Germany, Third Reich. An Exceptionally Rare Honour Badge for Members of the National Senate of Culture, by Deschler & Sohn

(Ehrenzeichen des Reichskultursenat). Instituted 28 November 1936. Constructed of gilded silver with enamels, the obverse consisting of an oval disc with stylized rays surrounding the border, each bearing three striations, surrounding a central white enameled medallion bearing an engraved and gilded Reichskultursenate insignia in the form of a German national eagle perched on top of a column emanating from a mobile swastika, circumscribed by an inscriptions of “REICHSKULTURSENAT”, trimmed along the edge with a knotted border, the reverse with two hollow rivets in appropriate second pattern format, with a barrel hinge and horizontal pinback meeting a round wire catch, bearing an award number of “227”, and bearing a maker’s mark of “DESCHLER, MÜNCHEN” flanked by an additional mark of “SILBER 900”, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels and loss of gilt finish to the silver base, an exceptionally rare distinction in near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Honour Badge for Members of the National Senate of Culture was awarded to the 125 standing members of the body upon its institution on 28 November 1936. With low turnover of Senate membership, it is estimated that less than 300 badges were awarded overall.