BACKGROUND: Probably one of the most recognizable pieces of insignia associated with the Nazi regime is the swastika armband. Utilized by pretty much by all the organization of the Third Reich in one form or another. The swastika, (a Sanskrit word meaning "well being"), is an ancient symbol that was utilized in numerous diverse cultures and signified both the cycle of life and the sun. The swastika was also a Nordic rune and the pagan Germanic symbol for Thor, God of Adventurers. During WWI the swastika began to represent national and anti-Semitic leanings in such organizations as the Thule society and other German nationalistic movements and later, assorted Freikorps groups. In the midsummer of 1920 Hitler adopted the swastika as the premier symbol of the NSDAP. In "Mein Kampf", Hitler states that although numerous party members had proposed the swastika and red, black and white as the party emblem and colors it was he himself who came up with the final design.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Red wool armband, upon which is sewn a white disk, with a separate black mobile swastika sewn to it. Original RZM tag is intact. Shows the expected age.