An original 1939 Kreissieger badge manufactured by A.G. Tham of Gablonz an der Neiße. This bronze-finished and enamelled Reichsberufswettkampf award retains its complete pin system, clear maker mark and attractive period patina.
€ 400
1 in stock
This original 1939 Kreissieger badge recognised a district-level winner in the German Reich Vocational Competition, known as the Reichsberufswettkampf. The German Labour Front and Hitler Youth first promoted the competition in 1934 for apprentices. They later expanded it to include skilled workers and journeymen.
The competition tested practical ability and occupational knowledge. However, it also formed part of the regime’s wider youth and labour policy. The German Federal Archives provides useful historical evidence about the development and intended purpose of the Reichsberufswettkampf.
A surviving 1939 portrait titled Der Kreissieger also places the award within its contemporary vocational setting. The Deutsche Digitale Bibliothek records the painting as a portrait of a young carpenter who became a Kreissieger in the competition.
The 1939 Kreissieger badge uses substantial, die-struck, multi-part construction. Its circular body has a bronze-coloured laurel wreath surrounding a cream enamel field.
The word KREISSIEGER follows the upper curve of the badge. Meanwhile, the divided date 19–39 appears beneath the eagle’s extended wings.
A separately applied national eagle dominates the centre. The maker gave the wings, breast and individual feathers strong definition. The eagle holds a cogwheel containing an enamelled Hitler Youth diamond.
The cogwheel represents the German Labour Front. In contrast, the red, white and black diamond reflects the participation of the Hitler Youth. Therefore, the design combines both organisations within one award.
The red enamel retains its distinctive pebbled surface and rich colour. Moreover, the surrounding white enamel remains substantially complete. The bronze finish has developed an attractive, naturally darkened patina.
The reverse carries the clearly impressed two-line maker mark:
A.G. THAM
GABLONZ a.N.
August G. Tham established his company in Gablonz an der Neiße in 1908. The town is now Jablonec nad Nisou in the Czech Republic.
The firm specialised in enamelled badges, medals, bicycle emblems and automobile emblems. During the Third Reich period, A.G. Tham received the RZM manufacturer codes M1/164 and M9/214.
The State Museum of Glass and Jewellery in Jablonec nad Nisou records the company’s foundation, manufacturing specialities and official RZM codes.
The full company mark on this badge remains sharp and correctly positioned. In addition, its lettering and spacing correspond with other recognised A.G. Tham examples.
A block-style hinge secures the broad vertical pin at the top. The pin closes into a soldered sheet-metal catch at the bottom.
The hinge, pin and catch all remain present. Furthermore, the fittings display the same settled patina as the badge body. The visible solder also appears naturally aged.
Several important characteristics support genuine pre-1945 manufacture:
On the photographic evidence, the 1939 Kreissieger badge displays the construction and finishing expected from an original A.G. Tham example.
The badge remains in good to very good period-worn condition.
Much of the original bronze-coloured finish survives. However, natural toning has darkened the recessed areas around the eagle, wreath and cogwheel.
The cream enamel field shows light scratches, fine age lines and minor surface wear. Several fine hairlines appear around the applied eagle. Nevertheless, no major enamel loss is visible in the supplied photographs.
The red pebbled enamel remains particularly attractive. Likewise, the white and black sections of the central diamond remain complete, although close inspection reveals minor age-related lines.
The eagle retains strong feather detail. The surrounding wreath also remains crisp, while the cogwheel teeth show little noticeable wear.
A faint circular mark appears on the lower reverse. This mark probably represents residue from an old collector or price label. It does not appear to indicate structural damage.
The badge should not receive polishing or chemical cleaning. Such treatment would remove its established patina and reduce its collector appeal.
The combination of occupational, labour and youth symbolism makes this award an important addition to a specialised collection.
Collectors can explore further period insignia in our Medals, Badges and Awards collection. Related political awards also appear within our NSDAP and Other Awards category.
For comparison, see this original Hitler Youth membership badge M1/34. Another related enamelled youth award is the original Hitler Youth Jugendmeister 1942 badge.
Item: Kreissieger award badge
Competition: Reichsberufswettkampf
Date: 1939
Country: Germany
Manufacturer: A.G. Tham
Maker location: Gablonz an der Neiße
Construction: Bronze-finished non-ferrous metal with coloured enamel
Design: Laurel wreath, national eagle, cogwheel and HJ diamond
Reverse: A.G. Tham Gablonz a.N. maker mark
Attachment: Vertical pin, block hinge and soldered catch
Condition: Good to very good period-worn condition
Catalogue price: €450
This original 1939 Kreissieger badge by A.G. Tham represents a well-preserved district winner’s award from the Reichsberufswettkampf.
Its coloured enamel, detailed die work, correct manufacturer’s mark and complete pin system create a convincing period example. Moreover, its honest patina gives the badge considerable display character.
The A.G. Tham attribution further strengthens its appeal. Consequently, this example would make an excellent addition to an advanced collection of German vocational, political or Hitler Youth awards.
The badge recognised a district-level winner in the Reichsberufswettkampf. Competitors completed practical and theoretical tests connected with their occupations.
No. This is not an HJ sports award. It relates to the Reich Vocational Competition, although the Hitler Youth helped organise that competition.
A.G. Tham of Gablonz an der Neiße manufactured the badge. The company specialised in enamelled badges, medals and vehicle emblems.
Yes. The block hinge, broad vertical pin and soldered lower catch all remain present.
No. The badge should remain unpolished. Its original patina, surface wear and reverse residue form part of its history.
