German WWII NSDAP 40 Year Faithful Service Award-This is a handsome gold gilted example of the 40 year faithful service award. The gold finish on this badge has faded some, you can see a bronze tone on the metal beneath the gilting. The wreath retains more of the gold finish, giving this badge an interesting look. The black enamel on the swastika is very good. This badge shows light wear only. The cornflower blue ribbon is very clean. This is a handsome example.
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.