Original Item: Only One Available. The DAF (Deutsche Arbeitsfront or German Labor Front) was a National Socialist trade union that supplanted independent unions once the NSDAP had come to power in Germany. As with all NSDAP organizations, many awards and other such things were given to ensure that people were loyal and happy. Here we have a small table medal award, made of die cast alloy measuring about 2 3/4" square. These were awarded to businesses that had high achievement during the war effort, and of course for their loyalty to the NSDAP. 

The front of the medal an NSDAP Reichsadler Eagle perched on the 14-tooth cog wheel around a swas logo of the DAF Labor Front, surrounded by the following text in German "Black Letter" typeface:-

für Bewährung im
Leiſtungskampf
(DAF Eagle)
der
deutschen Betriebe

This translates to "for distinguished performance in the Competition of German Enterprises". The rear of the medal shows the coat of arms of Schleswig-Holstein, surrounded by:-

Verliehen von der
DAF
(Coat of Arms)
Gau
Schleswig-Holſtein 

This translates to "Awarded by the DAF District Schleswig-Holstein", indicating the regional district that awarded the table medal. It is in lovely condition, showing just a bit of oxidation in places, and no major dents or damage.

The included red leatherette case has a silver DAF insignia on the top, and measures 4 3/16" square with a height of 1". It is in very good condition, showing just a bit of wear around the edges, and the hinge and front catch still work great.

An interesting piece of German WWII memorabilia, ready to display!

With the dissolution of all Free Trade Unions in Germany in May 1933 the Deutsche Arbeitsfront, (German Labor Front), was established to replace the unions and to educate the workers in industry and commerce for smooth and efficient operation of all labor in the Third Reich. In October 1934 the DAF was given official status as a sub-section of the NSDAP and in March 1936 it was recognized as an independent NSDAP affiliated association and granted control of its own monetary budget. With this money it was able to procure its own signs and other insignia.

Theoretically, DAF existed to act as a medium through which workers and owners could mutually represent their interests. Wages were set by the 12 DAF trustees. The employees were given relatively high set wages and security of employment, and dismissal was increasingly made difficult. Social security and leisure programs were started, canteens, breaks, and regular working times were established, and German workers were generally satisfied by what the DAF gave them in repayment for their absolute loyalty. Employment contracts created under the Weimar Republic were abolished and renewed under new circumstances in the DAF. Employers could demand more of their workers, while at the same time workers were given increased security of work and increasingly enrolled into social security programs for workers. The organization, by its own definition, combated capitalism and liberalism, but also revolution against the factory owners and the National Socialist state. The DAF, however, did openly prefer to have large companies nationalized by the German state, instead of privately owned companies.