Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice German WWII Stretcher Bearer’s Armband, made of what looks to be cotton or linen cloth. It is a later war pattern, which is printed instead of embroidered. The armband has German Black Letter script in two lines: Hilfs=Krankenträger (Auxiliary Stretcher Bearer). The script is encompassed by a black printed, rectangular border. Both the top and bottom edges of the armband have stitched hem and the reverse has a stitched vertical seam.
Measures approximately 15 x 3.5 inches, and is sewn together in the back. The condition is very good, and it looks to be unissued, however it has a large stain on the lower right, probably from water or something similar. There are also some smaller stains on the back.
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.