Original Item: Only One Available. This is very nice German WWII Reichsluftschutzbund (National Air Raid Protection League - RLB) Leader's Armband, utilized by officer's in the organization. It is constructed of a dark blue cotton band with a machine embroidered RBL Starburst logo in the center over a swas (hook cross). It features strips of silver tresse on the edges, indicating it was for an officer. The EM/NCO armband is identical except has no silver border. The reverse is marked BEVO-BARMEN GES. GESCH.. The armband measures approximately 15 3/4" x 3 7/8", and is sewn together in the back.

The armband is in very good condition, showing wear and staining consistent with moderate service. There is overall staining and discoloration on the silver tresse border, which has oxidized a bit. There are also a few tiny holes and age toning to the fabric as well, giving a great "broken in" look.

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.