Original Item: Only One Available. The yellow German State Service Armband was worn by uniformed German personnel who were attached to the Armed Forces during WWII. 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. This is a very nice example, in very good service worn condition. This Deutsche Wehrmacht armband is a textbook Bevo-style machine embroidered armband, with a very nice Reichsadler (State Eagle) clutching a wreathed swas (hook cross). There are worn portions on the top and bottom, and overall staining from wear. The two upper corners have degraded and torn away. It bears the wording Deutsche Wehrmacht (German Armed Forces) stamped in black, which has faded over time. Measures approximately 14 x 4 inches.

There is also a depot or inspection stamp on the lower left, however it has faded, so it can no longer be read. A lovely service-worn example of this type of armband. 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.