Description

Offered is an original German Horseman’s qualification badge in silver, by Steinhauer & Lück Lüdenscheid

51mm high die struck, zinc alloy badge that takes the form of a vertically oval oak leaf wreath with an “R” (for “Reiter”), within a belt-like surround, to its base, above which, encircled by the wreath, is a profiled horse and rider. A hinged pin is to the top of its hollow-backed reverse, and a corresponding catch is to its base. “GES ZLG. REICHSFUHRER FZU. ” (By-law Protected) is embossed to the reverse of one side of the wreath, and the manufacturer’s name and location, “FINHAUER LUCK LUDENSCHEID,” is embossed to the other side. Nice original, mid war produced piece.

Instituted in 1930 by the German National Federation for the Breeding and Testing of Thoroughbreds, and designed by W. Heitinger, the German Horseman’s Badge was awarded in bronze, silver and gold, with the bronze awarded for successes in horse racing. It would later become a national award and was worn on the left breast of the uniform.