Silbernes Treudienst-Ehrenzeichen Award Doc – 25 Years Faithful Service – Elmshorn, 1938

Offered here is an original 1938 award certificate for the Silberne Treudienst-Ehrenzeichen, awarded in recognition of 25 years of faithful service to Weichenwärter Hans Schinkel in Elmshorn. The certificate is dated Berlin, 29 November 1938 and records that, by an official decree of the Führer and Reich Chancellor, Schinkel was awarded the Silver Faithful Service Decoration.

Hans Schinkel is identified by his occupation as a Weichenwärter (railway pointsman/switchman), making this an interesting piece of German railway and Reichsbahn-related social history. The award was specifically intended to recognize long and faithful service, and the 25-year qualification demonstrates a substantial period of employment before the certificate was issued in 1938.

The beautifully printed certificate bears the formal heading “Der Führer und Reichskanzler” and features the large Gothic lettering characteristic of official Third Reich award documents. At the bottom is the designation of the Staatsminister und Chef der Präsidialkanzlei des Führers und Reichskanzlers, with the facsimile signature of Dr. Otto Meissner, together with the official embossed seal.

The 29 November 1938 date places the document firmly in the pre-war period, making it particularly appealing to collectors interested in German civil service, railway history, long-service decorations and Third Reich-era award documentation.

The certificate remains in original period condition, with a horizontal fold across the centre, light age toning and minor handling/discoloration consistent with its age. The embossed seal and printed details remain clearly visible.