Frauenschaft Badges - Part 2

The variants of the Leader’s Badges are some what easier to comprehend than the previous sections. In this discussion we are dealing with only two designs, no individual variations. In the 1934-38 Type II design the leader of each Ort, Kreis, Gau and at the Reich level had a badge denoting her esteemed position. The Type II Leader's Badge was a shadow of form of the same series member’s badge bearing the cross pattern. It had a 1.5mm silver outer edging. This decoration was slightly larger than the Staff Badge at 32mm by 33mm. The color scheme for the border was as quoted earlier base metal configuration was a large percentage of silver mixed with smaller portions of nickel washed over copper. The badge characteristics for the Type III Leader’s Badge closely resembled that of the Type III Staff series, though this new leader's design was more distinctive with a 3.5mm wreath of oakleaves, instead of the wide, flat border. This wreath placed oakleaves end to end in a chain on a ribbed background. Base metal for the early 1939 produced badges was silver/nickel but after mid `39 the base was changed to a copper core with silver wash. The badge taped in at 36mm by 36.5mm.

lt must be said the Reich Leader’s Badges in both series are the toughest for collectors to locate. They were worn by the State (Reich) Leader only, and that position did not change hands often during the Reich. The Type III Reich Leader’s Badge is probably rarer than the Type II. Why this is true cannot be determined, but there appears to be more of the second type in circulation today than the III series. In all there were over 9,500 Leader's Badges of all categories manufactured from 1934 to 1944. The leader’s insignia for the State level certainly constituted the smallest category. The number of Reich level badges in collections today can be attributed to the zeal of the manufacturers. An order would be placed for a certain number of specific badges to a given maker. As a course of good business sense he would anticipate orders for still more badges, making and stock piling decorations for future business. This practice was commonplace within the ranks of the medal manufacturers. Goring's Grand Cross of the lron Cross was also reproduced in small numbers by this method of practice.

Golden Badge of Honor of the Nazi Women’s League (Goldenes Ehrenabzeichen der N.S. Frauenschaft)

There exists today in a very few collections an offshoot of the aforementioned Type III Leader`s Badge. For lack of an official title, due to the absence of records, I have called it the Frauenschaft Golden Badge of Honor. Its dimensions are the same as the Type III Leader’s Badge but the outer oakleaf border is golden with the remainder of all metal parts being silver. The exact purpose for these badges is not clear but it is presumed this was a long service award much like the N.S.D.A.P. Golden Party Badge related to old, cherished members of the early organization. This should be considered one of the rarest badges in this enameled organizational field. A very few examples are known to exist but no official mention can be found in German records. It is believed there were fewer than 100, may beconsiderably less, of these badges awarded even though this cannot be officially confirmed. lt is also conjectured that unlike prior badges of this nature, specific award documents were presented with each badge. These Golden Badges of Honor had the outer border washed with a dark gilt coating, while the inner (colored) border was filled in with an off-white enamel. Consider this exceedingly rare!

Badge for Other Colleagues of the Nazi Women’s League (Abzeichen fur andere Kolleginnen der N.S. Frauenschaft)

As its name implies this badge was intended for "other"colleagues, or friends, of the Nazi Women’s League. Meaning that it was given to individuals who routinely gave support, either monetarily or physically, to the cause. Since the age requirements for the league were 18 to 30, membership was not mandatory after the top age bracket. Hence, many women got out but continued to show interest in their local branch .

Designed in 1939 this badge is in one pattern only, that of the Type III series (of `39) lasting until 1944. Measuring 30mm by 31.5mm it was very close in design to the basic member's badge but had to alterations: the title "N.S. Frauenschaft"was not enclosed within a separate section and a colored outer border was also added. This border was color coded as per region of the group. The life rune, swastika, title and trim were all in the base silver with the background in black enamel Copper with an overcoat of silver plate was once again employed. Exact number of these badges produced or given is not known at this time.

Badge for Ex-Members of the Nazi Women’s League (Ehemaligenabzeichen der N.S. Frauenschaft)

This "ex" member’s badge belonged to an elite, albeit small group affiliated with the Frauenschaft. Individuals who had served loyally, made noticeable sacrifices to the league, and were leaving the N.S. Frauenschaft received this badge. It could be likened in award standards and pride to the Meritorious Service Medal given by the Department of Defense to military personnel, usually officers, for exemplary service. To be eligible one had to have joined prior to 1934, and served at least eight years continuous service to the Nazi Women’s League. Membership with another party organ did not count as double like other regulations in the various organizations. Regulations in the Frauenschaft stated that you had to stay with the league only until the age of 30 but many women stayed past this age.

Designed in 1941 this was the last badge to be added to the already vast arsenal of Frauenschaft decorations. Actually,this was more of an award rather than a badge denoting membership or position. An individual had to be recommended by her local leader. The award then had to be approved up the chain to the Reich level.

