Nazi-German Artifacts and Memorabilia, 1933-1945

Collection Overview

Title: Nazi-German Artifacts and Memorabilia, 1933-1945

Predominant Dates:1939 -- 1945

ID: RG-36/RG-36

Creator: NSDAP, National Socialist German Workers' Party (1933 -- 1945)

Extent: 0.0

Arrangement: Materials are arranged by subject/creator, then by identifier, as assigned by the processor.

Abstract

Collection of Nazi-German memorabilia testifies to the high role of the propaganda and national symbol. The National Socialist movement and then the German national socialist goverment always regarded highly the role of national symbols as part of the Nazi ideology

Scope and Contents of the Materials

This Record Group is comprised of various Nazi-German awards, medals, decorations, insignias and like worn by the servicemen and civilians during the Nazi era. This Collection also includes a number of sub-collection relate to the attributes of the parade German uniform, namely knifes, daggers, saber, epaulettes, and like. There is also the sub-collection of various state and army Nazi flags. The following collections are included, RG-36.01, German decorations, awards, medals, and insignias; RG-36.02, Daggers, sabers, and parade arms; RG-36.03, Nazi-German flags; RG-36.04, Nazi-German coins; RG-36.05, Nazi-German paraphernalia;RG-36.06; Lyle S. Bettger Collection; RG-36.07, Oak Chest Poker Chips; RG-36.08, Nazi-German rubber stamps; RG-36.09, Personal and official documents; RG-36.10, Miscellaneous artifacts, RG-36.11 Nazi-German Cutlery

Biographical Note

NSDAP becomes a ruling German party and the major player in domestic and foreign policy of Germany since March 1933. Until beginning of May 1945, it held administrative, military and political power in Germany and in Germany-occpupied and controlled territories.

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions:

No restrictions

Copyrighted materials, credits to and references to the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust are required

Digital copies might be available upon request

Use Restrictions: Copyrighted materials

Box and Folder Listing

Sub-Collection 1: RG-36.01, German decorations, awards, medals, and insignias, 1918 -- 1945

This Collection includes various decorations of German imperial period, Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany

Subject/Index Terms:: German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; German Police and Security forces, 1939 --1945; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; National Socialist Symbols; Nazi State Symbols; SS police and military formation; Stormtroopers (SA), paramilitary wing of the Nazi party; NSDAP (Nazi Party) symbols and decorations

Creators:: Goverment of Nazi Germany (1933 -- 1945); Government of German Empire (1918); Government of Weimar Republic (1918 -- 1933)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 1: RG-36.01.01, 1918 Black Wound Badge, 1918

Awarded to military personnel wounded in combat

Subject/Index Terms:: German military badges; Wartime combat operations; Wound Badge (World War I); English, language; Germany (1900 -- 1939); The First World War, 1914 -- 1918; Black Wound Badge; German imperial army, 1900 -- 1918

Creators:: Imperial German military command (1918); German Imperial Government (1871 -- 1918)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 2: RG-36.01.02, A ribbon, Squadron Boelcke, 1916

This ribbon signified affiliation with the Boelke air force squadron in the German Imperial Army.

Oswald Boelcke (19 May 1891 – 28 October 1916) was a German flying ace of the First World War and one of the most influential patrol leaders and tacticians of the early years of air combat. Boelcke is considered the father of the German fighter air force, as well as the "Father of Air Fighting Tactics"; he was the first to formalize rules of air fighting, which he presented as the Dicta Boelcke. While he promulgated rules for the individual pilot, his main concern was the use of formation fighting rather than single effort.

Boelcke was appointed commander of his hand-picked group of pilots on 30 August 1916.

Subject/Index Terms:: The First World War, 1914 -- 1918; Combat in the air, 1914 -- 1918; German fighter air force, 1914 -- 1918; Fighter air force tactics; Flying Clasp (World War I); English, language; German, language; Germany (1900 -- 1939); Squadron Boelcke; Boelcke, Oswald (1891 -- 1916); Wartime combat operations

Creators:: Imperial German military command (1918); Imperial German Air Force, 1914 -- 1918 (1914 -- 1918)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 3: RG-36.01.03, Badges and pin with swastika, circa 1933-1945

A badge and pin with a swastika.

1.) The round badge reads "National Socialist German Worker's Party," and is a party badge.

2.) The diamond-shaped pin is related to the membership Hitler Jugend organization.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi-German pins and badges; swastika; Hitler Jugend; German, language; English, language; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Germany (1939--1945); Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (German Worker's Party)

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 4: RG-36.01.04, Close Combat Clasp in gold, circa 1942

The Close Combat Clasp (German: Nahkampfspange) is a German military award instituted on 25 November 1942 for achievement in hand to hand fighting in close quarters. The Close Combat Clasp was worn above the upper left uniform pocket. The clasp was die-cast and made of either tombac or later zinc, with a slightly curved and hand centerpiece consisting of the national emblem surmounting a crossed bayonet and hand grenade.

(Wikipedia)

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Nazi-German pins and badges; Close Combat Clasp (Nazi-Germany); English, language; swastika; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Germany (1939--1945)

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 5: RG-36.01.05, Crimean or Krim campaign shield, 1942

Crimean or "Krim" campaign shield, Krimschild.

The Crimea Shield (known as "Krim" Shield to collectors) was awarded to German soldiers under the command of Generalfeldmarschall Erich von Manstein who fought and captured Crimea (Krim in German) in between September 1941 and July 1942. The Crimea Shield was instituted on 25 July 1942 and was the most widely distributed of the shields with approximately 250,000 being handed out.

From 21 September 1941 until 4 July 1942 German soldiers faced severe opposition from the Russian army while attempting to capture the important Black Sea ports around Sevastopol.

This particularly difficult campaign was recognized in the form of the Shield.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Nazi-German pins and badges; Campaign Shield (Nazi-Germany); Crimea "Krim" Shield; Germany (1939--1945); English, language; German military badges; Wartime combat operations; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; swastika

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 6: RG-36.01.06, Driver proficiency award in silver, circa 1942

A series of three Drivers Proficiency Badges were distributed in bronze, silver and gold. First introduced on October 23, 1942, with qualifications for award of the badges being retroactive to December 1, 1940. The criteria for award of one of the badges varied with exceptional driving ability and vehicle maintenance being the main considerations. The badges were awarded to both Wehrmacht and civilian personnel who fulfilled the required criteria. When awarded the badge was worn on the lower left sleeve of the field blouse and service tunic. This example, in silver, is the second of the three grades.

Stamped alloy construction. The badge is in the form of an embossed, circular laurel leaf wreath encompassing an embossed steering wheel on a pebbled background field. The reverse is a mirror image of the obverse and all four attachment prongs are intact. Unmarked.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Driver Proficiency Award (Nazi-Germany); Nazi-German pins and badges; Germany (1939--1945); English, language; German military badges; Wartime combat operations; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Driver's Proficiency Award

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 7: RG-36.01.07, Early SA (Storm Troops) belt buckle, circa 1933-1939

Early SA, Sturm Abteilung (storm troops) buckle.

