BACKGROUND: The basis of the RAD, "Reichs Arbeitsdienst" (National Labor-service), dates back, at least, to 1929 with the formation of the AAD, "Anhalt Arbeitsdienst" (Anhalt Labor-service), and the FAD-B, "Freiwillingen Arbeitsdienst-Bayern" (Volunteer Labor-service [of]-Bavaria). Shortly after Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor, on January 30th, 1933, the NSDAP consolidated these, and other labor organizations, into the NSAD, "Nationalsozialist Arbeitsdienst" (National-socialist Labor-service), a national labor service. In June of 1935 the NSAD was re-designated RAD. In July of the same year RAD service became compulsory, with all German citizens between 19 and 25 years of age required to enlist for a six month term. This law also decreed that all military conscripts serve a nine month term. Gorgets were worn, on the upper part of the chest, by members performing patrol duties at large functions.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A multi-piece construction, half-moon shaped, stamped nickel/silver gorget, 11cm tall from its bottommost edge to its uppermost corners, and 18cm across at its widest point. Its outside edges have a raised border. The upper corners each have a small, domed "boss" to them, from each of whose reverses extend the hooks for the suspension chain. Affixed to the plate is a centerpiece in the form of a mobile swastika, to whose center is a 31mm diameter surround, within which are five sprigs of barley against concentric circles, to an upright spade head against a convex, pebbled background. Above the centerpiece is similarly fixed a pebbled banner, with "Streifendienst" (Patrol-service) to it, highlighted in smooth, Gothic script. The reverse is covered in olive drab wool, which is moderately nap worn, but otherwise intact. An approximately 52cm long aluminum suspension chain is fixed between the hooks to either upper corner of the reverse. The chain is comprised of twenty-five large oval links, each connected by doubled, smaller links. Superb untouched example in near mint condition. Nice!