Produced in one basic type (III) its central theme was that of the same year group Member’s Badges. The title "N.S.Frauenschaft" was enclosed within a silver metal border at the top, with the lettering in black enamel. Surrounding this staple badge was a 1.5mm colored border denoting level of service that the individual had worked. This does not mean in a staff position necessarily, as clearly marked coded borders on staff badges, but rather to show they had been, say, at the Gau level for their term of service. However, it should be noted that staff personnel were the usual recipients of this remembrance. In his book "Uniforms and Badges of the Third Reich,Vol. 1: N.S.D.A.P." author Rudolf Kahl describes this badge as having a yellow central field as opposed to the example here having a black center. This author’s research, and the badge shown, appears to point to this design as the norm. Many others have been noted with this color scheme. Kahl's badge, as mentioned in his text, would seem to be a 1. Proto-type, 2).variant, or 3. a special badge for ex-members at the Reich level. Specifications for this Ex-Member’s Badge are 34.5mm by 34.5mm. Badges produced from 1941-43 were copper centered with nickel/silver plate. Those made in 1944, the few that were, were zinc with a nickel alloy overlay with paint instead of enamel. Though more women technically were eligible for award of this badge it was actually only received by slightly over 12,000 before the end of the war. This figure is remarkable considering it was in existence for 3 1/2 to 4 years. Collectors should consider this item at any level scarce to come by in today’s market.


Planned in 1938, and put into gear in ’39 the Deutsches Frauenwerk was a parallel splinter group of the N.S. Frauenschaft. It was formed basically as a voluntary group for the working members of the Frauenschaft, or those who wished to do some type of community aid (or factory work for that matter). By this time, however, a major percentage of the women were working. Political ideologies were strengthened through the German Women’s Work. During the last five years of the Reich there was only one type of badge for this organization produced. lt employed the same blue print as the Type III Frauenschaft Member`s Badge utilizing the life rune and mobile swastika on a black field. Across the top metal border were the words "Deutsches Frauenwerk". Its measurements were 30mm by 31mm, and was manufactured with a copper metal core plated with nickel/silver. In 1944 paint replaced all enamel areas, and the base metal turned to zinc. In all there were over 800,000 of these badges produced providing substantial evidence that the Deutsches Frauenwerk was politically a very strong organization. A slight difference should be made between this and the same design Frauenschaft Member’s Badge. The mobile swastika on the Deutsches Frauenwerk was slightly smaller, and less defined than on its counterpart. This badge also used the spring pin/catch system.

German W0men’s Order Badge(Abzeichen des Deutscher Frauenorden)

Prior to the formation of the N.S. Frauenschaft in 1933 the women of Germany were already organizing into small units known as the "Frauenorden", or German Women’s Order. Brought together very early in 1932 the Frauenorden was purely a political tool for the teachings of Hitler, and the dissemination of National Socialist dogma. Membership in theFrauenorden was totally voluntary though restricted to those over 18 years old. The badge worn by members of this very early N.S.D.A.P. offshoot was a large triangular brooch measuring approximately 40mm by 44mm. Its design was that already described of the Type II Frauenschaft Member’s Badge: white enamel cross on a black enamel background, with top cross bar housing the title "Deutscher Frauenorden". This wording, cross, swastika, and trim were all in the base gilt plated copper.

Since this appeared in the early years of the state the RZM code should not be found on the Deutscher Frauenorden insignia, as it did on almost all other Frauenschaft league badges in later years. It may or may not carry the maker's stamp, and/or Ges. Gesch. lt may be worth noting that the manufacturer's trademarks for these pre-33 years in many cases are different, more complex than in later times. The firm Assman had a very complex hallmark on some early badges of four or five characters. As previously described the common spring pin/catch suited this design well.

This organization, formed in 1933 along with the parent Frauenschaft, was short-lived for its usefullness was lost with several other groups being formed. It initially was started as a girls organization of the Nazi Women’s League. Membership was voluntary for ‘those who already belonged to the JM or BdM. The badge design adopted by this little known organization was a carry through of the Frauenorden style. "N.S. Madchen-schaft" replaced the top banner across this rare badge. Size specifications are unknown. All metal parts were gilt plated over copper as on so many of the other early Frauenschaft badges. This badge would also probably not be RZM marked but would almost assuredly have the spring pin/catch on the reverse. This particular organization was done away with in late 1935 due to the general lack of membership, and direction from the party. The small number of members, and the short life span would point to very few of these badges being produced labeling this a very rare item for anyone to acquire.

