WWII GERMAN STICKPINS IDENTIFICATION GUIDE

GERMAN WWII COMBAT AND CIVILIAN STICK PINS - The German armed forces and political organizations during WWII awarded a wide array of stick pins to their members. In some cases, primarily for the military organizations, the stick pins were a small representation of a larger award. For example, a pilot's badge would be issued in a box with a stick pin. The large badge was used with a regular military uniform. The stick pin was generally used with civilian clothes at parties, rallies and such events.

Following is a pictorial guide of a large collection of the some of the stickpins that were used by Nazi Germany during WWII. Information provided includes the current value of a German WWII stickpin. Keep in mind that the price of the stickpin may vary from area to area.

The stickpins are divided in the following categories:

1 -	WWII GERMAN COMBAT BADGES AND AWARDS
2 -	WWII GERMAN POLITICAL STICKPINS
3 -	WWII GERMAN RAD, RED CROSS AND SA STICKPINS
4 -	WWII GERMAN VETERAN STICKPINS
5 -	WWII GERMAN CIVILIAN ORGANIZATION STICKPINS
6 -	WWII GERMAN CIVIL DEFENSE STICKPINS
7 -	WWII GERMAN MISCELLANEOUS STICKPINS

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WWII GERMAN COMBAT BADGES AND AWARDS STICKPINS

The Wehrmacht, literally, Defensive Might, or more accurately, Defense Forces, was the unified armed forces of Germany from 1935 to 1945. It consisted of the Heer (army), the Kriegsmarine (navy) and the Luftwaffe (air force). This organization authorized and issued combat badges designed to recognize the actions performed by certain soldiers while in combat. When a badge was issued the soldier often times recieved a stickpin. This allowed the person to show that he earned the award without having to wear the bigger and heavier full version.

WWII ORDER OF THE GERMAN EAGLE WITH STAR Of star shape construction. eagles are placed on every corner formed by the arms. Enamel front construction. No markings are found on back.	WWII GERMAN CROSS IN GOLD STICK PIN Starburst pattern. Mutti=piece construction. Large swastika in the center surrounded by a golden wreath. The back has a manufacturer's name inside a rectangle.	WWII GERMAN NAVAL DESTROYER STICKPIN The design consists Of an oval shape wreath with a Kriegsmarine eagle at the top. The figure of a destroyer cutting through the water is placed in the center.	WWII GERMAN CHOLM SHIELD STICKPIN In the shape of a shield with an eagle clutching an Iron Cross with a swastika in the center. The words Cholm and date 1942 are placed below.

WWII IRON CROSS SPANG STICKPIN The spang was issued during WWII to recognize soldiers who had earned the Iron Cross during WWI. Of metal construction. Dated 1939.	1913 GERMAN PILOT'S BADGE STICK PIN Issued to soldiers who were pilots during WWI. This stickpin is hard to find. The design consists of a wreath with a crown on top. Shows aircraft in the center.	WWII GERMAN ARMY GENERAL ASSAULT BADGE STICK PIN This award was issued to an individual who took part in three armored assaults in different days. The soldier would not be elligable for the Infantry Assault badge.	WWII GERMAN ARMY BRONZE INFANTRY ASSAULT Issued to soldiers who took part in at least three infantry assaults, couter-attacks or reconnaisance missions. It was available in a numbered format as well.

WWII GERMAN ARMY SILVER INFANTRY ASSAULT Issued to soldiers who took part in at least three infantry assaults, couter-attacks or reconnaisance missions. It was available in a numbered format as well.	WWII GERMAN NAVAL BLOCKADE STICKPIN Issued to sailors who were able to bring a German ship into German waters after successfully runing a naval blockade. Round shape with chains as border.	WWII GERMAN OCTOBER 1938 MARCH STICK PIN Issued to individuals who participated in the Austrian unification campaign. Round shape, Bronze color. Features two men runing with a flag.	SPANISH CIVIL WAR CROSS WITH SWORDS STICK PINS Instituted on April 14th 1939 to recognize bravery by the members of the Condor Legion. Design consists of a Maltese cross with swords and Luftwaffe eagles.

