BACKGROUND: Formed in late 1932 the Deutsches Luftschutzverband (German Air Protection League), was a voluntary organization designed to provide civil air raid protection in large civilian centers. Shortly after Hitler ascension to power the Deutsches Luftschutzverband was restructured and placed under the supervision of the Reichsluftfahrtministerium, (National Air Ministry), under the control of Hermann Göring. On April 29TH 1933 the Deutsches Luftschutzverband was renamed RLB, Reichs Luftschutz Bund, (National Air Raid Protection League) and was given status as an official national organization tasked with all aspects of civil air raid defence. The RLB remained a voluntary organization with a small cadre of paid, full-time uniformed officials to oversee the organizations functions until June 1935 when obligatory service was introduced. Non-uniformed RLB personnel were issued an identifying armband to be worn on the upper left sleeve when performing RLB duties. Originally these armbands utilized the first pattern RLB emblem until 1939 when the second pattern RLB emblem was utilized.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: First pattern, (circa 1933-1939), mid-blue cotton construction RLB Officer’s armband features a machine embroidered first pattern RLB emblem to the obverse center. The RLB emblem is in the form of a forty-eight point white star burst pattern base with stylized, navy blue initials, "RLB" to the center positioned above a small, canted, navy blue swastika. Both the top and bottom edges of the armband are trimmed in woven wire tress signifying Officers ranks. The reverse of armband has a central, vertical, machine stitched seam. Very nice example.