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GERMAN WWII BRONZE SPORTS / DEFENSE BADGE -
This is a German WWII Bronze Sports badge. It later became known as the "SA Defense Badge". This badge was
instituted on January 19th, 1939. It was produced in three different grades: Bronze,
Silver
and gold. The sample shown here is the Bronze grade.
The badge consisted of a sword pointing up placed on top of a wreath. It was awarded after successfullt passing a
test. The award was retained by maintaining a clean record in National Socialism. The physical test consisted
of three components: Gymnastics, self defense and agricultural field service.
The criteria required for earning the award is as follows:
| BRONZE |
Successfully passed an educational and physical program. |
| SILVER |
Awarded to those holding the Bronze badge for five years and participated and passed the annual
requirements. The individual would have to be 35 years of age or older.
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| GOLD |
Individuals holding the Silver badge for Six years and successfully participated in the annual
requirements. Recipient had to be over the age of 40.
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The design of the badge consists of an oval shaped wreath with a sword going from the bottom to the
top. The handle is located in the lower part of the wreath. Both, the tip and the handle protrude
beyond the boundries of the wreath. The handle of the sword is ribbed.
A swastika is placed in the center of the wreath and it is partially covered by the sword.
A vertical bronze pin
was provided as a means to attach the badge to the
tunic.
The pin would be passed through loops (Two or more) that were sewn to the chest area of the jacket.
Several
markings
were placed stamped on the back of the badge. Most of them were done with raised letters. A serial
number is found on one side of the wreath.
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This page is a recognition and identification guide for WWII German badges and awards. Multiple
detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points
that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my WWII German badge worth?". A price
guide is included here to address this question. The value of the badges and awards is reviewed
over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of the German
badges in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of
MilitaryItems.com,
a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military
antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
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This award is currently being reproduced.
It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality
of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style
and materials employed in the manufacturing of this badge. Attention to the details is critical in
order to be able to determine the authenticity of the badge.
If you have an interest is seeing other badges and awards of the Third Reich, you can do so by going
to our WWII German Badges and Awards
identification guide. Where we cover Heer (Army), Navy (Kriegsmarine) and
Air Force (Luftwaffe) items.
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