WWII GERMAN SPANISH CROSS WITHOUT SWORDS Issued to soldiers and civilians who assisted in the Spanish Civil war from July 1936 to March 1939. Design is a Maltese cross with eagles in each quadrant.	WWII GERMAN SPANISH CROSS WITHOUT SWORDS Issued to soldiers and civilians who assisted in the Spanish Civil war from July 1936 to March 1939. Design is a Maltese cross with eagles in each quadrant.	WWII GERMAN BRONZE TANK BADGE STICKPIN Instituted for crews of armored vehicles other than tanks. Oval shaped wreath with an Army eagle on top and a tank in the center.	WWII WAR MERIT AND HINDENBURG CROSSES The war merit cross was instituted on August 19th 1940 to recognize non-combat assistance by individuals. The Hindenburg cross was instituted om July 13th 1934.

WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE AIRCREW STICKPIN First introduced in 1933. It was not officially recognized until 1934-1935. Awarded in recognition of service in the cladestine days of the Luftwaffe.	WWI GERMAN SELESIAN EAGLE PIN The award was created on June of 1919. Issued for service in the Silesian border. The design consisted of a large eagle with crossed swords in the chest.	WWII GERMAN WAR MERIT MEDAL STICKPIN The war merit cross was instituted on August 19th 1940 to recognize non-combat assistance by individuals. This is the medal version.	WWII GERMAN KRIEGSMARINE EAGLE HAT PIN Of metal construction. The design consists of a Kriegsmarine eagle with the wings fully extended. A wreath with a swastika in the center is placed at its feet.

WWII GERMAN SILVER WOUND BADGE STICKPIN This is a black wound badge. Issued to individuals who were wounded one to two times. High quality construction.	WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE STICKPIN This is a Luftwaffe eagle stickpin. Of metal construction. Gold color. No ,arkings on back.	WWII GERMAN THREE AWARD STICKPIN This is a German military compound stickpin. Consisting of an Iron Cross, Eastern Front medal and a wound badge.	WWII GERMAN THREE AWARD STICKPIN This is a German military compound stickpin. Consisting of an Iron Cross, Eastern Front medal and a wound badge. Manufacturer marked.

WWII GERMAN POLITICAL STICKPINS

The Nazi party became the most prominent political party in Germany after Hitler assumed control of the country. This was the NSDAP, National Sozialistische Deutsche Arbeiter Partei, was founded in 1919 and was disbanded in 1945. It was known as the German Workers' Party (DAP) prior to a change of name in 1920.

The stickpins featured here were issued by the Nazi party for a variety of reasons. While the items shown here are not for sale you may visit our store to view items that can be purchased.

WWII GERMAN IVORY POLITICAL EAGLE STICKPIN This is an interesting private purchase political stickpin. It is a state eagle carved in Ivory. There are no markings on the back.	1937 GERMAN POLICE PSD UNION STICKPIN Of circular construction with a green enameled front. The police eagle inside a wreath is executed in silver along with the date 1937 and the words PSD and Koblens.	1938 GERMAN STICK PIN WITH DOUBLE PINS This is a stickpin with a compound design. It has a chain that attaches to a separate stickpin. Dated 1938. The back does not have any markings.	PRE-WAR AMERICAN NAZI PARTY STICK PIN Of oval shape with beautiful enameling applied to the front. The letters AV and design which incorporates a swastika are applied. Made in New York.

