“Hird” Sports Badge

“Hird” Sports Badge - Bronze, Silver, Gold.

Instituted on –

Rarity – Very Rare, Very Rare, Extremely Rare.

Known Makers – Unmarked.

 

“Hird” Sports Badge - Bronze - Obverse.

 

“Hird” Sports Badge - Bronze - Reverse.

 

 The badge comprises of a circular disk which is slightly convex. It has a diameter of 33 mm which has a raised edge line and an inner one producing 3 mm field. Onto this in raised capital letter round the upper position RIKSHIRDENS. Two pellets are place one either side. Beneath again in raised capital letter IDRETTSMERKE. The centre has a Nordic cross. The vertical leg has a raised 6 two leaved frond with a single leave at the top. Over this is a pair of crossed broad bladed double edged swords. The fields between the arms of the cross are in filled pillar box red opaque enamel. The reverse is plain with the indented mark of the crossed swords. It has a horizontal hinge with thin wire pin secured by a wire “C” hook.

There is another form of the badge, which has the fields between the arms of the cross fretted out.

 

 

 

Axel Stang - Leader of the Norweian Hird. Above his left breat pocket he wears the NSUF Marksmanship Badge, the NS Badge of Honour, the Hird Sports Badge. In his tunic button hole is the ribbon of the German Iron Cross 2nd class.

 

 

Axel Heiberg Stang - Leader of the Norwegian “Hird”.

21 February 1904   11 November 1974

Party Number    SS Number

Iron Cross Second Class, NSUF Marksmanship Badge, NS Badge of Honour, “Hird” Sports Badge.

Born into two of Norway's most politically influential and wealthy families with large estates. His father Ole A. Stang was a businessman and landowner, while his mother Emma Heiberg was Queen Maud’s most trusted confidante and Lady’s Maid. He was born in Kristiania and had a brother Thomas, who subsequently married the actress Wenche Foss. He was uncle to the current Mayor of Oslo Fabian Stang. Axel Heiberg Stang was a Norwegian landowner and forester.

Stang first joined the Nasjonal Samling in 1933 and served as district leader in Glåmdal, although he was largely a minor figure before World War II. After the invasion of Norway in April 1940 he served as councillor of state in the Nasjonal Samling government of Vidkun Quisling, and later as minister. He was put in joint charge of the NS political staff with Ragnar Skancke. The Germans thought it wise to include him due to his family's close ties to the Royal Court and recommended that he be a part of the new government despite his lack of experience and commitment. In September he was appointed to Vidkun Quisling's collaborationist government as Minister of Labour and Sports, a heavily ideological department. In this role he passed a law in 1941 making service compulsory in the Arbeidstjenesten, an organisation modelled on the German Reichsarbeitsdienst,. He also made service compulsory for all children in the "NSUF”, this organisation was closely modelled on the Hitlerjugend. This proved a disaster as it infuriated the population and was later scrapped altogether. Also his attempts to force all sports club to join the Nasjonal Samling Sports Organisation proved a failure, leading to an almost total boycott of organised sport for the duration of the occupation.  Whilst continuing as a minister he also enrolled in the SS Division Nordland and won the German Iron Cross Second Class after seeing action in the Balkans.  He also served, during the summer of 1941, for 8 weeks on the Eastern Front in Finland. He was generally considered to be moderate and amicable among contemporaries, but unable to resist neither his German advisors nor the Norwegian hardliners in the government.

After the war, he was sentenced to life in prison in 1946, for his involvement in collaboration, which was subsequently commuted to 20 years of hard labour. At his appeal to the Supreme Court, a minority of 3 judges voted for the death penalty, among them his own cousin, Emil Stang. He received a full pardon in 1956 and retired to his estate at Rømskog, where he remained until his death.

 

 

“Hird” Military Sports Badge

“Hird” Military Sports Badge - Bronze, Silver, Gold.

Instituted on –

Rarity – Very Rare, Very Rare, Extremely Rare.

Known Makers – Unmarked.

 

“Hird” Military Sports Badge - Bronze - Obverse.

 

“Hird” Military Sports Badge - Bronze - Reverse.

 

The badge comprises of circular convex disk that has a diameter of 32 mm.It has a raised edge line a 24 mm Viking shield with Nordic eight pointer design with a circular boss. Across the badge perpendicularly is a broad bladed two edged sword. Into the tramlines formed by the edge line and the outer edge of the shield in raised capital letter VERNE – IDRETT, above on either side is a six two leave frond with a single leaf tip. The field is darkens. The reverse is plain with an indentation of the sword. It has a flat hinge with broad tapered pin and a wire “C” hock at the base. The overall finish is lacquered.

