BACKGROUND: The SS-FM, Fördernde Mitglieder, (SS Sponsoring/Patron Members), organization was originally formed in 1926 by personnel who wished to join the Allgemeine-SS, (General-SS), but were found unsuitable for direct membership. Membership in the SS-FM was open to all male and female German Aryan personnel who agreed to make a voluntary monthly contribution to the SS treasury in order to strengthen the financial position of the SS and to expand its influence in civilian life. The SS-FM organization was administered by the SS-WVHA, SS Wirtschafts-und Verwaltungshauptamt, (SS Economic and Administrative Department), who supplied members with a monthly dues book and an identifying lapel pin. SS-FM members would register at their local SS headquarters where they would make their monthly payments and receive the appropriate receipt stamp to be placed in their dues book. Membership in the SS-FM not only guaranteed SS protection from radical elements but the mere association with the SS greatly enhanced a members influence in all aspects of civilian life. It is assumed that the SS-FM Honor lapel pins were distributed tp personnel who made significant contributions to the SS in an effort to distinguish them from regular SS-FM members.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly, 18mm tall, 24mm wide, horizontally oval, die struck silver alloy construction SS sponsoring members honor lapel pin with black enamel work. The pin features a horizontally oval, black enamel base with a silver, embossed, beaded outer border stripe with three overlapping horizontally extended silver oak-leaves to each side. The beaded outer stripe encompassing a central, flush, silver swastika superimposed with black enameled SS runes and flanked by the silver initials, "F", and "M", indicating, Fördernde Mitglieder, (SS Sponsoring/Patron Members). The pin also has additional silvered script to both the top and bottom consisting of, "Dank der SS für Treue Hilfe i.d. Kampfzeit", (Thanks from the SS for Loyal Assistance in the Time of Struggle). The reverse has a soldered, vertical, rifled pin on a circular base plate intact. Serial number 8434 to the reverse.