Germany, NSDAP. A Golden Party Badge, by Deschler & Sohn, to Karl Kriegelstein

(Goldenes Ehrenzeichen der NSDAP). Constructed of gilded tombak with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of a circular oak leaf wreath, with a central white enameled disc overlaid by a black mobile swastika, within a ring of red enamels bearing a gilt inscription of “NATIONAL-SOZIALISTISCHE D.A.P.” (“NATIONAL SOCIALIST GERMAN WORKERS’ PARTY”), the reverse with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, engraved with a NSDAP membership number of “51311” for Karl Kriegelstein of Vienna, unmarked but with the physical characteristics of manufacture by Deschler & Sohn, Munich, measuring 30.44 mm in diameter, weighing 13.6 grams, with some distortion of the structure evident, in addition to scratching of both the enamels and reverse of badge, with evidence of catch repair, in very fine condition, accompanied by a guarantee of authenticity issued by Jamie Cross, dated 2 March 2002.

Footnote: According to an NSDAP personnel file, Karl Kriegelstein was born on 8 June 1907 in Vienna and joined the party on 5 May 1926. At the time of issue, Kriegelstein was employed as a painter of theatre stages.