Original German WWII Gau Westfalen-Nord 1938 District Meeting Press Photographer Armband Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Gaue (singular: Gau) were the main administrative divisions of NSDAP Germany from 1934 to 1945. These descended from the NSDAP regional districts in Weimar Germany, formed in 1926 based on the territorial changes after the First World War. The Gau system was established in 1934 as part of the Gleichschaltung process, replacing the de jure system of Länder (states) and Prussian provinces, which held no administrative purpose since the Enabling Act of 1933 and were reduced to rudimentary bodies. Each Gau was headed by an administrative leader, the Gauleiter, a high-ranking Party official with near-autocratic powers.

Here we have a very nice example of a rare press photographer armband from the Gautreffen (district meeting) held in Gau Westfalen-Nord (District Westphalia-North), most likely in the headquarters in Münster. This district had been formed from the from the Free State of Lippe, the Free State of Schaumburg-Lippe and the northern half of the Prussian Province of Westphalia. The armband is yellow and made from what feels like rayon, with the following printed in black Latin letters:

Gautreffen 1938
Presse-Photo

This translates to “District Meeting 1938 Press Photo”. At the bottom left there is a circular NSDAP issue stamp, and at the bottom we can make out Gau Weſtfalen Nord.

The armband measures 15″ x 4 1/2″ and is not sewn together in the back, and looks like one end may have been cut off, now showing light fraying. It shows staining and age toning consistent with use and then long storage, possibly not in the best conditions, giving it a great “been there” look. 

A rare NSDAP period armband, ready to research and 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.