The Sturmabteilung (SA); Storm Detachment or Assault Division, or Brownshirts) functioned as the original paramilitary wing of the Nazi Party. It played a key role in Adolf Hitler's rise to power in the 1920s and 1930s. Their main assignments were providing protection for Nazi rallies and assemblies, disrupting the meetings of the opposing parties, fighting against the paramilitary units of the opposing parties (esp. the Rotfrontkämpferbund) and intimidating Jewish citizens (e.g. the Nazi boycott of Jewish businesses).

The SA was the first Nazi paramilitary group to develop pseudo-military titles for bestowal upon its members. The SA ranks were adopted by several other Nazi Party groups, chief amongst them the SS, itself originally a branch of the SA. SA men were often called "brownshirts" for the colour of their uniforms (similar to Benito Mussolini's blackshirts). Brown-coloured shirts were chosen as the SA uniform because a large batch of them were cheaply available after World War I, having originally been ordered during the war for colonial troops posted to Germany's former African colonies.

The SA became disempowered after Adolf Hitler ordered the "Blood purge" of 1934. This event became known as the Night of the Long Knives. The SA was effectively superseded by the SS, although it was not formally dissolved and banned until after the Third Reich's final capitulation to the Allied powers in 1945.

(Wikipedia)

Subject/Index Terms:: Stormtroopers (SA), paramilitary wing of the Nazi party; swastika; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); Germany (1918--1933); English, language

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 8: RG-36.01.08, German African Corps buckle, circa 1943

German African Corps buckel (DAK, Deutches Afrika Korp) which reads "God with Us." Belt maker is Gustav Hermann Osang.

The Afrika Korps formed upon Adolf Hitler's personal orders on 11 January 1941. Hitler picked Erwin Rommel to be their commander on 12 February 1941 (Rommel himself landed on African soil in Libya on 14 February 1941 to begin leading his forces that would be brought into action). The German Armed Forces High Command (Oberkommando der Wehrmacht, OKW) and Army High Command (Oberkommando des Heeres, OKH) had decided to send a "blocking force" (Sperrverband) to Libya to support the Italian army. The Italian army group had been routed by the British Commonwealth Western Desert Force in Operation Compass (9 December 1940 – 9 February 1941).

After the defeat at El Alamein and the Allied landings in Morocco and Algeria Operation Torch, the OKW once more upgraded its presence in Africa by creating the XC Army Corps in Tunisia on 19 November 1942, and then creating a new 5th Panzer Army headquarters there as well on 8 December, under the command of Colonel-General Hans-Jürgen von Arnim.

On 23 February 1943, Panzer Army Africa—now called the German-Italian Panzer Army—was redesignated as the Italian 1st Army and put under the command of Italian general Giovanni Messe, while Rommel was placed in command of a new Army Group Africa (Heeresgruppe Afrika), created to control both the Italian 1st Army and the 5th Panzer Army. The remnants of the Afrikakorps and other surviving units of the 1st Italian Army retreated into Tunisia. Command of the Army Group was turned over to von Arnim in March. On 13 May, remnants of the Afrikakorps surrendered, along with all other remaining Axis forces in North Africa.

(Wikipedia)

Subject/Index Terms:: Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); Afrika Korps (Nazi-Germany); Battle in North Africa; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; English, language; Stormtroopers (SA), paramilitary wing of the Nazi party; German, language

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 9: RG-36.01.09, German Field Gendarmerie Gorget, circa 1933-1935

When Adolf Hitler came to power in 1933, Feldgendarmerie were reintroduced into the Wehrmacht. The new units received full infantry training and were given extensive police powers. A military police school was set up at Potsdam, near Berlin to train Feldgendarmerie personnel. Subjects included Criminal code, general and special police powers, reporting duties, passport and identification law, weapons drill, self-defence techniques, criminal police methodology, and general administration.

All prospective candidates served at a Feldgendarmerie command after the first term of examinations. Courses lasted one year and failure rates were high: in 1935 only 89 soldiers graduated from an initial intake of 219 candidates. Feldgendarmerie were employed within army divisions and as self-contained units under the command of an army corps. They often worked in close cooperation with the Geheime Feldpolizei (English: Secret Field Police), district commanders and SS and Police Leaders.

(Wikipedia)

A gorget is a from the French gorge meaning throat, was originally a band of linen wrapped around a woman's neck and head in the medieval period, or the lower part of a simple chaperon hood. The term subsequently described a steel or leather collar designed to protect the throat, a set of pieces of plate armour, or a single piece of plate armour hanging from the neck and covering the throat and chest. Later, particularly from the 18th century onwards, the gorget became primarily ornamental, serving only as a symbolic accessory on military uniforms, a use which has survived to the modern day in some armies.

(Wikipedia)

Subject/Index Terms:: Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); Field Gendarmerie (Nazi-Germany); swastika; Germany (1933 -- 1939); English, language; German, language; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 10: RG-36.01.10, German Military Epaulette, Wehrmacht, circa 1933--1945

German military epaulettes with a "four chord" style. Four different styles of the epaulette are shown.

Subject/Index Terms:: Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); Auschwitz (Concentration camp); SS Obersturmfuehrer Josten; Germany (1939--1945); English, language; German, language; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 11: RG-36.01.11, Helmet, A page from old catalogue, circa 1939--1945

A page from the catalogue of the Martyrs Memorial and Museum of the Holocaust worksheet describing a steel helmet with a leather liner and strap. The helmet was acquired on May 8, 1945.

Subject/Index Terms:: German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); English, language; Documents in English language; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Germany (1939--1945); Holocaust museums; swastika

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 12: RG-36.01.12, Hitler Youth (Hitler Jugend) buckle, circa 1933--1945

Hitler Youth (Hitler Jugend) buckle.

Sign: Blut und Ehre- Blood and Honor.

Subject/Index Terms:: Hitler Jugend; Blut und Ehre or Blood and Honor (Hitlerjugend), Hiltler Youth organziation; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; swastika; English, language; German, language; Nazi war propaganda

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 13: RG-36.01.13, Insignia for a German military hat, circa 1939--1945

Military hat insignia, metal.

Subject/Index Terms:: swastika; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; Nazi-German insignias; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; English, language; Germany (1939--1945)

Creators:: Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945); Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 14: RG-36.01.14, Iron Cross, Second Class, with ribbon, circa 1845--1945

The Iron Cross is a cross symbol typically in black with a white or silver outline that originated after 1219 when the Kingdom of Jerusalem granted the Teutonic Order the right to combine the Teutonic Black Cross placed above a silver Cross of Jerusalem.

