SMGL-2701 DLRG life saving badge by Assmann. Marked and dated

he DLRG, Deutschen Lebensrettungsgesellschaft, (German Live Saving Association), was originally established in 1913 as an independent organization of the German Swimming League. The mandate of the DLRG was to instruct the German public in water safety and water related life saving skills and techniques. On September 25TH 1933 the DLRG became subordinate to the Reichssportführer, (National Sports Leader), Hans von Tschammer und Osten and a series of three proficiency qualification lapel badges were introduced. The lapel badges came in three grades with different qualifications required for bestowal. When awarded the badges were accompanied by the appropriate ownership certificate. The three grades of the badge consisted of the Grundschein, (Basic Certificate), the Prüfungsschein, (Test Certificate) and the Lehrschein, (Instructor’s Certificate). Of Note: The DRLG also instituted an additional award for personnel who had saved an imperiled person in the water that followed the same basic design as the qualification awards.

The badge is in the form of a horizontally oval base with a raised outer lip encompassing the embossed DLRG style national eagle with partially extended wings, perched above “waves” with the embossed organizational abbreviation, “DLRG” to the center. The raised outer edge lip has embossed oak-leaves to the bottom edge and embossed script, “Leistungsshein”, to the top edge. Unmarked. Complete with its original pin. This is the full size award badge that is nearly 2.5 inches across. An impressive size for sure. This is a quite rare Assmann marked badge with presumably two date codes of 39 and 40 stamped into the reverse over the maker mark. Others on the market are un marked and tough to date accurately. This one, for sure is war period and highly desirable.