Badge - Der Stahlhelm

The “Der Stahlhelm” badge is associated with the German organization Der Stahlhelm, Bund der Frontsoldaten, founded in 1918 as a veterans’ association following the end of World War I. Its name, meaning “The Steel Helmet,” directly references frontline experience and one of the most iconic symbols of the German soldier during the conflict.

The badge is designed in the shape of a steel helmet, the core emblem of the organization’s visual identity. Inside the helmet is an engraved Iron Cross, a long-established Prussian and German military decoration symbolizing bravery, sacrifice, and continuity of military tradition. The inscription Der Stahlhelm clearly identifies membership and shared wartime experience.

The reverse features a soldered pin with a round backing plate, a construction method commonly found on German badges produced during the 1920s and early 1930s. This technical solution provided durability and secure attachment for daily wear on civilian clothing or outer garments.

During the Weimar Republic, Der Stahlhelm became one of the largest veterans’ organizations in Germany, exerting considerable social and political influence. In the early 1930s, it was gradually integrated into the structures of the new regime, ultimately losing its independence. Badges such as this represent tangible artifacts from a transitional period in German history, reflecting the enduring importance of military symbolism in post-war society.