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Original German Horseman’s Badge in Gold – Steinhauer & Lück

This German Horseman’s Badge in Gold is an attractive original-style example of the Deutsches Reiterabzeichen, manufactured by the well-known firm Steinhauer & Lück of Lüdenscheid.The badge features a mounted horseman surrounded by a detailed oak-leaf wreath. More importantly, this example retains a particularly strong golden appearance across the raised surfaces, with darker age toning and areas of natural oxidation providing good contrast.The reverse carries clearly impressed period-style markings together with the manufacturer’s name:STEINHAUER & LÜCK LÜDENSCHEIDand the abbreviated inscription referring to the:Reichsverband für Zucht und Prüfung deutschen WarmblutsThis organisation introduced the German equestrian award system in 1930. The German Horseman’s Badge was issued in bronze, silver and gold grades, with gold representing the highest class. https://www.ratisbons.com

German Horseman’s Badge in Gold Design

The obverse of this German Horseman’s Badge in Gold displays a horse and rider in profile within an oval oak-leaf wreath.The horse retains strong anatomical detail, while the rider, reins and saddle remain clearly defined. Furthermore, the surrounding oak leaves show deep relief and pronounced veins.A narrow binding appears at the bottom of the wreath. The gold-coloured finish remains particularly evident on the horse, rider and wreath, although normal age-related wear and toning can be seen throughout.This combination gives the badge an attractive, untouched appearance.

Steinhauer & Lück Lüdenscheid

Steinhauer & Lück was established in Lüdenscheid in 1889 by August Steinhauer and Adolf Lück. The company became an important German manufacturer of medals, decorations and badges and continued producing awards through several periods of German history. Steinhauer und LückThe firm’s full name appears around the reverse edge of this badge.Steinhauer & Lück examples of the German Horseman’s Badge are known in the collector market, including documented bronze examples with the same manufacturer’s designation. Ratisbon’s records a Steinhauer & Lück bronze example sold in its archive, while eMedals also documents a period bronze example measuring approximately 43 × 53 mm. https://www.ratisbons.com

Reverse Construction

The reverse is particularly interesting.A substantial vertical pin runs centrally from the upper barrel-style hinge to the lower retaining catch. The pin remains complete and appears functional from the photographs.The reverse surface shows natural age toning together with small areas of oxidation and verdigris. These areas are consistent with an aged non-ferrous badge and should not be cleaned.The stamped manufacturer’s designation remains clearly visible around the outer edge.Visible wording includes:STEINHAUER & LÜCK LÜDENSCHEIDtogether with the legally protected design and Reichsverband inscription.Comparable documented wartime badges carry abbreviated wording such as GESETZL. GESCH. REICHSVERBD. F. Z. U. PR. D. WARMBL., referring to the organisation responsible for the award. International Military Antiques

Historical Background

The German Horseman’s Badge was instituted in 1930 by the Reichsverband für Zucht und Prüfung deutschen Warmbluts.The badge was intended to recognise demonstrated equestrian ability rather than military combat service.Three principal grades were awarded:

• 3rd Class – Bronze
• 2nd Class – Silver
• 1st Class – Gold

The gold grade represented the highest level of the award.Ratisbon’s records period gold examples as German Horseman’s Badge 1st Class in Gold, while period auction catalogues similarly identify the three-grade structure. https://www.ratisbons.com

Condition

This German Horseman’s Badge in Gold remains in very good collector condition.The obverse retains extensive gold-coloured finish, particularly across the rider, horse and raised portions of the oak wreath. There is expected surface rubbing together with darker toning in the recesses.Small patches of green oxidation are visible in several areas. However, these form part of the badge’s existing age patina and I would leave them untouched.The reverse displays further age toning and oxidation, while the maker’s inscription remains legible.The pin, hinge and retaining assembly are present.Overall, it has considerably more visual appeal than examples where virtually all of the original finish has disappeared.

Authentication Assessment

The photographs show several positive characteristics:Period-style die-struck construction, detailed oak-leaf wreath, appropriate Steinhauer & Lück manufacturer inscription, correct Reichsverband wording and an appropriate long vertical pin arrangement.The manufacturer and badge type are well documented. An eMedals example by Steinhauer & Lück has the same basic rider-and-horse composition, manufacturer marking and Reichsverband association. eMedalsI would therefore catalogue this as:German Horseman’s Badge 1st Class in Gold – Steinhauer & Lück, LüdenscheidI would still add its exact dimensions and weight before making the product page final, because those give us another useful authenticity check.

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Specifications

Award: German Horseman’s Badge German: Deutsches Reiterabzeichen Grade: 1st Class / Gold Period: 1930–1945 era Manufacturer: Steinhauer & Lück Location: Lüdenscheid Organisation: Reichsverband für Zucht und Prüfung deutschen Warmbluts Construction: Die struck / openwork Finish: Gold-coloured finish with age patina Fastening: Vertical pin, hinge and catch Condition: Very good, with age-related toning and oxidation 

Internal Links for Nordmenn

I would add these naturally within the description:Explore our other original German medals and badges in the Nordmenn Militaria Awards, Medals and Badges collection.Link the words Awards, Medals and Badges to the appropriate Nordmenn category.Also add:View other original Third Reich sports and qualification awards available from Nordmenn Militaria.This provides a second useful internal route without overloading the product description.

Recommended Outbound References

For the manufacturer-history link, use the official Steinhauer & Lück history page. The company records its establishment in Lüdenscheid in 1889. Steinhauer und LückFor a collector comparison, use the Ratisbon’s German Horseman’s Badge archive, which documents bronze and gold grades and includes Steinhauer & Lück examples. https://www.ratisbons.comYou can also use eMedals as a construction comparison because it documents a period Steinhauer & Lück equestrian badge with maker marking and dimensions. eMedals