SA Gruppe Hochland 1939 Winner Badge – Original First Prize Plaque

Description

This SA Gruppe Hochland 1939 winner badge is an original German sports competition award plaque from the period, created for the 1939 SA-Gruppe Hochland group competitions. The piece is distinguished by the reverse inscription “Dem 1. Sieger”, translated as “To the First Winner”, confirming that it was issued as a first-place award. It also bears the RZM control marking M3/41 on the reverse.

The SA Gruppe Hochland 1939 winner badge features a detailed central design of an edelweiss flower combined with a vertical sword. The date “1939” appears prominently on the blade, while the surrounding border reads “SA-Gruppe Hochland” and “SA-Gruppen Wettkämpfe”. The lower part of the sword incorporates the period emblem associated with the organisation. The composition was designed as a commemorative sporting award and is visually typical of competition badges created for regional group events during the late 1930s.

This example is made from zinc with its original gold-toned finish still visible. The reverse is marked “Dem 1. Sieger”, showing that it was awarded to the first-place winner. This feature makes the piece more significant than standard participation badges or non-award event insignia. The RZM M3/41 marking is also present on the reverse, providing an important period production detail for collectors of original German historical awards.

The SA Gruppe Hochland 1939 winner badge measures approximately 48–50 mm across, excluding any variation caused by the upper sword tip or lower fitting. It retains the detailed raised design, including the edelweiss, sword, date and surrounding inscription. The reverse shows the original award wording and the RZM control mark. The original pin or fastening arrangement is no longer present, and this loss should be considered when assessing condition and value.

Condition is good for an original award plaque from 1939. The front retains strong relief detail and an attractive aged gold-coloured appearance. There is expected surface wear, light scratching and age-related handling evidence consistent with a period zinc badge. The missing rear attachment mechanism is clearly visible in the supplied photographs. No attempt has been made to replace, repair or artificially age the reverse fitting.

This SA Gruppe Hochland 1939 winner badge is offered strictly as a historical object. It is not offered to promote, celebrate, endorse or glorify National Socialism, the SA, political extremism, racism, antisemitism, violence or any ideology associated with the period. Its interest is limited to the study of twentieth-century material culture, sporting awards, historical design, original militaria and documentary preservation.

The historical importance of this SA Gruppe Hochland 1939 winner badge lies in its specific award status. The wording “Dem 1. Sieger” identifies it as a first-prize example rather than a general event item. Its edelweiss motif also reflects the regional identity of the Hochland group, historically associated with southern Bavaria. The combination of a named regional group, the 1939 date, a competition inscription, award grade and RZM mark gives the piece a clear and focused collecting identity.

Only the original plaque shown in the photographs is included. No certificate of authenticity, box, original ribbon, pin, replacement fastening, frame or display stand is included unless expressly stated. The badge should be stored in a dry environment, preferably within an inert archival holder, and should not be polished with abrasive products. Original finishes, ageing and surface character are part of the historical value of period metallic awards.

For collectors of original German competition badges, regional sporting awards, twentieth-century ephemera and historical military-related artefacts, this SA Gruppe Hochland 1939 winner badge is an unusual and visually strong example. Its first-place inscription, original finish, detailed design and RZM marking make it a noteworthy survivor from the period.

This SA Gruppe Hochland 1939 winner badge is sold exclusively for responsible collecting, historical research, educational study and preservation. It should always be displayed and interpreted with full historical context and respect for the victims of the regime associated with its production.