Germany, NSDAP. A Golden Party Badge, by Deschler & Sohn, to SA-Sturmführer Ludwig Köllhofer

(Goldenes Ehrenzeichen der NSDAP). Constructed of gilded tombak with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of a circular laurel leaf wreath, around a central white enameled disc bearing a black mobile swastik, 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 backplate bearing a barrel hinge and horizontal pinback, engraved with NSDAP membership number “10424” for SA-Sturmführer Ludwig Köllhofer, unmarked but with the physical characteristics of manufacture by Deschler & Sohn, Munich, measuring 30.55 mm in diameter, weighing 13.0 grams, there is significant chipping evident to the enamels, the reverse catch is missing, and there is evidence of repair to the backplate, in overall fair condition.

Footnote: Ludwig Köllhofer was born on 24 April 1900 in Kiechlinsbergen. He initially joined the NSDAP on 2 January 1923 and, after the party’s dissolution and revival on 26 February 1925, re-enlisted on 16 July of that year. A painter by trade, Köllhofer was also a member of the Sturmabteilung (SA), rising to the rank of SA-Sturmführer and working for the propaganda organ of the NSDAP. At the time of documentation, he was a resident of Berchtesgaden. His initial NSDAP membership number is recorded as “15938”, while his number under the party’s second incarnation was “10424”. Köllhofer survived the war and died on 20 February 1972 in Berchtesgaden.