(Goldenes Ehrenzeichen der NSDAP). A well-preserved example of a NSDAP Golden Party Badge, constructed of gilded tombak and multi-coloured enamels. The obverse presents with a central black mobile swastika within a bed of white enamels, with a red enameled edge inscribed “NATIONAL-SOZIALISTISCHE D.A.P.” (“National Socialist German Workers’ Party”). The reverse presents with a catch for a horizontal pinback and NSDAP member number “54707” for Paul Masser. The badge is unmarked but bears the physical characteristics of the type produced by the firm of Deschler & Sohn, München. It measures 23.58 mm in diameter and weighs 7.6 grams. Minor scratching of the enamels is evident, and the reverse pinback is missing, but the badge is in an otherwise near extremely fine condition.
Footenote: Paul Masser was born on 3 November 1898 in Oberwald bei Ligist, Steiermark, Austria-Hungary. He enlisted in the Austro-Hungarian Army in 1916 and served for the remainder of the First World War. He joined the NSDAP on 1 October 1928 as member 54707. He worked as a blacksmith in the Steiermark region and was cited in NSDAP correspondence as an active contributor to the German war effort. His efforts to obtain the Golden Party Badge began on 24 December 1939, and the award was officially bestowed on 22 October 1940.