Large swastika and wreath badge, what is it?

[E. A. Opperman]

Large swastika and wreath badge.

Many thanks Gentlemen,
As always everyone's expertise is greatly appreciated. Man, if only these things could talk. I'd love to know how this one made it back across the pond! It's one of the few times that I've actually scored a scarce item for a bargin price. Also, thanks for the pic of your badge Don. Two more questions, were all three of your badges devoid of markings too? And lastly; so I assume the lettering on the shield is Slovak or Czech, if so what letters are they and what exactly do they stand for? It seems you guys across the water are more familiar with this particular item then us here in the States. Makes me wonder how many of these actually made it back over here. At any rate, this one is fast becoming one of the faves in my collection. I've said it before, but I'll say it again...you guys rule!
Regards,
Eric.

[Don Scowen]

It's a pleasure Eric. This area of items from collaborationist & Volksdeutsche groups are of great interest to me.

To answer your questions, yes the reverses are always the same, unmarked with two rivets & the same style pin. The letters are a stylised K.d.P for the "Karpatendeutsche Partei".

Of the 3 million people of Slovakia in the 1930's 128,347 were registered as Germans, as you can imagine this was fertile recruiting ground for the National Socialists. Konrad Helein set up a branch of his Sudentedeutsche Partei (which had a similar shield shaped badge but with K.d.P on it) in Slovakia & named it the Karpatendeutsche Partei (K.d.P).

In 1939 following the break up of the Czech Republic the name was changed to the Deutsche Partai (D.P). The K.d.P only ever managed a membership of 27,585 however by March 1939 the D.P. had doubled this figure & 20% of the number were women.

Cheers
Don

[E. A. Opperman]

Large swastika and wreath badge.

Don,
Thanks for the added info. I love these items for what they are, but also find the sharing and collection of additional background information fascinating. The only thing better still, is when one has info on the Veterans who wore or brought back the items personally. As they say, " the little pieces make the picture".
Once again, a world of thanks,
Eric.