Can anyone help me identify this flatwire eagle?

[bwanek1]

I am an SS collector and I know little about civil insignia, so please forgive me if this is a stupid question to many of you, but could someone please tell me something about this eagle which came in a lot with some insignia I bought? I have no idea if it is even an original TR design.

Thanks in advance,
Brad

[NickG]

Its the first model German Red Cross (DRK) sleeve eagle, which was later replaced with the triangular designs (which had regions or cities added). Here's both designs on tunics in this image. Nick

[NickG]

strip

here's a bunch more!

[bwanek1]

Nick,

Many thanks!

I had actually considered that it could be related to the DRK (or possibly some diplomatic organization) due to the gray color, but when I searched for DRK eagles, all I came up with were the triangles and the black eagles clutching the red cross.

So, are these fairly common, or was it a lucky find for me? Am I correct to assume that the flatwire was only used by officers and senior NCOs? Being an SS collector, I normally stay pretty focused and I have lettle knowledge in other areas of TR insignia.

Thanks again,
Brad

[NickG]

To my knowledge the 1st model DRK sleeve eagle (which I like better in comparison with the 2nd triangular design with district name) was only issued in one style, no officer's version. I have an officer's tunic with such a shield, nothing upgraded...(its not in the picture, a later purchase). The 2nd style triangular type on the other hand was indeed also made in silver for senior staff members.
Its a nice purchase and rare I believe (being a prewar model) but not too valuable as its a "less exciting" branch of the third Reich (being non combattant-civilian red cross). I like 'em as you can tell by the pictures I posted! If you want to read up on DRK I recommend Angolia's book which also covers civil servants, like diplomats etc...