Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice Early Pattern Third Reich period enamled DRK (Deutsches Rotes Kreuz) German Red Cross Samaritan brooch pin. The obverse has a white medallion and a red cross in the center, with a black border inscribed Deutsches Rotes Kreuz Samariterin. "Samariterin" means Samaritan (female form) or nurse with the Red Cross, a brooch for women. It was worn at the front of the collar, to indicate that they were in active service.

The rear is marked GES. GESCH. design is registered with the German trademark office which is short for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected by Law). There is also a six pointed star maker mark underneath this, which we do not recognize.

Condition is very good, with a lot of the original plating intact, even on the front of the badge. The enamel is still close to 100%, making this a great example for your collection.

History of the German Red Cross (DRK)

The DRK, "Deutsches Rotes Kreuz" (German Red Cross), a voluntary civil assistance organization originally instituted in 1864, was officially acknowledged by the Geneva Convention in 1929. In December 1937 it gained status as a legally recognized organization by the NSDAP. As with other essential services in Third Reich Germany, it came under control of the NSDAP in late 1938 under the auspices of the Ministry of the Interior's Social Welfare Organization.