WWII GERMAN NSDAP 25 YEAR SERVICE AWARD This is a smaller version of teh medal issued to members of the Nazi party who served for 25 years. Enameled white cross in front with brass eagle.	WWII GERMAN NSDAP 15 YEAR SERVICE AWARD This award was authorized by Hitler for all members of the NSDAP. Consisting of a silver cross with dark blue arms. Silver eagle is placed in the center.	WWII NAZI PARTY MEMBERSHIP STICKPIN This is the standard pin issued to members of the Nazi party. Rouns shape with enameled front. Red border and white center with a black swastika.	WWII GERMAN NSDAP BRANCH IN ANGERBURG This is a very interestingly shaped stickpin. square eagle in top center with a swastika in the chest and the initials NSDAP just below. Issued for a rally in Angerburg.

WWII GERMAN VARIOUS CROSSES STICK PIN This stickpin was issued to a highly decorated individual. A series of 6 awards are attached together. The size per award is smaller than normal in order for them to fit.	1933 COMMERCIAL FAIR PROMOTED BY NAZI PARTY The Nazi party promoted commerce and industry. The pin featured here was issued at a trade fair event. U shape construction with a swatika on top.	1930's STATE EAGLE STICKPIN The Nazi state had a standard eagle as an emblem. High quality construction. Nicely marked in back.

WWII GERMAN RAD, RED CROSS AND SA STICKPINS

The RAD was an organization founded on July 1934. The purpose of the group was to be a stepping stone for young men who wanted to go in the military. Membership into the RAD became mandatory for a period of 6 months. Part of the activities performed included military marching and formations. In addition the RAD performed public works. This was a good way to improve the community as well as preparing a person for service in the military.

GERMAN RAD MEMBERSHIP STICKPIN The design of the pin consists of an enameled oval. A red stripe serves as perimeter covering a white section where the RAD logo resides.	WWII GERMAN RAD ON GOLD STICK PIN - Of oval shape with red perimeter covernig a white center. The RAD shovel and wheat spears with a swastika in the center. marked Ges Gesch in back.	WWII GERMAN RAD MEMBERSHIP PIN This is a cutout version of the RAD logo. Of metal construction. Consisting of a shovel head with red edges and white center with swastika in the middle.	WWII GERMAN RED CROSS HONOR STICK PIN The red cross insignia consists of a silver wreath with a cutout of the Red Cross eagle in enamel. A Red Cross is placed by the feet. Swastika in the chest.

WWII GERMAN RDKL RED CROSS LEADER PIN Of metal construction. In the shape of an eagle with a swastika in the chest. The letters RDKL are placed in a rectangular box in the bottom.	WWII DRL BRONZE NATIONAL SPORTS PIN Consisting of a bronze color wreath with the letters DRL written in Gothic. A swastika is placed in the bottom section. The back shows the manufacturer's name.	WWII DRL GOLD NATIONAL SPORTS PIN The design consists of a golden wreath with the letters DRL written in Gothic font. A swastika is placed in the bottom.	GERMAN 1933 SILVER DRA SPORTS STICKPIN The design consists of a Silver wreath with the letters DRA written in Gothic font. A bow is placed in the bottom.

GERMAN 1933 GOLD DRA SPORTS STICKPIN The design consists of a golden wreath with the letters DRA written in Gothic font. A bow is placed in the bottom. Hollowed back with markings.	GERMAN 1933 BRONZE DRA SPORTS STICKPIN The design consists of a bronze wreath with the letters DRA written in Gothic font. A bow is placed in the bottom. Hollowed back design.	WWII GERMAN RAD STICKPIN Of metal construction. The design consists of a cut-out swastika with a wheat spear on one side and a sword on the other. Markings are found in the back.

WWII GERMAN VETERAN STICKPINS

The veterans from WWI and other conflicts were respected in Germany. These individuals formed a series of organizations designed to help fellow ex-soldiers with things such as food and housing. Affiliation with the Nazi party was almost mandatory. These groups also held collection rallies to solicit money from individuals in order to contribute to the war effoert.

