BACKGROUND: The NSDAP Long Service Awards were instituted in three classes on April 2ND 1939 for award to long serving party members. Requirements for bestowal consisted of an unbroken, unblemished period of time served in any of the various NSDAP Party formations. Time served between February 1925 and January 1933 during the "Kampfzeit" (Time of Struggle) counted as double in recognition of the Old Guard. The distinction of the three classes was time served with the first class awarded for twenty-five years service, fifteen years service for the second class, and ten years service for the third class.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Second class, three piece construction, die struck, alloy award, with a nickel/silver plating and royal blue enamel work. Award in the form of a cross Pattée with central circular centerpiece and sun burst patterned rays extending out between the crosses arms. Cross has separate circular centerpieces to both obverse and reverse. Obverse centerpiece features an embossed nickel/silver plated, national eagle encompassed by an oak-leaf wreath on a blue enamel field. Reverse center piece features flush silvered Gothic script "Treue für Führer und Volk", (Loyalty to Leader and People) on a blue enamel field also encompassed by an embossed oak-leaf wreath. The cross arms have the semi-translucent royal blue enamel, which on close inspection reveals a slightly pebbled field beneath it. Unmarked example. Ribbon ring and suspension loop both intact. Complete with piece of original blue ribbed rayon moire ribbon with two outer edge stripes in silver/aluminum threads. Ribbon is in two pieces with a small section folded over and glued/attached to the top.