The military decoration called the Iron Cross which existed in the Kingdom of Prussia, and later in the German Empire and Third Reich, was established by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia and first awarded on the 10th of March in 1813 during the Napoleonic Wars. The recommissioned Iron Cross was also awarded during the Franco-Prussian War, World War I, and World War II. The Iron Cross was normally a military decoration only, though there were instances of it being awarded to civilians for performing military functions. Two examples of this were civilian test pilots Hanna Reitsch and Melitta Schenk Gräfin von Stauffenberg, who were awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class and 2nd Class respectively for their actions as pilots during World War II.

The Iron Cross was used as the symbol of the German Army from 1871 to March/April 1918, when it was replaced by a simpler Greek cross. The Iron Cross was reintroduced as an award in the German Army in 1939 with a Swastika added in the center during the Third Reich in World War II. In 1956, the Iron Cross resumed its German military usage, as it became the symbol of the Bundeswehr, the modern German armed forces. The traditional design is black and this design is used on armored vehicles and aircraft. A newer design in blue and silver is used as the emblem in other contexts.

Subject/Index Terms:: Iron Cross medallion (Nazi-Germany); German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; swastika; English, language; Nazi-German pins and badges; Germany (1939--1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945

Creators:: Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945); Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 15: RG-36.01.15, War merit cross, First Class with swords, circa 1939--1945

The War Merit Cross (German: Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was a decoration of Nazi Germany during the Second World War, which could be awarded to civilians as well as military personnel.

Subject/Index Terms:: War Merit Cross (Nazi-Germany); German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Germany (1939--1945); Nazi-German pins and badges; swastika; English, language

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 16: RG-36.01.16, Iron Cross, First Class, pin back, 1939--1945

Iron Cross First Class for the Polish 1939 Campign with pin back.

Subject/Index Terms:: Iron Cross medallion (Nazi-Germany); German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; swastika; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Germany (1939--1945); Nazi-German pins and badges; English, language

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 17: RG-36.01.17, Iron Cross, Second Class, with ribbon, circa 1939--1945

Iron Cross, Second Class with ribbon. The badge is dated for the 1939 campaign.

Subject/Index Terms:: Iron Cross medallion (Nazi-Germany); Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Nazi-German pins and badges; swastika; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Germany (1939--1945)

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 18: RG-36.01.18, Iron Cross, Second Class, 1939 Campaign, circa 1939--1945

Iron Cross, Second class, 1939 campaign medallion.

Subject/Index Terms:: Iron Cross medallion (Nazi-Germany); German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; swastika; Nazi-German pins and badges; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Germany (1939--1945); English, language

Creators:: Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945); Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 19: RG-36.01.19, Nazi eagles sewn to uniform, circa 1939--1945

Nazi eagles that were sewn to the uniforms.

Subject/Index Terms:: swastika; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); Nazi-German pins and badges; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; English, language; Germany (1939--1945); German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 20: RG-36.01.20, Nazi flagpole topper, circa 1939--1945

A Nazi flagpole topper.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi flag; Nazi-German banners; swastika; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; English, language; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Germany (1939--1945)

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 21: RG-36.01.21, Non-commissioned officer's steel buckle, circa 1939--1945

A non-commissioned officer's steel buckle that reads 'God With Us."

Subject/Index Terms:: swastika; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; English, language; German, language; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Germany (1939--1945)

Creators:: Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945); Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 22: RG-36.01.22, Painted NSDAP (Nazi Party) Pin, circa 1933--1945

A painted NSDAP (Nazi Party) pin. It reads, "National Social German Worker's Party."

Subject/Index Terms:: swastika; Nazi Party, membership; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Nazi-German pins and badges; English, language; German, language; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Germany (1933 -- 1945)

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 23: RG-36.01.23, Police officer's dress buckle, circa 1933--1945

A police officer's dress buckle.

Subject/Index Terms:: Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); German Police and Security forces, 1939 --1945; Nazi-German pins and badges; Germany (1933 -- 1945); German, language; English, language; swastika; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945

Creators:: German police authorities in Germany (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 24: RG-36.01.24, Russian campaign medal with ribbon, circa 1939--1945

A Russian campaign medal with ribbon.

The Eastern Front Medal, (Winterschlacht Im Osten), more commonly known as the Ostmedaille was instituted on May 26, 1942 to mark service on the German Eastern Front (World War II) during the period November 15, 1941 to April 15, 1942. It was commissioned to recognize the hardship endured by German and Axis Powers personnel, combatant or non-combatant, during the especially bitter Russian winter of '41/'42. It was wryly called the "Gefrierfleischorden" (Frozen Meat Medal) by Heer, Luftwaffe & Waffen-SS personnel to whom it was awarded.

(Wikipedia)

Subject/Index Terms:: Campaign Shield (Nazi-Germany); Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; German invasion of the USSR, 22 June 1941; German war against the USSR, 1941 -- 1945; Nazi-German pins and badges; swastika; English, language; German, language; The USSR (1941--1945); Germany (1939--1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias

Creators:: Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945); Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 25: RG-36.01.25, Russian campaign medal, front and rear view, 1941-1942, circa 1942--1945

A Russian campaign medal dated 1941-1942, with a front and rear view of the medal.

Subject/Index Terms:: swastika; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Campaign Shield (Nazi-Germany); German invasion of the USSR, 22 June 1941; German war against the USSR, 1941 -- 1945; Nazi-German pins and badges; English, language; German, language; The USSR (1941--1945); Germany (1939--1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 26: RG-36.01.26, S.A. badge, circa 1933--1945

The SA Sports Badge was a decoration of Nazi Germany that was issued between the years 1933 and 1945. It was a political version of the much more generic German Sports Badge which was also issued in great numbers by the Nazis.

The SA Sports Badge was issued in three grades (bronze, silver, and gold) as well as a special version known as the "SA Sports Badge for War Wounded". The wounded version was implemented in 1940 for those military veterans of the Wehrmacht who had been wounded in combat and could no longer perform the physical feats required for the normal SA Sports Badge. The wounded version of the badge was designed with different criteria and only those rated with a disability could qualify for the badge.

Although originally designed as a physical fitness badge for Nazi stormtroopers, the SA Sports Badge was issued across every German military and paramilitary organization. Indeed, the SS held the SA Sports Badge in high regard, and many of its senior members, Heinrich Himmler, Karl Wolff, and Arthur Nebe among them, qualified for the decoration. The badge was also commonly issued to the Wehrmacht and was one of the few political decorations that the armed forces allowed to freely be displayed on a military uniform (other such decorations included the Blood Order and the Golden Party Badge).

By 1943, a similar sports badge had been created for non-Germans attached to the Germanic-SS. Known as the Germanic Proficiency Runes, this award was issued in two grades (bronze and silver) with similar physical tests as those required for the SA Sports Badge.

