VDA glass tinnie, maybe plastic

[KASOH]

[Br. James]

This is a version of the VdA ("Volksbund für das Deutschtum im Ausland” – National League for German-ness Abroad) membership pin. The primary organization for Party members whose work took them abroad for long periods of time was the AO – the Auslandsorganisation der NSDAP – which was organized as a Gau. The Gauleiter of the AO was Ernst Wilhelm Bohle and the Deputy Gauleiter was Alfred Hess; the AO headquarters was located at 4 Tiergartenstrasse, Berlin W 35. NSDAP members working aboard commercial ships belonged to the AO, as did international salesmen whose work took them overseas for months at a time. AO members were not permitted to simultaneously belong to a gau within Germany, and the immediate members of the AO member’s family also belonged to the AO. The VdA was a fellowship within the AO which encouraged German nationals to maintain contact with each other while abroad and to establish links with people of German heritage in foreign countries.

Br. James

[KASOH]

Wow, what an answer! Thank you for that great info. All new to me so thank you.

[CM Alexander]

This is actually part of a set of 7 glass pieces that were sold by the VDA to raise funds in 1939. The set features various cornflower patters as well as an edelweiss and globe. It is featured on page 234 of our book 'Donation Badges, Pins & Pendants of the Third Reich'.

Chrys

[RonR]