Jim, Not a stupid question at all. As Jon has said, the FM Organisation was composed of civilians who gave monetary aid to the SS, which had been authorized by Hitler to seek additional financial help. FM Members were recruited at Sturm levels and pledged to monthly amounts of as little at RM 1,00. A membership book without photo, numbered to an FM badge were issued. The standard pins are found in both stickpin & pin back types. In 1935, a special hallmarked silver honour FM badge with oakleaves and additional inscription on the obverse was authorized for the first 30,000 members; this was expanded to the oldest 60,000 a short time later. When the member ceased payments, the badge/book had to be returned to the Sturm and would be reissued as with my one at the top. Jon, Yes, the SS/FM Organisation is of particular interest to me. An honour pin in a decent condition can reach about ?300 the last time I saw a good one. Be very cautious when buying any SS/FM pins, they have been heavily faked. The first thing to check is that there is no RZM markings on them, none of the SS enamel pins were marked with an RZM code. Here is my standard members pin. Cheers Don