Just bought this from a credible website called Epic Artifacts`. I was a bit skeptical that the colors weren't that worn down. Is that normal, to be expected, Or just plain fakes? 

No issues with this pin. A nice WW2 era NSDAP pin. 

 

In regards to the maker information:  and the RZM code and M1/42 information...

 

Before the Third Reich era the German government let contracts with a number of private firms to supply military medals and badges.  This practice continued with the rise of the Nazi party, but Hitler soon desired to control and standardize Nazi items.  In 1929 the Reichszeugmeisterei (National Material Control Office, RZM) was set up to control the production and pricing of Nazi uniform items.  This included items of all Party organizations such as the SA and SS, but not military awards or decorations.  The RZM ensured that contracts went to Aryan firms, that items were priced within the budget of the normal Party member, and that quality control was high.  The RZM mark was placed on all items intended for Nazi organization uniforms.  The basic symbol was a capital R and Z over an M.  The bottom ends of the legs of the M formed the ends of an almost-circular arc that surrounded the letters, and this symbol was surrounded by a second circle.  On 16 March 1935 contract numbers were awarded to all RZM-approved manufacturers, and after that date the number appeared along with the RZM mark.  Codes denoted the different categories of items.  M1 was the RZM code for political medals and orders, M4 for belt buckles, M7 for daggers, M9 for badges, etc.  Thus a political badge made by the Kerbach and Israel of Dresden might bear the RZM mark and M1/42, the badge contract number for Kerbach and Israel. The firm later changed to Kerbach & Oesterhelt)

 

Leigh 

1 hour ago, Rakkasan187 said:

No issues with this pin. A nice WW2 era NSDAP pin. 

 

In regards to the maker information:  and the RZM code and M1/42 information...

 

Before the Third Reich era the German government let contracts with a number of private firms to supply military medals and badges.  This practice continued with the rise of the Nazi party, but Hitler soon desired to control and standardize Nazi items.  In 1929 the Reichszeugmeisterei (National Material Control Office, RZM) was set up to control the production and pricing of Nazi uniform items.  This included items of all Party organizations such as the SA and SS, but not military awards or decorations.  The RZM ensured that contracts went to Aryan firms, that items were priced within the budget of the normal Party member, and that quality control was high.  The RZM mark was placed on all items intended for Nazi organization uniforms.  The basic symbol was a capital R and Z over an M.  The bottom ends of the legs of the M formed the ends of an almost-circular arc that surrounded the letters, and this symbol was surrounded by a second circle.  On 16 March 1935 contract numbers were awarded to all RZM-approved manufacturers, and after that date the number appeared along with the RZM mark.  Codes denoted the different categories of items.  M1 was the RZM code for political medals and orders, M4 for belt buckles, M7 for daggers, M9 for badges, etc.  Thus a political badge made by the Kerbach and Israel of Dresden might bear the RZM mark and M1/42, the badge contract number for Kerbach and Israel. The firm later changed to Kerbach & Oesterhelt)

 

Leigh 

Very Interesting, I did a bit of research and as you said there were many rzm manufacturer codes designed for different purposes such as for medal badges, Buckles, uniform fittings and buttons  and ext. M1, M4, M5, M7 and E.X.T. I will definitely looking into these pins and codes history. As there are many fakes around. 

 

Thank you again- Rakkasan187