This is an original Second World War-era Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (NSDAP) membership badge, constructed in the standard circular form with a brass base and red, white, and black enamel inlay. The obverse displays the iconic black swastika set on a white field, encircled by a translucent red enamel ring bearing the black-lettered legend “NATIONAL-SOZIALISTISCHE-D.A.P.”. This design was adopted as the official emblem of party membership, worn on civilian attire to signify political affiliation and ideological loyalty to the party.

The reverse is fitted with a horizontal pin-back fastener, with the markings RZM in a double-circle and the maker code M1/145. The RZM (Reichszeugmeisterei) served as the central office regulating the manufacture and quality control of all official NSDAP insignia, uniforms, and regalia. The “M1” prefix denoted authorized makers of metal insignia, while “145” identifies an Austrian-based manufacturer whose precise identity remains unknown, a relatively scarce attribution among surviving examples.

NSDAP membership badges came in two primary sizes—24mm and 30mm—with the smaller version, as seen here, being the more commonly worn on the lapel. These badges were introduced in the early 1930s, replacing earlier unregulated party pins, and remained in continuous issue until the collapse of the Third Reich in 1945. Each badge was issued to a confirmed party member and was considered official property of the NSDAP, to be returned if membership ceased.

Examples bearing Austrian maker codes are particularly noteworthy, as they reflect the incorporation of Austrian manufacturers following the Anschluss in March 1938. These pieces often saw distribution both within Austria and throughout the expanded Reich, worn by local party members and officials in regional branches. The condition of this badge, with evident age patina to the reverse and intact enamel to the obverse, reflects genuine period use while preserving the clarity of its original details.

This is an authentic political insignia from one of the most recognizable and historically significant symbols of the era, representing both the organizational structure of the NSDAP and the reach of its propaganda through uniformed and civilian dress.

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