Original Items: Only One Available. The German Horseman's Badge (Das Deutsche Reitterabzeichen) also referred to in general terms as the German Equestrian Badge, was a sports decoration of the Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany. It was awarded for proficiency in riding horses, and similar badges are issued to this day in Germany.

The badge was instituted by the National Agriculture Association, affiliated with the National Association for Breeding and Animal Inspection and Control, and originally authorized on 9 April 1930 as the German Horseman's Badge. The badge was awarded in three classes of Bronze, Silver, and Gold, and the design was an oval oakleaf wreath surrounding a mounted horseman astride a prancing horse with a Roman "R" letter in a circle at the base of the wreath. The various grades do not seem to have had set requirements, but higher grades required more numerous or difficult achievements. Notable recipients of the German Equestrian Badge include Reinhard Heydrich and Hermann Fegelein.

This is a lovely cased example in bronze grade, and is correctly marked „Reiter Bronze“ on the top of the sleeve style case, which measures 4" x 2 1/4" x 1/2". Inside the case is a card stock insert, which has both the Equestrian Badge and a Stickpin attached. The badge is in stamped zinc, and as with many awards made from this material, has lost almost all of the original bronze wash, now retained strongly on the pin back attachment. The back of the wreath is embossed with markings indicating the organization that issued it:

GESETZL.GESCH. REICHSEVRBD.F.Z.U.PR.D.WARMBL.

We believe this is an abbreviation for Reichsverband für Zucht und Prüfung der Warmblut, or the National Association for the Breeding and Testing of Warmblood Horses. The marking to the left of this is for for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected By Law), indicating that this knife was a trademarked design. The other side is maker marked with STEINHAUER & LÜCK LÜDENSCHEID, a known maker of this badge from a city with a large garment accessories industry. The included stick pin retains the bronze color much better, is marked on the back GES. GESCH. / L. CHR. LAUER / NÜRNBERG / BERLIN.

A very nice cased example, the first that we have ever had, ready to add to your collection!