 

“Tapper og Tro’ Korset” - Bravery and Loyalty Cross. – Political

 “Tapper og Tro’ Korset” - Bravery and Loyalty Cross. – Political - Knight’s Cross, 1st Class, and 2nd Class.

Instituted on – 1944.

Rarity – Very Rare, Very Rare, Extremely Rare.

Known Makers – Unmarked.

 “Tapper og Tro’ Korset”,  2nd Class - Political - Obverse.

 



 

 “Tapper og Tro’ Korset”,  2nd Class - Political - Reverse

 

 

 

 “Tapper og Tro’ Korset”,  2nd Class - Political - Obverse over laying the ribbon of the  “Tapper og Tro’ Korset”,  2nd Class.

 

The design of the three classes of the award are the same and comprise of a Bronze Latin cross that measure 44 mm across with out-turned ends to the arms. Between the arms are crossed swords. At the centre, instead of the date in raised numerals 1941, in the case of the 1^st and 2^nd class, is placed the emblem of the Nasjonal Samling party which was the sun cross of St. Olaf, the fields of which were in filled with red opaque enamel, and placed in the talons of an open winged eagle that is gilded. The reverse is flat saving for across the central arms the inscription ‘TAPPER OG TRO’, Bravery and Loyalty, in ‘Nordic’ script. In the case of the 2nd class on the upper arm is an oblong fine wire box through which the ribbon is placed. This comprises of an orange red band that measures 30 mm which is segmented into three 10 mm widths of orange red, orange yellow, orange red. At the top is a bronze bar 31 mm by 6 mm which has a pin hinge and wire C hook

The 1st class was the same design, but was a breast cross. The reverse was not “pin – backed” in the normal manner, but attached to the tunic by two lugs which had to be punched through the fabric and then bent flat.

The Knight’s Cross, might very well be a cross of the same design, but with four Party emblems superimposed over the swords in the angles of the cross. The date 1941 being at the centre. The cross was suspended from a suspender as described in the 2^nd class. The ribbon comprises of an orange red band that measures 30 mm with two narrow yellow inset side stripes. It has been stated that this design of cross was produced in the 70’s by a Jeweller in Denmark from “Tapper og Tro’ Korset” - Bravery and Loyalty Cross. - 2nd Class enhancing it with Party emblems. The example shown was from the Dodkins collection and obtained in the 50’s. The photo was used in David Littlejohns book published in 1973.  

 

 

 

In 1944, the Order was reassigned as an award for bravery in Norway and was awarded to members of the Nasjonal Samling, such awards being referred to as ‘politisk utgave’ political awards. At this time it is possible that the Order was also reorganised into three new grades, thus the 2^nd class became the 3^rd class, the 1^st class became the 2^nd class and the creation of a new 1^st class as described.

The awards are housed in an oblong black card box with light pebbling. These measures 104 mm by 84 mm. the lid is hinged with paper the base is removable and constructed of diamond embossed cotton.

 

 

 “Tapper og Tro’ Korset”,  2nd Class - Political Cased.

 

 

 

 

 

“Tapper og Tro’ Korset” - Bravery and Loyalty Cross.

“Tapper og Tro’ Korset” - Bravery and Loyalty Cross. - Knight’s Cross, 1^st Class, and 2^nd Class.

Instituted on – 1941.
Rarity – Very Rare, Very Rare, Extremely Rare.
Known Makers – Unmarked.

 

 

‘TAPPER OG TRO’  2nd Class - Obverse.

 

 

‘TAPPER OG TRO’  2nd Class - Reverse.

The design of the three classes of the award are the same and comprise of a Bronze Latin cross that measure 44 mm across with out-turned ends to the arms. Between the arms are crossed swords. At the centre is the date in raised numerals 1941, the date of the invasion of the Soviet Union. The reverse is flat save for across the central arms the inscription ‘TAPPER OG TRO’, Bravery and Loyalty, in ‘Nordic’ script. In the case of the 2nd class on the upper arm is a wire eyelet that is 90% to the arm of the cross through which is placed a small ring. This has attached to it, by sown thread, a ribbon that is an orange red that measures 44 mm. Onto the centre is machine sewn on top a piece of yellow ribbon tape that measures 12 mm. The length of the ribbon that is machine sown across the top is 130 mm long.

 

‘TAPPER OG TRO’  2nd Class - Ribbon - Obverse.

 

‘TAPPER OG TRO’  2nd Class - Ribbon - Reverse.

 

 

‘TAPPER OG TRO’  1st Class - Obverse.

 

 

‘TAPPER OG TRO’  1st Class - Obverse.

