Authentic Armband?

[Bmsmear]

Is this an authentic TR armband? Its description states that DEST was a business set up
by the SS for use in the production of bricks, road construction and exploitation of quarries
with the use of forced labor

[DrPMC]

I think this is a genuine item, certainly such did exist. This is a snippet from Norbert Frei's book Darstellungen und Quellen zur Geschichte von Auschwitz: Standort- und Kommandanturbefehle des Konzentrationslagers Auschwitz 1940 - 1945 (Commander's and Headquarter's Orders in the Concentration Camp Auschwitz 1940--1945) (K. G. Saur Verlag GmbH, 2000)

'In den nächsten Tagen werden an die Werkleitungen der Deutsche Erd- und Steinwerke GmbH in den Konsentrationslagers neue Armbinden zur Kenntlichmachung der Zivilarbeiter übersandt. Die Armbinden sind von grüner Farbe und durch ein Blechschild mit der Prägung "Deutsche Erd- und Steinwerke GmbH (DEST)" und eingeschlagener Nummer besonders kenntlich gemacht. ,

'In the next few days the German Earth and Stone Works Ltd. will be sent to new armbands for the determination of civilian workers in the Konsentrationslagers at the factory lines. The armbands are made of green paint and a sheet metal plate engraved with "German Earth and Stone Works Ltd. (DEST)" is proposed and number specially identified..'

The translation is via google - if anyone can improve on it, please say. I'm imagining that this item may have come from elsewhere than Auschwitz but who knows?

Regards, Philip

[BOB COLEMAN]

It has the look of a period made item. However, without a known period original example to compare it to, I would not endorse the piece.

[Bmsmear]

Many thanks for the input. The construction certainly is unique, but insufficient for definitive conclusion.
A period picture would seal the deal, indeed.

[Tank Destroyer]

I am not keen on the stitching on the top of the armband. I'm not an expert on armbands please wait for more opinions but I do not like it for being real. Marty

[CARL]

Difficult to state with any degree of certainty whether or not the piece relates to any particular Konzentrationslager. The SS concern DEST were not involved at any one of the major camp systems alone. The headquarters was located at Gusen - site of KZ-Gusen and directly associated with the Mauthausen camp system and hence, the vast stone quarries located nearby. But Sachsenhausen, Floßenbürg, Natzweiler-Struthof, Groß-Rosen, Buchenwald and Neuengamme also had sites that either suited DEST with regards to the procurement of stone, or earth that was to be used in the brick manufacturing process. To augment, below are several images related to the DEST sites:

1) The Ettersberg quarry near Buchenwald

2-3) Former DEST premises at Floßenbürg

4) The quarry at Groß-Rosen

5) An overview of the quarry at Mauthausen featuring the infamous "Stairs of Death"

6-7) Natzweiler-Struthof, original quarry camp gateposts and close view of granite in the quarry area. Much of the beautiful red granite was used to construct buildings in Nuremberg

Regarding the piece in question, had this actually been worn by inmates exploited during the labour process, one would expect to easily find photographic evidence as there exist numerous images showing such work detail.

[HPL2008]

'In den nächsten Tagen werden an die Werkleitungen der Deutsche Erd- und Steinwerke GmbH in den Konsentrationslagers neue Armbinden zur Kenntlichmachung der Zivilarbeiter übersandt. Die Armbinden sind von grüner Farbe und durch ein Blechschild mit der Prägung "Deutsche Erd- und Steinwerke GmbH (DEST)" und eingeschlagener Nummer besonders kenntlich gemacht. ,

'In the next few days the German Earth and Stone Works Ltd. will be sent to new armbands for the determination of civilian workers in the Konsentrationslagers at the factory lines. The armbands are made of green paint and a sheet metal plate engraved with "German Earth and Stone Works Ltd. (DEST)" is proposed and number specially identified..'

The translation is via google - if anyone can improve on it, please say.

I would translate it as:

Within the next few days, new armbands for the identification of the civilian workers will be forwarded to the works managements of the German Earth- and Stone Works Ltd. at the individual concentration camps.
The armbands are of a green color and are specially marked by a sheet metal plate with the embossed words "Deutsche Erd- und Steinwerke GmbH (DEST)" and a punched number.

Höß' order then goes on to say:

"Der Inspekteur der Konz.-Lager hat sich mit der Anfertigung dieser Schilder einverstanden erklärt und das Tragen dieser neuen Binden genehmigt. Vor Ausgabe an die Zivilarbeiter der Deutschen Erd- und Steinwerke GmbH werden die Armbinden mit dem Dienstsiegel der Lagerkommandantur versehen. Diese Anordnung ist sämtlichen SS-Angehörigen zur Kenntnis zu geben."

...meaning:

"The Inspector of Concentration Camps has declared his agreement with the manufacturing of these plates and authorized wear of these new armbands. Prior to their being issued to the civilian workers of the German Earth- and Stone Works Ltd., the armbands are marked with the offical seal stamp of the camp commandant's office. This order is to be made known to all SS personnel."

[BOB COLEMAN]

A period picture would only confirm the design of said armband. As there would have only been a small amount produced, it is logical to think that only one firm made them. A confirmed original example would be the only way to compare if the one starting this thread is the real deal.

[DrPMC]

...had this actually been worn by inmates exploited during the labour process, one would expect to easily find photographic evidence as there exist numerous images showing such work detail.

My interpretation of the order relating to the issue of these armbands -- thank you to HPL2008 for translating it properly and providing more details -- is that they were supplied for the wear of civilian employees of the company rather than prisoners.

Regards, Philip

[Bmsmear]

Thanks again to everyone for the wonderful information. To receive such detailed historical information on an obscure topic so
quickly proves again what a valued source this forum is!! That armband sold, I learned.