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Cap badge of the Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD), the Reich Labour Service, a state organization of National Socialist Germany responsible for mobilizing young people for agricultural work, public construction projects and other labour service activities. From 1935, service became compulsory for certain sections of the German population, and during the Second World War RAD personnel also performed military auxiliary duties.
The badge features the characteristic RAD emblem, consisting of a vertically positioned stylized spade with a swastika at its centre, accompanied by two ears of wheat framing the lower part of the design. The spade symbolizes manual labour and the connection with the land, while the wheat represents agriculture and production.
This type of badge was worn on the front of regulation RAD headgear and was one of the most recognizable elements of the organization’s uniform insignia.
This example bears the marking “L&M” and the date 1938. It is a period-style metal badge, originally fitted with rear prongs for attachment to the cap.
Condition: the rear metal attachment prongs are missing.
Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD) cap badge, Third Reich, dated 1938, marked L&M. Rear attachment prongs missing.
