Abolition of Trade Unions & Establishment of the Deutsche Arbeits Front (DAF)
In March 1933, just two months after Hitler became Chancellor, the Sturmabteilung (SA) launched violent attacks on trade union offices, destroying property, stealing records, and assaulting or even killing union members—actions ignored by the police. Initially uncoordinated, these attacks culminated on May 2, 1933, when Nazi forces seized union headquarters, confiscated funds, and arrested leaders, many of whom were sent to concentration camps, including those who had previously cooperated with the regime.
With trade unions abolished, the Deutsche Arbeits Front (DAF) was created in May 1933 to assume control over their assets. Robert Ley, lacking labor relations experience, was appointed as its leader. Three weeks later, Hitler banned collective bargaining, appointing state-controlled labor trustees to dictate work conditions and outlaw strikes. Ley reinforced this policy, asserting that factory leadership belonged solely to the employer.
The DAF promoted a vision of "harmony" between workers and employers, using neo-feudal rhetoric to mask a system that eliminated workers' rights. This restructuring was a major victory for industrialists, whose cooperation was essential to the National Socialists rearmament efforts.
This high-ranking staff car DAF pennant features a triangular chromed metal frame with two attachment holders designed to mount onto a staff car fender rod. The pennant body is made of blood-red cotton, bordered by black and white ribbed rayon fabric.
A black and white rayon “Y” formation crosses beneath the cogwheel with swastika. The cogwheel is crafted with black chain stitching, outlined with white chain stitching border. Its center features a white cotton disk, with a swastika formed from black and white rayon ribbon, reinforced with black thread. The pennant is in excellent condition, showing no wear or damage.
Longest sides of the pennant measure approximately 41cm and the shortest side measures 25cm.
The storage case is made of grayish-green heavy canvas with a flap closure secured by four working snaps. It is black-ink stamped "RZM L4/669/42". The case shows minor aging with a slight stain but remains in excellent condition.
Longest sides of the storage case measure approximately 43.5cm and the shortest side measures 29cm.
