Notorious and indicative, this piece of insignia is one of the most associated symbols of Germany during the Second World War. This reproduction SS Party Member Armband was worn by soldiers, members and civilians alike. It is made from red cotton, with black tresse on the top and bottom – a white cotton disk is mounted onto the red cotton body with the swastika printed on top.
Key Features
Material - Cotton
Meticulous Detail in the stitching and print of this armband.
Black cotton tresse lines the top and bottom, SS only.
Notorious and Indicative insignia is a must for any accurate SS portrayal.
Maximum circumference is 41cm
Description
The armband is made from a three-piece construction of a black cotton Swastika mounted on a white cotton disc which in turn is stitched to the red cotton body of the armband itself finished with top and bottom border stripes denoting the wearer as a member of the SS. It has a maximum circumference of 41cm and can be attached/ resized onto the tunic using pins on the reverse side (not included.)
During the peak of Nazi Germany, there were approximately 900,000 members of the SS, each with the famous, yet notorious symbol. However, the symbol did not start its life as a sign of German Nationalism of Antisemitism but a previous use was that of a Nordic Rune and Pagan symbol for the God, Thor. It wasn't until the 1920s that Adolf Hitler took the Swastika for his own and started using it for the NSDAP.
This notorious and indicative piece is a must-have for any accurate SS portrayal.
Need help? Feel free to contact us.
Historical Significance
The Swastika comes from the Sanskrit Svastika, which means 'good fortune' or 'well-being.' The symbol appears to have been first used around 7000 years ago. The symbol experienced a resurgence in the 19th century when German archaeologist Heinrich Schlieman discovered the hooked cross in ancient Troy - he connected the symbols to similar shapes found in Germany and speculated that it was a 'significant religious symbol.'
At the beginning of the 20th century, it was widely used in Europe and was a common symbol of good luck. However, in 1920 the Nazi Party formally adopted the swastika as its symbol - becoming associated with the idea of a racially 'pure' state.
Shortly after taking power in 1933, the Swastika replaced the black, red and gold flag of the Weimar Republic. Following Nazi Germany's defeat in 1945, it was banned in many European countries.