Germany (Third Reich): SA Sports Badge / National Defence Badge. Bronze grade

Officially numbered 705989 on reverse, with clear makers marks for 'Berg & Nolte A.G.' of Ludenscheid, Germany

The magnetic metal badge retaining its original reverse fittings of vertical hinged brass pin and clasp fittings, as issued

The SA Sports Badge was a decoration of the Third Reich issued between the years 1933 and 1945

The SA Sports Badge was instituted on 28 November 1933 by then SA chief Ernst Röhm. It was originally only issued in bronze through the year 1935. On 15 February 1935, Hitler decreed that the badge be officially recognized. It was thereafter issued in three grades (bronze, silver, and gold). No longer was the physical fitness badge to be awarded only to SA members, but to youth of all German military and paramilitary organizations. Originally the badge grade was awarded on degrees of "proficiency". Then in 1936, a points system was established. In 1937, the requirement for the holder of the award was upgraded; each recipient had to pass an annual proficiency test to retain the badge

On 19 January 1939, Hitler changed the name of the badge from SA-Sportabzeichen (SA Sports Badge) to SA-Wehrabzeichen (SA-Defence Badge). Hitler challenged all able-bodied boys age 16 and up to compete for the award. Older military men were also encouraged to obtain it. The badge was one of the few former SA decorations that the armed forces allowed to displayed on military uniform, being worn on the right breast of the tunic immediately underneath the Iron Cross (1st Class, if awarded)

The physical fitness programme was divided into three sections, gymnastics, defensive sports and agricultural service. The badge was to be worn on the left breast, under the Iron Cross.

Condition: VF

Code: 22711