German Faithful Service Decoration 40 Years – Treudienst-Ehrenzeichen 1st Class in Gold with Case

Description

This is a Treudienst-Ehrenzeichen 40 years grade – the gold-coloured 1st Class of the German Faithful Service Decoration – in its red presentation case with a cornflower-blue ribbon. The cross has textured arms over a circular oak-leaf wreath, with a black-enamelled central emblem. The reverse carries the raised inscription “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE” (“For Faithful Service”). The lid of the case bears a wreath enclosing the number “40”.

What Was the Treudienst-Ehrenzeichen?

The Faithful Service Decoration was instituted at the end of January 1938 to reward long, continuous service in the public sector. Officials, employees and workers at national, regional and local level were eligible. The two main grades were a silver 2nd Class for 25 years and a gold 1st Class for 40 years.

A man or woman honoured with the 40-year grade in the late 1930s had usually begun work in the time of the German Empire and served through the First World War and the Weimar Republic, so the award reflects the continuity of German administration across very different political regimes.

A related 50-year special grade, a silver cross with gilt oak wreath and “50”, is held in the collection of the museum Haller ZeitRäume in Halle (Westfalen).

A real example of how the 40-year award was announced to a recipient can be seen in our Reichsbahn document lot (DOC202), which contains the June 1938 letter from the Reich Transport Ministry informing a Tübingen railwayman that he had received this decoration. His named award document and cross are offered as our Treudienst-Ehrenzeichen Urkunde group (INS105).

What Does This Treudienst-Ehrenzeichen 40 Years Set Include?

• The decoration: gold-coloured cross with oak wreath and intact black enamel centre; reverse clearly reading “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE”.
• The ribbon: cornflower-blue ribbon with ring suspension, folded in the case.
• The case: red textured case with a wreath and “40” on the lid, a dark red velvet-style fitted base and pale lid lining.

Collector’s Note

A Treudienst-Ehrenzeichen 40 years cross with its case and ribbon is far more attractive than a loose example, because it can be displayed just as it was presented. Unless a recipient’s paperwork survives, it is impossible to prove that a particular cross and case have always been together, so I describe this simply as the decoration with the case shown. No maker’s mark is visible in the photographs. For the 25-year grade, see our Treudienst-Ehrenzeichen 25 Jahre (INS91), and for another 40-year example, INS80. For background, see my guide to WWII German medals.

Condition

• Strong gold-coloured finish with light handling marks.
• Black enamel centre intact.
• Reverse inscription crisp.
• Ribbon bright, with folds from storage.
• Case with light edge wear and small marks; the “40” wreath on the lid shows some discolouration.

Please study all four photographs of this Treudienst-Ehrenzeichen 40 years set, which form an essential part of this condition description. Sold exactly as shown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which grade is this?

The gold-coloured 1st Class, for 40 years of service.

Is the case included?

Yes. The red case with “40” on the lid and the blue ribbon are included.

Is there a maker’s mark?

No maker’s mark is visible in the photographs.

Historical Responsibility Notice

This Treudienst-Ehrenzeichen 40 years decoration is offered as a historical artefact for collecting, preservation, education and research. The central swastika is an original part of the design. Autographs & Militaria does not endorse or glorify National Socialist ideology. For our approach to this material, see collecting Third Reich material responsibly.

References & Further Reading

• Original decoration and case, as described above.
• Haller ZeitRäume, Halle (Westfalen), via museum-digital, Treuedienst-Ehrenzeichen und 2 Mutterkreuze (inv. 2011/013/001).
• Autographs & Militaria, Reichsbahn document lot (DOC202), with the 1938 award letter for this decoration.
• Autographs & Militaria, WWII German medals.