BACKGROUND: The development of the NSKK, "National Sozialistisches Kraftfahr Korps" (National Socialist Motor Corps), can be traced back to 1923 when the SA introduced a "Kraftfahr Abteilung" (Motor Section) to transport personnel as required. In 1928 the SA Motor section was expanded to "Kraftfahrstaffeln" (Motor-squadrons). In an attempt to create a national motor corps, the NSAK, "National Sozialistisches Automobil Korps" (National Socialist Automobile Corps), was formed in April of 1930 as an NSDAP auxiliary organization subordinate to the SA. In early 1931 Adolf Hühnlein was appointed as Chief of the NSAK and proposed a name change to NSKK, which was officially accepted in April of 1931. Shortly after the purge of the SA in the "Night of the Long Knives," in June of 1934, the NSKK was promoted to an official NSDAP organization, given independent status within the party, and absorbed the SA Motor Squadron’s personnel.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A stamped alloy badge with a bronze wash, 1 5/8" in overall height, in the form of a 1 1/2" wide, "U"-shaped scroll, above which are three medieval buildings with stepped roofs. Mostly enclosed by the scroll, and beneath the buildings, is a spread-winged eagle with a wreathed, mobile swastika in its talons, above which is a smaller scroll with "N.S.K.K." to it. "19" and "36" are beneath either wing of the eagle, and the larger scroll has "Tag Des N.S.K.K. Motorgr. Hessen" (Day Of-the N.S.K.K. Motor-group Hessen) to it. A horizontal pin-back device is soldered to its otherwise featureless, hollow-backed reverse. At least 70% of its original bronze wash appears to have been retained to the obverse, with wear to its highlights, and age darkening to its recesses.

GRADE ***3/4                             PRICE $59.00