(Wikipedia)

Subject/Index Terms:: German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Stormtroopers (SA), paramilitary wing of the Nazi party; Nazi-German pins and badges; swastika; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; English, language; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 27: RG-36.01.27, Second Class Iron Cross, with ribbon, circa 1939--1945

An Iron Cross, Second class with a ribbon attached. It is dated for the 1939 campaign.

Subject/Index Terms:: Iron Cross medallion (Nazi-Germany); Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Nazi-German pins and badges; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); swastika; Germany (1939--1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; English, language; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 28: RG-36.01.28, SS badge for the SS Gruppe West of Frankfurt am Main, inscription Deployment on Section XI, circa 1933--1945

SS badge: Gruppe West, Frankfurt am Main: Aufmarsch Abschnitt XI.

Inscription reads, "Deployment on Section XI."

The Schutzstaffel, translated to Protection Squadron or defence corps, abbreviated SS, was a major paramilitary organization under Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party (NSDAP). It began at the end of 1920 as a small, permanent guard unit known as the "Saal-Schutz" (Hall-Protection) made up of NSDAP volunteers to provide security for Nazi Party meetings in Munich. Later in 1925, Heinrich Himmler joined the unit which had by then been reformed and renamed the "Schutz-Staffel". Under Himmler's leadership (1929–45), it grew from a small paramilitary formation to one of the largest and most powerful organizations in the Third Reich. Built upon the Nazi ideology, the SS under Himmler's command was responsible for many of the crimes against humanity during World War II (1939–45). The SS, along with the Nazi Party, was declared a criminal organization by the International Military Tribunal, and banned in Germany after 1945.

(Wikipedia)

Subject/Index Terms:: Frankfurt am Main (Germany); swastika; SS and administrative personnel, German; Schutzstaffel (SS); Nazi-German pins and badges; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Totenkopf (skull and bones of SS); Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; English, language; German, language; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Schutzstaffel aka SS (Nazi-German paramilitary organization) (circa 1929--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 29: RG-36.01.29, Tank Assault Badge, circa 1939--1945

The Tank Combat Badge, or Panzer Badge, first existed in the German Army during World War I, and was later issued again after the Spanish Civil War.

The World War I version showed a German A7V tank within a wreath surmounted by a Totenkopf ("death's head").

The Panzer Badge was introduced on December 20, 1939, in order to recognize the achievements of Panzer personnel who took part in armored assaults. It was designed by Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus of Berlin, and was instituted by order of Generaloberst Walther von Brauchitsch. On June 6, 1940, a separate class of the badge, in Bronze, was added in order to recognize the crews of armored vehicles other than tanks. The badge was presented in a paper packet with the name of the award printed on the outside. The award document that was awarded with it was the common type that had the particulars of the recipient (rank, name) and the authorizing signature of an officer. The Panzer Badge was worn on the left tunic pocket. The Bronze Panzer Badge was authorized for armored personnel and Panzergrenadier units equipped with armored vehicles. It was also to be presented to members of armored reconnaissance groups and rifle battalions of Panzer divisions. The authorization of these badges was usually done at a regimental or divisional level.

Subject/Index Terms:: Panzer Badge or Tank Combat Badge (Nazi-Germany); Nazi-German pins and badges; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; swastika; Germany (1939--1945); English, language; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 30: RG-36.01.30, Two Wound Badges, black and gold, circa 1939--1945

Two wound badges in black and gold.

Wound Badge (German: das Verwundetenabzeichen) was a German military award for wounded or frostbitten soldiers of Imperial German Army in World War I, the Reichswehr between the wars, and the Wehrmacht, SS and the auxiliary service organizations during the Second World War. After March 1943, due to the increasing number of Allied bombings, it was also awarded to injured civilians. It was ultimately one of the most common of all Third Reich decorations, yet also one of the most highly prized, since it had to be "bought with blood".

(Wikipedia)

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; swastika; Wound Badge (Nazi-Germany); Nazi-German pins and badges; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; Germany (1939--1945); English, language; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German)

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 31: RG-36.01.31, War Merit Cross, rear side, 1939, circa 1939--1945

A rear view of the war merit cross badge for the years 1939.

Subject/Index Terms:: German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; War Merit Cross (Nazi-Germany); Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Nazi-German pins and badges; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; Germany (1939--1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); English, language

Creators:: Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945); Goverment of Nazi Germany (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 32: RG-36.01.32, Wound Badge in silver, circa 1939--1945

A silver wound badge.

Subject/Index Terms:: Wound Badge (Nazi-Germany); swastika; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Nazi-German pins and badges; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; Germany (1939--1945); Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); English, language; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945

Creators:: Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945); Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 33: RG-36.01.33, Wound Badge in black, circa 1939--1945

A wound badge in black.

Subject/Index Terms:: swastika; Wound Badge (Nazi-Germany); Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Nazi-German pins and badges; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; Germany (1939--1945); English, language; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 34: RG-36.01.34, NSFK insignia, circa 1937--1945

The National Socialist Flyers Corps (German: Nationalsozialistisches Fliegerkorps; NSFK) was a paramilitary organization of the Nazi Party that was founded April 15, 1937 as a successor to the German Air Sports Association; the latter had been active during the years when a German Air Force was forbidden by the Treaty of Versailles. The organization was based closely on the organization of the Sturmabteilung (SA) and maintained a system of paramilitary ranks closely associated with the SA. A similar group was the National Socialist Motor Corps.

(Wikipedia)

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; swastika; National Socialist Flyers Corps or NSFK (Nazi-German paramilitary organization); Nazi-German pins and badges; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German)

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); National Sozialistische Fliegerkorp (NSFK) (1937 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 35: RG-36.01.35, Nazi Pin, circa 1933--1945

A Nazi membership pin.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi Party, membership; Nazi-German pins and badges; swastika; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 36: RG-36.01.36, Ich Hatt Einen Kameraden Medallion (I had a comrade), circa 1919--1933

Der gute Kamerad" ("The good Comrade"), also known as "I had a comrade in arms", is a traditional lament of the German Armed Forces. The text was written by the German poet Ludwig Uhland in 1809. In 1825, the composer Friedrich Silcher set it to music.

"The Good Comrade" plays an important ceremonial role in the German Armed Forces and is an integral part of a military funeral. The song has also become traditional in obsequies of the Military of Austria, the Austrian firebrigades and the highly prussianized Chilean Army. It is also used to some degree in the French Army, particularly in the Foreign Legion. When the song is played, soldiers are to salute, an honour otherwise reserved for national anthems only.

(Wikipedia)

It is a lamentation for a dead comrade.

Reverse of a token has a horizontal inscription in capital letters running in seven rows: “Those who have received this token of iron have helped with the adornment of resting paces of our brave ones”

Subject/Index Terms:: Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; German, language; Nazi-German pins and badges; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German)

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Government of German Empire (1918)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 37: RG-36.01.37, Nazi-era Medallion, circa 1933--1945

A Nazi-era medallion dated for a 1937 campaign.

