Political Armband - Authentic or Fake?

**Liberty Watts** · 03-05-2016, 02:41 PM

Pic 1: tmp_25090-P280710_04.57136710... : Free Image Host.
Pic 2: tmp_25090-P280710_04.57_[01]2... : Free Image Host.

Hello, I am new here and new to collecting uniform related insignias/patches. Recently, a gentleman offered to sell me this armband claiming he received it from an old German man that recently passed away. He is asking for $100 (Canadian) and also says it is worth $280. I believe his asking price as well as his estimate are way too low if this is an authentic piece from ww2. There is no tag present on the reverse which is one red flag I have. Perhaps it fell off or was torn off? Yes this is a possibility. Also, there is no insignia pin on the center of the swastika. Again, perhaps it fell off/stolen or maybe this was a low level leader's band and there was never any insignia pin in the first place? What are your thoughts on this piece? If authentic, what do you believe it is worth in its current state? If this is a high quality fake, is there still any value if it was sold as such (wardrobe/re-enactment prop)?

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 03-05-2016 02:41 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**Liberty Watts** · 03-05-2016, 05:59 PM

Update: I asked the seller to double check to see if there was a label on the reverse side of the armband. He claims there is a label with an arrow pointing to a German word. From my research, this doesn't seem consistent with known labels for authentic bands. Ideas?

**John Brandon** · 03-05-2016, 06:17 PM

Hello and welcome to the best forum on the planet with tons of knowledgeable people.

Please try to refrain from using outside sources to host pictures and asked in this thread....

Posting images using non-forum image hosting websites - IE. Imageshack , Photobucket & etc

I have downloaded your pictures, as you may get a better response

I have attached a picture of what it should look like, yours appears to be a Kreisleiter level armband.
The photos you supply are not the best, and I will refrain from making a quick judgement, but I always go with my gut feeling

**BOB COLEMAN** · 03-05-2016, 07:23 PM

From the images, this appears to be a period original 4th pattern political leader armband. It should have an arrow on the backside to indicate topside up for the tailor. This may be any early example before that innovation was incorporated in to the manufacture. Can you clarify what color the top edge piping is?

**harryamb2** · 03-05-2016, 08:11 PM

look fine to me too.

**Liberty Watts** · 03-05-2016, 08:56 PM

Thanks for the replies! I am sorry in regards to the links, newbie mistake!

I can't confirm whether the piping is white or light blue until I actually see the armband. If it is blue then would that make it an Ort level band which never had a pin? If the piping is white but missing the pin then I assume it would affect the value?

What are your best estimates on the value for this piece? Is $100CAD fair?

**SteveR** · 03-05-2016, 09:59 PM

by Liberty Watts

Thanks for the replies! I am sorry in regards to the links, newbie mistake!

I can't confirm whether the piping is white or light blue until I actually see the armband. If it is blue then would that make it an Ort level band which never had a pin? If the piping is white but missing the pin then I assume it would affect the value?

What are your best estimates on the value for this piece? Is $100CAD fair?

$100.00 CAD would be a very good buy friend.

If you don't want it I will buy it.

Welcome to the forum Sir.

**BOB COLEMAN** · 03-05-2016, 10:12 PM

by Liberty Watts

Thanks for the replies! I am sorry in regards to the links, newbie mistake!

I can't confirm whether the piping is white or light blue until I actually see the armband. If it is blue then would that make it an Ort level band which never had a pin? If the piping is white but missing the pin then I assume it would affect the value?

What are your best estimates on the value for this piece? Is $100CAD fair?

Please note that the forum is not intended to be your free estimating service. We are educational which we have been by authenticating the piece for you. If the piping is blue, the armband would be for the rank of Ortsgruppenleiter. If it is white, it would be a Kreisleiter.