Original German Pre-WWII SS Member's Wool & Rayon Multi-Piece Armband with BeVo SS RZM Tag

Original Item: Only One Available: The SS (Schutzstaffel - 'Protection Squadron') was originally formed in 1925, ostensibly to act as a small, loyal bodyguard unit to protect the Führer, Adolf AH. Under the direction of the Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, the SS grew to be the most ruthless and feared organization of the 20th century. They were the vanguard of NSDAPsm and eventually controlled nearly every function of German life and much of Occupied Europe.

This is a very good condition Member's Kampfbinde (Armband), with a red woven wool band, and a multipiece rayon moire material swas (hook cross) sewn onto the front. This armband is more or less identical to the standard armband of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, abbreviated NSDAP), except for the black rayon borders on the edges.

The inner side still features the original ((RZM)) tag with the number 156 / 36 next to the ((ᛋᛋ)) Doppelte Siegrune (Double Sig/Victory Rune) insignia. Unfortunately there are few records on the SS supplier numbers, so we are not able to tell which company made this example. Research indicates that this type of tag was used before 1938, when the move was made to less expensive paper tags, which means that the "36" is probably a date.

It is in very nice lightly used condition, and measures approximately 15" x 4 3/4", and is sewn together in the back, with the extra material tacked stitched down. There is also some stitching on the edges, so it was almost certainly attached to a uniform at some point. There is some wear to the wool band, including some small moth holes and wear to the fuzzy "nap" of the fabric. The white circle does some some staining and age toning, but no real fraying or other damage.

A great lightly used example of a rare armband, still with the original early issue BeVo RZM tag!

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.