Air Traffic Control Armband – Yellow

Product Description:  This Verkehrs-Aufsicht (Traffic Supervision) armband is an outstanding example of a seldom-seen variant associated with air traffic control personnel. Produced in standard printed format, it is constructed from a thin, yellow cotton fabric, a rarer base color for this type, and features crisp black Roman lettering across the front. The screen-printed text is sharply defined and remains fully legible, with the thin, dye-like ink slightly visible on the interior, a typical characteristic of period printing techniques. The inside of the armband has three lines of hand written text in quotes and the initials R.R. as shown.  The armband retains bright, original color with no fading. Both the upper and lower edges, as well as the vertical seam at the reverse, are neatly finished with gold-colored machine stitching. As is common for this variant, there are no manufacturer markings or RZM tags present. The only imperfections are two small areas at the upper left and right corners, where staples were once used to affix the armband, likely in an album or display. These have left minor rust traces on the front and small pinholes on the back, but they do not detract from the overall presentation. In all, this armband remains in excellent condition and represents a wonderful example of this specific type.

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.