BACKGROUND: The Deutsche Arbeitsfront, (German Labor Front), originally founded in 1933, became an official NSDAP organization in October 1934. Its stated purpose was to educate the workers in industry and commerce for smooth and efficient operation of all labor in the Third Reich. The structure of the DAF was basically the same as the NSDAP with different political levels of organization. Due to the diversification in labor the DAF was divided into sub-sections for specific trades and/or professions and it also controlled the Kdf, Kraft durch Freude, (Strength through Joy), organization which provided recreation for workers. However the DAF’s most important goal was to enforce the political stability of the large mass of the work force. One of the sub-sections of the DAF was the RDB, Reichsbund der Deutschen Beamten, (National League of German Civil Servants), which was formed in 1933 to assimilate all Civil Servants into the NSDAP’s ideology. The RDB was a non-uniformed organization although most of its personnel were members of one or more NSDAP organizations and wore the appropriate uniform as required. On July 21ST 1934 a distinctive identifying lapel pin was introduced for wear by all RDB personnel.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A die struck alloy, silver washed, stylized national eagle with a 22mm wingspan. The eagle has "RDB" to its breast and is clutching a mobile swastika in its talons. A horizontal pin-back device is soldered to its reverse. The solid reverse is well marked with embossed makers logo.