Bidspirit auction | German Third Reich Police Long

German Third Reich Police Long Service Award Cross - A cross-shaped decoration awarded for long service in the Police (Polizei), one face bearing an eagle grasping a wreathed swastika, the reverse inscribed ”FÜR TREUE DIENSTE IN DER POLIZEI” (For Loyal Service in the Police). The cross has a suspension loop at the top and is finished in a silvery tone, consistent with one of the lower classes of this award. The Polizei-Dienstauszeichnung was instituted to recognize years of service within the German police forces during the Third Reich era, issued in different grades corresponding to length of service, distinguished by material and finish. The Polizeidienstauszeichnung was established in 1938 to reward long and loyal service within the various branches of the German police, which by that time had been brought under centralized Nazi state control and increasingly integrated with SS security apparatus functions. It was awarded in multiple grades according to years served, with lower classes such as this one rendered in white metal for shorter qualifying periods, while higher grades in gilt metal recognized longer careers. Recipients included uniformed Order Police (Orpo), administrative police, and other police officials, whose forces were also employed in occupation duties and security operations during the Second World War.