Original Items: Only One Set of Two Available. Here we have two very nice examples of German WWII "Service" armbands, worn to indicate that the wearers were taking part in work or service that was not always related to their chosen branch. Both are yellow cotton with BeVO style embroidered insignia, and measure approximately 14" x 4", sewn together in the back. The show light service wear, with some tearing, and both have original issue stamps, including depot stamps on both.
The yellow German State Service Armband was worn by uniformed German personnel who were attached to the Armed Forces during WWII. It features a textbook Bevo-style machine embroidered armband, with a very nice Reichsadler (State Eagle) clutching a wreathed swas (hook cross). Often, these were worn by men of the Reichsarbeitsdienst (State Labor Service) and Reichsbahn (State Train Service) who were operating with the German Army in the occupied countries. It has a nice depot stamp on the front, which reads Heeresdienststella 11 (Amy Service Station 11) in blackletter typeface.
The yellow Deutsche Wehrmacht armband was also worn by uniformed German personnel, who were attached to the Armed Forces during WWII. Often, these were worn by men of the Reichsarbeitsdienst and Reichsbahn who were operating with the German Army in the occupied countries. It has a textbook BeVO woven insignia, and also has a depot stamp on the front, which we are unfortunately not able to read. It even has another ink stamp on the inside, giving further information about the armband. Definitely a great translation / deciphering project!
A very nice set, ready to display!
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.
