Original Item: Only One Available. Gorgets hold an interesting place in history, as they are a throw-back to the days of knights, when suits of armor included a neck protection device called a Gorget. They have been used since that time to identify membership or function in various military and police organizations, and Gorgets were thoroughly used during the Third Reich.

The SS (Schutzstaffel - 'Protection Squadron') was originally formed in 1925, ostensibly to act as a small, loyal bodyguard unit to protect the Führer, Adolf H. Under the direction of the Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, the SS grew to be the most ruthless and feared organization of the 20th century. They were the vanguard of NSDAP and eventually controlled nearly every function of German life and much of Occupied Europe.

This is a very nice example of a VERY rare German Schutzstaffel (SS) Streifendienst Patrol Duty Gorget, the first example that we have ever had. Many of the gorgets used by the NSDAP were for standard bearers and ceremonial positions, however these are more of an indicator of the wearer's role in the organization. The SS "Patrol Duty" was first raised 1934-35, and served various functions during the third reich period. Detachments assumed cordoning and organizational functions at major events like Reich Party Day, führer visits and the Olympic Games. However the patrol units were also used to ensure that SS behaved themselves, were in proper uniform, and were not seen in the streets in their uniforms after midnight. Patrols consisted of two-three men under the command of a senior non-commissioned officer.

This excellent condition SS Patrol Duty gorget measures 8 1/4"W x 4 7/8"H, and is completely non-magnetic, looking to be made from nickel plated aluminum alloy, which is still bright and shiny. It features a central round ᛋᛋ doppelte Siegrune (Double Sig/Victory Rune) insignia of the SS, over a gold washed banner reading STREIFENDIENST (Patrol Duty). The reverse is covered in black wool cloth, and the upper right corner has a loop where the 23" long chain is installed, while the center and upper left corner have two attachment hooks for the chain, so it could be worn one of two ways. The center hook bears the SS maker code (ᛋᛋ) (140) (RZM), which has attributed to Wilhelm Schröder & Co. of Lüdenscheid, a German city known for its clothing accessories industry. There is unfortunately no real list of the SS RZM contractors, so there is no way to verify this.

Overall condition of this gorget is truly excellent, and it would be very hard to improve on this example. The plating on the body is fully retained, as is the paint on the insignia and gold wash on the banner. Really just a fantastic example showing little to no signs of use. SS organization gorgets are the hardest to find examples of German World War Two Gorgets, and this is the first example that we have ever had of an SS Streifendienst Patrol Duty Gorget. We do not expect to have another any time soon, if ever, especially one in this fantastic condition. Ready to add to your collection and display!

The Allgemeine-SS, (General-SS), was originally formed in May 1923 as the Stosstrupp Adolf AH, (Shock Troops Adolf AH), and was redesignated Schutzstaffel, (Protection Squad), in April 1925 with the official acceptance of the name verified on the second anniversary of the failed Munich "Beer-Hall" Putsch on November 9TH 1925. On January 6TH 1929 Heinrich Himmler was appointed as Reichsführer-SS, (National Leader {of the} SS), and on July 20TH 1934 shortly after the, June 30TH 1934, purge of the SA, Sturm Abteilung, (Storm Troopers) on the "Night of the Long Knives", the SS was rewarded by AH by being granted the status of an independent organization under direct control of the NSDAP, Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, (National Socialist German Worker’s Party). The SS developed the distinctive SS style cap skull and cross bones on October 6TH 1934 and introduced the SS pattern national cap eagle in February 1936. After their introductions the skull and eagle were to be worn on all forms of SS headgear.