J.R. Cone, "One People, One Reich - Enameled Organizational Badges of Germany 1918-1945", MCN Press, 1983

Frauenschaft Badges, Part 1

Nazi Women’s League and German W0men’s Work (National-Sozialistische Frauenschaft und Deutsches Frauenwerk)

Probably two of the most complex, and misunderstood organizations of the Nazi regime were the N.S. Frauenschaft and the Deutsches Frauenwerk. The N.S. Frauenschaft was formed in 1933 following Hitler's rise to power but did not get much steam for about a year. This league was the propaganda spearhead to bring Nazi ideals to the German girls and women. It encompassed all of the lesser female groups like the BDM and JM, as well as the Frauenwerk (in later years). Members of the Frauenschaft spread the teachings on everything from motherhood to domestic affairs and business. Membership was mandatory for all women from 18 to 30 years of age.

The Deutsches Frauenwerk was created in 1938 and put into service the following year. Realizing that Germany was about to become involved in a major world conflict Hitler knew that replacements would be necessary for the male workforce that was about to go to war. It was obvious that women would have to be used to fill the gaps where men had once worked. Though the Frauenschaft was under the direction of the N.S.D.A.P., and the Frauenwerk hid underneath the skirts of the Frauenschaft, the Women’s Work Force was allowed to remain somewhat independent of the mother organization. Members of the Frauenschaft joined the Deutsches Frauenwerk if they were part of the industrial working populace, though membership was voluntary in the Women's Work. The leadership and staff of this group were picked from the main ranks of the Frauenschaft, hence, there are no specific Frauenwerk Leader’s Badges and the like.

The resultant badges that were struck have proved to be confusing for today’s historian and collector because of the multitude of types, styles and shapes. There were decorations for just about everyone in and out of the Frauenschaft organization. As a hard rule the main badges discussed in this section of the text went through three basic design changes.

All badges referred to were produced:

Type I — 1933

Type II — 1934 until 1938

Type III — 1939 until 1944

The differences among the many types and variants will be discussed in the ensuing pages.

The badges signified quite adequately the rank structure of the league. All staff and leader’s badges were produced to immediately identify the level of responsibility of the wearer. The colored outer border surrounding the general badge motif was coded for specific geographical locations:


Blue —- Orts (Locality or city)

Black (Type II)

White (Type III) —— Kreis (District)

Red — Gau (Province)

Yellow —— Reichs (State)

This color scheme was also carried out in the D.A.F. female badges, and most probably by the N.S.K.O.V., although the latter is unclear.

The information presented herein will hopefully clear up many of the tangled misunderstandings about the badges that represented these women’s leagues. For specific reference purposes, and to formulate a common language among the collecting society, collectors and dealers alike should refer to a badge as specifically and accurately as possible: "Type II Staff Badge for Gau Level", etc.

Member’s Badges of the Nazi W0men’s League(Abzeichen fur Mitglieder der N.S. Frauenschaft)


As stated in the short preamble to this section the basic member's badge of the Nazi’s League went through three basic design changes.

Type I of 1933, the only year this was produced, was 23.5 mm in diameter, and was a virtual copy of the N.S.D.A.P. party badge. The only difference being the wording on the outer border of "Frauenschaft N.S.D.A.P." in lieu of the Nazi party inscription. There was also a slight variant to this badge that used "Nat. Soz. Frauenschaft" instead of the former verse. The metal base was a high quality silver/nickel composition. Almost all of these badges were made by “‘Osang-Dresden", though there may have been a very small number of other makers. The total number of these badges made is not known.

Type II utilized an entirely different enamel altogether. lt had a new triangular shape specifically created to be worn by a woman as a brooch on the collar or lapel. Its measurements were 25.5mm by 27mm. The design carried a central white enamel cross on a black enamel field. A horizontal red enamel swastika was in the center. On the left and right arms, as well as the bottom leg of the cross were the letters "G", "H".and "L". It is not known what these particular letters stood for, since they appear to have no relation to the title of the organization. "Nat. Soz. Frauenschaft" was imprinted in metal letters across the top of the badge inside of a white enamel banner. The basic metal of this badge was copper plated with a gilt wash. Lettering, cross, swastika and outer edging were all in this gilt metal. It should be noted that there were variants of this badge that are twice the size of the basic member’s Type II, and less than half the given measurements (see above). These were separate purchase items from the league.

The same shape was retained in the Type III Member’s Badge but a new design was added. A "life rune" replaced the white cross on the Type II. This symbol looked very similar to a legless stickman. A mobile swastika was placed at the top of the rune. The top enamel banner was replaced with a metal one surrounding the title "N.S. Frauenschaft". All words were in red enamel. Note the difference in the group`stile in this Type III as opposed to the II style. The title was somewhat shortened to just "N.S .... " instead of "Nat". The basic background of this 31mm by 31.5mm badge was black enameling.