WW1I GERMAN VETERAN ORGANIZATION STICK PIN This was the basic pin that was issued to individuals when they joined the Veteran's organization. In the shape of a shield with enameled front.	WWII GERMAN 25 YEAR VETERAN STICKPIN This is the membership pin that was issued to a member with 25 years of service in the military. same design as a regular pin but it has a wreath and a 25 on top.	WWII GERMAN 50 YEAR VETERAN STICK PIN This is the membership pin that was issued to a member with 50 years of service in the military. same design as a regular pin but it has a wreath and a 50 on top.	WW1 25 & 50 YEARS VETERAN STICK PINS This is a set of veteran membership pins from WWI. The same basic design as a WWII stickpin with the exception that there is no swastika in the design.

GERMAN WWII NAVY VETERAN PIN Of round shape with a dark blue enameled background and a white anchor with a swastika at the end. The back shows the name "Walgo" as the manufacturer.	WWII GERMAN VETERAN ORGANIZATION STICK PIN This is a veteran's eagle stickpin. The wings are fully spread. An Iron Cross is placed in the chest area. Two swords pointing to it.	WWII GERMAN VETERAN EAGLE STICKPIN Issued to members of the veteran's organization. This is the second model that was produced.	WWII GERMAN VETERAN COMEMORATIVE STICKPIN Rectangular shape section with a series of crosses displayed over a black background. No markings found in back.

WWI GERMAN VETERAN ORGANIZATION MEMBER STICKPIN In the shape of a shield with the image of a lighthouse over a rock.	WWII GERMAN VETERAN STICKPIN This is a veteran's organization membership stickpin. Shield design with an enamel front.	WWII GERMAN VETERAN CONTRIBUTION STICKPIN This is a stickpin that was given to individuals who donated money or goods to a veteran's organization.

WWII GERMAN CIVILIAN ORGANIZATION STICKPINS

The Third Reich developed a series of civilian organizations that served the purpose of indoctrinating the population as to the benefits of the Nazi philosophy. Both, young and old could join a group and participate in a series of activities. Some of the tasks that were performed ended up benefiting the military, such as the building and flying of gliders. Towards the end of the war it was organizations such as these ones that defended Germany against the allied troops.

WWII GERMAN AERONAUTICAL ACADEMY - HERMAN GOERING This is a hard to find stickpin. It was awarded to members of the Academy for Aeronautical Research. Consisting of a gold eagle in full flight clutching a swastika.	WWII GERMAN MUSICAL BAND STICKPIN Awarded to band members who participated in certain events. The bottom of the pin reads "Badischen Sangerbund". The back has manufacturer markings and Ges Gesch.	WWII GERMAN MUSICAL BAND STICKPIN Of circular shape with a wreath for border. The center has an harp with a sword in front and a circle with a swastika. The back does not have any markings.	WWII GERMAN N.S.F.K. AERO MODELING PROFICIENCY This award was issued to members of the Hitler Youth for building gliders. The pin consists of a round wreath with a glider in the center and its nose in a cloud.

GERMAN DLV GOLD MEMBERSHIP STICK PIN The gold membership stickpin was issued to members of the DLV with the most number of years of service. Oval construction with an eagle in flight in the center.	GERMAN DLV SILVER MEMBERSHIP STICKPIN The DLV was a civilian flight organization that was formed in the 1930's. This stickpin was issued to members that had served for a certain number of years.	WWII GERMAN GDAO LABOR STICK PIN This is a German Labor stickpin. Issued to members of the GDAO. The design consists of a gear with a hammer in front and a swastika in thc center.	WWII GERMAN HUNTING CLUB MEMBERSHIP STICK PIN This stickpin was issued to members of the Hunting club. Round design with a deer head in the center. A swastika is placed between the horns.

WWII GERMAN MOTOR SPORT AWARD STICKPIN Of round shape with a cutout swastika in the center. The words "Pate der motorstandarte 55" are written on the perimeter of the circle.	WWII GERMAN LIFEGUARD GOLD CLASS STICKPIN Issued to individuals who completed advanced level classes for lifeguard. The design consists of an eagle clutchign an oval wreath with a man carrying a person.	WWII GERMAN LIFEGUARD SILVER CLASS STICKPIN Issued to individuals who completed mid-range level classes for lifeguard. The design consists of an eagle clutchign an oval wreath with a man carrying a person.	WWII HONOR MEDAL FOR GERMAN WELFARE Authorized on May 1st 1939 as a way to recognize individuals for meritorious service in welfare. Roun shape design with a cross in the center and an eagle inside it.

