German Gesamtverband Arbeitsopfer GAO Membership Badge

GAO badge constructed of silvered Tombac, maker mark DESCHLER MUNCHEN GES GESCH on reverse, vertical pin, measures 20mm x 25mm. Very nice condition.

The organizations concerned with the welfare of workers who became victims of industrial accidents or injuries was founded at an unknown date prior to the National Socialist rise to political power in 1933. It was named Nationalsozialistischer Reichsverband der Deutschen Arbeitsopfer (National Socialist Association for Work Victims), NSAO. In 1933, the name was changed to Gesamtverband Arbeitsopfer (United Association of Work Victims), GAO, and then to Gesamtverband Deutscher Arbeitsopfer (United Association of German Work Victims), GDAO. The final name change occurred possibly during the war years when the organization was renamed Deutsche Arbeitsopfer-Versorgung (German Work Victims Welfare), DAOV.