The 1st class was the same design, but was a breast cross. The reverse was not “pin – backed” in the normal manner, but attached to the tunic by two lugs which had to be punched through the fabric and then bent flat.

‘TAPPER OG TRO’ Knight’s Cross.

 



The  Knight’s Cross, again was the same design, but in this case the wire eyelet that is on the upper arm is in line to the arm of the cross through this is an elongated thin wire suspension loop that is approximately 30mm.

‘Tapper og Tro’ (Ridderkors) - Knights Cross.

 

 

‘TAPPER OG TRO’  1st Class Cased.

The awards are housed in an oblong black card box with light pebbling. These measures 104 mm by 84 mm. the lid is hinged with paper the base is removable and constructed of diamond embossed cotton.

 

‘TAPPER OG TRO’  1st Class Case Inner liner.

This Order in the three classes’s, began life as the ‘Order for Bravery and Loyalty’, instituted by the collaborationist Nasjonal Samling government under Vidkun Quisling in 1941 to be awarded to Norwegian front Fighter in much the same manner as the German Iron Cross. Shortly afterwards, however, Josef Terboven, German Reichskommissar of Norway, dictated that only German awards were to be worn by Norwegian collaborationist forces. Terboven and Quisling had a long history of rivalry and disagreement with Terboven doing his utmost to minimise the influence of Quisling, despite the orders of the Führer Adolf Hitler to help build the Nasjonal Samling. The Order was thus awarded for only a very brief period. It is thought at least one 1^st class and one 2^nd classes had been awarded. 

Kamp Organisasjon (KO) Pin.



Kamp Organisasjon (KO) Pin.

Instituted on –

Rarity – Very Rare.

Known Makers – Unmarked

 

Kamp Organisasjon (KO) Pin. - Obverse.

 

Kamp Organisasjon (KO) Pin. - Reverse.

 

 

The award comprises of the emblem of the Nasjonal Samling party which was the sun cross of St. Olaf, the fields of which were in filled with red opaque enamel, and placed in the talons of an open winged eagle that is guilded. . The reverse is flat with a pin plat soldered directly behind the St Olav’s cross. On the left wing is stamped the membership number. This corresponds with that in the Red membership book that accompanied the award.

Very active members of the Nasjonal Samling party could become members in the struggle organization of the party. The members received a membership book and a struggle pin. Both had the same number.



 

 

Kamp Organisasjon (KO) Members Book. 

 

 Kamp Organisasjon (KO) Members Book - Page 1.

 

Kamp Organisasjon (KO) Members Book - Page 2. 

 

 Kamp Organisasjon (KO) Members Book - Page 4.

 

 Kamp Organisasjon (KO) Members Book - Page 12.

 

Front Line Soldiers Badge.

Front Line Soldiers Badge.

Instituted on. October 1943

Rarity – Very Rare.
Known Makers – Unmarked, silver content 830 s.

 

Front Line Soldiers Badge - silver - Obverse.

 

Front Line Soldiers Badge - silver - Reverse.

 

Front Line Soldiers Badge - Zink - Obverse.

 

 

Front Line Soldiers Badge - Zink - Reverse.

This award was designed, by Harald Damsleth, and comprises of a six sided badge measuring 43.5 mm by 34 mm.  It has a border with a 1 mm edge line to either side and a width of 6 mm.  The field between the tram lines is slightly convexed and on to this is superimposed, in raised sham runic script, 'FRONTKJEMPER', which translates to, Front Line Fighter.  The lower portion has nine pellets separated by eight parallel lines, placed on opposing diagonals.  At the centre is a Viking warrior, with his feet resting on the bottom edge line.  He holds a sword above his head pointing horizontally to the viewer's right and across his body he holds a shield bearing the sun cross. 

The reverse is flat with a slight dip behind the shield.  It has a barrel hinge, narrow flat pin and 'C' form hook soldered directly to the body of the badge. 

There are three forms of the badge.  One is produced in white metal that is artificially patinated and believed to have been produced in Germany.  The other form is produced in silver that is, likewise, artificially patinated, the silver content 830 s being stamped on the reverse. This type was produced in Norway. The third is a form produced in zinc, again produced in Norway. Most collectors in Norway thought the zinc version was made in 1947, and sold to those SS members who had lost their badge during the war or taken by soldiers of the resistance movement. But now there has been found papers from the Norwegian “Riks arkiv”, that states the badge in zinc was made during March 1945. In March 1945 Bjørn Noreger, Head of the Front Fighters Office ordered 2000 Front Fighters Badges in zinc in order to distribute them to the members who had lost their badges due to different reasons as stock of the silver badges were now unavailable. The Front Fighters Office decided to replace them with cheaper badges made in zinc. The job was assigned to the jewellery company Brilliant Ltd in Torggata 34. At first the company produced 1000 badges at 7.50 Norwegian Crown per badge. As the Front Fighters Office was latter invoiced for 2000 badges in total, it may be assumed that the other 1000 badges were produced by the same Company.

