German WWII Cased 25 Year NSDAP Faithful Service Award-This is a very good example. Just take a look at the silver finish on this award. This shows light wear to the left arm of the cross, but overall the finish on this example is near excellent. The black enamel on the swastika is also excellent. The short portion of cornflower blue ribbon is very clean, and in very good shape. This award has a pin back device on the ribbon. This is cased in its original red cardboard box. The case does have damage, and a repair. The box is cracked on one side, and someone has put blue tape around the edges of the lid. You can see that the corners of the lid have split, which usually happens over time if not cared for properly. The case also has a crack on the bottom. It still houses the medal, but the case is not perfect by any means. This is bargain priced based on condition!
History: On January 30th, 1938, Hitler instituted the Faithful Service Decoration, in three classes, to recognize long-serving civil servants and public works personnel. All officials, employees, and laborers at any level of public service (local, regional or national) who complete 25 or 40-years’ service were eligible. Previous time spent in civil service was considered as an eligibility, for example, if you served in any civil capacity during WWI, that time could be used to qualify you for this award as well. The second-class award was for 25 years of service was a silver cross, with a silver wreath and a black enameled swastika in the center of the cross. The first-class award was for 40 years of service was a gold cross, with a gold wreath and a black enameled swastika in the center of the cross. There was a special class for fifty years of continuous service with the same employer in the free economic system. The reverse of both classes was stamped with 'Für treue Dienste' (For faithful Services). The ribbon for the medal is cornflower blue. The decorations were intended to be an incentive for the civilian population to foster workplace loyalty and create a stable civil service.