Golden Party Badge 30mm #10967

The National Socialist movement fought for its survival against long odds during its creation in the politically chaotic environment of 1920s Germany. When the Party faced near collapse several times during its difficult early days, Hitler championed his followers on, promising that his ideals would ultimately prevail, and that the Party would eventually win mass acceptance. Contrary to many modern day portrayals, Hitler was very loyal to those who were loyal to him, and always held in high regard those who believed in him and stood by him when it was socially and politically risky to do so. After the Assumption of Power in January 1933, many citizens in Germany who weren't previously members of the Nazi Party began signing up in droves. Party membership was a deciding factor in many of the day to day activities of National Socialist Germany, with the tie-breaking vote being cast in favor of members. Furthermore, many civil and government positions were being staffed with Party members who could be relied on to further the Party ideals. With this in mind, membership began swelling at a near uncontrollable pace. (So quickly in fact that Party registration was actually cut off at one point.) The Golden Party badge was arguably the 2nd highest NSDAP award given, and was created to honor those who joined the Party early on. The badge was only available to Party members with membership numbers below the first 100,000 and who rendered uninterrupted service since 1925. Regulations eventually relaxed nominally, but suffice it to say, a Golden Party Badge wearer was treated with enormous regard in National Socialist Germany. The badge was awarded in the smaller 24mm size, and the larger 30mm proportion. The large badge also came in 2 configurations, a traditional pin back, and the desirable 'military pin' variation, for wear on a tunic or uniform. Any authentic Golden Party Badge is deemed valuable in todayï¾’s collecting community, but the larger badge, particularly with the military pin is highly coveted. Here is one such badge with every characteristic the serious collector looks for. Long considered a staple of 3rd Reich collecting, no NSDAP collection or Party Leader tunic is appropriate without one. (Of note: these GPBs are highly sought after and therefore reproduced. This GPB has been examined and given an enthusiastic thumbs up by GPB expert Stephen Lautens, and is one that will never be questioned as to its authenticity) (Golden Party Badge 30mm)