Subject/Index Terms:: swastika; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; Nazi-German pins and badges; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German)

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 38: RG-36.01.38, Red Nazi armband with black stripes, circa 1933--1945

A red Nazi armband with black stripes.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi-German pins and badges; Nazi armband; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; swastika; Nazi Party, membership

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 39: RG-36.01.39, Triangular badge, 1939--1945

A triangular badge with a tank description and yellow, red, and blue colors. There is also a number 12 in thr corner.

Subject/Index Terms:: Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Nazi-German pins and badges; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German)

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 40: RG-36.01.40, Red and white Nazi armband, circa 1933--1945

A red and white Nazi armband.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi armband; swastika; Nazi Party, membership; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Nazi-German pins and badges; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht

Creators:: Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 41: RG-36.01.41, White cloth with eagle and swastika patch, circa 1933--1945

A white cloth patch with an eagle and swastika.

Subject/Index Terms:: swastika; Nazi Party, membership; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Nazi-German pins and badges; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht

Creators:: Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 42: RG-36.01.42, Black armband, circa 1933--1945

A black armband with a swastika and Nazi badge sewn on.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi armband; swastika; Nazi Party, membership; German, language; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Nazi-German pins and badges; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht

Creators:: Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 43: RG-36.01.43, Red Nazi armband with sticker, circa 1933--1945

A red Nazi armband with a purchase sticker.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi armband; Nazi Party, membership; German, language; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Nazi-German pins and badges; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht

Creators:: Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 44: RG-36.01.44, Red Nazi armband with pin, circa 1933--1945

A red Nazi armband with pins.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi armband; Nazi Party, membership; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Nazi-German pins and badges; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht

Creators:: Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 45: RG-36.01.45, Yellow Deutsche Wehrmacht armband, circa 1933--1945

A yellow armband that reads, "Deutsche Wehrmacht."

Subject/Index Terms:: German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Nazi Party, membership; Nazi armband; German, language; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Nazi-German pins and badges; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German)

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945); Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 46: RG-36.01.46, Red and white diamond Nazi patch, circa 1933--1945

A red and white diamond-shaped Nazi patch.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi-German pins and badges; swastika; Nazi Party, membership; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German)

Creators:: Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 47: RG-36.01.47, Yellow skull and crossbones handkerchief, circa 1933--1945

A yellow handkerchief with a skull and crossbones print.

Subject/Index Terms:: Totenkopf (skull and bones of SS); NSDAP (Nazi Party) symbols and decorations; Nazi Party, membership; Nazi-German pins and badges; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German)

Creators:: Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 48: RG-36.01.48, Blue National Socialist Party pin, circa 1933--1945

A blue swastika pin.

Subject/Index Terms:: NSDAP (Nazi Party) symbols and decorations; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Nazi Party, membership; Nazi-German pins and badges; swastika; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German)

Creators:: Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiter-Partei; Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 49: RG-36.01.49, Personal black ammo pouch with state emblem, circa 1939--1945

A black ammo pouch with a Nazi state emblem.

Subject/Index Terms:: swastika; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Nazi-German pins and badges; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945

Creators:: Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 50: RG-36.01.50, Skull and bones pin, circa 1933--1945

Skull and bones pin.

Subject/Index Terms:: Totenkopf (skull and bones of SS); Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Nazi-German pins and badges; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Schutzstaffel aka SS (Nazi-German paramilitary organization) (circa 1929--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 51: RG-36.01.51, Metal swastika with two irregular segments, circa 1933--1945

A swastika made of metal, with two irregular corners.

Subject/Index Terms:: swastika; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Nazi-German pins and badges; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 52: RG-36.01.52, Cross inset with diamond (or ersatz gemstone), circa 1850--1945

Cross inset with a diamond or ersatz gemstone.

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 53: RG-36.01.53, Nazi eagle brooch, circa 1933--1945

A golden Nazi brooch with an eagle carrying the swastika.

Subject/Index Terms:: swastika; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; Nazi-German pins and badges; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; English, language

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 54: RG-36.01.54, Belt buckle featuring an eagle clutching a swastika, circa 1933--1945

A belt buckle featuring an eagle clutching a swastika.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; NSDAP (Nazi Party) symbols and decorations; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); Nazi-German pins and badges; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; swastika

Creators:: Germany Military Command (May, 1945); Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 55: RG-36.01.55, Einsatzsturm der NSDAP, 1944, 1945

An armband that reads, "Einsatzsturm der NSDAP." a special forces mobilized out of the general German population by the Nazi party to defend Germany. In the corner is a Nazi stamp.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; NSDAP (Nazi Party) symbols and decorations; swastika; Nazi armband; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); German, language; Nazi-German pins and badges; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945

Creators:: NSDAP, National Socialist German Workers' Party (1933 -- 1945); Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945); Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiter-Partei

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 56: RG-36.01.56, Nazi lapel pin with Nazi swastika insignia and eagle

Nazi Lapel pin with Nazi swastika insignia and eagle, date unknown.

Arrangement: Item-level - pin.

Extent: 1 - pin

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi party; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; swastika; Nazi-German pins and badges; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Nazi Party; Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945); Nazi Military Authorities, 1933-1945

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 57: RG-36.01.57, National-Sozialistiche D.A.P. lapel pin red, white and gold, unknown

WWII National-Sozialistiche D.A.P (Nazi Party) pin. White enamel background with a black swastika encircled in a red circle with the words 'National-Socialistische-D.A.P' written in gold. Exact date unknown.

Arrangement: Item-Level - pin

Extent: 1 pin

Language: German

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 58: RG-36.01.58, Hitler Youth belt buckle with 'Blut und Ehre' inscription, 1933-1945

Hitler Youth (Hitler Jugend) buckle, with 'Blut und Ehre' ('Blood and Honor') inscription.

Arrangement: Item-level - belt buckle

Extent: 1 belt buckle

Language: German

Subject/Index Terms:: Blut und Ehre or Blood and Honor (Hitlerjugend), Hiltler Youth organziation; Hitler-Jugend (HJ), Hitler Youth, German term; Hitler Jugend; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; swastika

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Hitler Youth (1933-1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 59: RG-36.01.59, WWII German Police supporter pin, 1942, 1942

WWII German Police pin issued to individuals who contributed to the force, dated 1942. The design consists of an eagle with the wings fully spread placed in front of a wreath. The talons are cluthing a smaller wreath that bears a swastika. The back has a metal pin.

Arrangement: Item level - pin

Extent: One item

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 60: RG-36.01.60, Cross of Honor of the German Mother, Dec. 1938, Dec. 1938

The Cross of Honor of the German Mother was a state decoration given to German mothers to promote population growth. Eligible mothers were awarded a bronze cross for having four or five children, a silver cross for six or seven children, and gold cross for eight or more children.

