Volkssturm armband ‘used condition’

[Mellow1312]

Hi guys how are you all?
i was wondering if someone saw this variant of the Volkssturm armband before?
left looking, somewhat thick eagles.
would this be original?

let me know!

[Rakkasan187]

Mellow,,,

Good observation..

This appears to be a screen-printed reproduction which has been artificially aged (heavily washed) to make it look like it was worn/used, hence the fading.

The left facing Eagles in this case which you brought up are thicker than left facing eagles on original Volksturm Armbands which are much thinner. I have two original versions with both left and right facing Eagles which are identical (thinner) on both armbands..

Here is a link to a shop that sells them. (repros) I do have to credit the company as it is advertised as reproduction, but after it leaves the shop there are many unscrupulous folks who would pass this off as original to make some fast cash.

A blacklight may also reveal that the inks used would glow, the fabric may too but being washed so much there are chemicals in laundry detergents that would make this glow. A fabric burn test would also determine if the cloth was synthetic or cotton.

And then you will have the nay-sayers that will tell you this is original because "towards the end of the war, every corporation in Germany were making their own versions of the Volksturm Armband and there were variations in the Eagles" blah,, blah,, blah,,, Don't believe it.. Buy the item not the story as the saying goes..
Deutscher Volkssturm Wehrmacht Armband | WW2 Depot |

And another link to another shop that sells re-enacting gear/insignia

Wehrmacht Volkssturm Arm Band | Richard A Underwood, Militaria Re-enactment clothing specialists

Best regards, stay safe

Smitty

[CSW]

Hi guys! While this is certainly not an area I personally collect, I thought I would add that this particular example is currently for sale as original on EA-Militaria's website. I believe they would be happy to know if it indeed is a repro

Cheers!

[Rakkasan187]

CSW,

Good catch. Unfortunately, since so many of these have now been circulating on the open market there are going to be some that will slip through, and even well-known and reputable dealers will be mistaken by their appearance and condition. This one looks like the first one posted, already "well worn"..

Thank you for your post

Best regards, stay safe

Smitty

[Mellow1312]

Thank you for explaining Smitty.
Yes always buy the item not the story.
Altough i really like the ‘old’ look of the Volkssturm armband. Will look for another one, there are enough of these for sale.

[Danmark]

Just for reference, and for construction style, here is mine .....