Germany, Ordnungspolizei. An Exceptionally Rare Police Ski Instructor’s Badge

(Polizei Schiführerabzeichen). Instituted 17 November 1942. (1943-1945 issue). Constructed of a stamped and silvered alloy, the obverse consisting of an oval ring surrounding a central Ordnungspolizei insignia in the form of an oval oak leaf wreath overlaid by a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, overlaid by a pair of skis highlighted in yellow, with the six and twelve o’clock positions of the ring bearing an impressed inscription of “POLIZEI SCHI-FÜHRER”, the reverse with a barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked, measuring 42.55 mm (w) x 51.27 mm (h), weighing 18.7 grams, demonstrating minor loss of finish and some gouging to the swastika consistent with a possible attempt to obscure, an exceptionally rare badge in near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Introduced on 17 November 1942 through a memorandum circulated by Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, this badge was awarded to members of the Ordnungspolizei who qualified as Ski Instructors on or after 8 April 1943. All ranks who had successfully completed the Police Ski Instructor Course were eligible, and the badge was awarded by commanders of mountain training schools where the course was held. Classified as an achievement badge rather than a qualification badge, it took precedence over the latter, and could not be worn alongside them. Initially restricted to wear on winter sports uniforms, regulations were later relaxed to permit recipients to wear the badge on all uniforms.