GERMAN 1936 OLYMPICS RACE CAR QUALIFICATION BADGE
HISTORY
The 1935 German Olympic car racing badge—inscribed "Forderungsrennen der Deutschen Olympiahilfe 1935" (Sponsored Race of German Olympic Supporters)—is a vintage enamel piece featuring a classic Auto Union Silver Arrow race car above the Olympic rings. Issued by maker A. Stubbe, Berlin, these badges helped fund the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
Design and Specifications
- Inscription: "Forderungsrennen der Deutschen Olympiahilfe 1935"
- Central Motif: Depicts a pre-war Grand Prix race car (resembling an Auto Union Silver Arrow) positioned above the five Olympic rings.
- Dimensions & Shape: Oval pin-back or breast badge, roughly 56mm–60mm wide by 37mm–40mm tall.
- Manufacturer Mark: Typically stamped Ges. gesch. with A. Stubbe Berlin on the reverse.
Colors and Issuer Roles
Different color variations of the enamel corresponded to specific roles within the 1935 motor race series:
- Blue: General supporters, drivers, and crew members
- Green: Race stewards and timing officials
- Red: Fire and medical rescue teams
- Black / Other variants: Team and event staff
As far as we can make out this was a sponsored race by an organization within the National Socialist Party structure that sponsored a special auto race. It is believed that BMW was the main sponsor although no particular sponsor was revealed by name. This was on official order of the party leadership since it was determined that no company would be able to have any financial advantage over any other in this year of 1935, one year prior to the opening of the 1936 Olympics. Any company, however, that contributed was given credit in the official “Hilfe Rosters.” The oval badge shows a high-speed racecar with the words “Förderungsrennen” (Sponsored Race). It shows the Olympic rings under the vehicle and under that are the words “Der Deutschen Olympiahilfe 1935” (German Olympic Aid 1935). It is believed that these badges were given to the racecar drivers and their crews, but also to all contributors and exhibition personnel. Many of the events and personages participating were sponsored and financed by various companies such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz and, of course, all other events of the upcoming Olympics such as swimming, shooting, skiing, and track running were supported by grants from German industrial firms throughout the Reich. This is a pretty badge, but also historically important. It was presented in several background colors.
ITEM DESCRIPTION
This badge is in deep Red indicating that it was issued to a member of the fire and medical team. Measures 2 1/4" wide by 1 1/2" tall. The front reads ‘Forderungrsennen Der Deutschen Olympiahilfe 1935’. It shows a race car in the center with the five Olympic rings below. The reverse side is maker marked ‘ges gesch 'A Stubbe Berlin’. Has a thin horizontal safety pin back. One piece nickel construction with black and brown enamel. Excellent condition.