Description

NSDAP Party Badge RZM No. 34 – Early Karl Wurster Example

This NSDAP Party Badge RZM No. 34 is an early German enamel membership badge attributed to the firm of Karl Wurster of Markneukirchen. It is an interesting collector example because the reverse carries the earlier RZM “No. 34” style identification rather than the later and more commonly encountered M1/34 manufacturer code.

The badge is constructed in metal and finished with black, white and translucent red enamel. Its obverse follows the standard circular Parteiabzeichen format, with a black central emblem on a white enamel field surrounded by a red enamel border carrying the organisation’s abbreviated name.

The supplied description gives an approximate diameter of 27 mm.

The reverse retains an RZM-style manufacturer marking identified in the original description as RZM No. 34. Specialist militaria references associate this number with Karl Wurster of Markneukirchen, a manufacturer also encountered on later badges under the RZM code M1/34.

Contents

1. Historical context
2. RZM No. 34 manufacturer marking
3. Construction and enamel
4. Condition and missing pin
5. Collector interest
6. Authenticity and historical use

Historical Context of the NSDAP Party Badge RZM No. 34

The standard party membership badge, commonly known by collectors as the Parteiabzeichen, was worn as an indication of membership in the NSDAP.

Unlike military decorations for bravery or campaign service, this was fundamentally a political membership insignia. That distinction is useful for collectors because these badges belong to the political-insignia field rather than to Wehrmacht combat awards.

During the mid-1930s, production of party insignia increasingly came under the control of the Reichszeugmeisterei, generally abbreviated RZM. Manufacturer markings were used on officially controlled party items.

Specialist dealers document early examples using a simple “No. 34” format and later examples using the standardized M1/34 designation. Both are widely attributed in the collector market to Karl Wurster, Markneukirchen. One specialist describes the No. 34 version as an early issue from approximately 1934–1936, while another notes that the early No. 34 designation was later replaced by M1/34.

This makes the NSDAP Party Badge RZM No. 34 particularly interesting as a transitional production type.

RZM No. 34 and Karl Wurster

The reverse marking is one of the most important features of this piece.

On the example offered here, the supplied attribution identifies the reverse stamp as RZM No. 34. Several specialist dealers and militaria references connect No. 34 with Karl Wurster of Markneukirchen, while later production is commonly marked RZM M1/34.

This earlier marking should not be confused with an unmarked generic party badge.

For collectors, maker attribution, fastening construction, enamel quality and the exact form of the reverse markings are all important when comparing surviving examples.

Construction and Enamel

The front of this NSDAP Party Badge RZM No. 34 displays the traditional three-colour enamel scheme.

The outer field is finished in translucent red enamel over a textured background. Raised lettering remains visible around the circumference. The centre consists of a white enamel field with the black central design.

The photographs clearly show age-related wear to the enamel and metal surfaces. This gives the badge a noticeably used appearance rather than the glossy condition encountered on unworn or restored examples.

The reverse shows considerable age toning and dark patination.

No attempt has been made in this description to polish, clean or digitally conceal those characteristics. For an historical collector piece, the surviving finish and patina form part of its condition.

Original Fastening System Is Incomplete

An important condition point is the fastening system.

The original rear pin is not complete.

Remnants of the attachment mechanism remain on the reverse, including portions of the mounting system visible in the photographs, but the badge can no longer be considered complete or normally wearable.

This has a direct effect on collector value and is reflected in the asking price.

Complete Karl Wurster RZM examples are currently found from approximately €135–€195 depending on variant and condition, while damaged examples can trade substantially lower.

Collector Interest

The main attraction of this example is not pristine condition.

Instead, its interest lies in the combination of the early RZM No. 34 marking, attributed manufacturer, genuine age appearance, enamel construction and clearly visible period wear.

A complete example would command a higher price, but the missing fastening also makes this badge an accessible option for someone assembling a representative collection of German political insignia.

It can also serve as a useful comparative reference alongside later M1/34-marked Karl Wurster badges.

Other military medals and badges. 

Condition

The badge is in used historical condition.

Visible characteristics include surface scratches, enamel wear, age toning, patination to the reverse and loss of the majority of the fastening pin.

The badge should therefore not be described as mint, excellent or complete.

Please examine the photographs carefully because they form an integral part of the condition report.

Historical Responsibility

This item is offered exclusively as an historical artefact for collecting, research and educational purposes.

Its sale does not constitute support for, endorsement of or identification with National Socialism or any ideology represented by the historical object.

Collectors should also comply with legislation applicable in their own country regarding the possession, display, sale or publication of historical symbols.

What is an NSDAP Party Badge RZM No. 34?

It is an early enamel party membership badge carrying an RZM manufacturer designation. Specialist references attribute maker number 34 to Karl Wurster of Markneukirchen.

Who manufactured RZM No. 34 badges?

Multiple specialist militaria references identify Karl Wurster of Markneukirchen with No.34 and later M1/34 markings.

Is RZM No. 34 the same as M1/34?

They are associated with the same manufacturer in specialist references, but No.34 is encountered as an earlier marking while M1/34 belongs to the later standardized RZM coding format.

Is the pin complete on INS88?

No. The original rear fastening is incomplete and only remnants remain.

What is the diameter of INS88?

The supplied original description gives approximately 27 mm.

Is INS88 a reproduction?

The supplied description does not identify it as a reproduction. It is being catalogued as a period example attributed to Karl Wurster based on the RZM No.34 marking, although photographs alone cannot provide absolute authentication.

Object: Political membership badge / Parteiabzeichen
Organisation represented: NSDAP
Period: Mid-1930s / pre-war and WWII-era collecting context
Variant: Early / transitional RZM marking
Reverse marking: RZM No. 34, according to supplied description
Attributed manufacturer: Karl Wurster, Markneukirchen
Construction: Metal badge with enamel decoration
Colours: Translucent red, white and black enamel
Diameter: Approx. 27 mm according to supplied description
Fastening: Original pin system incomplete; remnants present
Condition: Used period condition, surface wear, enamel wear and aged patina