S009592 GERMANIC SS PROFICIENCY BADGE, IN BRONZE. (Germanische Leistungsrune Abzeichen)
BACKGROUND: As early as 1938 Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler and the Allgemeine-SS, (General-SS), began recruiting volunteer "Germanische", (Germanic), personnel who were considered to be suitably "Nordic", to serve in the SS-VT, SS-Verfügungstruppe, (SS-Special Purpose Troops). Originally these Germanic personnel were drawn from Dutch, Belgian, Danes and Norwegians. All four of these suitable "Nordic" countries had pro-fascist, pro-Nazi, collaborationist political parties with the NSB, Nationaal-Socialistische Beweging, (National Socialist Movement), in Holland, the Flemish, Vlaamsch Nationaal Verbond (Flemish National Union), and the Wallonie, Christus Rex, (Rexist Party) in Belgium, the DNSAP, Danmarks National-Socialistiske Arbejder Parti, (Denmark’s National Socialist Worker’s Party), in Denmark and the NS, Nasjonal Samling, (National Unity), party in Norway. At various times after the German occupation each of these countries established uniformed, para-military, political organizations which were basically copies of the German Allgemeine-SS with the Dutch W.A., Weer Afdeelingen, (Defense Sections), the Flemish Belgian Algemeene Schutsscharen Vlaanderen, (General-SS Flanders), the Danish, Germansk Korps, (Germanic Corps) and the Norwegian Norges SS, (Norwegian SS). These semi-independent, para-military, political organizations had each instituted a variety of sports and proficiency awards. In mid to late 1942 Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler envisaged a large, coordinated, Germanische-SS, (Germanic-SS), that encompassed all the non-German SS organizations under an inclusive umbrella and under his direct personal command. In an attempt at uniformity Himmler established the Germanic SS Proficiency Badge on August 15TH 1943 for award to all qualifying SS personnel, including German nationals. The Germanic SS Proficiency Badge was instituted in two grades of silver and bronze with different criteria for the award of each badge. Criteria for award of one of the badges consisted of assorted military oriented athletics, field exercises, shooting etc. etc. with the silver badge requiring a higher level of achievement. Although instituted in August 1943 the first badges weren’t bestowed until February 1944.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Three piece, die struck, alloy construction award with plated and black enamel finishes is in the form of a convexed, nickel/silver plated, cut-out, opened, "sunwheel" swastika with raised outer edges and three raised ribs with separate black enameled SS runes secured to the center. Each rune is secured to the "sunwheel" base by two, small, bent over, prongs which are visible on the reverse. The black enamel finish to the runes is mostly complete and shows some typical surface scratching. The reverse of the badge has soldered, block style hinge, a broad tapering, vertical "Coke" bottle pin and a heavy soldered catch all intact. The badge has no visible manufacturer’s markings. Scarce badge.
GRADE ****1/4 PRICE $
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