NAZI GERMANY 40 YEAR SERVICE CROSS

Offered is an original Nazi Germany 40 Year Service Cross.

Die struck alloy decoration with frosted gilt plated highlights and a black enamel swastika. The decoration is in the form of a cross Pattée with a circular oak-leaf wreath extending between the arms of the cross. The centre of the cross has a square plate with a black enameled static swastika to the obverse, and the embossed Gothic script to the reverse, “Für treue Dienste” (For Loyal Service). The arms of the cross have a slightly textured background field with a smooth, dual stepped, raised outer edge. Ribbon is mounted, as awarded/worn.

On January 30th, 1938, Hitler instituted the Faithful Service Decoration, in three classes, to recognize long-serving civil servants and public works personnel. The decorations were intended to be an incentive for the civilian population to foster workplace loyalty and create a stable civil service. The three classes of the decoration consisted of the special class for fifty years of continuous service with the same employer in the free economic system, the first class decoration for forty years of service, and the second class for twenty-five years service. All three classes followed the same basic design, with minor variations.