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 the NSDAP and eventually controlled nearly every function of German life and much of Occupied Europe.

This is a very nice condition 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.

It is in good service used condition, measuring approximately 17" x 4 1/2", and is stitched together in the back. There is one row of machine stitched green thread, and another hand stitched row of black thread, so it was taken in slightly at some point. The interior shows some glue residue where the original paper RZM tag would have been, so this is a later production example, made after 1939. There is wear and staining to the armband overall, and there is also moth damage on the red wool body that goes through the fabric. The white rayon circle shows age toning and staining, with fraying where it has been stained by some type of liquid long ago. There is some of the swas missing, and a bit missing on the black rayon border as well. Definitely an armband with a long and interesting history!

A great service used example of a rare armband, ready to add to your collection!

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.