Original cased 13 March 1938 Anschluss Medal complete with its correct red, white and black ribbon, horizontal pin and period presentation case. The medal retains sharp die-struck detail and an attractive aged patina. A gold national eagle decorates the red textured case lid.
€ 200
1 in stock
This original cased 13 March 1938 Anschluss Medal commemorates the annexation of Austria into the German Reich. The complete set includes the medal, its correct red ribbon, a horizontal pin and the original red presentation case.
Collectors often call this decoration the Austrian Anschluss Medal. Its official German title reads Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938.
The medal displays an attractive aged finish with darker patina inside the recessed areas. Meanwhile, the presentation case retains its gold national eagle and much of its original red covering.
Professor Richard Klein designed the award. The obverse presents two male figures beside a large flag.
One figure stands on a platform and helps the second figure step forward. A broken chain appears on the second man’s arm. The composition symbolised the incorporation of Austria into Germany.
Below the figures, a national eagle and swastika form the base of the design. Despite surface wear, the figures, flag and eagle remain clearly visible.
The reverse carries the central date:
13. März 1938
The following inscription surrounds the date:
Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Führer
The reverse lettering remains sharp and easy to read. Furthermore, the medal retains a pleasing combination of dark patina and lighter highlights.
Manufacturers produced these medals from tombac or similar non-ferrous metal and applied a matt silver finish. This example now shows extensive age toning, together with areas where the original finish has mellowed or worn.
Regular handling has exposed warmer metal tones across the raised details. However, darker finish remains inside the recesses and around the lettering.
The edge appears smooth and correctly finished. Likewise, the integral suspension eye, connecting ring and larger ribbon ring show appropriate period form.
No casting seam or modern mould line appears in the photographs.
The cased 13 March 1938 Anschluss Medal retains its correct full-width ribbon. A broad red centre dominates the design, while narrow white-black-white stripes border each edge.
The ribbon has a tightly woven ribbed structure. Minor creases and small areas of thread wear correspond with age and storage.
A horizontal pin sits behind the upper fold. Old thread secures the ribbon around its metal mounting bar. The pin, bar and suspension fittings share similar age toning.
Therefore, the ribbon assembly appears complete and period rather than recently reconstructed.
The rectangular presentation case has a textured red exterior. A gold national eagle and swastika decorate the lid.
Inside, red velvet covers the fitted base. Cream-coloured material lines the sides, while pale satin covers the lid interior. A narrow velvet retaining strap crosses the lower section and helps secure the medal.
The case shows honest age and handling:
Nevertheless, the case remains structurally complete and displays the medal particularly well. The original case adds significantly more collector interest than a loose Anschluss Medal.
No manufacturer’s name appears in the supplied photographs. Consequently, the listing should not attribute the case or medal to a specific maker.
The photographs show numerous features that support original period manufacture:
The medal shows crisp detail rather than the soft surface normally associated with cast reproductions. Moreover, the ribbon, pin and suspension assembly display convincing age.
The case also has the correct general format for this award. Its wear appears gradual and consistent across the exterior, lining, hinge and fittings.
Based on the supplied photographs, this cased 13 March 1938 Anschluss Medal presents as an original period award with its original-style presentation case.
German troops crossed the Austrian border on 12 March 1938. The German government formally incorporated Austria into the Reich on 13 March.
On 1 May 1938, the authorities introduced this medal to recognise military personnel, officials and other participants who supported the annexation. Eligible recipients included members of the Wehrmacht, SS, German civil administration and Austrian National Socialist organisations.
Officials eventually issued approximately 318,689 medals. Although that figure exceeded the number of later Memel medals, complete cased Anschluss examples now attract stronger collector interest than ordinary loose medals.
The annexation formed the first major territorial expansion represented by Germany’s three so-called occupation medals. The series also included the 1 October 1938 Sudetenland Medal and the 22 March 1939 Memel Medal.
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum holds a documented 13 March 1938 commemorative medal. Ratisbon’s also records an original cased Anschluss Medal manufactured by Hauptmünzamt Wien.
Collectors can browse more original pieces in the Nordmenn Militaria shop and compare other specialist NSKK and political material through the Nordmenn Cuff Titles and Armbands collection.
The medal remains in good original condition. Its raised details show moderate finish loss and handling wear, while the recessed areas retain darker patina.
The ribbon remains complete with minor creasing and thread wear. Likewise, the pin and suspension system remain intact.
Exterior edge wear affects the presentation case, especially around the corners. The internal satin hinge also shows age-related fraying. However, the red velvet base and gold lid eagle remain attractive.
Overall condition: Good original cased condition.
