Original Item: Only One Available. The Kyffhäuserbund (English: Kyffhäuser League) is an umbrella organization for war veterans' and reservists' associations in Germany, founded in 1900 to unify the various veteran's groups in Germany. It owes its name to the Kyffhäuser Monument (German: Kyffhäuserdenkmal), a memorial built on the summit of the 473 m high Kyffhäuser mountain near Bad Frankenhausen, in the state of Thuringia in central Germany. It was not a political affiliated organization, and was open to all German war veterans.

When the National Socialist party came into party however, as with all national organizations, the group was absorbed under the NSDAP umbrella. In the name of Gleichschaltung (Co-Ordination or NSDAPfication), the Kyffhäuserbund was after the NSDAP takeover of power in 1933. Five years later, its name was altered to NS-Reichskriegerbund ‘Kyffhäuser’ e.V. (National Socialist Reich Warriors Association ‘Kyffhäuser‘ - RSRKB), becoming the sole and exclusive organization representing the Veterans´ interests in the Third Reich. The organization would then be disbanded in March of 1943 and its members would be drafted into Volksturm service in 1945, as the fall of WWII Germany approached.

The emblem of the group, which previously was a white shield showing the Kyffhäuser Monument over the National Tri-Color, was changed to having the NSDAP Swas (hook cross) flag on the bottom.

This NSRKB Armband is in very good used condition, measuring approximately 13" x 3 1/4", and is sewn together in the back with some tack stitches. There is about an inch of overlap, so it was sized to fit. It bears the correct NSRKB emblem, which is "BeVo" style machine embroidered and sewn to the armband, under which is a central band of bullion tresse style piping, indicating officer issue. The body of the band is very nice very dark navy blue or black woven felt, which still has lots of the original fuzzy "nap" to the fabric, with no mothing we can see.

There is overall light staining and age toning to the insignia, and the tresse has definitely oxidized, so this was definitely an armband that saw use in the field for a time. So many of these that we see look to have never left the depot, so it's great to see one that was actually used.

A lovely NSRKB Officers Armband with some great period wear, ready to add to your collection!