Germany, Third Reich. A Social Welfare Decoration, I Class United Republic of The belt has hardened and

The belt has hardened and become very stiff with age

measuring 47 mm (w) x 37 mm (h)

Multi-coloured embroidery on a thick white cotton base

weighting 29

Catching the Germans off guard

Germany, Third Reich. A Social Welfare Decoration, I Class United Republic of The belt has hardened and(Ehrenzeichen fr deutsche Volkspflege I. Klasse). Instituted 1 May 1939. (1939 1944 issue). Constructed of gilded bronze with multi coloured enamels, consisting of a Geneva Cross with white enameled arms, the obverse overlaid by a black enameled German national eagle, highlighted with gilt feathering, clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the twelve oclock arm bearing an integral loop and gilt suspension ring with dual oak leaves, featuring a period