Original Third Reich German Badge Lot – 5 Period Tinnies & Pins, 1930s

Description

Original Third Reich German Badge Lot

This Original Third Reich German Badge Lot brings together five period German badges and tinnies dating from the 1930s, offering an interesting cross-section of political, commemorative and event-related material from pre-war Germany.

The lot is particularly appealing because it includes several distinctly different designs rather than multiple examples of the same badge. Each piece retains the natural surface ageing, oxidation, wear and patina expected from objects of this period.

One of the most recognisable pieces is the circular 1 Mai 1938 Tag der Arbeit badge. Its obverse incorporates the German national eagle, swastika and figures associated with the official Labour Day celebrations of 1938. The reverse retains its pin fitting and is maker marked Ferd. Wagner, Pforzheim. Period examples of the 1 Mai 1938 badge are documented with this manufacturer.

Adolf Hitler Portrait Badge

Another important component of this Original Third Reich German Badge Lot is the gilt-coloured circular badge depicting the profile portrait of Adolf Hitler.

Around the portrait is the well-known period slogan “Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Führer.” Comparable original badges with Hitler’s left-facing portrait and the same surrounding inscription are preserved in museum collections and date to the Third Reich period.

The surviving gilt finish shows considerable ageing and surface wear, giving the piece a strong period appearance rather than the bright finish associated with later reproductions.

1938 Referendum and Propaganda Material

The lot also contains a circular badge incorporating a central swastika surrounded by radiating lines. This design is associated with German referendum and political propaganda badges of 1938, including examples carrying the slogan “Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Führer” and references to the Volksabstimmung of 10 April 1938.

A further circular silver-coloured badge displays a highly geometric radial design with a central raised boss. Its reverse retains the original horizontal pin assembly.

Completing the group is a smaller stickpin with an oak-leaf motif and surrounding German inscription. The long pin remains attached.

Condition and Construction

All five pieces are offered in visibly used collector condition.

They display varying degrees of:

• surface oxidation
• loss of original finish
• age-related discoloration
• scratches and handling marks
• patina
• wear to raised details
• ageing of the original pin mechanisms

These characteristics have intentionally not been polished away. Cleaning period badges aggressively can remove original plating, surface finishes and historical patina.

Both obverse and reverse photographs are provided so collectors can inspect the construction, pin fittings, maker marks and condition before purchase.

Collecting Interest

An Original Third Reich German Badge Lot such as this is particularly suitable for a collector building a representative display of German political and commemorative insignia from the 1930s.

Rather than concentrating on a single organisation, the group combines political portrait material, Labour Day memorabilia, propaganda imagery, a stickpin and period event-related badges.

The presence of the dated 1 Mai 1938 example and the Hitler portrait badge also gives the group particularly strong visual and historical identification.

Originality is guaranteed according to our standard authenticity policy.

Historical artefacts containing political symbols are offered exclusively for collecting, historical research and educational purposes. Their sale does not imply endorsement or glorification of the ideology represented.