Germany, NSDAP. A Golden Party Badge to SS Member Fritz Bleicher, by Deschler & Sohn

(Goldenes 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.”, then reverse with a horizontal pinback, stamped with an issue number of “97142”, otherwise unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Deschler & Sohn, Munich, measuring 30.48 mm in diameter, weighing 12.2 grams, demonstrating flecking and scratching to the enamels with loss of finish throughout the base metal, in addition to period repair or re-attachment of the pinback, in very fine condition.

Footnote: Fritz Bleicher was born on 22 September 1907 in Gunzenhausen, Bavaria. He joined the NSDAP on 1 September 1928 at the age of 20, and was employed as a shoemaker when he received the Golden Party Badge. Bleicher was also a member of the SS, and attached to SS-Motor-Standarte 9 (headquartered in Würzburg). The badge is accompanied by a USB flash drive featuring personnel files.