rough woven cloth, and definitely looks to be late war. It shows some age toning as well as very light soiling but remains in great condition overall. It measures approximately 16” x 4”. and has two rusted safety pins securing it together in the back.

Comes more than ready for display!