A Set of Reich Labor Service Traditional Cap Badges.

A Set of Reich Labor Service Traditional Cap Badges.

The RAD district Bayern-Hochland (the Bavarian province) was actually the first FAD district to receive authorization to wear a badge effective on April 24, 1934.
Two forms exist, varying in size of a somewhat different design.

The insignia consisted of a solid copper-color, enameled oval shield (vertical rather than horizontal), displaying a cornflower-blue Enzian flower, top-ping a white Edelweiss with yellow stamen and green laves (in two colors). The flowers and leaves were outlined in (yellow) copper.

Form I : having a size of 2.2 x 3.78 cm. This was the pattern, introduced in 1934. The Enzian flower had rounded petals. The green leaves were wider nearly reaching the edges of the badge. Form 1 is the rarer of the two patterns.

Form II : having a size of 1.8 x 2.95/3.00 cm. Here the Enzian petals were more angular. The green leaves differ from those of Form 1. This badge appeared in about 1936 or 1937.
On Form 1, a long safety-pin type clasp should be locatedon the reverse (unfortunately none).
The bottom of this badge should be marked with GES.GESCH (gesetzlich geschütz).

Form 2 can be found with holes to allow it to be sewn to the cap : there are two holes on the upper part of the oval and two on the lower part. This badge, which has a gold wash on the front, is unmarked. It is said that it may also have prongs on the reverse. The variation most often found has a short safety pin.

Inspiration for the design :

The Edelweiss was the flower that represented the rocky Bavarian Alps, the Enzian was a flower from the rolling hills and alpine pastures.
Those who resigned from RAD service were allowed to keep their badge and continued to wear it. A Verleihungsurkunde confirmed this. It is stated on the reverse of the document. It was a duty to keep the insignia with honor.
It was not permitted to give it away or even to lend it to others. When the RAD district High Command made the request, the owner was required to produce the document for confirmation that its wear was authorized.

VERY IMPORTANT !!!