Arrangement: Item-level - metal cross and ribbon

Extent: 1 item

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; Germany

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 61: RG-36.01.61, German Cross in Gold Cloth Badge

The German Cross was a military decoration, awarded in gold order for repeated acts of bravery or achievement in combat and in silver for distinguished non-combat service. A cloth badge was issued for the Gold German Crossto be worn during combat. The gold laurel wreath is missing from this artifact.

Arrangement: Item-level - cloth badge

Extent: 1 item

Subject/Index Terms:: German military badges; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; swastika

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 62: RG-36.01.62, DRL (Deutsche Reichsbund für Leibesübungen) German Sports Badge in Bronze, 1933-1945, 1933-1945

Subject/Index Terms:: NSDAP (Nazi Party) symbols and decorations; Nazi-German decorations, medals and awards; Nazi-German pins and badges; swastika; Nazi Germany, public and sports organizations, 1933 -- 1945; Nazi Germany, public and sports organizations, artifacts, 1933 -- 1945

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 63: RG-36.01.63, Luftwaffe (German Air Force) Belt Buckle, 1933-1945, 1933-1945

Subject/Index Terms:: swastika; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; Military Uniforms (Nazi-German); NSDAP (Nazi Party) symbols and decorations; Luftwaffe (German Air Force)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 64: RG-36.01.64, German Cross Gold Order Badge, 1941, 1941

The German Cross was a military decoration, awarded in gold order for repeated acts of bravery or achievement in combat and in silver for distinguished non-combat service.

Subject/Index Terms:: German military badges; Nazi-German pins and badges; swastika; Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias

Creators:: Nazi Military Authorities, 1933-1945

Sub-Collection 2: RG-36.02, Daggers, sabers, and parade arms, circa 1918--1945

This collection houses artifacts such as daggers, sabers, and parade arms relating to German infantry.

Subject/Index Terms:: war weaponry; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Schutzstaffel (SS); The First World War, 1914 -- 1918; German paratroopers

Creators:: Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 1: RG-36.02.01, Third Reich Paratrooper Knife, circa 1933--1945

A Third Reich paratrooper knife.

Subject/Index Terms:: German paratroopers; war weaponry; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; German, language; Butterfly Knife; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht

Creators:: Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 2: RG-36.02.02, HJ Hike-Camp Knife (Fahrtenmesser), circa 1922--1945

The Hitler Youth Knife (German: Hitler-Jugend-Fahrtenmesser) was a knife sold to and carried by boys of the paramilitary youth organization of the Nazi Party that existed from 1922 to 1945. The Hitler Youth wore knives as part of their uniform, which was very similar to the uniforms worn by the Sturmabteilung or SA. The knife was also given to those who performed exceptionally well in minor exams.

The Hitler Youth knife is mostly based on Mauser Gewehr 98 bayonets, except that it does not have a fuller (groove), and it is designed to be a dagger rather than a bayonet. Hitler Youth knives typically have an enameled swastika emblem on the obverse grip, and a Reichszeugmeisterei inscription on the blade. In early 1937, the motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) began to be etched on early knife blades, but this practice was abolished and later knives were produced with plain blades.

There are large numbers of fake and reproduction Hitler Youth Knives. After the war, an unknown quantity of Hitler Youth-style knives were shipped to the United States, made from mostly surplus parts, with the swastika emblem on the handle of many knives replaced with a fleur-de-lis emblem, similar to that used by the Boy Scouts. Knives of this style are still made for recreational use. Authentic models include a small leather swatch that prevents metal on metal contact between the handle and sheath, and have steel rather than alloy scabbards. Some fake scabbards also have a raised lip at the throat, unlike genuine ones.

Subject/Index Terms:: Hitler Jugend; war weaponry; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Nazi party artifacts

Creators:: Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 3: RG-36.02.03, Dagger produced by Eickhorn, circa 1939--1945

World War II dagger produced by Eickhorn.

Subject/Index Terms:: war weaponry; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945

Creators:: Eickhorn (1919--1945); Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 4: RG-36.02.04, Similar to combat bayonet (Seitengewehr), circa 1939--1945

Similar to a combat bayonet, also known as a 'seitengewehr.'

Subject/Index Terms:: war weaponry; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Combat Bayonet (Seitengewehr)

Creators:: Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 5: RG-36.02.05, Schutzstaffel Unslotted Stag Grip, Dress Bayonet (Seitengewehr) 3, circa 1939--1945

Schutzstaffel (SS) unslotted stag grip, dress bayonet.

Subject/Index Terms:: Schutzstaffel (SS); war weaponry; Germany (1939--1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Combat Bayonet (Seitengewehr); German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht

Creators:: Schutzstaffel aka SS (Nazi-German paramilitary organization) (circa 1929--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 6: RG-36.02.06, Schutzstaffel Unslotted Stag Grip, Dress Bayonet (Seitengewehr) 1, circa 1939--1945

Schutzstaffel unslotted stag grip, dress bayonet (seitengewehr).

Subject/Index Terms:: Germany (1939--1945); Schutzstaffel (SS); war weaponry; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Combat Bayonet (Seitengewehr); German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht

Creators:: Schutzstaffel aka SS (Nazi-German paramilitary organization) (circa 1929--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 7: RG-36.02.07, Schutzstaffel Unslotted Stag Grip, Dress Bayonet (Seitengewehr) 2, circa 1939--1945

Schutzstaffel (SS) unslotted stag grip, dress bayonet (seitengewehr).

Subject/Index Terms:: Schutzstaffel (SS); war weaponry; Germany (1939--1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Combat Bayonet (Seitengewehr); German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht

Creators:: Schutzstaffel aka SS (Nazi-German paramilitary organization) (circa 1929--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 8: RG-36.02.08, Most likely pre-WWII made dagger, circa 1918--1939

A dagger most likely made before World War II.

Subject/Index Terms:: war weaponry; Federal Republic of Germany; The First World War, 1914 -- 1918; Germany (1900 -- 1939); German imperial army, 1900 -- 1918

Creators:: Imperial German military command (1918)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 9: RG-36.02.09, Nazi Solingen Dagger, circa 1933--1945

A nazi solingen dagger.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi party artifacts; war weaponry; Solingen; swastika; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Wehrmacht (German Army) (1939--1945); Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiter-Partei

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 10: RG-36.02.10, SS dagger donated by Rosenthal. Marked with “SS,” state emblem, and motto, “Meine Ehre heiβt Treue”, circa 1933--1945

SS dagger donated by Rosenthal. It is marked with the initials 'SS,' with a state emblem on it's andlge. On the knife is the motto, "Meine Ehre heiβt Treue," which means "My honor is loyalty."

Subject/Index Terms:: Schutzstaffel (SS); war weaponry; German, language; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; German Armed Forces, Wehrmacht; swastika

Creators:: Schutzstaffel aka SS (Nazi-German paramilitary organization) (circa 1929--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 11: RG-36.02.11, Hitler Youth (HJ) sheath knife, 1942, 1942

Steel knife with metal hilt marked RZM M7/28 1942 and black plastic grip with inlay; anodized scabbard with leather strap.

