Germany, RADwJ. A Membership Brooch for the German Women’s Labour Service

(Abzeichen). A round brooch constructed of bronze, the obverse centre presents a swastika surrounded by some barley ears (not the standard RADwJ emblem), circumscribed by the inscription ARBEIT FÜR DEIN VOLK. ARBEIT DICH SELBST. DEUTSCHER FRAUENARBEITSDIENST (WORK FOR YOUR PEOPLE. WORK FOR YOURSELF. GERMAN WOMEN’S LABOUR SERVICE), the reverse presents a horizontal pinback, numbered 50967, measuring 43.61 mm in diameter, and in very fine condition.

Footnote: In addition to the service and rank insignia, members of the RADwJ were eligible for another award worn in the form of a round brooch. It is presumed that this was an award for recognition of special achievement or service in the RAD, but the specific criteria for the award are not known. See John R. Angolia, For Führer and Fatherland: Political & Civil Awards of the Third Reich (San Jose: R. James Bender, 1978), 341-342.