Original Item: Only One Available: The SS (Schutzstaffel - 'Protection Squadron') was originally formed in 1925, ostensibly to act as a small, loyal bodyguard unit to protect the Führer, Adolf AH. Under the direction of the Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, the SS grew to be the most ruthless and feared organization of the 20th century. They were the vanguard of NSDAPsm and eventually controlled nearly every function of German life and much of Occupied Europe.

This is a fantastic unissued SS Member's Kampfbinde (Armband), with a red woven wool band, and a multipiece rayon moire material swas (hook cross) sewn onto the front. This armband is more or less identical to the standard armband of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, abbreviated NSDAP), except for the black rayon borders on the edges.

The inner side still features the original ((RZM)) tag with the number St. 792 / 36 next to the ((ᛋᛋ)) Doppelte Siegrune (Double Sig/Victory Rune) insignia. Unfortunately there are few records on the SS supplier numbers, so we are not able to tell which company made this example. Research indicates that this type of tag was used before 1938, when the move was made to less expensive paper tags.

It is in excellent unissued condition, and measures approximately 16 3/4" x 4 1/2", machine sewn together in the back. There is no sign of moth or having ever been attached to a uniform. There is only very minor age toning and a few tiny stains to the white circle, and a few areas of very minor wear to the fabric from long storage.

A great unissued example of a rare armband, still with the original early issue BeVo RZM tag!

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.