WWII GERMAN JUDICIAL CONFERENCE STICKPIN This stickpin was issued to members of the court who attended a conference. The design is of a swirl swastika with words in each arm.	WWII GERMAN JUDICIAL STICK PIN This stick pin was issued to members of the court. This may include judges and support personnel. The design consists of an eagle with a sword and scale in front.	WWII GERMAN STENOGRAPHER STICK PIN Diamon shape stickpin with a dark blue enamel front. Pen with wings and a swastika on top displayed in white. Issued to stenographers in the court.	WWII RIFLE/PISTOL SHOOTING MARKSMANSHIP AWARDS This is a series of stickpins that were issued to individuals who achieved high scores in a shooting competition. The back of the pins have some markings.

WWII GERMAN DLV MEMBERSHIP STICKPIN Of metal construction. A set of wings is placed in the center and comes together into a swastika.	WWII GERMAN WD MEMBERSHIP STICKPIN This is a membership stickpin issued to members of the WD. High quality construction.	WWII GERMAN NSBO MEMBERSHIP STICKPIN This is a WWII labor organization membership stickpin. Consisting of a quarter gear with a hand and hammer.

WWII GERMAN CIVIL DEFENSE STICKPINS

Several organizations dedicated to protecting factories and the civilian population were created during the Third Reich. These organizations were known in general as the civil defense. There were several under operation throught the war. Some had very specific tasks such as ensuring the trains ran on time and reliably. Others assisted civilians into bomb shelters during air raids.

WWII GERMAN FACTORY AIR DEFENSE 1935-1945 Large factories during the Third Reich developed their own security forces. The stickpin featured here was issued to members of one of those police forces.	WWII GERMAN DEFENSE ECONOMY LEADER STICKPIN This stickpin was issued to members of the security forces that ensured the continued production by factories after air raids and enemy attacks.	WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE FACTORY WORKER STICKPIN The design consists of a Luftwaffe eagle clutching a gear with a swastika in the center. The back is hollowed and does not have any markings.	WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE CIVILIAN VOLUNTEER STICK PIN The design consists of a Luftwaffe eagle clutching a gear with a swastika in the center. A scroll is placed above the eagle. Hollowed back without any markings.

WWII GERMAN RLB MEMBERSHIP PIN TYPE 1 The RLB was a group in charge of civil defense duties during WWII. The design of the pin consists of a starburst with a swastika at the bottom.	WWII GERMAN RLB MEMBERSHIP PIN TYPE 2 This is the second design of the RLB membership stickpin. The back shows the manufacturer's name "Hoffstatter Brown" and the words Ges Gesch.	CIVILIAN AIR FIELD FIRE DEPT MEMBER STICK PIN This stickpin was issued to the members of the fire department for a civialin air field. The design consists of a wreath with a swastika and straight wings coming off each side.	1934 POLICE LEADER GROUP STICK PIN This stickpin was issued to the members of the police leader group. Dated 1934. Starburst pattern with a swastika in the center.

WWII GERMAN TENO MEMBERSHIP STICKPIN The TENO organization was in charge of ensuring rail service and other vital services were not disrupted during enemy attacks. This pin was issued to its members.	WWII LUFTWAFFE FEMALE AUXILIARY STICK PIN Female personnel played a key role in the administrative duties and other non-combat related activities of the armed forces. This pin was issued to females that assisted the Luftwaffe.	WWII GERMAN LABOR STICKPIN This is a stickpin that was issued to members of the labor organization. Consisting of a gear with a swastika in the center.

