Original German WWII NSDAP Political Leader Armband Gau Level (Gauleiter/Gauleitung Official) 1939 Pattern RZM MarkedIn Germany, armbands were worn by members of organizations such as the NSDAP, SA, SS, HJ, and various civil or auxiliary groups so they could be recognized at a glance.
This is an original NSDAP Political Leader armband of the 1939 pattern, worn by senior officials serving at the Gau (regional) level within the National Socialist Party administrative hierarchy. Political leader armbands of this style were introduced following the 1939 reorganization of Party insignia, which standardized rank and organizational level through distinctive piping colors, decorative borders, and construction details.
The armband is constructed of red wool and features a white ribbed roundel bearing a black ribbed rayon swastika. The swastika arms are neatly outlined with twisted gold metal bullion braid, while the roundel itself is bordered with matching bullion cord. At the center of the swastika is a gilt metal pip with a small eagle and swastika, adding an additional level of detail typical of higher-grade political leader armbands.
The upper and lower edges of the armband are finished with machine-woven gold oakleaf borders on red bands, a decorative feature reserved for NSDAP Political Leaders (Politische Leiter) rather than standard party members. The edges are completed with colored piping identifying the Gau administrative level, consistent with armbands worn by Gauleiter or Gauleitung officials responsible for overseeing party administration within a major regional district.
The interior retains a visible RZM control stamp reading “NSDAP Armbinden Tuch” along with the RZM emblem, indicating officially approved Party material used in the manufacture of the armband.
The armband remains in very good to excellent condition, retaining strong color and well, preserved bullion details. The reverse shows the typical circular stitch pattern from the applied roundel, along with light wear consistent with age and period use. Overall, this is a well-constructed and visually striking example of senior Third Reich political leadership insignia associated with Gau-level Party administration.
The piping color identifies the administrative level in the 1939 political leader system:
Piping Color LevelYellow Ortsgruppe (Local)
Black Kreis (District)
Carmine/Wine Red Gau (Regional)
White Reich (National Leadership)
Certain symbols have been censored. If you would like additional photos, feel free to email us at [email protected], call or text us at (856) 294-9310.We are not affiliated with/or embrace the philosophies of any radical, political, or racist organizations. Items that are sold at 1944 Militaria are for historical purposes only.
