Help with Nazi armbands

[landsknechte]

I'm looking to eventually purchase one of the "standard" Nazi armbands (the type illustrated in the title bar of this forum), but know next to nothing about them. Can someone help me out with what to look for, and what to look out for?

Thanks,
--Chris

[panzerzacker]

Luckily you've picked something that's very hard to screw up with. Those types of armbands are common for the most part and should usually fetch well under $100.00. There are many variations (printed, multi piece construction, mixes of both) to chose from. Personally, I bought a multi piece construction one with an RZM tag and have never regretted it. The printed ones are nice, but when you see a multi-piece one you can tell there's love in every stitch! The only real information I can give is buy one from a reputable guy, usually they're around here, and aim for the best quality one you can get in your price range. I'm not too familliar with RZM tags, but mine has blue lettering and is stitched on. If you're looking for SS armbands, they should have a black tresse type material about 1/8th of an inch down from the top and bottom. High ranking officials had the gold tresse, but I don't know much about them. These are kind of a must with most collectors, because I believe most have had at least one pass through their hands at one point in time. Happy hunting and let us know what you end up with.


Did I mention I like multi-piece construction ones?

[Erich B.]

armbands

I agree, the multipiece examples are the nicest. You'll want to check the red, white and black cotton to make sure they're consistant with the period, make sure the white field does not glow under uv light, and make sure the sewing is neat and the swastika is well constructed. Generally they will have an off white RZM paper label with blue printing, and it will be glued on. These are often missing, though.
If you find one you like, post photos here for opinions.
Erich

[Laurence Strong]

What about the printed one's I have one from when I was way younger 30+ years ago, what would they have for markings, can't post pic's yet snail mail still has my associate Money order, but some discription's would be of help


Laurence

[landsknechte]

Thanks a bunch for your help!

It'll probably be a month or so, at the very least, before I seriously start hunting. With two local militaria shows in less than a month in my neck of the woods, my discretionary income has been flying out of my wallet fairly quickly... The armbands are one of those iconic Third Reich items that I can't but feel that I need at least one of.

...on a related note, how were they "tailored" to fit the individual wearer? Pinned? Restiched?

--Chris

[TMurray]

the most common method to fix them to the sleeve was to sew them on, although I have seen a press stud setup on a Kreis political leader's tunic.

Go with the multi-piece construction in wool, should be made of 7 pieces and is nice and heavy in the hand. If you are interested, I think I have one put away somewhere, can photograph for you later this evening.

rgds Thomas

[Erich B.]

armbands

On SA brownshirts the armband was usually just tacked with a few stitches on 2 opposite sides. It was thus easily removeable when the shirt was laundered. On wool tunics, the wool armband was sewn somewhat more substantially.
They were (especially the cotton type) often shortened to better fit the arm.
Erich

[Tim B.]

Chris,

Was retaking some PICS the other day and thought to get some of this armband for you, sorry it's a bit late.

I'm no expert on these, but recently Chet Berry sold a few on the E-stand and this was one of them I picked up. It's cotton, 3-piece construction and in pretty good shape overall. Some minor wrinkles and wear (moth nips?) in the lower right corner. The RZM lable is still on this one.

I have seen the wool ones, which if given the chance would buy those as they are nicer quality IMO. Good luck!
Tim

[Tim B.]

...and the RZM lable.
Tim

[landsknechte]

Chris,

Was retaking some PICS the other day and thought to get some of this armband for you, sorry it's a bit late.

I'm no expert on these, but recently Chet Berry sold a few on the E-stand and this was one of them I picked up. It's cotton, 3-piece construction and in pretty good shape overall. Some minor wrinkles and wear (moth nips?) in the lower right corner. The RZM lable is still on this one.

I have seen the wool ones, which if given the chance would buy those as they are nicer quality IMO. Good luck!
Tim

No worries about the delay... This is likely something I'll be hunting for the next time a militaria show rolls around, and I've got some time before that happens.

Thanks for the info!

--Chris