Germany, NSDAP. A Set of Golden Party Badges to Franz Henn

(Goldene Parteiabzeichen der NSDAP, mit Miniatur). A set of NSDAP Golden Party Badges to Fritz Henn (member #51016), including:

1. A large version badge, constructed of gilded tombak with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of a circular oak leaf wreath, joined together at the bottom by ribbon, surrounding a central white enameled disc, overlaid by a black mobile swastika, in turn situated within a red enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “NATIONAL-SOZIALISTISCHE D.A.P.” (“NATIONAL SOCIALIST GERMAN WORKERS’ PARTY”), the reverse with a horizontal pinback, stamped with a membership number of “51016”, maker marked “DESCHLER & SOHN, MÜNCHEN”, measuring 30.46 mm in diameter, weighing 12.4 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels, in extremely fine condition.

2. A small version badge, constructed of gilded tombak with multi-coloured enamels,  the obverse consisting of a circular oak leaf wreath, joined together at the bottom by ribbon, surrounding a central white enameled disc, overlaid by a black mobile swastika, in turn situated within a red enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “NATIONAL-SOZIALISTISCHE D.A.P.” (“NATIONAL SOCIALIST GERMAN WORKERS’ PARTY”), the reverse with a horizontal pinback, stamped with a membership number of “51016”, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Josef Fuess, Munich, measuring 24.16 mm in diameter, weighing 7.8 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels and repair to the pinback, in better than very fine condition.

Footnote: Franz Henn was born on 1 April 1875 in Wartburg im Würztal, Steiermark (Styria), Austria-Hungary. He joined the NSDAP on 23 September 1926 as member #501016. He was awarded the Golden Party Badge on 26 April 1940, and at the time was a retired railway worker living in Mürzzuschlag, Styria. Documents note that, as late as 1942, Henn served as a Zellenleiter (an NSDAP cell supervisory role responsible for an area of approximately eight to twelve city blocks), and received a new NSDAP membership booklet the same year. Henn’s ideological commitment to the party is demonstrated by his request that his old booklet be returned to his possession due to its sentimental value. The lot is accompanied by facsimile copies of all relevant paperwork.