German Red Cross Armband
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 70.GOR.03.02.04.001.000
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
Constructed of white cotton, the exterior with a central machine-embroidered red Geneva Cross, circumscribed by an inscription of “DEUTSCHES ROTES KREUZ”, flanked by an illegible DRK district stamp, otherwise unmarked, unstitched and measuring 465 mm (l) x 118 mm (h), in near extremely fine condition.
Following the First World War, the German Red Cross (Deutsches Rotes Kreuz, DRK) was threatened in its existence by the Treaty of Versailles, since the organisation was mainly focused on preparing its members for war and military-related medical service. This resulted in the DRK switching focus to social welfare activities during the time of the Weimar Republic.
The stipulations enforced by the Treaty of Versailles were declared null and void following the NSDAP’s consolidation of power in 1933. The new Reich Minister of the Interior, Wilhelm Frick, an NSDAP member, ensured that the DRK would be ready to support all of the Third Reich’s future military affairs and political ideologies. In 1938, the DRK was merged with the Ministry of the Interior’s Social Welfare Organisation, officially becoming an organisation under NSDAP oversight. The DRK also had ties to the SS, mainly due to high-ranking medical professionals serving in both organisations simultaneously.
The design of the Third Reich DRK insignia was initially based upon the uniforms used during the First World War and the Weimar Republic, but substantial uniform changes were implemented in September 1935.
Members of the DRK wore duty armbands when they were fulfilling their services during the Second World War.
There are generally two versions of these armbands, those that are machine-woven and those that were printed.
The armbands may have additional ink stamps denoting the official status and issuing of the armbands.
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