Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice Third Reich period German Red Cross Service medal, officially termed the Deutsches Rotes Kreuz Verdienst Ehrenzeichen (German Red Cross Merit Badge of Honor). It is of two piece construction, with an alloy "red cross" with translucent red enamel within a white enameled ring, and a gilt and black enameled Reichsadler (National Eagle) attached to the center.

The reverse of the award is textured and bears the inscription Für Verdienste um das Deutsche Rote Kreuz (For Services to the German Red Cross). The top has a hanging ring, which would normally be attached to a ribbon, which is missing.

Condition is very good, with a lot of the original plating intact, even on the front of the badge. The enamel is still close to 100%, making this a great example for your collection.

History of the German Red Cross (DRK)

The DRK, "Deutsches Rotes Kreuz" (German Red Cross), a voluntary civil assistance organization originally instituted in 1864, was officially acknowledged by the Geneva Convention in 1929. In December 1937 it gained status as a legally recognized organization by the NSDAP. As with other essential services in Third Reich Germany, it came under control of the NSDAP in late 1938 under the auspices of the Ministry of the Interior's Social Welfare Organization.