Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice hard to find German WWII Kriegsmarine (Navy) Ship Damage Service Leader's Armband, the first example that we have had! These are quite rare, and there seems to be some confusion regarding whether they are for Ship Damage Service or Air Defense, however from what we have seen "Air Defense" should be a similar all blue armband with a white anchor.

This armband features a white band with a machine embroidered "fouled anchor", black with a golden rope, and has 12mm blue rayon borders stitched on. It measures 19" x 3 3/4", and is not sewn together in the back. It shows little to no signs of use, and we believe it to be unissued, as it shows no signs of ever being attached to a uniform. There are just a few small stains and a bit of fraying at the ends.

In great shape and ready to add to your collection!

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 NSDAP 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.