Germany, NSDAP. A Golden Party Badge, Small Version, to SS-Hauptsturmführer Paul Schmitz

(Golden Ehrenzeichen der NSDAP). 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 white enameled disc bearing a central black mobile swastika, in turn situated within a red enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “NATIONAL-SOZIALISTISCHE D.A.P.”, the reverse with a horizontal pinback, stamped with an issue number of “38500”, otherwise unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Josef Fuess, Munich, measuring 23.64 mm in diameter, weighing 7.9 grams, demonstrating minor scratching and flecking to the enamels with sporadic chips also visible, in better than very fine condition.

Footnote: Paul Schmitz was born on 2 February 1907 in Düsseldorf, Germany. He joined the NSDAP on 16 June 1926, and was employed as an office machinery mechanic and merchant when he received the Golden Party Badge. Noted for his ideological commitment to the NSDAP, Schmitz was also a member of the SS, and attained the rank of SS-Hauptsturmführer by the summer of 1944. He was attached to the staff of SS-Oberabschnitt West and 4. SS-Nachrichten-Sturmbann (headquartered in Düsseldorf). The badge is accompanied by a USB flash drive featuring personnel files.