BACKGROUND: Development of the SA, Sturmabteilung, (Storm Detachment), may be traced back to August 1921 when the first unit was formed to protect NSDAP leaders at party meetings and rallies and to act as opposition to rival political parties. Between its inception and Hitler’s ascension to power in January 1933 the SA had been uniformed, banned, reformed and reorganized. Prior to Hitler’s gaining of power the SA numbered about 300,000 personnel but by December 1933 it had reached a peak of roughly 4,500,000 personnel.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A die-struck alloy insignia with bronze wash, featuring the SA runes. Diameter is 15mm. Reverse is Ges. Gesch. marked. A 40mm long vertical pin is soldered to its reverse.