What is the Significance of this Odd German Thing?

[fashion.fashoff]

this is a 1 3/16" by 1 5/16" silver plaque of some sort. it has two holes presumably for mounting on some object or container.

it depicts a thermometer, the base of which is a flaming heart. the marks on the thermometer apparently indicate distance (Km) rather than temperature. the bottom features the inscription "Nicht so hitzig" which i believe means "Not so hot".

it is only marked 935 on the front by one of the holes.

does anybody know what the significance of this imagery may be? is it for an organization or event? or just some kind of sentiment?

what would this piece have been used for? usually plaques that are marked on the front were mounted on something, such as a box, since markings on the back would in that case not be visible.

i would date this to the 1920s.

any suggestions appreciated!

[Joerg]

Hi fashion.fashoff

Most probably a fun plaque for a walking stick. See here some examples:


Why: the thermometer measures in kilometers, starting from 50 to 150 km. So a significant distance for walking. Means you get hot and need a rest, cooling, a beer.
"Nicht so hitzig" means "Do not get hot!", but hitzig is also close related to "Hetzen, hetzig" which means "to rush". So: do not rush, don't get hot (while walking)

My interpretation.

Kind regards

Jörg

[fashion.fashoff]

Jörg,
thank you for your interesting reply! i had not thought of that. also, i am grateful for your insight on the more subtle meaning of "hertzig" which goes beyond my google translation!
my only objection would be that my plaque is flat, not curved, so i wonder how that would work on a walking stick (it is not possible that it was ever curved, else the enamel would have been destroyed).