Badges produced in 1939 to 1940 of the Type III series were nickel, but after this date until 1944 the base was copper with nickel overlay. The top banner, life rune, mobile swastika and outer trim were all in base metal silver. There were only two sizes of this item made during wartime Germany. The standard size has already been noted, with the smaller size being 23.5mm by 23.5mm, about 2/3 size. This Type III Member’s Badge and the Deutsches Frauenwerk were the same shape and design (with the titles being all dirrerent). and both had smaller like insignia. Badges produced in 1944 were of painted familia on zinc metal.

Type I Frauenschaft Member’s Badge was producedin 1933; Type II was in effect from 1934 to 1938; the Type III produced from 1939-44. All N.S. Frauenschaft badges were produced under strict Reich guidelines since this league was an officially touted group under the N.S.D.A.P. Each badge struck had the RZM quality stamp, and was almost always maker marked with the companies' "M" series code (M1/72etc.). All had the standard spring pin/catch on the reverse, some being vertical, others horizontal. As a general rule all badges were slightly convex in shape although this cannot be a point of authentication.

I have one Type II Leader's Badge that appears to be avariant. It is flat instead of convex, the red enamel swastika is slightly smaller, the RZM marking is somewhat larger with only one circle where most have two, and the maker’s logo is larger than normal. The base metal, however, says this is a pre-45 piece though this particular badge may have been a test strike by a company that never received a state contract. As such they never went into mass production. Here again the point is made that only a collector’s experience, expertise, and gut feeling can really determine originality of a questionable badge.

Staff Badges of the Nazi W0men’s League (Mitarbeiter-Abzeichen der N.S. Frauenschaft)

In 1934 as the N.S. Frauenschaft grew, N.S.D.A.P. officials put together a complex system of ranks and offices. Cities were banded together into "Kreise" (districts), and these were incorporated into "Gaue" (provinces). In all there were 34 provinces within Germany. Women of the Frauenschaft formed groups in each community, or "Ort". Each of these local organizations had leaders appointed to key positions such as treasurer, chief, etc. by the state. A central office in each Kreis oversaw the business of the individual towns, and another central office governed the entire province. There was, as one might expect, a head office at the Reich level.

Each officer of these geographical districts received a special Staff Badge in honor of her position in the league. The group’s leader received another type of badge, which we will discuss shortly. Staff Badges in all levels were identical except for an outer 1.5mm colored border signifying the particular level of each official. In the preamble you can find the color codes of the Frauenschaft league, as well as the segmenton DAF Female Badges.

During the span of the Third Reich there were two distinct versions of the Staff Badges for the Nazi Women’s League.Type II adopted in 1934 had the same cross and triangular design as the Type II Member’s Badge. This Staff Badge measured 30mm by 31mm, just slightly larger than the Member"s badge of the same series. As pointed out above, the brightly colored enamel border or "Aussenrand" in German, indicated to other league members the level of the wearer in the organization. Each badge was RZM’d and hallmarked.

One small difference between the Staff Badge and the standard Member's Badge was the metal base. Staff Badges had asilver/nickel base in the Type II series from 1934 until about 1936. Thereafter, the Type II Staff was produced with a copper metal core and silver outer plate. This copper core/silverwash was carried through to the Type III. But all Type II (andType III) Staff Badges had the silver color on all metal parts. Remember, the Type II Member’s Badge was copper with gilt wash? Well, the Staff Badges changed that for the rest of the organizational insignia for the group.

When the Type III Staff Badges were born on the designer’s sketch pad. and mass produced from 1939 to 1944, a new rank system was devised to allow for better representation of each office through the badges. There was now a Staff Badge for the "Wider" staff (heads of departments, etc.), and one for the "Closer" Staff (direct officers of the league). The Type III Wider Staff Badge was slightly different from the same series Members decoration. Since this was wartime, a German army type eagle was sat atop the central life rune, and the top banner eliminated with the wording clad against the black enamel background. The words and eagle/swastika were in silver. Surrounding this design was the 1.5 mm level border with a thin silver outside edge. This edge is the key difference between the wider and closer insignia. Measurements of the Wider Staff Badge were 30.5mm by 30.5mm. The base metal was silver/nickel plate over copper but in 1944 this was switched to nickel over zinc core.


The insignia of rank for the Type III Closer Staff Badge was identical to the previously described badge, except for the lmm wide silver border. It was almost the same size at 30.5mm by 31mm. Once again the base was copper with nickel/silver plate. All Staff Badges have the maker’s M serial mark on the reverse. The Type II was made with a horizontal spring pin/catch, while the Type III badges were produced with vertical assemblies. No statistics were kept of the numbers presented or produced from 1934 to 1944.

To be continued...

J.R. Cone, "One People, One Reich - Enameled Organizational Badges of Germany 1918-1945", MCN Press, 1983