Imperial German BDMA “Für treue Mitgliedschaft” Bow-Form Stickpin (c. 1900–1918)

A handsome Imperial-era association long-service stickpin: a silvered bow with a gilt, enamelled center showing the crowned Imperial eagle over the black-white-red shield, encircled by a laurel wreath and the legend B.D.M.A. The bow is lettered in raised script “… JAHRE / TREUE / MITGLIEDSCHAFT” (“… years of faithful membership”). Pieces of this type were presented by German civic/veterans’ associations as loyalty awards to long-standing members prior to 1918.

The painted “55” on the reverse appears to be an old collection/inventory number, not part of the design.

Key details

• Country/Period: German Empire, pre-1918

• Organization: B.D.M.A. (a member/loyalty badge; exact expansion of the acronym varies among local associations)

• Type: Membership long-service stickpin in bow form

• Materials: Silvered and gilt brass/bronze; multi-color fired/enamel in the center

• Construction: Struck, multi-piece—gilt wreath & crowned eagle medallion affixed to a silvered bow; long knurled stickpin to rear; unmarked

• Measurements (approx.): Head c. 36–40 mm wide; overall length c. 70–75 mm

• Condition: Very good for age—bright original silvering and gilding with light toning; enamel in the center clean and glossy; minor handling wear and tiny rubs to high points; straight original pin; no repairs. See photos for the best description.

Why collectors like it

• Classic Imperial crown and Reichsadler centerpiece with vivid enamel

• Scarcer bow-form long-service version rather than the common small lapel pin

• Attractive two-tone finish and crisp lettering “Treue Mitgliedschaft”

• A great addition to displays of veterans’/Kriegerverein and civic association awards from the Kaiserzeit

Provenance: From a long-held private collection of German association badges.