Auxiliary Police Hilfsgendarmerie Armband

Product Description: This is an attractive, textbook example of a Hilfsgendarmerie armband. These were worn by auxiliary police formations, often these were locals collaborating with the Germans in the occupied areas. There were a variety of different auxiliary police armband types, all made on a green base fabric, as seen here. This Hilfsgendarmerie armband is made of thin, somewhat coarsely woven green cotton with a printed “Hilfsgendarmerie” inscription. The printing is typical period style, done in thin ink with some bleed-through to the reverse. This armband appears to have been worn, and shows some slight UV fading, as well as a couple of minor stains, but no holes or other damage. It is sewn together with typical field gray thread. Overall, it’s a great, representative example of a Hilfsgendarmerie armband.

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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