Very Rare Identification Badge For Croatian Jews With a "Z" For Zidov Holocaust

WWII Croatian NDH Jewish Identification Badge – Yellow Metal Pin with Letter "Ž" (Židov) – 48 mm

1. Object Description & Specifications

Up for auction is a exceptionally rare historical Holocaust artifact: an original metal identification badge enforced on Croatian Jews during World War II by the fascist Ustaše regime in the Independent State of Croatia (NDH). Artifact Type: Compulsory Jewish Identification Badge / Pin. Regime & Origin: Independent State of Croatia (NDH / Ustaše regime), WWII (circa 1941–1942). Dimensions: 48 mm in diameter. Obverse Design: Textured yellow-painted field featuring a large, central black letter “Ž” (standing for Židov, the Serbo-Croatian word for "Jew") encircled by a thin silver-toned metal rim. Reverse: Complete and original pin/needle attachment mechanism intact. Material: Stamped metal with painted finish.

2. Historical Context & Significance

Following the establishment of the Independent State of Croatia (NDH) as a puppet state of Nazi Germany in April 1941, the Ustaše government implemented severe racial laws modeled on the Nuremberg Laws. In May 1941, decrees mandated that all Jewish citizens wear compulsory identification markers in public.

While Nazi-occupied Western Europe primarily enforced cloth yellow Stars of David, the Ustaše regime issued distinctive round metal pinback badges and fabric bands featuring a yellow background with the letter "Ž" (for Židov). These badges were required to be worn on the chest or lapel to facilitate immediate public segregation, harassment, restriction of movement, and subsequent roundups for deportation to concentration camps such as Jasenovac.

3. Physical Condition

Obverse: Displays authentic period wear. The yellow field retains vibrant color and distinct surface texture, while the black painted letter "Ž" shows age-appropriate chipping and flaking, exposing the underlying metal base. Reverse: Features the original mounting assembly with a complete pin needle.

Note: This item is offered strictly for historical, educational, scientific, and museum collecting purposes. This listing does not promote or endorse any totalitarian or fascist ideologies.

Shipping flat cost $25 it doesn't matter how many items you win. you pay just $25 for shipping.