BACKGROUND: The NSDAP Long Service Awards were instituted in three classes on April 2ND 1939 for award to long serving party members. Requirements for bestowal consisted of an unbroken, unblemished period of time served in any of the various NSDAP Party formations. Time served between February 1925 and January 1933 during the "Kampfzeit" (Time of Struggle) counted as double in recognition of the Old Guard. The distinction of the three classes was time served with the first class awarded for twenty-five years service, fifteen years service for the second class, and ten years service for the third class.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: First class, three piece construction, die struck, alloy award, with a fire gilded plating and white enamel work. Award is in the form of a cross Pattée with central circular centerpiece and sun burst patterned rays extending out between the crosses arms. Cross has separate circular centerpieces to both obverse and reverse. Obverse centerpiece features an embossed fire gilded, national eagle encompassed by an oak-leaf wreath on a white enamel field.  Reverse center piece features flush fire gilded Gothic script "Treue für Führer und Volk", (Loyalty to Leader and People) on a white enamel field also encompassed by an embossed oak-leaf wreath. Ribbon ring and suspension loop both intact. Ring is marker marked "19" on the ring for Ferdinand Hoddstatter, Bonn. No Ribbon. Nice example.