BACKGROUND: The DRK, Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (German Red Cross), was a voluntary civil assistance organization that was originally instituted in 1864 and was officially acknowledged by the Geneva Convention on July 27TH 1929. On December 9TH 1937 the DRK gained the status of a legally recognized organization by the NSDAP. As with other essential services in Third Reich Germany the DRK came under control of the NSDAP in late 1938 under the auspices of the Ministry of the Interior Social Welfare Organization. DRK uniforms and insignia can be traced back to at least WWI and underwent minor modifications until August 6TH 1935 when major modifications were enacted including the introduction of the national eagle emblem with swastika. The 1935 pattern DRK national eagle was utilized as a cap and sleeve badge and also as a lapel pin for wear when personnel were in civilian clothing. The 1935 pattern DRK eagle was replaced in January 1938 by a slightly modified DRK eagle.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Die struck alloy lapel pin with a silver wash and black and red enamel work. The pin features a 1938 pattern, black enamel eagle with silver washed accents and down-swept wings with a canted black swastika, on a silver washed diamond base, superimposed on its breast and a Greek style red enamel cross clutched in its talons. The reverse of the pin has embossed script, "GES. GESC"., indicating, Gesetzlich Geschützt, (Protected by Law) and also has the manufacturers initials "E.L.M". Complete with original pinback device. Nice.