WWII GERMAN SWASTIKA STICKPINS

The Swastika has been a symbol that has been around for hundreds of years before the Third Reich. The following are a series of stickpins that were used in Germany during WWII and some that may have been used in other countries at different time periods.

SWASTIKA STICKPIN - 1 Swastika stickpin.	SWASTIKA STICKPIN - 2 Swastika stickpin.	SWASTIKA STICKPIN - 3 Swastika stickpin.	SWASTIKA STICKPIN - 4 Swastika stickpin.

SWASTIKA STICKPIN - 5 Swastika stickpin.	SWASTIKA STICKPIN - 6 Swastika stickpin.	SWASTIKA STICKPIN - 7 Swastika stickpin.	SWASTIKA STICKPIN - 8 Swastika stickpin.

WWII GERMAN MISCELLANEOUR STICKPINS

There were so many stickpins created in Germany during WWII that nobody really knows how many or how many different types there are. Sometimes it is not possible to classify them them in an specific area. This section of the website has been created to illustrate the stickpins that were meant for general use.

WWII GERMAN DHV DRIVING CLUB STICKPIN Driving clubs served a key role in getting the general population to the big rallies held by the Nazi party. Circular wreath with letters DHV in lower section.	WWII GERMAN VDK STICKPIN This pin was issued to members of the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgraeberfuersorge (German War Graves Commission). Oval wreath design with the logo in the center. Two piece construction. Manufacturer marked.	WWII GERMAN PERFORMANCE NSRL STICKPIN Dated 1939. Circular wreath with a large square eagle in the center. Swastika is found on the chest. Two piece construction with DRL stamped in back.	WWII GERMAN KKS MEMBERSHIP PIN Oval shape construction with leafing going up the sides. Swastika on top. Green enamel center with letters KKS written in gold.

WWII DRL LEHRWART TEACHING ATTENDANT STICK PIN Square eagle with swastika in chest. The word "Lehrwart" is at the eagle's feet. Small stamp on back. Membership pin for teaching assistant.	WWII GERMAN RDB MEMBERSHIP PIN This is a membership pin for the RDB. Squared wings eagle with letters RDB placed in chest area. Swastika at feet. Manufactured by theAssmann company.	HONOR BADGE OF THE COLONIAL BUND Enameled shield with an eagle on top. Black, red and white colors. Ges Gesch is found on back. Manufacturer's logo in raised design.	WWII GERMAN CIVILIAN ORGANIZATION STICKPIN Round construction with a cutout swastika at the top of the circle. Busy design with multiple colors and a middle easter mottiff.

WWII GERMAN 1934-35 W.H.W STICKPIN WHW membership pin. Circular design with a bullseye in the center and a swastika. Leafing found in lower section. Hollowed back design.	WWII GERMAN AaCHEN EVENT STICKPIN Oval shape construction with a cutout shield in the center. Red enameled body with the number 99 written in gold letters.	WWII GERMAN BMG MUSICIAN STICKPIN Oval wreath in silver with a musical instrument placed in the center. No markings on back.	WWII GERMAN CSR CASTLE STICKPIN Consisting of a bronze color castle with the letters CSR on top. A heart as a gate with the national color.

WWII GERMAN VW STICKPIN This is a pin that was given to Volkswagen owners who reached or exceeded 100,000 kilometers on their vehicle.	WWII GERMAN SPANISH CIVIL WAR STICKPIN This is a pin in the shape of a flag topper with an eagle atop a flag with a cross.	POST-WWII GERMAN VW STICKPIN This is a May of 1938 Volkswagen stickpin. Not clear who would receive it or why.	WWII GERMAN STICKPIN This is an unknown stickpin. Not sure who would receive it or for what reason.

WWII GERMAN STICKPIN This is an unknown stickpin. Not sure who would receive it or for what reason.	WWII GERMAN STICKPIN This is an unknown stickpin. Not sure who would receive it or for what reason.	WWII GERMAN 40th ANNIVERSARY STICKPIN This is a 40th Anniversary stickpin. Not sure who would receive it.

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