N05950 RAD UNIT STANDARTE WITH FINIAL. (RAD Abteilungsfahne mit Fahnenspitze) The basis of the "Reichsarbeitsdienst" (National-labour-service) dates back, at least, to 1929 with the formation of the AAD (Anhalt Arbeitsdienst) and the FAD-B (Freiwillingen Arbeitsdienst-Bayern). Shortly after Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor in January 1933, the NSDAP consolidated these, and other labour organizations into the NSAD (Nationalsozialist Arbeitsdienst) a national labour service. On June 26^TH 1935 the NSAD was re-designated RAD. In July 1935 RAD service became compulsory, with all German citizens between 19 and 25 years of age required to enlist for a six month term. Originally RAD units utilized the flags of the FAD/NSAD until new designs were introduced shortly after the re-designation of the NSAD to RAD. A 52" x 47", heavy, double sided, multi-piece silk and rayon construction flag. The flag has, to each side, a red base with a large, black mobile swastika edged in white. Superimposed to the center of the swastika is a 19 1/2" diameter white silk field edged with a black surround upon which are embroidered ten padded silvery-white sheaves of wheat. To the center of the white field is the black RAD emblem of an upright spade head with sheaves of wheat arching upwards from its base. The flag is trimmed to all but its hoist edge with 1 3/4" twisted silver-aluminum fringe, all of which appears to be retained, some threads of which are loose. The featureless hoist edge is opened, revealing its two red bases, otherwise joined by the surrounding fringe. Unlike most political flags, the RAD flag did not have a tunnel loop or ring attachments but was attached to the flagpole by having this extending piece of the flag nailed directly to the pole itself, in the same fashion as the Army "Standartes." The flag has neither the "Abteilung Ehrenname" (Detachment Honor-name) or "Gruppe" (Group) Arabic numerals to the upper corner furthest from the flag pole. This, and its excellent condition, may indicate that it was never used. Very light age soiling, most noticeable to the white field, is the only distracting feature. Included with the flag is the finial which would have accompanied it. This 12 1/4" tall, double-faced, aluminum flag pole top is in the form of a pointed spade with a raised, mobile swastika to its center and with dual wheat sheaves projecting diagonally upwards from its base. To one side of its base collar are the stylized initials "P" and "C," for the designer Paul Casberg. To the other side is stamped the RAD control mark, comprised of the letters "R," "L," "A" and "D" within an inverted triangle, alongside of which is stamped "Gebrüder Cosack Neheim ‘Ruhr’ ges. gesch." A counter-sunk screw hole is to the edge of the base collar. The finial is noticeably age soiled, however, the darkening to its depressions only serves to attractively highlight its features, and it otherwise exhibits just light surface scratches and spotting.