Germany, NSDAP. A NSDAP Golden Party Badge, Small Version by Deschler & Sohn, to Herbert Ruck

(Goldenes Ehrenzeichen der NSDAP). Constructed of gilded tombak with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of circular oak leaf wreath, with a central white enameled disc overlaid by a black mobile swastika, within a ring of red enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “NATIONAL-SOZIALISTISCHE D.A.P.” (“NATIONAL SOCIALIST GERMAN WORKERS’ PARTY”), the reverse with a horizontal pinback, stamped with a NSDAP member number of “84511”, unmarked but with the physical characteristics of manufacture by Deschler & Sohn, Munich, measuring 23.68 mm in diameter, weighing 7.9 grams, with flecking of enamels and some loss of finish evident, in very fine condition.

Footnote: Herbert Ruck was born on 29 May 1908 and joined the NSDAP on 1 April 1928. According to paperwork, Ruck lost his job after November 1931 and was unable to NSDAP membership dues, resulting in his Ortsgruppe covering his expenses. He found employment in May 1933, and paid back these loans, but discovered he had mistakenly been struck from the party membership roster. He was later reinstated with his old membership number. In 1939, Ruck lost his small Golden Party Badge, and submitted a request for replacement decorations in the form of one large and two small badges. These were issued in April 1939 for a fee of RM 3,50.