Inkstand with Nazi Emblem

The Nazi Party adopted the “Parteiadler” (Eagle of the Party) as its symbol in 1920.  As seen on this inkwell, the emblem features an eagle holding a swastika with is talons.

The Nazi Party used the traditional German eagle, standing atop of a swastika inside a wreath of oak leaves. It is also known as the “Iron Eagle”. When the eagle is looking to its left shoulder, it symbolizes the Nazi Party (Parteiadler). In contrast, when the eagle is looking to its right shoulder, it symbolizes the country (Reich) and was therefore called the Reichsadler. After the Nazi Party came to national power in Germany, they replaced the traditional version of the German eagle with the modified party symbol throughout the country and all its institutions.

Above the Parteiadler on this inkwell are the initials D.R.G.M. and the number 19784. The acronym D.R.G.M. stands for Deutsches Reichsgebrauchsmuster (German Reich Utility Model). It indicates that an item’s design or function was officially registered and protected within the entire German Reich.

The inkwell itself rests on an oval-shaped silverplate tray with an ornate geometric border. The hinged lid of the glass inkwell is decorated with a circle matching the ornated border of the base.