I found this at a flea market awhile ago and it appears to be the real McCoy. The metal buckle comes from Paris France and there is a stamp on the reverse from Algeria. I'm guessing these were worn in Algeria at the end of the war by members of the French Underground?

 

 

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Close up of stamp. Does anyone know who wore these armbands and when?

 

 

Close up of buckle

 

 

These armbands (in similar patterns, as there are many similar to this) were typically worn by the FFI, once the invasion of France started. Also, fighting forces of assorted French Resistance groups wore armbands similar to this. Some buckled on like this, others are just a longer strip and tied around the arm. Some had strings. A wide variety of designs. As to repro or original . . . I'm not good enough with materials of them to tell from pictures. I've seen some stated repros that look this old, and some that don't. However, it is super cool, either way! I'd absolutely love to get a FR armband myself one day! Real or repro!

 

Thanks for sharing! I really, really enjoyed this!

These armbands (in similar patterns, as there are many similar to this) were typically worn by the FFI, once the invasion of France started. Also, fighting forces of assorted French Resistance groups wore armbands similar to this. Some buckled on like this, others are just a longer strip and tied around the arm. Some had strings. A wide variety of designs. As to repro or original . . . I'm not good enough with materials of them to tell from pictures. I've seen some stated repros that look this old, and some that don't. However, it is super cool, either way! I'd absolutely love to get a FR armband myself one day! Real or repro!

 

Thanks for sharing! I really, really enjoyed this!

Thanks for the comments and since this came from the flea market instead of eBay I think there is a better chance of it being real.

The materials look correct for the period. The only things I find suspect are the writing on the buckle being in English (easily explained if the armband it self was manufactured in England where a majority of FF Forces were during the war prior to the invasion) but then the acceptance stamp being from Algiers combines the to the quandary. But given where it was located, I also have my doubts that it would be at least knowingly sold a fake.

These armbands were to my knowledge made in Free French Algeria. Air dropped with other supplies to resistance fighters in Southern France. Circa 43-45....It appears to be original. I have one similar. Will have a look at the buckle and see if it is the same.

Thank you for sharing this rare item. Underground items are super rare. I just posted my Polish Home Army armband about ten days ago. I love these things.

Being made in Algiers and dropped into France would make sense. DeGaulle's Free French government was based in Algiers. Britain backed DeGaulle, so the SOE helped the pro-DeGaulle Resistance movements. The US didn't back DeGaulle until the end, so the OSS helped other FR units. The FR was all politics! Very interesting! If you read Marie-Madeleine Fourcade's "Noah's Arc", it is very interesting, as she was against the political battle within France. She was there to free France from the Nazi and Vichy regimes.

Just looked at my armband. The buckle is marked the same and is black enameled. The individuals making these armband's were probably tailors or something of the sort. The Paris marked buckles may have been from existing stock used in civilian or military work "IMO". I have attached a quick shot of some other FFI type pieces. Excepting the Oranje armband which is Dutch resistance.

 

 

Thanks for the confirmation and sharing these photos of your armband collection.

I don't have any experience with Free French collectibles, but I really appreciate you guys sharing your items. It's a very interesting collecting area in my option. Thanks!

Mindblowing collection Irish!! I've never seen the printed version of the French armband. What can you tell us about that one?