Germany, Third Reich. A Stahlhelm Commencement of Duty Badge Document to Emil Brauer, c.1935

(Urkunde). An award certificate for a Commencement of Duty Badge of the Stahlhelm, League of Front Soldiers, issued to Emil Brauer, by the regional state organization in Westphalia, Brauer was from Dortmund and joined the Stahlhelm in 1927, the award is dated 11 March 1935, presents a facsimile signature of founder Franz Seldte (1882-1947), presents a facsimile signature of the national treasurer Theodor Gruß, measuring 23.3 cm (w) x 31.6 cm (h), displaying a single folding crease, displaying minor creasing and scuffing, and in near very fine condition.

Footnote: The Stahlhelm (steel helmet), League of Front Soldiers was a paramilitary organization founded in 1918. It attracted former soldiers from WWI whose financial situation was unstable and who rejected the new democracy of the Weimar Republic. Because of its fundamentally monarchist character, the Stahlhelm was distrusted after Hitler’s rise to power. It was urged to merge with the SA, which largely happened in 1934. The remaining organization was finally outlawed by AH in 1935.