German DRL Sports Badge in Bronze-A great example of this sports badge. This retains 90% of the bronze finish and displaying some minor burnishing. There is minor wear to the highlights of the obverse. The reverse is marked D.R.G.M. 35269 [Deutsches Reichsgebrauchsmuster] and “Wernstein-Jena”. It is also maker marked on the reverse Petz and Lorenz. The pin functions perfectly, although there is a small amount of verdigris and finish lost on the pin itself. A great example of this prestigious physical fitness award!
History: The DRA stood for the Issuing Organization-The "Deutscher Reichs-Ausschuss" (German National Committee for Physical Training). The DRA presented the DRA Badges from 1914-1933 in three grades (Bronze, Silver & Gold) depending upon an individual’s score on a physical test. In 1933 the organization’s name was changed to Deutscher Reichsbund fur Leibesubungen, so the badge was changed to read DRL (2nd version) and from 1937-1945 the Party swastika was added at the bottom (3ed version). Originally introduced in 1913 as the DRA badge, this was modified in 1933 to the DRL badge and again in 1937 with the addition of the swastika. The award was intended as an incentive for physical training and was issued to both males and females between 18 and 32 years old who met the required criteria for an eight-year period, or those between the ages of 32 to 40 who met the criteria over a twelve-month period.