Images(2)

Pin, Membership

Object number2015.42.23

Date1920-1945

OriginGermany

MediumMetal/Enamel

Credit LineGift of Susan Muir

DescriptionCircular metal and enamel pin. Front has enameled decoration: black swastika at center over a white circle, perimeter is red with dark gold text. Back is silver-tone metal with pinback across center.Dimensions0.938 x 0.938 x 0.25 x 0.938 in. (2.4 x 2.4 x 0.6 x 2.4 cm)
InscriptionsFront has enameled dark gold German text around perimeter "NATIONAL-SOZIALISTISCHE / D.A.P.".
MarksRaised maker's marks on back:
"RE / M" inside of a double circle;
"M1 / 105".
Historical NotesThe National Socialist German Workers' Party (German: Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei), abbreviated NSDAP, commonly referred to in English as the Nazi Party, was a political party in Germany active between 1920 and 1945 that practised Nazism. Its predecessor, the German Workers' Party (Deutsche Arbeiterpartei; DAP), existed from 1919 to 1920. Part of a collection of WWII-related artifacts from the military service of Gabe Torisky of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who served with the 99th “Checkerboard” Infantry Division during the Ardennes campaign in Belgium. Martin Gabriel "Gabe" Torisky was of Slovak ancestry and was born on November 11, 1911, in Uniontown, PA. He moved to Pittsburgh in the 1920s and was drafted and sent to 99th Division during World War II. The 99th Division is especially important in relation to Pittsburgh, as the Division was originally headquartered in the city in 1942, and the unit insignia, a black shield with a checkerboard band of nine alternating white and blue squares (for “99”) was derived from the coat of arms for William Pitt and thus, also the city seal of Pittsburgh, on which the checkerboard also appears. Donor Susan Muir is Gabe Torisky's daughter.

Previous owner Martin Gabriel Torisky (born 1911)

Related institution Nazi Party

Related institution 99th Infantry Division

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