Chahler,
Thanks for your response! I agree with you.
I would bet my last plug nickel it’s real, judging from the man I bought it from.
I just wanted to show it off! : )
Robert,
Thanks for your comment.
I have seen one with a bigger ring around it, so I know what you are referring to.
But if you search out there, you will find more with this size ring around it than otherwise. Most look like mine if real.
These were all made by the same maker, and they all have very special characteristics that will tell you they are real.
This is such a small badge, it often gets overlooked. And, there are so many fakes, it gets discouraging.
So, for posterity, here’s a pic of Darré wearing his.
I think the plainclothes police had them more than others. But that’s just one of the theories. It’s a valid SS award, But darned hard to find if real. My whole point is, if you find a real one, hang on tight. And please don’t think I’m blowing my own horn. I wasn’t aware of this badge until about a month ago. Now, I feel very fortunate to have one.
John
Sipo,
thanks for making me double check this.
I use badge, but then award, too flexibly. It should be badge, or Abzeichen, not an Ehrenzeichen, or honor badge.
As for the ‘theory' that the police had them more than others, consider it baseless 'water-cooler' theory, stemming from speculation that some of the SS men went around in plainclothes, and would want one more than their uniformed brethren.
But again, thanks for making me check this. Here's what I found on this. Interesting, but not world-shaking. All this badge represents is membership in the SS.
here's the next page from the SS section of the Organization book of the NSDAP.
I suppose this was little more than an official badge showing membership in one of the party organizations, like the HJ, the SA, or the NSDAP itself. Since the number had no bearing on the SS number of the bearer, I surmise that if you didn't need one for civil wear, you didn't request one. Just a guess.
But the SS sure did take pride in every piece of their regalia! Maybe that's why it's so sought after.
John
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