Cased German WWII 40-Year Long Service Badge in Gold-This is the 40-year version in gold. It is in choice condition with no visible wear or discoloration to the badge. There is a nice cornflower blue ribbon attached. This was awarded to civilians and political members for 40 years of faithful service to Germany. This medal is unmarked as are most. This comes with its original red case of issue. There is an embossed 40 with a partial wreath in gold on the front. The box shows some scuffing and marks, but this is not a distraction. The case is marked under the cover for Deschler & Sohn of München. An excellent example!History: On January 30th, 1938, Hitler instituted the Faithful Service Decoration, in three classes, to recognize long-serving civil servants and public works personnel. All officials, employees, and laborers at any level of the public service (local, regional or national) who complete 25 or 40-years' service were eligible. Previous time spent in civil service was considered as an eligibility, for example, if you served in any civil capacity during WWI, that time could be used to qualify you for this award as well. The second-class award was for 25 years of service was a silver cross, with a silver wreath and a black enameled swastika in the center of the cross. The first-class award was for 40 years of service was a gold cross, with a gold wreath and a black enameled swastika in the center of the cross. There was a special class for fifty years of continuous service with the same employer in the free economic system. The reverse of both classes was stamped with 'Für treue Dienste' (For Faithful Services). The ribbon for the medal is cornflower blue. The decorations were intended to be an incentive for the civilian population to foster workplace loyalty and create a stable civil service.