Third Reich Early SS Auxiliary “Bodyguard” Armband

The armband is red cotton with sewn ends, on which is machine embroidered the word “Leibwache”, or “Bodyguard”. A Third Reich property stamp was impressed on the end of the embroidered word. The stamp is not entirely legible but it clearly exhibits the early political eagle on a wreath which contains a static, and not canted, swastika. The written designation on the property stamp is not easily read, but close examination shows that the bottom of the stamp bears the designation “__ Fuhrer SS”. The letters in front of “Fuhrer” were stamped on top of the last black embroidered letter “e” in “Leibache”. The likelihood is that the armband was issued by the SS at party rallies or gatherings in the early days of the party or the Third Reich, with the armband probably being worn by police or other personnel who were supplementing the ranks of the SS men that were on site to protect party officials. The armband would have identified those non-SS personnel who were authorized access to restricted areas and who were allowed to be in close proximity to the most senior Nazi Party officials. The armband is soiled from age and wear but it is in overall very good condition.