Germany - Third Reich: A rare 1920 Honour Badge of the Technical Emergency Service (TENO), number 887, by Wilhelm Fuhner, Pforzheim, housed in its equally rare presentation case.
TENO 1920 Honour Badge, number 887 impressed to reverse centre, Wilhelm Fuhner, Pforzheim maker’s details to pin and housed in its rare presentation case.
Condition: Nearly Extremely Fine
The Technical Emergency Service, (Technische Nothilfe-TN or TeNo) was devised and organised by the Weimar government and brought into being on 30th September 1919. It composed of volunteer technicians and tradesmen who were to be employed to deal with strike emergencies, or the event of a general strike that might threaten Germany in the chaotic constellation of events that were emerging in Germany in this very troubled time. The organisation continued in this role but, with Hitler's accession to power it became more integrated with the Nazi political troops. It evolved into a large emergency force complete with a salaried cadre. In 1937 it was to become absorbed by the police organisations which, in turn, eventually resulted in it being taken over by the SS organisation. In the end, it virtually became a part of the general, (Allgemeine), SS acting in the capacity of pioneering or engineer units. Originally issued as an Honour Pin, the shortcomings of the pin were overcome on 2nd April 1935 by the introduction of the Honour Badge of the Technical Emergency Service, (Ehrenzeichen der Technischen Nothilfe) and were to be presented to those members who had joined the TeNo between 1919 and 1923, both dates to be inclusive, and who had significantly contributed to the organisation and its aims. How many of the members were eligible for the award is not known but the total number awarded is presumed to be very small.
