Ailsby Collection: Badge for 25 and 40 years’ service in the Economy of the Province Pfalz.

Badge for 25 and 40 years’ service in the Economy of the Province Pfalz.

Instituted on: 1933/34

Rarity – Very Rare, Very Rare.
Known Makers – Unmarked

Plaque for service in the Economy of the Province Pfalz.

Instituted on: 1933/34

Rarity –Very Rare.
Known Makers – Unmarked

Badge for 25 years’ service in the Economy of the Province Pfalz - Obverse.

Badge for 25 years’ service in the Economy of the Province Pfalz - Reverse.

Although only a sub-division of Bavaria, Pfalz, The Palatinate, awarded, possibly around 1933 – 1934, a silver badge for 25 years’ service in the economy of the province. The award consisted of a 31mm circular silver badge, with an outer edge that is lightly grained, which is artificially patinated with a light grey smoked effect. Round the badge is a 4mm boarder onto which is placed a legend in recessed black capital lettering, “25 Jahre im Dienste der Pfälzischen Wirtschaft” – 25 years in the service of the Paltinate economy. On either side of the “25 Jahre”, which is at the top of the badge, is a swastika. The central field is dished with, at the centre a raised design consisting of three symbolic figures: a man with a hammer, symbolic of heavy industry, a female figure, symbolic of agriculture, and a second man with a Mercury staff, symbolic of commerce. Beneath the left foot of the central female figure is the raised monogram of the designer, a capital M surmounting a capital H. The badge was produced by C.Poellath.

The reverse is plain with a horizontal pin hinge and hook.

Badge for 40 years’ service in the Economy of the Province Pfalz.

Badge for 40 years’ service in the Economy of the Province Pfalz. - Obverse.

Badge for 40 years’ service in the Economy of the Province Pfalz. - Reverse.

The award consisted of a 31mm circular silver badge, with an outer edge that is lightly grained, which is artificially patinated with a light grey smoked effect. Round the badge is a 4mm boarder which is gilded onto which is placed a legend in recessed black capital lettering, “40 Jahre im Dienste der Pfälzischen Wirtschaft” – 40 years in the service of the Paltinate economy. On either side of the “40 Jahre”, which is at the top of the badge, is a swastika. The legend and swastikas are inlaid with black The central field is dished with, at the centre a raised design consisting of three symbolic figures: a man with a hammer, symbolic of heavy industry, a female figure, symbolic of agriculture, and a second man with a Mercury staff, symbolic of commerce. Beneath the left foot of the central female figure is the raised monogram of the designer, a capital M surmounting a capital H. The badge was produced by C.Poellath. Since majority of these were produced in zinc, the gold rings tend to flake off over time, making them look just like their 25 year counterparts.

The reverse is plain and silver in colour with a horizontal pin hinge and hook.

Miniatures of the 25 and 40 year Badges exist as well. These feature blank reverses. It is unclear if they were awarded with the plakettes or the round badges.

They were presented in a square box that had a light blue simulated leather covering. The recessed central board was covered in mouse grey velvet that had a recessed slot for the pin. The inner lid lining was of off white silk.

Badge for 25 years’ service in the Economy of the Province Pfalz - Case.

There is also a large circular table medal which takes the central design of the award, thus without the inscription. On the reverse in raised capital letters in 5 lines is the inscription, “Für Langjähre, Ge. Dienste. Der, Pfälzischen, Wirtschaft.” Centrally above and below the legend is a raised swastika. It is produced in a zinc type metal. It was contained in a similar box to the award. It can be found in a square box that had a black simulated leather covering. The recessed central board was covered in light beige velvet. The inner lid lining was of off cream silk.

A second type takes the form of the first. The obverse is identical. The reverse has the 5 line inscription. The upper raised swastika is replaced by finely engraved one with lightly pebbled fields, the lower one is removed and the award date is engraved in its place. It is produced in nickel silver. The case is square box that had a black simulated leather covering. The recessed central board was covered in dark blue. The inner lid lining was of royal blue silk.