New GPB Numbers...Where do they come from?

[Stahlhelm]

I have a question which I've wondered about for a while, and have only assumed that I know the answer. I know that new Golden Party Badge numbers are still being found and being attributed to their original owners. So:

Where are these new numbers and names coming from at this point?

I have previously assumed that there must simply still be Third Reich period files which are still being examined by those who take the time to read through them and record the available information. So, I guess it's just a matter of whoever is able to get access to the files, and then however quickly they choose to read through them.

Next, where are these files, and how does one get access to examine them? Just curious about this, so I can better understand where all this new information comes from. Is my common sense correct about this, or is there something else I don't know?

Thanks in advance to all who may respond,

Chris

P.S. I'm also curious about where all the new names of period SS Dagger owners are still coming from. Maybe the answer to that is the same as the answer to this quesion. However, I think I'll also post this question on the dagger forum, so I can be sure.

[ErichS]

A lot of the comes from Gau lists which can put a name to a number. Most come from good detective work at the Federal Archives in DC.

[Stahlhelm]

Thanks, ErichS!

Chris

[RaymondG]

Hi Chris

There are other additional sources of information, but these just capture the odd number and owner.

Paperwork turns up on a regular basis such as membership books, letters and urkunde which give you definites or possible recipients.

Some will be 'new' names and other they will be 'new' to that person compiling a database, whereas another researcher may have had that number for years.

This is not ideal, but adds another name to the list every now and again.

Raymond

[Stahlhelm]

Thanks for the extra information, Raymond! I appreciate it...

Chris

[Wim Vangossum]

Hi Chris,

I started recently a list myself, just for fun. Their is a lot of info that you can find on the internet and also in TR-related books. I think there is an incredible group of names if someone could put all the existing names together! At the moment I try to find my way in the German archives but it is difficult without experience. What I did found when surfing was some little fun-information. For example the younger generation of NSDAP men called the GPB "die Angstbroche" (Brooch of fear) because they had to watch out with those old kampfers who were wearing these badge.

Regards, Theo

[ErichS]

Theo, I really enjoy your fun facts on the 3rd Reich Please keep them comi ng!

[Wim Vangossum]

Erich, as long that endless looking trough files cost me not too much headache, painfull eyes and a grumpy wife, I will continue

Regards, Theo