Political Leader Armband for a Kreisleiter
Price: $1295
BUY / RESERVE THIS ITEMDescription: This armband represents an NSDAP Kriesleiter; the highest ranked Political leadership of the Kreisleitlung. Constructed of fine-quality wool retaining its vivid, original bright red color. Both long edges are trimmed with white rayon piping with gold bullion thread, while the center is adorned with a machine-woven oak leaf band featuring golden celleon leaves on a red background. At the front center sits the classic black swastika on a white roundel, bordered with gold stitching around both the circle and swastika. A single two-prong rank pip is affixed to the center, as shown. Mint never sewn together for a uniform or greatcoat.
Background: 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 Nazi 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.
