BACKGROUND: The SS-FM, Fördernde Mitglieder, (SS Sponsoring/Patron Member), organization was originally formed in 1926 by personnel who wished to join the Allgemeine-SS, (General-SS), but were found unsuitable for direct membership. Membership in the SS-FM was open to all male and female German Aryan personnel who agreed to make a voluntary monthly contribution to the SS treasury in order to strengthen the financial position of the SS and to expand its influence in civilian life. The SS-FM organization was administered by the SS-WVHA, SS Wirtschafts-und Verwaltungshauptamt, (SS Economic and Administrative Department), who supplied members with a monthly dues book and an identifying lapel pin. SS-FM members would register at their local SS headquarters where they would make their monthly payments and receive the appropriate receipt stamp to be placed in their dues book. Membership in the SS-FM not only guaranteed SS protection from radical elements but the mere association with the SS greatly enhanced a members influence in all aspects of civilian life.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly, 9/16" tall, 3/4" wide, horizontally oval, die struck, silver alloy, construction SS sponsoring member’s lapel pin with black enamel work. The pin features a horizontally oval, black enamel base with a silver, embossed, beaded, outer border stripe encompassing a central, flush, silver swastika superimposed with black enameled SS runes and flanked by the silver initials, "F", and "M", indicating, Fördernde Mitglieder, (SS Sponsoring/Patron Member). The black enamel is fully intact with a few small surface scratches and the silver portions have dulled with age. The reverse has a horizontal pin back device secured to the badge by a soldered, circular, base plate. The reverse of the badge is well marked with the impressed manufacture’s name and abbreviated location, "Deschler Mchn 9", and, "Ges. Gesch.", indicating, Gesetzlich Geschützt, (Protected by Law). The reverse also has the stamped, recipients personal SS-FM membership number, "D56395". Nice example. Of Note: this horizontal pin back device may indicate the badge was intended for a female as opposed to the standard type with a vertical, rifled pin.