Original Items: Only One Set of Two Available. Here we have two very nice examples of German WWII "Service" armbands, worn to indicate that the wearers were taking part in work or service that was not always related to their chosen branch. There were a wide variety of armbands in use by NSDAP Germany, and the designs and method of construction evolved over the course of the war.

The yellow Deutsche Wehrmacht armband was worn by uniformed German personnel, who were attached to the Armed Forces during WWII. Often, these were worn by men of the Reichsarbeitsdienst and Reichsbahn who were operating with the German Army in the occupied countries. It has a textbook BeVO woven gothic typeface insignia, well executed in black thread on the yellow background. The armband measures approximately 14" x 4 1/8", and is sewn together in the back. It shows light overall staining from use, and also looks to have been crumpled up at some point.

The white printed Im Dienst der Deutschen Wehrmacht ("In Service of the German Armed Forces") armband was introduced on 1 October 1941 for wear by non-German civilians serving the Armed Forces and for Russian Auxiliaries when not in uniform. The armband was worn on the upper left sleeve. These were necessary to identify the growing sector of non-uniformed personnel serving in a military capacity with a branch of the German armed forces. Often, these were worn by men of the Reichsarbeitsdienst and Reichsbahn who were operating with the German Army in the occupied countries. The armband measures 15 1/4" x 3 15/16", with the ends sewn together in the back. It does not have any depot stamps, and shows overall age light toning.

This is a lovely lot of armbands. Comes more than ready for display.

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.