Original Item: Only One Available. This SA Wehrmannschaft armband is in very good lightly used condition. The Sturmabteilung-Wehrmannschaft (Storm Division Military Team) was the military training defense group of the SA and was formed in 1939. The purpose of this organization was to provide military training to SA members before and after their military service. By May, 1944, over 3 million Germans had participated in this program.
This example of the SA Wehrmannschaft armband is a one-look textbook original. It features a machine woven, Bevo style representation of an SA sports badge, in brown and gold thread on a white backing, machine stitched to a band made of a lightweight cotton material. The armband shows minor age toning, with a bit of storage wear, and shows a bit of folding and/or crumpling from storage. It also has glue marks on the back, so it was at one point made part of a display. It measures 17 1/4" x 4 1/4" and is sewn together in the back.
This set comes with a "CERTIFICATE" dated 12 Sept 45, which unfortunately does not have any name noted regarding who brought the items back. The items were being mailed, so most likely it was not important that there be a name on the certificate. The certificate is signed by Raymond E. Callaghan, 2nd Lt. Inf., listed as part of the 318 Inf., most likely the 318th Infantry Regiment. The certificate indicates that the items have been checked and are all allowed to be brought back home, gives a list of items, one of which is 3. ARM BANDS, which this was one of. We do not know what happened to the other items. Like the armband, it shows marks on the back indicating that it was glued to a display at some point.
The inside still features the original RZM tag which has had the glue dry out, so it is no longer attached to the fabric, but it is still flat and crisp. The tag has a correct “B” tax code and features the RZM logo as well as the ink stamped numerical designation of the hersteller (manufacturer) A4/308 over lot No. 059943.
This SA Wehrmannschaft armband is a very nice example that would be very hard to upgrade, especially with the bring back documentation. Comes ready to research and 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.