Extent: 1 knife with sheath

Subject/Index Terms:: Hitler Youth (Hitlerjugend) organization, a youth organization of the Nazi party, 1922 -- 1945; Hitler-Jugend (HJ), Hitler Youth, German term; war weaponry; Germany (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 12: RG-36.02.12, German army (Heer) dagger, 1935-1941

The German army (Heer) dagger was available to army officers as a decorative uniform accessory. The Eickhorn Solingen emblem etched on the blade places the dagger’s date of manufacture between 1935 and 1941.

Extent: 1 dagger and scabbard

Subject/Index Terms:: Herr, German army; Nazi German Army, 1939 -- 1945; war weaponry; NSDAP (Nazi Party) symbols and decorations; swastika

Sub-Collection 3: RG-36.03, Nazi-German flags, circa 1933--1945

A collection of Nazi-German flags.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi Party, membership; NSDAP (Nazi Party) symbols and decorations; Nazi flag

Creators:: Goverment of Nazi Germany (1933 -- 1945); Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiter-Partei; NSDAP, National Socialist German Workers' Party (1933 -- 1945); Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 1: RG-36.03.01, Small Nazi banner, circa 1933--1945

A small Nazi banner.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi flag; Nazi Party, membership; Nazi party artifacts; Nazi party; NSDAP (Nazi Party) symbols and decorations; swastika; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945); Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiter-Partei

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 2: RG-36.03.02, Nazi triangle flag, circa 1933--1945

A Nazi flag in a triangular shape.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi flag; Nazi party artifacts; Nazi Party, membership; NSDAP (Nazi Party) symbols and decorations; swastika; Nazi party; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945); Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiter-Partei; NSDAP, National Socialist German Workers' Party (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 3: RG-36.03.03, Large Nazi flag, circa 1933--1945

A large Nazi flag.

Subject/Index Terms:: swastika; Nazi flag; Nazi Party, membership; Nazi party; NSDAP (Nazi Party) symbols and decorations; Nazi party artifacts; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); NSDAP, National Socialist German Workers' Party (1933 -- 1945); Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 4: RG-36.03.04, Red Nazi podium hanging banner 1, circa 1933--1945

A red Nazi podium banner.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi Rally; Nazi Party, membership; NSDAP (Nazi Party) symbols and decorations; swastika; Nazi party; Nazi party artifacts; Nazi flag; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945); Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiter-Partei

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 5: RG-36.03.05, Red Nazi podium hanging banner 2, circa 1933--1945

A red Nazi podium banner. It is meant to hang off the front of a podium.

Subject/Index Terms:: National Socialist German Workers' Party; NSDAP (Nazi Party) symbols and decorations; Nazi Rally; Nazi flag; Nazi Party, membership; swastika; Nazi party; Nazi party artifacts; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945); Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiter-Partei; Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 6: RG-36.03.06, Nazi triangular flag, paper, circa 1933--1945

A Nazi triangular flag made out of paper.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi Party, membership; NSDAP (Nazi Party) symbols and decorations; Nazi flag; Nazi Rally; swastika; Nazi party; Nazi party artifacts; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945

Creators:: NSDAP, National Socialist German Workers' Party (1933 -- 1945); Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945); Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiter-Partei

Sub-Collection 4: RG-36.04, Nazi-German coins, 1932, 1937

A collection of Nazi-German coins.

Subject/Index Terms:: Paper money and coins, Nazi-Germany

Creators:: Goverment of Nazi Germany (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 1: RG-36.04.01, Reichspfennig Coin, dated 1932 (1), circa 1932

A Reichspfennig coin dated for 1932.

Subject/Index Terms:: Paper money and coins, Nazi-Germany; Germany (1918--1933); German, language

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 2: RG-36.04.02, Reichspfennig Coin, dated 1932 (2), circa 1932

A Reichspfennig coin, dated 1932.

Subject/Index Terms:: Paper money and coins, Nazi-Germany; Germany (1918--1933); German, language

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 3: RG-36.04.03, Two Reichspfennig Coins, Nazi Germany, dated 1937 and 1939, circa 1937, circa 1939

Two Reichspfennig coins of Nazi-Germany dated for 1937 and 1939.

Subject/Index Terms:: Paper money and coins, Nazi-Germany; Germany (1933 -- 1945); German, language

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Sub-Collection 5: RG-36.05, Nazi-German paraphernalia, circa 1933--1939

Nazi-German paraphernalia.

Subject/Index Terms:: NSDAP (Nazi Party) symbols and decorations

Creators:: Goverment of Nazi Germany (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 1: RG-36.05.01, Nazi paraphernalia, consolidated, circa 1933--1945

Nazi paraphernalia, consolidated.

Subject/Index Terms:: NSDAP (Nazi Party) symbols and decorations; Nazi party; Nazi Party, membership; Nazi party artifacts; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945

Creators:: Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 2: RG-36.05.02, German Labor Front (Deutsche Arbeitsfront) flag pole topper, 1933-1945

German Labor Front, Deutsche Arbeitsfront (DAF) swastika flag pole topper

Extent: 1 metal flag pole topper

Subject/Index Terms:: Deutsche Arbeitsfront (DAF), German Labor Front, German term; swastika; NSDAP (Nazi Party) symbols and decorations; Nazi flag

Sub-Collection 6: RG-36.06, Lyle S. Bettger Collection, circa 1934--1995

The poster in this collection was torn from a storefront window in Munich, Germany on August 19, 1934 by Lyle S. Bettger. The date of the incident is handwritten on the reverse side, “Torn off store window in Munich, Germany on August 19, 1934.” Bettger and his band mates stopped off in Germany while providing entertainment on an Atlantic cruise from the U.S. to Europe. After a run in with German police, Bettger tore down the poster “due to anger toward the police and general contempt for the regime.” He then smuggled it from Germany. In the 1950s Bettger returned to Munich while shooting the 1954 film, Carnival Story. He returned to the same police station where his band mates had spent a night in jail during their 1934 trip. The station still stood, although completely destroyed, rat infested, and abandoned. Lyle noted the scene in the early 1950s stood in stark contrast to the intimidating environment of the 1930s.

Subject/Index Terms:: Hitler, Adolf, posters; Lyle S. Bettger and son (1995)

Creators:: Goverment of Nazi Germany (1933 -- 1945); Bettger, Lyle S (1934)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 1: RG-36.06.01, Adolf Hitler Poster (1). Torn from a store window in Munich, Germany by Lyle Stathem Bettger on August 19, 1934, circa 1933-1934

An Adolf Hitler poster torn froma store window in Munich, Germany by Lyle Stathem Bettger on August 19, 1934

Subject/Index Terms:: Hitler, Adolf, posters; Lyle S. Bettger (1934); Germany (1933 -- 1945); Nazi war propaganda; German, language; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 2: RG-36.06.02, Adolf Hitler Poster (2). Torn from a store window in Munich, Germany by Lyle Stathem Bettger on August 19, 1934, circa 1933--1934

Adolf Hitler Poster (2). Torn from a store window in Munich, Germany by Lyle Stathem Bettger on August 19, 1934.

