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Original German National Winner badge (Reichssieger) representing the highest tier of achievement awarded during the National Vocational Competition of the German Youth (Reichsberufswettkampf) for the year 1938. The obverse showcases a highly detailed eagle clutching the enameled insignia of the Hitler Youth (a black swastika on a red and white diamond) superimposed over a German Labour Front (DAF) cogwheel. Above the eagle, the prominent arched inscription REICHSSIEGER is set against a clean white enamel background, balanced by the date 1938 at the bottom. The entire composition is surrounded by a stylized laurel wreath. As the highest national grade, this badge is completely gold-plated across the eagle, border, and raised accents. Struck from high-quality brass or tombac, the reverse displays a distinct two-line stamped manufacturer mark: G. BREHMER MARKNEUKIRCHEN. The reverse setup features a classic thick vertical pin mounted on a robust hinge and a matching lower catch, both of which remain fully intact and operational. The metal surface exhibits a natural age patina, confirming the pre-war historical authenticity of this scarce award. The piece remains in great collectible condition with no modern alterations or cleaning.
Historical context:
The National Vocational Competition (Reichsberufswettkampf) was a massive annual event organized jointly by the Hitler Youth and the DAF to test and reward elite craftsmanship, technical skills, and ideological alignment among young German workers. The competition was split into three escalating tiers: local level (Kreissieger), regional level (Gausieger), and the ultimate national championship (Reichssieger). Pre-war examples from 1938 are highly sought after by militaria collectors due to their superior heavy base-metal composition and beautiful gold washing, which were later replaced by more economical zinc variants as the war progressed. The firm of Gustav Brehmer based in Markneukirchen was the premier officially authorized manufacturer for these top-tier awards.