Description

WWII PARATROOPER / AIRBORNE INFANTRY “D-DAY” OIL CLOTH “INVASION” ARMBAND: VERY NICE EXAMPLE 

World War Two Third Pattern American Flag Brassard or “Invasion” Armband constructed of oil cloth. This is the type worn by US Army Airborne Infantry (“Glider Riders”), Paratroopers and Glider Pilots among others involved in such operations as “D-Day,” “Market Garden,” etc. This particular example remains in overall VERY GOOD Condition and maintains BOTH of its original safety pins. This armband has NOT been trimmed or cut and measures a FULL 17 x 4 Inches. Armband shows only light signs of age, wear, use and long term storage. As with the vast majority of these armbands, there is some minor fading to the colors of the flag as well as fold marks. Armband has yellowed some with age, but much less than most we come across. Only shows very light soiling and staining, but nothing at all that detracts when the piece is displayed (in our opinion). Armband remains soft, flexible and very solid. It is NOT stiff, brittle, frayed, fragile or compromised in any way. NO holes or thin areas. Armband maintains its original safety pins, but they are lacking nearly all of their original black finish and show signs of corrosion caused by exposure to sweat or salt water. So, it does appear that this armband has been worn. This item came to us as part of an extensive collection once owned by a local, beloved doctor who was a Korean War Era through Vietnam War Veteran. Nearly everything in his collection was obtained locally, directly from the veterans themselves or the veteran’s families. I wish we could say who once wore this piece, but unfortunately the notes on the collection were destroyed in Hurricane Katrina. Overall, this is truly one of the nicest examples that we have seen in quite some time.

NOTE: Photos of soldiers wearing this style of armband are for reference only, they are not included, but can be found online.