Political Armband (Gauleiter?)

[Calvin Hall]

This one walked into a local pawn shop a few days ago...

This one is listed as a "Gauleiter" armband in Badges and Insignia of the Third Reich by Davis. Bill Shea lists these as "Orts Level Political Leader’s Brassard for an Oberabschnittsleiter (Senior Section Leader)".

Bullion piping throughout with some soiling and a few moth nips on the back. Note the unique hardware for closing the armband.

Any thoughts on the market value of this armband?

[Calvin Hall]

Photo of the back...

[Calvin Hall]

close up of the swaz...

[Calvin Hall]

Another shot of the swaz...

[Calvin Hall]

The armband has a unique set of closure hardware: Hooks and eyelets. Also, a lining is sewn into the interior of the armband.

[Calvin Hall]

Close up of the leaf detail...

[GregK]

Not Gau or Orts.

Hi,

Not Gau or Orts level. This one is Kreis level. The white piping denotes that. Orts was the lowest level, then came Kreis, Gau, and Reichs. As far as the exact rank I can't recall off the top of my head and I'm away from reference material at the moment. I'll post when I get to my books but I'm sure that someone will get to it before me.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,
Greg

PS. If you ever decide to let this go then please let me know.

[gauost]

Hi,

Not Gua or Orts level. This one is Kreis level. The white piping denotes that. Orts was the lowest level, then came Kreis, Gau, and Reichs. As far as the exact rank I can't recall off the top of my head and I'm away from reference material at the moment. I'll post when I get to my books but I'm sure that someone will get to it before me.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,
Greg

PS. If you ever decide to let this go then please let me know.

This Armband is for the highest level in the Kreis(District Level) for Kreisleiter.

[Henri S]

I agree with Greg, it's a Kreis, highest rank district leader. A very nice example.

Hi,

Not Gua or Orts level. This one is Kreis level. The white piping denotes that. Orts was the lowest level, then came Kreis, Gau, and Reichs. As far as the exact rank I can't recall off the top of my head and I'm away from reference material at the moment. I'll post when I get to my books but I'm sure that someone will get to it before me.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,
Greg

PS. If you ever decide to let this go then please let me know.

[Laurence Strong]

According to my "Organisationbuch Der NSDAP" it is for a Kreislieter, Sweet armband

[Calvin Hall]

Guys,

Thanks for the education.

Any thoughts on the 'market value' of this nice brassard?

Calvin

[Laurence Strong]

Probably between $500 - $700 from the looks of the dealers

[Howard Kelley]

Close up of the leaf detail...

Hey Calvin,
Interesting armband. Contruction is very unique. The Gold bullion being directly embroidered to the armband is something new to me. Is the inside completely covered with a lining? Being a tailor made item, can I assume that there is not an RZM tag to the inside? Maybe a tailor lable? Nice piece!
Regards,
Howard

[Bob Coleman]

This is a typical example of a 4th pattern RZM Kreisleiter armband. The lining and hooks were a modification to the armband, likely for wear on a white summer uniform that would require frequent laundering. The armband in itself is not tailor made, likely only the modifications.
Bob

[Howard Kelley]

This is a typical example of a 4th pattern RZM Kreisleiter armband. The lining and hooks were a modification to the armband, likely for wear on a white summer uniform that would require frequent laundering. The armband in itself is not tailor made, likely only the modifications.
Bob

Hello Bob,
Thank you for the information. Do you have any other photos or documentation of different 4th pattern RZM examples? This is something I have never heard mentioned. Just goes to show, your never to old to learn something! Thank You, Howard