A small NSDAP collection

[Glenn66]

Like many collectors I began my hobby interested only in the military side of things. Heer helmets, awards and buckles etc were my primary focus.
As time passed I began to read more about the power behind the military, the whole reason that the military achieved what it did and gained the notoriety that enthralls so many in this hobby today.
The Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (National Socialist German Workers' Party), often gains only a passing glimpse from many collectors as they rush headlong into chasing baubles of the Heer, Luftwaffe, Kreigsmarine, SS etc. Yet there is a fascinating array of party artifacts available, often at semi-reasonable prices in comparison to the more 'popular' military pieces.

Please allow me to present my small but (I hope), representative collection of some of the more iconic party symbols.

First, what NSDAP collection would be complete without the iconic party armband (kampfbind) with its powerful red, white, black imagery and the dreaded swastika (hakenkreuz)?

This example is a classic 3 piece construction in wool and clearly tunic removed (with pieces of green/grey cotton still evident) and a nice paper RZM tag to boot. Note the 'D' on the tag to denote wool construction and the '275' hersteller (manufacturer) I believe is Adolf Kofer of Sebnitz.

I must add that the smell of the wool is a lovely, musty smell of age.

[Glenn66]

2nd piece would have to be another iconic party symbol, the ubiquitous supporter's pin. I imagine that back in the day, anyone who wasn't in uniform would have been well advised to be sporting a supporter's pin if they wanted any degree less hassle when dealing with the authorities.

The reverse is stamped M1/13 for L. Christian Laurer of Nurnberg.

[Glenn66]

Before going any further with details of the individual pieces, perhaps it might be more expedient to show the current display as it stands.

Very difficult to photograph I might add without reflection hence the low angle.

[LizardKing]

Very nice collection!! I hope it grows bigger as the time pass! But i don't think that there is a single collector out there who doesn't want or doesn't has as his priority political items! After all, 3rd Reich's military power is fully associated with it's political background!! No collection is complete (as far as it can be in our field) without NSDAP items!!!

[Woolgar]

Very nice indeed Glenn!!

I like to dabble a bit in NSDAP stuff, its fascinating

Nick

[Eric Zentner]

Hi glen. What is the 25 and 26 tag off of. And nice collection.

[FALLSCHIRMJAGER]

Nice items,i agree that all Third Reich collections should hold some political items,here is my "little shelf" of NSDAP items in my cabinet!! Leon.

[Glenn66]

The 1925 and 1926 silver bullion sleeve badges are party membership service awards which I believe denote the date of joining the party. There's not alot of information about regarding these little guys but thats my understanding of what they are.

[sandgroper]

Glenn, that is a terrific display mate, very well presented.

[Glenn66]

This collar tab is a Gauleitung level, ober-gemeinschaftleiter's collar tab and hersteller 147 is Julius Scheuerle of Frankfurt.
It's easy to see how the higher ranked party officials were known as 'Golden Pheasants' with all the red and gold adoring their uniforms and visor caps.