Awards of Germany - Badge of Honor "For Service of Fidelity" 1st degree for 40 years of 1938

This badge of honor was established by Reich Chancellor Adolf Hitler on January 30, 1938 on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the seizure of power by the National Socialists. The award consisted of 2 levels and a special level.
The 1st stage was awarded to officials, employees and workers after 40 years of faithful work in public service and was a gilded cross. The 2nd level was awarded after 25 years in public service and was a silver cross. A special degree was awarded to workers and employees of the free economy for 50 years of faithful service, and also represented a silver cross, in which, however, the oak wreath between the cross sleeves is gilded, and on the upper cross sleeve is gilded - 50. The inscription on the back here reads: - For the right work - instead of service. In addition to direct seniority, periods in Imperial labour service, studies, military service and training, through no fault of captivity and other periods counted as claimants, etc. When assigned a higher level, the 2nd level was to be completed but remained when borrowed. On August 12, 1944, the badge of honor "For the Service of Fidelity" was once again expanded. For 50 years, golden oak foliage with the number 50 on the ribbon was donated. The author of the project is Professor Richard Klein, Munich. Notable manufacturers were: W. Deumer, Lüdenscheid, Deschler & Sohn, München, Steinhauer & Luck, Lüdenscheid and Wächtler & Lange, Mittweida. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen bis 1945, vol. IV, 2001.

Gilded non-ferrous metal cross. The cruciform shoulders, becoming wider outward, have a wide, 2 times stepped and polished edging. The inner sides of the cruciform sleeves are fine-grained. Front and back with a quadrangular embossed middle shield. Between the cross sleeves at a distance from each other is an inverted gilded oak-leafy wreath. On the upper cruciform shoulder is a soldered ordinary eye with a ribbon ring.

Front side:

• On the quadrangular central shield is an elevated and black enameled swastika.
• The cross is straight so that the legs form the edge of the quadrangle.

Downside:

• Quadrangular middle shield with a 2-fold stepped border.
• On a finely divided field, 3-line raised font: - For -/- loyal -/- services -.

Tape:

• blue width 36 mm.

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