Gau award identification please ?

[HPL2008]

Thanks, Ade. That would at least estimate this one as Third Reich era though, correct?

No. The term was used before, during and after the Third Reich period.

[Gunny Hartmann]

From what i can make out with my limited German, the VDAV started in 1908 until 1936 and post war
1950-1991!..

[HPL2008]

From what i can make out with my limited German, the VDAV started in 1908 until 1936 and post war
1950-1991!..

Basically yes: The VDAV was formed in 1908. In 1936, it was re-named RDAF [Reichsbund Deutscher Amateurfotografen,] the name under which it went up to the end of WW2 in 1945.

The immediate post-war years saw some provisional activites, mostly on a local/regional level and even the re-establishment of a VDAV Gau Nordmark in the British-occupied zone. In 1950, the VDAV was properly re-formed as a nationwide association.

1991 saw another name change, now to DVF [Deutscher Verband für Fotografie]. The DVF is still very much active.

German-speaking members can find a 1908 - 1998 chronicle of the VDAV/RDAF/DVF on their website:
Deutscher Verband für Fotografie: Downloads
(It's the "Die Chronik des DVF 1908-1998" link. You will find the triangular VDAV/eagle design as seen on the plaque on pages 16 and 92 of that .pdf-file.)