NSDAP cap badge, last pattern leader's version, German (c 1943-45)

Title	NSDAP cap badge, last pattern leader's version
Nationality	German
Period	c 1943-45

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This badge would have been worn on all NSDAP leaders caps, replacing the smaller eagle of the early war years. These caps usually had light brown cotton tops with a brown velvet band and a light brown vulcanite peak. In modified form, a similar cap was worn by AH himself, with a similar eagle!

It is marked RZM on the reverse, together with the product/factory code, in this case M1/44 for Jakob Bengel of Idar, Oberdonau - according to Chris Ailsby's Combat Medals of the Thirrd Reich and John Angolia's book Military Awards of the Third Reich. However, both the above authors might well now be proven to be in error, as the latest, excellent book on Third Reich manufacturers, by Michael Heidler, lists this factory at Idar, Oberstein in the Rhineland-Palatinate district. Perhaps Oberdonau is the old name for this area?

The condition of this piece is virtually ex-stores, apart from a missing prong at the back. I think these were looted from a tailor's shop in the Danzig area as I bought them together with a parcel of Danzig Luftschutz lapel badges.

It is die-struck out of sheet aluminium with a gilt wash.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Militaria : Badges : Third Reich : Party]

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