{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-unissued-deutsche-luftwaffe-aircrew-bailout-identification-armband","title":"Original German WWII Unissued Deutsche Luftwaffe Aircrew Bailout Identification Armband","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent original German WWII Deutsche Luftwaffe \u003cem\u003eÄrmelbinde\u003c\/em\u003e, or armband, intended for aircrew use as an identification device in the event they were forced to bail out or make an emergency landing. The brightly colored band was designed to help identify downed Luftwaffe personnel to German military units, police, or civilians on the ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe armband is constructed from yellow cotton fabric with the outer edges neatly finished in white machine stitching. It is factory sewn together at the rear with a French seam, as originally issued.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrinted prominently on the exterior is the Luftwaffe eagle above:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDEUTSCHE LUFTWAFFE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe black ink has soaked through the lightweight cotton and is clearly visible in reverse on the inside of the band, a typical characteristic of this type of period printed insignia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is excellent and appears unissued. There is only very slight age toning and minor storage wear, with no significant damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe armband measures approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e15 inches long\u003cbr\u003e3 1\/2 inches wide\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdentification armbands such as this served a practical purpose rather than simply indicating organizational membership. Luftwaffe aircrew operating over German-controlled or friendly territory could find themselves separated from their aircraft following a bailout or forced landing. A conspicuous official identification band provided a quick means of distinguishing uniformed air personnel, particularly if outer flight clothing or specialized equipment obscured conventional uniform insignia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArmbands were widely used throughout German military, civil, political, and paramilitary organizations during WWII. They could identify an organization, duty position, rank, nationality, or specialized function. Construction ranged from inexpensive printed cotton examples to highly embroidered insignia, depending upon the intended use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is particularly desirable because it remains in apparently unissued condition and retains strong yellow color, clear Luftwaffe markings, original stitching, and its factory-sewn configuration.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44824940609605,"sku":"ONSV26LBY006","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26LBY006__01.jpg?v=1774883184","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-unissued-deutsche-luftwaffe-aircrew-bailout-identification-armband","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}