German Early DRA Sports Badge in Bronze-This DRA badge is for the predecessor of the DRL. This is pre-Third Reich. It is literally identical to the DRL sports badges, only the monogram reads DRA and there is no swastika. It retains the majority of its finish on the detailed vertical oak leaf wreath, bow, as well as on the stylized cut out letters in the center (DRA). It shows only slight wear. The details are strong. This example is well marked on the reverse H. Wernstein Jena.Lobstedt and D.R.G.M 33918. The pin setup is a replacement, so please be aware of this.
History: The DRA stood for the Issuing Organization- The “Deutscher Reichs-Ausschuss” (German Nat. 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. This badge is considered the 1st version of the badge. 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 (3rd version).