Subject/Index Terms:: Hitler, Adolf, posters; Lyle S. Bettger (1934); Germany (1933 -- 1945); Nazi war propaganda; German, language; Second World War, 1939 -- 1945

Creators:: Government of Nazi Germany (1933--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 3: RG-36.06.03, Photograph of Lyle S. Bettger, c. 1950, circa 1950

A photograph of Lysle S. Bettger in the 1950's

Subject/Index Terms:: Lyle S. Bettger (1934); Photographs, postwar, 1945 -- 1988

Creators:: Bettger, Lyle S.

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 4: RG-36.06.04, Lyle S. Bettger and his son Lyle R. Bettger, c. 1995, circa 1995

Lyle S. Bettger and his son Lyle R. Bettger, circa 1995.

Subject/Index Terms:: Lyle S. Bettger and son (1995)

Creators:: Bettger, Lyle S.

Sub-Collection 7: RG-36.07, Oak Chest Poker Chips, circa 1933--1945

A poker set encased within an oak chest. The poker chips have Nazi-German symbols.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi party artifacts

Creators:: Nazi Party

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 1: RG-36.07.01, Photograph, Oak Chest of Poker Chips, circa 1933--1945

A poker set encased within an oak chest. The poker chips have Nazi-German symbols.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi party artifacts; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Nazi party

Creators:: Nazi Party

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 2: RG-36.07.02, Photograph, Oak Chest of Poker Chips, Chips, circa 1933--1945

A poker set encased within an oak chest. The poker chips have Nazi-German symbols.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi party artifacts; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Nazi party; swastika

Creators:: Nazi Party

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 3: RG-36.07.03, Photograph, Oak Chest of Poker Chips, Open, circa 1933--1945

A poker set encased within an oak chest. The poker chips have Nazi-German symbols.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi party artifacts; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Nazi party; swastika

Creators:: Nazi Party

Sub-Collection 8: RG-36.08, Nazi-German rubber stamps

Sub-Collection 9: RG-36.09, Personal and official documents, circa 1933--1945

Personal and official documents belonging to NSDAP members.

Subject/Index Terms:: Military documents; Personal Documents; Nazi Party, membership; SS and administrative personnel, German

Creators:: NSDAP, National Socialist German Workers' Party (1933 -- 1945); Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 1: RG-36.09.01, Soldbuch zugleich Personalausweis (SS ID booklet). Issued to Karl Meyer, 1933--1945

An SS ID booklet labelled, " Soldbuch zugleich Personalausweis." It is issued to Karl Meyer and contains 19 pages.

Subject/Index Terms:: SS and administrative personnel, German; Military documents; Identification documents, German issued, 1933 -- 1945; Nazi Party, membership; Nazi party artifacts; Nazi party; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; German, language; Documents in German language; Combat SS, soldier identification book; Schutzstaffel (SS)

Creators:: Schutzstaffel aka SS (Nazi-German paramilitary organization) (circa 1929--1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 2: RG-36.09.02, Urkunde booklet. Sports society membership booklet, 1933--1945

A sports society membership booklet entitled, "Urkunde." 17 pages.

Subject/Index Terms:: Identification documents; Nazi Party, membership; German, language; Documents in German language; Germany (1933 -- 1945)

Creators:: Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 3: RG-36.09.03, NSDAP membership booklet, Ludwig Hadler, circa 1933--1945

An NSDAP membership booklet issued to Ludwig Hadler. There is a foreword by Adolf Hitler. The booklet consists of 27 pages.

Subject/Index Terms:: Nazi Party, membership; Identification documents; Identification documents, German issued, 1933 -- 1945; Nazi party artifacts; Nazi party; swastika; identification photograph; Germany (1933 -- 1945); Second World War, 1939 -- 1945; Employee's Workbook

Creators:: Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 4: RG-36.09.04, Certificate of Retention and Customs Declaration. Issued to John P. Jennings. Dated 5 November 1945., November 5, 1945

Certificate of retention and customs declaration. It is issued to John P. Jennings by the U.S. military.

Subject/Index Terms:: Military documents; Personal belongings; Legal document; English, language; Germany (1945 -- 1949); Jennings, John P.

Creators:: United States High Military Command (May, 1945); Army Signal Corps, United States Army

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 5: RG-36.09.05, Addition to NSDAP membership booklet. Blank, circa 1933--1945

A NSDAP membership booklet. It is blank and consists of 3 pages.

Subject/Index Terms:: Identification documents; Nazi Party, membership; Germany (1933 -- 1945); German, language; Nazi party artifacts; Nazi party; swastika; Legal document; Documents in German language

Creators:: Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiter-Partei; NSDAP, National Socialist German Workers' Party (1933 -- 1945); Nazi Party, agencies (1933 -- 1945)

Sub-Collection 10: RG-36.10, Miscellaneous artifacts, circa 1900-1960

A collection of miscellaneous artifacts.

Subject/Index Terms:: Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias

Creators:: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) (1922-1991)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 1: RG-36.10.01, Red Star with hammer and sickle pin. A Red Star likely worn by a Russian soldier is embossed with a bronze hammer and sickle, circa 1933--1945

A pin of a red star with a hammer and sickle, belonging to the USSR. A red star was likely worn by a Russian soldier.

Subject/Index Terms:: Military and Civil decorations, medals and insignias; USSR (1933 -- 1945); Hammer and Sickle

Creators:: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) (1922-1991)

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 2: RG-36.10.02, Decorative belt buckle with the inscription “PALESTINE”

A decorative belt buckle with the inscriptions 'PALESTINE.'

Subject/Index Terms:: uniforms; Palestine

Sub-Collection 11: RG-36.11, Nazi-German Cutlery

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 1: RG-36.11.01 Fork and Knife Stamped with Nazi Insignia (Eagle and Swastika)

Fork and Knife Stamped with Nazi Eagle and Swastika

Subject/Index Terms:: National Socialist Symbols; NSDAP (Nazi Party) symbols and decorations

Document/Artifact of Item-Level 2: RG-36.11.02, Four-piece utensil kit stamped with Nazi Insignia, 1943, 1943

The four-piece nestled utensil kit contains a stainless steel fork, spoon, knife and can opener. It is stamped with the Nazi Insignia (Eagle and Swastika) and the year 1943.

Arrangement: Stainless steel utensil kit - fork, spoon, knife, can opener

Extent: 4 stainless steel utensils

Subject/Index Terms:: NSDAP (Nazi Party) symbols and decorations; Nazi-German symbols, signs and insignia; National Socialist Symbols

Creators:: Nazi Military Authorities, 1933-1945