Germany, NSDAP. A Golden Party Badge, Awarded to Karl Wilhelm Bauer, by Deschler & Sohn, c.1933

(Goldenes Ehrenzeichen der NSDAP). A NSDAP Golden Party Badge constructed of gilded tombac and multi-coloured enamels, the obverse presents a central black mobile swastika within a bed of white enamels, with a red enamelled edge inscribed NATIONAL-SOZIALISTISCHE D.A.P. (NATIONAL SOCIALIST GERMAN WORKERS’ PARTY), the reverse presents a horizontal pinback maker marked DESCHLER & SOHN MÜNCHEN 9, also marked GES. GESCH. and with the member number 64712, measuring 30.30 mm in diameter, weighing 12.3 grams, with moderate flecking of the enamels on the obverse, and in good condition. Accompanied by several pages of research including a letter from Robert E. McDivitt of Militaria Research Services.

Footnote: Karl Wilhelm Bauer was born on 28 March 1905 in Singhofen, in the district of Rhein-Lahn. He worked as a farmer and joined the NSDAP on 18 July 1927 (membership number 64712). On 24 November 1933, the Party awarded Bauer the Golden Party Badge. According to Bauer’s membership cards, he was associated with the National Political Institutes of Education (NAPOLA/NPEA) at Oranienstein (Gau Hessen-Nassau), Ilfeld (Gau Thüringen), and Bensberg (Gau Köln-Aachen), possibly employed as a laborer or in a political capacity.