RLB Leader Armband

Product Description: This first pattern RLB Leader Armband is a very appealing, maker marked example, in outstanding condition. This pattern of armband was worn by officer ranks of the Reichsluftschutzbund (RLB), the German national air raid defense organization before and during WWII. It’s Bevo, machine woven construction, with a RLB starburst organizational emblem woven in the center of a beautiful, dark blue cotton band, which retains full original color. The long edges of the armband are finished with silver rank Tresse, machine applied to the band. The inside of this RLB Leader Armband shows the RLB emblem in reverse, as is typical with Bevo armbands. It’s machine stitched together in the back, which is how these were finished at the factory. Near this seam, the maker mark “Bevo-Barmen” is present in woven letters. It’s also marked “Ges. Gesch.,” indicating a legally protected design. This is a textbook armband, not easy to find, and remains in excellent condition.

Historical Description: 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 Nazi 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.

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