Scarce original first-pattern NSDAP, SA and early SS political cap eagle with attractive silvered finish and strong feather detail. Reverse RZM marked M1/20 for Gustav Emil Ficker, Beierfeld. An archived first-pattern eagle with the same M1/20 marking provides an excellent direct comparison.
€ 295
1 in stock
This RZM M1/20 cap eagle is a scarce original-style example of the early first-pattern political eagle associated with the NSDAP, SA and early SS. The badge has a silvered finish, sharply modelled feather detail and the characteristic wreathed swastika. Most importantly, the reverse carries the RZM emblem and M1/20 manufacturer code, identifying the licensed maker as Gustav Emil Ficker of Beierfeld. Specialist RZM manufacturer lists independently confirm this attribution.
An archived Milestone Auctions example provides an especially important comparison. That eagle carries the same RZM M1/20 marking and is described as the first-pattern political eagle used by the NSDAP, SA and SS.
The first-pattern political eagle belongs to the formative period of NSDAP uniform development.
Its design predates the later organisation-specific eagles that became familiar during the mid and late 1930s. Early examples consequently appeared on headgear worn by more than one political organisation.
Wharton Militaria documents this exact general pattern as an NSDAP first-pattern political eagle worn by both the SA and SS, together with other developing NSDAP organisations. Their documented example also carries an RZM M1 manufacturer mark.
Therefore, the historically accurate designation for the present badge is:
First Pattern NSDAP / SA / Early SS Political Cap Eagle
It should not be described as a later Waffen-SS-specific visor eagle.
The early SS adopted the political-style eagle before introducing its distinctive later headgear pattern.
Specialist research notes that the SS began using the national eagle and swastika on headgear during the late 1920s. Subsequently, the SA and other political organisations adopted related forms.
A specifically differentiated SS cap eagle appeared later. Epic Artifacts places the introduction of the recognisable longer-wing SS-specific design in February 1936.
Consequently, an early political eagle such as this could legitimately be associated with early SS headgear. However, the design was not exclusive to the SS.
That distinction is important for accurate museum cataloguing.
The reverse of this RZM M1/20 cap eagle carries an important manufacturer designation.
The marking reads:
RZM M1/20
Within the Reichszeugmeisterei licensing system, the M1 category covered manufacturers of metal badges and insignia.
The code M1/20 is recorded as:
Gustav Emil Ficker – Beierfeld
The current Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ordenskunde manufacturer reference lists Gustav Emil Ficker against M1/20.
Furthermore, an archived object originating from the estate of a former employee of the M1/20 factory is specifically identified as coming from Gustav Emil Ficker, Beierfeld.
The maker attribution is therefore well supported.
An unusually useful reference survives in the Milestone Auctions archive.
The auction included an early political eagle described with an:
embossed RZM emblem with double circular borders and manufacturer code M1/20.
That is the same basic marking combination visible on the present badge.
This provides much stronger comparative evidence than simply comparing the badge with an eagle produced by another manufacturer.
Although individual die details should always be examined under magnification before claiming a die-identical match, the manufacturer and pattern comparison is highly convincing.
The badge displays the characteristic early political eagle form.
Its principal features include:
The strong three-dimensional modelling is particularly attractive.
Meanwhile, the silvered surface has aged naturally across exposed areas.
The eagle retains excellent definition.
Long outer flight feathers extend across both wings. Shorter feathers form clearly separated layers closer to the body.
The breast displays the distinctive geometric feather pattern associated with early political eagles.
In addition, the eagle’s neck and head show crisp contours.
Natural wear is concentrated on raised surfaces. Darker material remains within the recessed detail.
This contrast creates considerable depth.
A circular wreath hangs below the eagle.
Within it sits the raised swastika associated with political headgear insignia of the period.
The design remains clearly defined despite age toning.
Furthermore, the recessed areas around the wreath have retained darker patination. The exposed surfaces remain noticeably brighter.
Such differential ageing is visually consistent with an old silvered badge.
Several characteristics support the pre-1945 manufacture of this RZM M1/20 cap eagle.
Positive features include:
Most significantly, an archived first-pattern eagle with the same M1/20 manufacturer designation is documented by Milestone Auctions.
Strongly consistent with an original pre-1945 first-pattern political cap eagle manufactured under RZM licence M1/20.
As with all RZM metal insignia, a hands-on examination remains the final standard for absolute authentication.
Nevertheless, the photographs reveal no immediate fatal reproduction characteristic.
Several strong references support the attribution.
Wharton Militaria describes an RZM-marked example of the same first-pattern form as an NSDAP political eagle worn by both the SA and SS.
Grenadier Militaria also documents an original first-pattern SA/SS cap eagle manufactured from tombak with a silver finish. Their example retains the compact proportions associated with this early form.
Finally, the Milestone Auctions example carries the exact M1/20 manufacturer designation found on the present badge.
Together, these comparisons provide a strong basis for the catalogue attribution.
The badge remains in very good original condition with attractive age patination.
A substantial amount of the silver-coloured surface remains visible.
At the same time, natural darkening has developed around the feather recesses, eagle body and wreath.
The exposed high points show expected wear.
Importantly, this ageing gives the badge considerable character. Therefore, the eagle should remain exactly as found.
Do not polish this badge.
Metal polish would remove surviving finish and alter the natural surface.
Similarly, chemical silver cleaners should never be used.
A soft archival storage container is preferable for long-term preservation. Avoid acidic cardboard and reactive modern foams.
Early political eagles occupy an interesting position within Third Reich insignia collecting.
They represent the transitional period before the SA, SS and other organisations adopted increasingly distinctive uniform systems.
The present example offers an additional advantage through its RZM M1/20 maker attribution.
Therefore, it combines:
These characteristics make it considerably more interesting than an anonymous late-war political eagle.
Explore related listings: Military Visor & Peaked Caps; SS Militaria Collection; Third Reich Awards and Insignia; Nordmenn Militaria Shop.
Compare another documented first-pattern political eagle at Wharton Militaria – NSDAP 1st Pattern Political Eagle, SA & SS.
See another original early example at Grenadier Militaria – SA/SS Cap Eagle First Pattern.
For confirmation of the manufacturer code, see the DG RZM M1 Manufacturer List.
The archived exact M1/20 marking comparison can be found through Milestone Auctions / Lot-Art.
This RZM M1/20 cap eagle is a desirable surviving example of the early first-pattern political headgear eagle.
Its silvered construction, compact raised-wing design, geometric feathering and wreathed swastika correspond closely with documented early political insignia.
The reverse RZM M1/20 marking provides the most important attribution. Reference sources identify the maker as Gustav Emil Ficker of Beierfeld.
Furthermore, an archived early political eagle carrying the same M1/20 manufacturer designation provides an unusually strong direct comparison.
The badge should therefore be catalogued as an original first-pattern NSDAP / SA / early SS political cap eagle by Gustav Emil Ficker, rather than as a later Waffen-SS-specific eagle.
