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 first class decoration for forty years of service and the second class decoration for twenty-five years service. All three classes followed the same basic design with minor variations.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Die struck alloy, first class award with a fire gilt finish and black enamel work. The decoration is in the form of a cross Pattée with an embossed 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 embossed Gothic script to the reverse, "Für treue Dienste", (For Loyal Service). The arms of the cross have a slightly textured background with a smooth, dual stepped, raised outer edge. The fire gilt finish and black enamel are both intact and the decoration is still very bright. The ribbon suspension ring and loop are both intact and the decoration comes complete with an original piece of ribbed moiré cornflower blue ribbon.