This early SA/SS standard-bearer gorget is an exceptional, virtually mint example of one of the most distinctive ceremonial insignia worn by the early Sturmabteilung and Schutzstaffel. Most importantly, it remains complete with its heavy suspension chain, shaped original box and fragile protective tissue paper. Few surviving examples retain such a complete and remarkably well-preserved presentation.
€ 5.500
1 in stock
This early SA/SS standard-bearer gorget is an exceptional, virtually mint example of one of the most distinctive ceremonial insignia worn by the early Sturmabteilung and Schutzstaffel. Most importantly, it remains complete with its heavy suspension chain, shaped original box and fragile protective tissue paper. Few surviving examples retain such a complete and remarkably well-preserved presentation.
The SA and SS introduced this heart-shaped gorget for standard bearers before the 1929 Reich Party Rally. Selected men wore it while carrying organisational flags, unit colours and the prestigious Deutschland Erwache standards. Both SA and SS standard bearers used the pattern before the SS introduced its separate gorget in 1938.
The gorget therefore belongs to the formative period of National Socialist ceremonial culture. Large rallies used flags, uniforms and carefully controlled regalia to project unity and political power. The Bundesarchiv photographic collectionpreserves contemporary images of SA and SS formations at the Nuremberg rallies.
The substantial heart-shaped plate has a highly polished nickel-silver finish and a raised rolled border. A separately applied gilt sunburst dominates the centre. Its long and short rays retain exceptional definition, together with almost all of their original golden finish.
A silvered circular medallion rests over the sunburst. It carries an early Party eagle above a wreathed swastika, surrounded by finely detailed oak leaves and linear decoration. The contrasting silver and gold finishes create the imposing appearance associated with early SA and SS ceremonial equipment.
Two gilt fluted rosettes secure the upper corners. Both remain complete, firmly attached and bright. The heavy nickel suspension chain consists of tightly interlinked oval wire sections. Its quality and weight distinguish it from the lighter chains found on many later gorgets.
The two chain terminals carry matching impressed “88” markings. Comparable original SA/SS gorgets also display this numerical mark. It represents a manufacturer or production-control code rather than a precious-metal fineness mark. No unsupported attribution to a particular factory should be made without definitive contemporary documentation.
The fitted black box follows the unusual outline of the gorget and protects both the plate and chain. Even more importantly, the original brown protective tissue remains inside. The tissue shows natural creasing and small age-related tears, yet its survival provides compelling evidence of careful long-term storage.
Gorgets normally suffered scratches, plating loss and wear because their large polished surfaces rested against uniform cloth and ceremonial equipment. This example appears to have seen little, if any, actual service. Its boxed preservation explains the extraordinary survival of the silvered and gilt finishes.
The gorget remains in outstanding near-mint to virtually unissued condition. The nickel surface retains a deep reflective lustre, while the gilt sunburst and rosettes remain exceptionally bright. The central medallion displays crisp relief and strong original silvering. Furthermore, the chain remains complete and shows no visible replacement links.
Only minute storage marks, slight natural toning and a small shallow surface blemish near the upper border can be seen. These minor traces do not detract from the overall appearance. Instead, they remain consistent with more than ninety years of protected storage.
The fitted box displays light age and handling marks. Meanwhile, the delicate tissue has creases and small tears but should remain exactly as found. Neither the gorget nor its chain should be polished.
This early SA/SS standard-bearer gorget represents the propaganda, political theatre and paramilitary culture through which the Nazi movement presented itself to the public. The SA used organised violence and intimidation during the Nazi rise to power, while the SS later became central to policing, persecution, the concentration-camp system and mass murder.
For wider historical context, consult the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s accounts of the SA and the SS. The object should therefore be preserved as material evidence of dictatorship and political extremism. Its historical study does not imply endorsement of the organisations represented.
Complete SA/SS gorgets are scarce. Examples retaining strong original finish are significantly harder to obtain. However, a specimen preserved with its chain, shaped box and original tissue paper belongs to a much higher collecting category.
The exceptional condition, matching numbered terminals and complete boxed presentation make this one of the finest surviving examples likely to enter the specialist market. It would form an important centrepiece within an advanced collection of SA and SS regalia, political standards or early Third Reich ceremonial equipment.
Related material may be viewed in our Third Reich flags and banners reference section, Hitler Youth trumpet banner listing and wider Nordmenn Militaria collection.
