Description
Product Description: This 1923 Gau Honor Badge is a gorgeous and very well-preserved example of this iconic and desirable political award. This one is the 1923 version, and is the more desirable type with enameled swastika. The glossy black enamel on the large swastika emblem shows no chips, cracks or damage. The wreath is nicely burnished, and the silver surface is very attractive, with deep, uncleaned age toning. All of the original detail is intact. On the reverse, this attractive 1923 Gau Honor Badge shows smooth surfaces and attractive toning with pastel shades. The hardware setup is classic and textbook for these, and features hollowed rivets, a double wire pin, wide hinge, and round wire catch. There is no damage and there are no repairs. This handsome award is marked behind the swastika with the maker “R. Wächtler & Lange, Mittweida” as well as a silver content stamp “800.” This beautiful and scarce badge would be tough to upgrade. The condition rates as excellent/near mint.
Historical Description: The General Gau Honor Badge is among the most striking-looking of all of the political badges awarded by the Nazi Party to distinguish those who contributed to the struggle to power during the Kampfzeit. It was not associated with any particular German district (Gau) and because this was an official decoration awarded by Party headquarters at national level, it took precedence over other, regional awards. There were two forms of this Gau honor badge, the 1923 and 1925 versions, distinguished by the date at the center of the swastika emblem on the obverse. The badges were instituted in 1933 and show a variety of manufacturing techniques, with enamel and painted versions being known. The designation of the award varied depending on who was awarding it, and the exact reason for the different dates found on these is still a topic of discussion and study. These badges are impressive pieces that are sought-after by collectors for their important historical value.
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