Inter-War (German Empire) 1932 Der Stahlhelm (the Steel Helmet) Membership Badge

The "Der Stahlhelm" (the Steel Helmet) Membership Badge was awarded to those who were members of the organization, a paramilitary organization made up of mostly ex-servicemen. The Badge features dates from 1918 to 1932, where the 1918 version was awarded only 17 times. This particular badge being the last year in which they were produced. The badges, if awarded were engraved with recipients name and date of membership. This badge is recipient stamped: "V. Wm 58 & dated 1 June 1932" Measurements (approximate): 1 3/16" Dia DESCRIPTION: 2-piece construction; silver w/black enamels. Known to exist in either silvered tombac, alpaca, or silver. Obverse: Raised steel helmet featuring the German cross with "Der Stahlhelm" engraved w/the date (1932) below the helmet. Reverse: vertical banjo style pin-back w/round wire catch. Maker marked “Ges. Gesch.” and “STH” w/935. HISTORY: Der Stahlhelm was founded as a paramilitary organization on December 25, 1918, by Franz Seldte in Magdeburg, Germany. It was formed of ex-servicemen and was oriented toward the Imperial regime and the Hohenzollern monarchy. By 1930, w/500,000 members, they were the largest paramilitary organization in the Weimar Republic (1918-1933). Although they were "officially" a non-party entity, following 1929 they embraced an anti-republican and anti-democratic character. For political purposes, they distinguished themselves from the Nazi Party (NSDAP). Following the Nazi seizure of power on 30 January 1933, the Nazi authorities urged Der Stahlhelm to merge into the party's Sturmabteilung (SA), although they continued their distance from the Nazis. The SA's disarming raid on the Stahlhelm on 27 March 1933 led to their founder (Seldte) to apply for NSDAP membership in April 1933 after which, he officially "declared" Der Stahlhelm subordinate to the SA. He joined the SA in August 1933. In November 1933, Der Stahlhelm was integrated into the party structure in the course of the "voluntary" Synchronization process of veteran and paramilitary groups. They were renamed Nationalsozialistischer Deutscher Frontkämpfer-Bund Stahlhelm and were subsequently merged into the SA. Note: Multiple in stock...Shipped item may not be exactly as appears in the photos - may contain slight variation in color/standard age wear. ---------------------------------------- Inter-War (German Empire) 1932 Der Stahlhelm Membership Badge $125.00 (Firm) *Authentic Issue* For membership in the Der Stahlhelm (Steel Helmet) organization. Founded 18 Dec 1918 as a paramilitary organization made up of ex-servicemen. ----------------------------------------