Original WWII German NS-Reichskriegerbund (NS-RKB) Veterans Association BeVo Sleeve Emblem 1937-43 Pattern

Original Third Reich-era German NS-Reichskriegerbund (NS-RKB) veterans organization uniform insignia, featuring the organization’s distinctive black Iron Cross with white border, centered with a black swastika within a white circle and set against a red shield. This design is generally identified as the 1937/38–1943 pattern NS-RKB emblem. Period examples of this design were incorporated into NS-RKB veterans’ armbands and other organizational uniform insignia. 

The NS-Reichskriegerbund developed from Germany’s established veterans’ associations and became the National Socialist-era umbrella organization representing German war veterans. The familiar Iron Cross motif reflected the organization’s military-veteran heritage, while the swastika was incorporated into the later Third Reich pattern. 

This example is a machine-woven/BeVo-style cloth insignia and remains on a substantial portion of its original white factory backing material. The reverse provides an excellent look at the woven construction, with the red, black and white threads clearly visible. Several loose period threads remain around the perimeter.

Importantly, this appears to be the individual organizational emblem rather than a complete NS-RKB armband. Complete period armbands used essentially this same shield emblem sewn to a dark blue or black wool band; surviving examples demonstrate the emblem’s intended application. 

Condition:
Excellent overall vintage condition. Colors remain exceptionally strong, with bright red, deep black and clean white areas. The woven design is crisp and well defined. The surrounding white backing has minor age toning, scattered light staining, unfinished/cut edges and several loose threads. It does not appear to have been trimmed tightly around the shield.