{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-drl-versehrtensportabzeichen-sports-badge-for-war-disabled-by-wernstein-jena-silver-with-gold-wreath","title":"Original German WWII DRL Versehrtensportabzeichen Sports Badge for War-Disabled by Wernstein Jena - Silver with Gold Wreath","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive original German WWII \u003cem\u003eDeutsches Reichssportabzeichen\u003c\/em\u003e variant manufactured by Wernstein of Jena. The two-tone finish identifies this example as the considerably more specialized \u003cem\u003eVersehrtensportabzeichen\u003c\/em\u003e, or Sports Badge for Disabled Persons. It features a gilded oak leaf wreath and lower emblem surrounding the silvered \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDRL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e monogram, exactly matching the distinctive finish prescribed for this wartime award.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe badge follows the classic openwork Reich Sports Badge design, with the ornate intertwined letters DRL, representing \u003cem\u003eDeutscher Reichsbund für Leibesübungen\u003c\/em\u003e (German Reich Federation for Physical Exercise), surrounded by a vertically oval oak leaf wreath. At the bottom is the characteristic ribbon bow surmounted by a swas. The standard DRL pattern developed from the earlier German sports badge tradition, and the DRL initials began appearing on the badge during the mid-1930s. In 1937, the award received official status as a state decoration under the name \u003cem\u003eDeutsche Reichsauszeichnung für Leibesübungen\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes this particular example especially interesting is its silver and gold combination. On November 18, 1942, a fourth class of the Reich Sports Badge was established for war-disabled and other physically disabled men. Period regulations specifically described the \u003cem\u003eVersehrtensportabzeichen\u003c\/em\u003e as an award in silver with a gold wreath. Candidates were still required to demonstrate five different forms of physical proficiency, but the testing requirements were adapted according to the nature and extent of the individual's disability.\u003cbr\u003eThe reverse is clearly marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eD.R.G.M. 35269\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eand:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWERNSTEIN JENA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe abbreviation D.R.G.M. stands for \u003cem\u003eDeutsches Reichsgebrauchsmuster\u003c\/em\u003e, indicating a registered German utility design. The number 35269 is well documented on DRL Sports Badges of this pattern, including examples manufactured by Wernstein. The Wernstein Jena marking and D.R.G.M. number are both sharply visible on this example. A museum-held example attributed to Hermann Wernstein likewise carries the markings D.R.G.M. 35269 \/ WERNSTEIN JENA.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse retains its vertical pinback assembly with a broad flat pin, barrel-style hinge, and wire catch. All major attachment components are present. The badge is beautifully preserved. The openwork DRL design remains well defined, and there is no major deformation visible.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45665021165637,"sku":"ONSV26EMC081","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26EMC081__01.jpg?v=1788181562","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-drl-versehrtensportabzeichen-sports-badge-for-war-disabled-by-wernstein-jena-silver-with-gold-wreath","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}