BACKGROUND: The NSDAP had utilized the basic identifying swastika armbands as early as 1922 to be worn by party members at all rallies or political functions. Shortly afterwards, (circa 1923), Political Leader’s began wearing a new pattern armband with additional stripes that indicated functional positions within the party. In 1939 a second pattern of Political Leader’s armbands were introduced which denoted administrative or operational functions and level of government.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Nice quality, second pattern, multi-piece wool and rayon construction Reichsleitung level armband. Armband features a heavy red wool base with central white rayon circular field with canted, black swastika to center. Both the white circular field and the swastika are bordered in machine woven golden yellow threads. Top and bottom edges of the armband are trimmed with a 20mm wide, machine woven horizontal strip of repeating golden yellow celleon oak-leaves with faded gilt celleon piping to the top and bottom. To the bottom and top edges are gold celeon rayon piping. The horizontal strips of repeating oak-leaves, gilt borders and the white piping indicate this armband represented a Leiter Eines Haupt Amtes, (Leader of a Main Department), at the Reichsleitung level. Shows the expected light age.