The jewellery company supplied the Front Fighters Office with the first 1000 badges on 24^th March 1945. On 27^th March 1945 Noreger sent a letter to the Minister Presidents Office explaining the reason for replacing the silver badges with zinc ones, a sample of the zinc badge and the invoice from the jewellery company were enclosed with the letter. The Minister President Vidkum Quisling did not agree with Noreger’s initiative and proclaimed his decision through the Chief Councillor ørnulf Lundesgaad as follows:

 

 “Such order was not authorised by me and thus I will not pay for it. The lost Front Fighter Badges shall not be replaced unless a duly explanation letter is submitted. V. Q. 28.3.45”. On 6^th April 1945 Noreger received the letter. Thus the zinc version of the Front Line Soldiers Badge are extremely rare, considering only 1000 examples can be attributed and the date of their production and delivery being but days before the War was over.

The award was instituted in October 1943 by Vidkum Quisling and was awarded to all Norwegian military personnel who saw active service on the eastern front.  Women as well as men were eligible.  Nurses serving with the combat troops were also entitled to the badge. It was awarded in a large light brown card board box that had a base liner of pressed white cotton together with a miniature for civilian wear. It was accompanied by a citation. The badge was worn on the left breast pocket of the military uniform.

 

 

Front Line Soldiers Badge - silver - Obverse with miniature in case of issue.

 

Front Line Soldiers Badge - Citation.

Front Line Soldiers Badge  in wear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

AG Moxness frontsøster.



   Fake.

 

 

ROND Sports Badge

ROND Sports Badge - Gold.

Instituted.

Rarity – Extremely Rare.

Known Makers – Unmarked.

 

ROND Sports Badge - Obverse.

 



ROND Sports Badge - Reverse.

This award takes the form of an open ended wreath of laurel leaves. Each side has nine bunches of three leaves. At the base is an elongated ribbon bow with central tie. At the centre is a mobile swastika. The badge measure across 25 mm by 24 mm high. On the left of the wreath in raised Cyrillic capital letters are C N O P T and on the right S P O R T. On the ribbon bow on the right R. N. S. B. and on the left P.H.C.A. The reverse is flat with a horizontal pin construction, this comprises of an open hinge through which is wound a thin needle pin this is secured by a “C” catch.

The function of this award and if it was in three grades is unknown. However it can be considered that this was a military orientated Sports award, in possibly the same way as the SA Sports badge of the NSDAP.

 ROND – Rossiiskoye Natsionalno – Sotsialistcheskoye Dvizheniye ( Russian National Socialist Movement), was founded in Berlin by A.P. Svetozarov in February 1933, within weeks of Hitler’s coming to power. Svetozarov was replaced fairly soon after by Prince P.M Bermondt – Avalov, a veteran of the 1919 Baltic campaign which had driven the Bolsheviks out of Latvia. ROND members would parade alongside Hitler’s Storm troopers in their own version of Nazi uniform, this comprise a white shirt with black breeches and top boots. On the left upper arm they wore a red brassard with a white swastika on a blue square, the old Czarist colours. ROND opened branches in Paris, Prague, Belgrade and London in an attempt to form a united anti – Soviet front among the many exiles resident in those cities. In this it was wholly unsuccessful. The Nazis had been willing enough to accept support from the émigrés in the early days when anyone prepared to fight against the Red Front was welcome in their ranks. After 1933 and established in power, they tended to look down on these Slavonic caricatures of themselves. It was, after all, part of the Nazi ethos that all Slavs belong to an inferior breed. The ROND – Nazi relationship continued along uneasy until the German – Soviet Pact of 1939 brought all anti – Russian activities within the Reich to an abrupt halt, at least in their public manifestation. ROND was closed down, but one part of it, its Ukrainian Section, continued to function clandestinely under the patronage of the Abwehr. It was to play an important role in later operations in that part of the Soviet Union after Hitler’s invasion of Russia. The Ukrainian section was taken under the wing of Admiral Canaris, head of German Military Intelligence, the Abwehr. It was absorbed into an amorphous unit known at that date as Lehr und Bau Kompanie z. b. v. 800, Training and Construction Company for Special Purposes No. 800, which later, greatly enlarged, was to win fame as the Brandenburg Division. It was a combined commando and espionage formation which embraced a score or more different nationalities.

 

 

A.P. Svetozarov.

 

 

ROND - 1933 Berlin - May Day Rally.