National Vocational Competition (RBW) – District, Gau & National Winners
The Reichsberufswettkampf (RBW) was a nationwide skills competition across craft, industry, and trade.
From the mid-1930s it ran in qualifying rounds (District → Gau → National). Badges were awarded in three levels:
District Winner, Gau Winner, and National Winner.
Grades & Design
District Winner (Kreissieger) – bronze finish; top scroll reads “KREISSIEGER”.
Gau Winner (Gausieger) – silver finish; top scroll “GAUSIEGER”.
National Winner (Reichssieger) – gilt finish; top scroll “REICHSSIEGER”.
Common features include an oak-leaf wreath, a central enamel medallion and a pin-back. Year numerals (e.g., 1938/39/44)
appear depending on the award year. Maker marks are known; unmarked originals also exist.
Competition & Awarding
Participation combined written exams (theory) and practical performance in the trade. Winners advanced from district to
gau and ultimately to the national final; National Winner awards were presented at central ceremonies.
In addition to the main badges, participant/award certificates and occasional miniatures exist.
Collector Notes
Finish & enamel: Bronze (district), silver (gau), gilt (national). Enamel should sit flat, without “orange peel”.
Top scroll: Must match the grade (KREIS/GAU/REICHSSIEGER); mis-stamped scrolls are red flags.
Reverse: Solid pin and clean solder joints. Maker marks possible but not mandatory.
Period wear: Honest edge wear and patina are normal; beware of re-gilded/re-silvered pieces.
Provenance: Documents, photos and coherent sets increase traceability and market value.
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Buying & Appraisals – RBW Badges
We are looking for District-, Gau- and National-Winner RBW badges — ideally with
documents, photos or complete groups. DG.de provides expert evaluation, fair offers and discreet handling.
Wanted (incl.):
District Winner (bronze look), various years
Gau Winner (silver look), crisp enamel fields
National Winner (gilt), especially with paperwork
Period folders/certificates, participant badges, miniatures
➡️ Contact us for a free, no-obligation appraisal.
FAQ
How do I identify the grade?
By the top scroll: KREISSIEGER (bronze), GAUSIEGER (silver) or REICHSSIEGER (gilt).
Finish and enamel quality should correspond to the grade.
What drives the value?
Condition & enamel: Chips reduce value significantly.
Grade & year:National Winner is the scarcest; sought-after years do better.
Provenance: Certificates/photos, named attribution, complete sets.
Original surfaces: Avoid re-finished or re-plated examples.
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RBW 1938 1939 1944 badge, RBW enamel badge identify, RBW certificate, RBW miniature, DG.de buying Reichsberufswettkampf,
German civil awards Third Reich, historical trade competition badges
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