What is this armband?

[Lisa Thompson]

This is an odd one. It has passed the burn test; not nylon. Inside is black cloth and it seems the colors are sewn together. The diameter is very wide as if to be slid over the arm of a greatcoat. There are 2 buttonholes across from eachother. There is a stamp and 'Wehrmacht' appears to be screen-printed. I can't find this anywhere.

Is it fantasy? Opinions? I can provide more scans this evening including stamp..

[Lisa Thompson]

Wow, no one?

I expected to revisit this thread and have all sorts of and ..

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Lisa, I think it is the coloured ID armband which was worn on the padded white to camo winter reversable jacket. These jackets feature a button on the sleeve to secure the armband. These armbands were changed each day or so, like a password, as both sides were wearing white camo suits, friendly troops could easily be mistaken for the enemy.

I cannot say if it is original or not. I have never handled one of these before.

Cheers, Ade.

[Lisa Thompson]

Now that IS cool. Would it help if I were to post a deep resolution scan of the stamp? I may digitally enhance it to see what I can get out of it... More to come.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

[dastardly]

Lisa,
I have this exact piece and the guy I purchased it from also had a plain orange armband that came with it. The explanation that he gave me was that the item you depict is actually a band that goes around the helmet or a visor hat indicating the wearer's position as a referee during field maneuvers/wargames. This, coupled with an armband, would make the official stand out. I have no way of proving the authenticity of this story, but the piece fits around both a helmet and visor and is way too big to fit around the arm of any coat/jacket. The only word that I can make out on the stamp of my example is the last word which says - Wehrkreis VI. I hope this helps, Chris

[Lisa Thompson]

Hmm.. fair explanation. Doesn't explain the button holes tho. I will check the stamp this evening and see what I can make out.

[Glenn McInnes]

Hi Lisa,

Ade is spot on with his comments. Helmets bands were used but were attached with a sliding buckle and 3 cloth straps with hooks to fasten it to the helmet. The types for visors (Military Umpires) were only in white with a sliding buckle only (no button holes) and worn with a white armband.


Here is a pic of yours in wear which attaches to buttons on either side of the sleeve and were manufactured in different colours.


Glenn

[Lisa Thompson]

This is great. You guys are the best and thank you for solving this mystery so quickly for me! Is this a fairly rare armband to come across due to it's limited usage?

Glenn, thanks for finding this photo and taking the time to post it here!