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The German National Prize for Art and Science (Deutscher Nationalpreis für Kunst und Wissenschaft) was established by Adolf Hitler on 30 January 1937, after the regime’s refusal to accept the Nobel Peace Prize awarded in 1935 to Carl von Ossietzky, whose criticism of secret rearmament and anti-Semitism had angered the Nazi leadership. In lieu of allowing German nationals to accept foreign honours, the regime created its own prestigious award to recognize achievements in culture, art, and science consistent with its ideological aims.
This particular piece is a Vorlagemuster II prototype — extremely rare and unique. Crafted from gilded silver with red enamel details, its obverse is dominated by a circular wreath of oak leaves, bordered by gilt rings, enclosing a red enamelled disc with a raised gilt swastika that moves slightly, adding dynamism. At the cardinal points, four gilt NSDAP-style eagles clutch smaller mobile swastikas. On the reverse, a corresponding red disc bears the raised gilt inscription “FÜR KUNST UND WISSENSCHAFT”. The parts are held together by visible rivets—each of the eagles secured in place—and the twelve o’clock eagle’s head has an integral loop with dual suspension rings for wearing or display.
Historically, only nine awards were ever conferred (in 1937 and 1938) before production was discontinued during the war. The prototypes reflect the design process, the artistic and political symbolism deemed essential by the NSDAP, and the material quality the regime wanted to project. For collectors, such a Vorlagemuster is invaluable: it captures a moment of transition, of image-making and propaganda, but also the craftsmanship, variances in atelier execution, and the rarely seen early models that predate the finalized design. Every aspect — from the style of the eagles, the enamel colour, the rivet work — can offer clues on origin, workshop, and whether the piece was intended for actual award or display.
