Germany, DAF. A Pioneer of Labour Badge, Collector’s Example by Souval, c. 1960
(Ehrenzeichen Pionier der Arbeit, Museumsstück). Constructed of gilded tombak with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of a semi-oval laurel leaf wreath surrounding a red enameled void, overlaid by a German Labour Front- (DAF) style German national eagle perched on top of a cogwheel, itself surrounding a white enameled disc bearing a black mobile swastika, the reverse with two blasted rivets securing the obverse applique in place, with a barrel hinge and horizontal pinback meeting a flat wire catch, unmarked but demonstrating the physical characteristics of a high-quality collector’s example manufactured by the Vienna firm of Rudolf Souval c. 1960, measuring 37.98 mm (w) x 54.72 mm (h), weighing 37.5 grams, in extremely fine condition.

