NSDAP Long Service Award in Gold (3rd Class)
The NSDAP Long Service Award in Gold was the third of three levels of the NSDAP long service awards. It was an honorary decoration of the NSDAP (National Socialist German Workers' Party) and, like the other two levels, was established by decree of Reich Chancellor Adolf Hitler on April 2, 1939. It was awarded for 25 years of party membership and was the highest level of this award. The other levels were the bronze and silver versions.
It could be awarded to all party members (party comrades). Regardless of position or merit, only length of membership counted.
Design of the award
A golden cross made of gilt non-ferrous metal, the arms enameled white, the edges polished. A separate medallion is applied in the center. A wreath of oak leaves, also enameled white, adorned with a detailed imperial eagle with a swastika, facing left.
On the reverse, a separate medallion of the same design is applied, but without the national eagle, instead bearing the inscription "Loyalty to the Führer and the People." An eyelet on the 12 o'clock arm forms the carrying ring.
Dimensions approximately 42 x 42 mm, weight approximately 24 g depending on the variant. The most well-known manufacturer of this decoration was the company Wilhelm Deumer from Lüdenscheid. The Deumer company marked its pieces with a "19" in the band ring.
How to wear the award
The award was worn on a 35 mm wide ribbon. The base color was red, with a 2 mm wide white stripe on each side, along the edge, with two thin and one thicker gold threads. Behind each stripe, another narrow red stripe.
The long-service award was worn on the large medal bar. On the field bar, only the corresponding ribbon with a small eagle was worn. When a higher level was awarded, the lower level did not have to be removed; it continued to be worn. Thus, a recipient of the gold long-service award also wore the silver and bronze versions. The gold was the highest level on the far right, with silver and bronze versions on the left.
According to the Law on Titles, Orders, and Decorations of July 26, 1957, the NSDAP long-service award is not permitted in any form in the Federal Republic of Germany. Therefore, there is no so-called "57" version. Wearing the award in any form is prohibited in the Federal Republic of Germany and violates Section 86 or 86a of the Criminal Code.
Value of a NSDAP service award in gold
The award is very rare and sought after by collectors. Pieces in perfect condition, without flaws in the enamel, fetch prices over €2.500. Complete sets with case and certificate can fetch over €3.000. Complete estates with multiple awards, documents, and photos of the wearer can fetch well over €5.000. Like almost all high-quality decorations, there are unfortunately very good copies of the Long Service Award in Gold. Collectors should exercise extreme caution and carefully examine offers. If you would like to sell an item, or would like a non-binding consultation or appraisal, please contact us directly.
