Description

WWII US PARATROOPER / AIRBORNE INFANTRY “D-DAY” OIL CLOTH “INVASION” ARMBAND WITH ORIGINAL SAFETY PINS

World War Two Third Pattern American Flag Brassard or Oil Cloth “Invasion” Armband as worn by US Army Airborne Infantry, Paratroopers and Glider Pilots among others involved in such operations from “D-Day,” “Market Garden,” etc. This particular example remains in overall VERY GOOD to EXCELLENT 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. 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. So, we do know 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 and Vietnam War Veteran. Nearly everything in his collection was obtained directly from the veterans themselves. 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 a truly beautiful, untouched example of a third pattern invasion armband that you will be proud to add to your collection. 

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