Germany, NSDAP. A Golden Party Badge, Small Version by Josef Fuess, to Paul Gerhards (97347)

(Goldenes Ehrenzeichen der NSDAP). A very well-preserved example of a small version of the NSDAP Golden Party Badge, constructed of gilded tombak with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse bearing a central white enameled disc overlaid by a black mobile swastika, within a red enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “NATIONAL-SOZIALISTISCHE D.A.P.” (“NATIONAL SOCIALIST GERMAN WORKERS’ PARTY”), the reverse engraved with a membership number of “97347” and a maker’s mark of “JOS. FUESS, MÜNCHEN”, measuring 24.14 mm in diameter, weighing 7.5 grams, accompanied by a copy of a certificate of authenticity issued by Detlev Niemann, the badge is missing its pinback and there is some flecking of enamels, in overall near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: NSDAP member number “97347”, identified as Paul Gerhards, joined the party on 1 September 1928. He was born in Elberfeld on 23 May 1910 and was employed as a wood polisher.