Original WW2 DRK (Deutsches Rotes Kreuz) Badge

The DRK, Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (German Red Cross), was a voluntary civil assistance organization that was originally instituted in 1864 and was officially acknowledged by the Geneva Convention on July 27TH 1929. On December 9TH 1937 the DRK gained the status of a legally recognized organization by the NSDAP. As with other essential services in Third Reich Germany the DRK came under control of the NSDAP in late 1938 under the auspices of the Ministry of the Interior Social Welfare Organization. Female DRK personnel were issued an active service brooch to be worn as a duty badge at the nape of the neck of the service uniform. The active service brooches came in both circular and oval versions and assorted minor variations depending on the rank/position level of the recipient.Inscribed on the rear is 'Ges. Gesch.', indicating, Gesetzlich Geschützt, (Protected by Law) and the maker mark letters 'HA' for Hermann Aurich.Large pin, nearly 1.25' wide.