Description
Product Description: This is a nice example of a RLB Membership Pin. This pattern of pin was worn by members of the Reichs-Luftschutz-Bund, the German civil air raid defense organization before and during WWII. This is an early pin that uses the first version of the RLB emblem. This pin is made out of silvered Tombak. Light wear to the obverse exposes the base metal in some small areas, and the intact finish shows normal age toning. The beautiful blue enamel is intact in the RLB initials and the swastika emblem. The reverse of this RLB Membership Pin is flat, with full original finish that retains original shine. It’s marked in raised lettering with the name of the maker as well as “Ges. Gesch.” indicating a legally protected design. The original attachment pin is intact and functional, and is held in place by a plate that was soldered before the finish was applied. This piece is complete and sound with no repairs. The condition rates as excellent.
Historical Description: Membership pins have existed long throughout Imperial and Weimar German history. These badges represented a wide array of organizations that represented nearly every facet of German society. Veteran groups, gymnastic clubs, Sängerbundes, shooting clubs, fraternal groups, labor groups, etc, all sported different pins, and they became a status symbol of the era. These pins were produced in basic painted or paper style constructions, to more elaborate and ornate enamel produced pieces in all sizes. The array of membership pins only further increased during the Third Reich, with nationalization requiring most citizens to join many of the organizations in Nazi Germany, from national organizations such as the Deutsches Arbeitsfront or the NS Volkswohlfahrt, to localized groups divided by Gau or even individual cities. Overall, membership pins became a key piece in German Nationalism and Volksgemeinschaft.
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