BACKGROUND: Gerhard Rossbach (28 February 1893 – 30 August 1967) was a German Freikorps leader and organizer of nationalist groups after World War I. He is generally credited with inventing the brown uniforms of the Nazi Party after supplying surplus tropical khaki shirts to early troops of the Sturmabteilung (SA). He took part in the Beer Hall Putsch in 1923 and was a recipient of the Blood Order. He was arrested during the Night of the Long Knives with Ernst Roehm but was not executed.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A post WW1-era Freikorps Insignia for the Freikorps Rossbach. Round stamped brass "R" in a circle, with faded cloth backing behind the "R", sewn to a feldgrau wool circle. Might have been red or dark red at one time. Has been sewn on, black thread from uniform removal still present. Measures approximately 37mm in diamter. Excellent condition.