The German Motor Sports Badge, 1st Class in Gold ranks among the rarest and most coveted decorations of National Socialist Germany. Instituted by decree of Führer and Reich Chancellor Adolf Hitler on 18 February 1938, the decoration was intended simultaneously as an incentive for motor sport-enthusiastic youth. Implementation regulations were issued on 1 November 1938 by Adolf Hühnlein, Führer of German Motorsport and NSKK-Korpsführer. The first award took place on 18 February 1939 for the years 1933 to 1938.
The badge was awarded in three classes: the 3rd Class in Iron, the 2nd Class in Silver, and the 1st Class in Gold. The gold version was awarded a total of only 88 times, making it an extraordinary rarity. By comparison, the 3rd Class in Iron was awarded 314 times and the 2nd Class in Silver 93 times. If a motor sportsman already held one class of the badge, he could apply for the next higher class upon reaching the necessary points. The previously worn badge had to be returned to the office of the Supreme National Sports Authority.
The design came from graphic artist Paul Casberg from Berlin, while the firm L. Christian Lauer from Nuremberg served as the sole manufacturer. The round, openwork badge was made of gilt silver and measured 49 millimeters in diameter. Early versions were marked with an 800 silver hallmark and the manufacturer's mark LN 1790 on the reverse. From 1941 onward, gilt badges made of base metal were also produced. The weight of gilt silver versions was 37.4 grams.
The obverse features an eagle on a polished swastika within an oak leaf wreath, with a rubber-tired wheel at the bottom. The rim consists of a closed oak leaf wreath tied at the bottom with cross binding. The wreath is composed of seven leaf groups on the left and right, with one whole and two half lateral leaves. At center bottom, touching the rim, is an angled rubber-tired wheel with offset rim. Upon it sits an eagle with outstretched wings overlaying the oak wreath. The eagle's head is inclined downward to the right. In the background is a polished swastika placed on point, touching the wreath. The reverse is smooth and gilt with a vertical pin and tubular-type clasp at the bottom. The center shows large manufacturer mark letters LN, below the small number 1790, and somewhat deeper GES. GESCH. as a patent protection mark.
The badge was awarded in recognition of outstanding achievements and dedicated commitment in motor sport for Germany's prestige and reputation. Besides the worthiness of the motor sportsman, a fixed number of competition points was required for each class. Points were given for victories in international and national races: for an international race there were 12 points for victory, for cross-country and long-distance races 9 points. For national races there were fewer points: 8 or 7 points. In 1939, grass and sand track races were added to the point system. For the individual classes, a total of 50 points for Iron, 100 points for Silver, and 150 points for Gold were required.
The badge was awarded by the Führer of German Motorsport on proposal of the Supreme National Sports Authority for Motor Sports. Applications for award were submitted by the responsible supreme authorities for the athlete. Award of the 1st Class in Gold was made by the Korpsführer personally, while the other classes were sent by mail. Holders of the German Motor Sports Badge could advance to higher service ranks: in Iron up to Sturmhauptführer, in Silver to Oberstaffelführer, and in Gold to Standartenführer. These badges were authorized and worn on the military uniform throughout the war.
In the post-war period, the wearing of Nazi-era sports badges including the German Motor Sports Badge is prohibited in Germany. The badge is a highly valued collector's item due to the extreme rarity of the gold class.
