Original Items: Only One Available. The Werkfrauengruppen (Women Worker Groups) were formed in 1936 by the Frauenamt der DAF (Women's Office of the German Labor Front). These were groups of female DAF activists in individual businesses, similar to the male Werkscharen (Work Squads). The focus of their work was to be in the field of cultural and social activities (mostly after-work) for their respective company's employees, the aim being to further a sense of community and comradeship within the workforce. They were also in engaged in more general non-factory-specific activities like sending gift parcels to soldiers at the frontline.

This is a lovely example of a Werkfrauengruppe Ärmelstreifen (Cuff Title) used to indicate the wearer's membership, as with other NSDAP-affiliated groups. It measures approximately 15 3/4" long and 1 1/8" wide, and shows light wear from storage, with no major fraying or other condition issues such as holes or tears. It is of blue and dark blue rayon "BeVo" style machine woven construction, with a "Gothic" font Werkfrauengruppe embroidered in aluminum bullion thread. There also is a layer of silver rayon on the reverse as part of the weave. We have compared it with several period examples, and it is an exact match in terms of weave and construction. We also checked it thoroughly with a UV light, and did not notice any reaction.

The inner side still retains the original RZM tag which is still mostly flat and crisp, though the paper has yellowed. The tag has a correct “B” tax code and features the RZM logo as well as the numerical designation of the Herſteller (manufacturer) A4 22, though it is hard to read. At the bottom is lot O № 278981.

Overall condition is very good, with some irregularities in the weave from being folded, as well as fraying from use in service. Some of the silver rayon thread on the back is missing in patches, which matches other examples we have seen, and looks to be from instability of the original material. It is stain free and an excellent example suitable for any well-curated German cuff title collection, especially with the intact original RZM tag.

More on the DAF German Labor Front
With the dissolution of all Free Trade Unions in Germany in May 1933 the Deutsche Arbeitsfront, (German Labor Front), was established to replace the unions and to educate the workers in industry and commerce for smooth and efficient operation of all labor in the Third Reich. In October 1934 the DAF was given official status as a sub-section of the NSDAP and in March 1936 it was recognized as an independent NSDAP affiliated association and granted control of its own monetary budget. In 1934 the first pattern of DAF uniform was introduced for DAF Werkscharen, (Work Squads), and a belt buckle was introduced in late 1935 for wear by all ranks.