History

The uniforms, headgear, and insignia of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei or NSDAP) went through several design changes from 1933 until the end of the Second World War. Dr. Ley, originally the Gauleiter of Rheinland and later promoted to the position of chief of staff of Party Organization and Reich Organization Leader, was largely responsible for the NSDAP rank system and uniforms.

The standardized production and circulation of all NSDAP uniform garments, headgear, and insignia were overseen by the National Material Control Office (RZM or Reichszeugmeisterei). The RZM was created in July 1934, and it was located in Munich. From 1935 onward, all NSDAP uniform garments and insignia were legally required to feature an RZM control mark or tag, as well as a number mark on metal insignia or belt buckles. These marks indicate the authenticity of the object, the type of insignia or garment, and identify the manufacturer.

The national eagle emblem insignia used on NSDAP headgear underwent several distinct changes over the years.
The first eagle emblem is referred to as Model 29 by collectors, based on its introduction in 1929. The M29 eagle emblem was not just worn by members of the NSDAP, but also by SA and SS members. It is often referred to as the “political” eagle pattern. It has a wingspan of approx. 38mm and a height of approx. 28mm. The swastika inside the wreath on which the eagle sits is black, while the surrounding area is in silver. The M29 eagle emblem was often made from so-called “Neusilber” (new silver), which is actually a type of nickel alloy that doesn’t contain any actual silver, or from silvered brass or silvered tombak.

In January of 1934, a new model was introduced, the M34 eagle emblem. The design is similar to the M29 eagle emblem, but the M34 is larger, measuring 49x34mm. The swastika is now silver-coloured on black, the exact opposite compared to the M29.

A new design was used for the M36 eagle emblem, showing an eagle with a larger head, larger body, and a different feather design of the outstretched wings. This model measures 56x34mm and was generally made of aluminum. Uniquely, and due to a misunderstanding on the part of the producing companies, the heads of some M36 eagles face to the bird’s right rather than its left.

The final pattern, the M39 eagle emblem, was introduced in April of 1939. For the first time, this eagle could be found not just silvered, but also in gilt. The latter was worn by higher leaders only. Once more the eagle has grown in size, to 66x33mm. An embroidered rather than a metal version of the gilt eagle was sometimes used, together with an embroidered version of the wreath headgear insignia.