Germany, NSDAP. Two NSDAP Golden Party Badges to Member 69570. Fritz Brünemann

(Goldenes Parteiabzeichen der Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei). A set of two NSDAP golden party badges, consisting of 1) A Large Golden NSDAP Party Badge; constructed of gilt tombac, and black, white, and pebbled red enamels; the obverse with a black mobile swastika (Hakenkreuz) in the centre, within a bed of white enamels, with a red enameled edge inscribed “Nationalsozialistische DAP”, the reverse plain, with a horizontal pinback; clearly numbered “69570” and “Ges.Gesch.” on the reverse, along with a breather hole below the pinback; measuring 30.48 mm in diameter; weighing 12.8 grams. 2) A Smaller Golden NSDAP Party Badge; constructed of gilt tombac, and black, white, and pebbled red enamels; the obverse with a black mobile swastika (Hakenkreuz) in the centre, within a bed of white enamels, with a red enameled edge inscribed “Nationalsozialistische DAP”, the reverse plain, with a horizontal pinback; marked “Jos. Fuess, München” and numbered “69570” on the reverse; measuring 24.18 mm in diameter; weighing 7.7 grams. Both are well-worn examples - the larger with flaking to the enamels at the ten o’clock position, and both with obvious contact marks; in overall near very fine condition.

Footnote: Fritz Brünemann was born on May 17, 1904 in Plettenberg (western Germany). A Diplom-Landwirt (agronomist), Brünemann joined the NSDAP on October 31, 1927, membership number 69570. He received the NSDAP Honour Badge on April 14, 1934. However, between 1933 and 1937, Brünemann tried to backdate his admittance date into the NSDAP to 1925. He was one of the cofounders of the local NSDAP group of Hamm, receiving the membership number 16090. According to him, he left the party by mistake, and this was never sufficiently rectified. Brünemann’s request was denied due to the fact that the records from his early NSDAP times, as well as verification of him paying his fees during this time, were incomplete. Another problem was that his original membership number, had already been given to another member.