Original German WWII Early Luftschutz Air Raid Protection Messenger Armband

Original Item: Only One Available. This is very nice German WWII Luftschutz (Air Raid Protection) Messenger armband (Ärmelbinde), made from what we believe is machine woven cotton. This pattern of armband is one of several that were used by specialized personnel of the Reichsluftschutzbund, the German air raid defense organization during WWII. The design features a dark blue band with sewn on white "Roman" font letter M, which stands for melder (reporter), and was intended for wear by dispatch riders and other messengers. Later examples switched to the "Latin" style sans serif font. The armband measures approximately 14 3/4" x 4", and is sewn together in the back.

Condition of the armband is very good, however it does have a stain in the upper right corner, which has made the material delicate. Otherwise it shows light overall wear from service, with the colors faded a bit. This is only the second example of one of these armbands that we have had, and they seem to be some what rare.

Ready to add to your German Armband collection!

History of the RLB

The Reichsluftschutzbund (RLB) (National Air Raid Protection League) was organized by Hermann Göring in 1933 as a voluntary association. Existing volunteer air raid precaution associations were forced to merge with RLB. In 1939 the RLB became a Körperschaft des öffentlichen Rechts (quasi-autonomous non-governmental organization), while in 1944 it became an affiliated organization of the NSDAP Party. It was in charge of educating and training ordinary German men and women in civil defense procedures necessary for the basic level of local self-help of the civil population against air raids. The local level was formed around air raid wardens and operated in small first intervention squads. The training include fire fighting, protection against chemical weapons, communication procedures and preparation of houses and apartments against air raids.