BACKGROUND: On January 30TH 1938, Hitler instituted the Faithful Service Decoration, in three classes, in recognition of long serving civil servants, and public works personnel. The decorations were intended to be an incentive for the civilian population to foster workplace loyalty and create a stable civil service. The three classes of the decoration consisted of the Special class for fifty years of continuous service with the same employer in the free economic system, the 1ST Class decoration for forty years of service and the 2ND class Decoration for twenty-five years service. All three classes followed the same basic design with minor variations.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Fifty year "special grade", die struck alloy decoration with a plated, gilt wreath & silver cross with a black enamel swastika. The decoration is in the form of a cross Patté with a circular oak-leaf wreath extending between the arms of the cross. The center of the cross has a square plate with a black enameled static swastika to the obverse, and the embossed Gothic script to the reverse, "Für treue Arbeit" (For Loyal Work). The arms of the cross have a textured background field with a smooth, dual stepped, raised outer edge. Upper arm of the cross has the number "50". Complete with original ribbon.