Rare original 1942 Cholm Shield in the desirable Short M pattern. Hollow die-struck wartime construction with strong eagle, Iron Cross and CHOLM 1942 detail, together with surviving reverse attachment fittings. Original cloth and counterplate are absent, but the shield retains excellent character and displays convincing period construction throughout.
€ 2.200
1 in stock
This Original Cholm Shield is a very scarce wartime example of the Ärmelschild “CHOLM” 1942, one of the rarest officially instituted German campaign shields of the Second World War. This example displays the recognised Short M pattern, strong die-struck detail and an exceptionally attractive naturally aged finish.
The shield has lost its original uniform cloth and metal counterplate. However, the reverse retains the characteristic attachment system. The surviving fittings have been folded flat against the reverse, most probably after removal from its original backing.
Because relatively few Cholm Shields were awarded, surviving original examples remain highly desirable to advanced collectors of German campaign awards.
The Cholm Shield commemorated the fighting around Cholm, or Kholm, during 1942. Soviet forces surrounded the German-held town during the winter counteroffensive. Consequently, a mixed German force under Generalmajor Theodor Scherer became isolated inside the pocket.
The defenders included personnel from the Heer, Luftwaffe, Waffen-SS and Ordnungspolizei. They remained surrounded for more than three months before German forces re-established contact on 5 May 1942. Contemporary photographs of the fighting survive within the German Federal Archives – Bundesarchiv.
Following the relief of the pocket, authorities approved a special campaign shield for qualifying participants. The award was officially instituted on 1 July 1942.
Approximately 5,500 to 5,800 awards are generally recorded, making the Cholmschild substantially scarcer than shields produced for campaigns such as Crimea, Kuban or Demyansk. Helmut Weitze likewise describes the Cholm Shield as the rarest of the officially instituted Wehrmacht campaign shields.
Collectors recognise several dies and construction variations of the Original Cholm Shield. These include the well-known Short M and Long M patterns.
The present shield corresponds to the Short M family. Particularly notable features include:
The overall design remains crisp despite the natural ageing of the surface.
For comparison, see the specialist study of the Cholm Shield at Wehrmacht-Awards.
The shield demonstrates the hollow die-struck construction expected from an original wartime Cholmschild.
Importantly, the reverse mirrors the raised design of the obverse. Therefore, the piece shows the characteristics of a stamped shield rather than a solid modern casting.
Original examples occur in thin stamped iron and zinc. Furthermore, surviving examples display considerable variation in their original silver-grey surface finish.
The standard dimensions recorded for wartime examples fall approximately between:
Height: 65–65.5 mm
Width: 38–39.5 mm
Weitze documents these measurements as the accepted range for original shields.
The reverse provides important evidence when assessing a Cholmschild.
This example retains its original attachment fittings. They have subsequently been folded horizontally against the back of the shield.
Originally, these fittings secured a thin metal counterplate and a piece of uniform cloth. The cloth normally corresponded with the branch or uniform on which the recipient intended to wear the award.
The original cloth backing and counterplate are now absent. Nevertheless, the surviving attachment arrangement remains important because it allows the original construction method to be examined directly.
Known wartime Cholm Shields occur with several attachment configurations. Documented examples use three or four prongs. Weitze specifically records Type II shields with either three or four reverse attachment pins.
Several features strongly support the wartime originality of this Original Cholm Shield.
Positive characteristics include:
Furthermore, the ageing appears continuous across both the shield and its attachment fittings. Nothing visible in the supplied photographs provides an immediate indication of modern reproduction.
Photographic assessment: strongly consistent with an original wartime Short M Cholm Shield.
A final physical examination should confirm the exact dimensions, weight and magnetic properties. However, the photographs presently support authenticity to a high degree.
The shield remains in very good original condition considering its age and rarity.
The obverse retains excellent relief and considerable original surface character. Furthermore, the eagle, Iron Cross, lettering and date remain clearly defined.
There is natural oxidation, patination and age toning throughout. These features enhance rather than detract from its historical appearance.
The principal condition issue is the loss of the original:
The attachment fittings survive but have been folded against the reverse.
No attempt should be made to straighten them unnecessarily. Old metal fittings can become brittle, and repeated bending may cause permanent damage.
The Cholmschild occupies a special position among German campaign shields.
Unlike the considerably more common Krim, Kuban and Demjansk Shields, original Cholm Shields appear only infrequently on the international market.
The Short M variant is particularly well recognised among advanced collectors. Therefore, even an example without its original cloth backing remains an important and highly collectible wartime award when the shield itself and its attachment system survive.
Collectors can view further original German military awards in our Medals, Badges and Awards collection or explore the complete Nordmenn Militaria shop.
Original Cholm Shields remain expensive because of their rarity.
At the time of writing, Helmut Weitze lists a silver-plated iron Cholm Shield with an incomplete reverse attachment arrangement for €2,750.
A separate Weitze Short M example retaining its field-grey cloth backing and magnetic counterplate is listed at €3,500.
Furthermore, a complete magnetic Short M example with cloth and backing plate sold through ratisbon’s for €2,315 in March 2019.
Considering the present shield’s convincing strike, desirable Short M pattern, surviving attachment fittings and loss of its cloth and counterplate, an appropriate present specialist retail level is:
Beyond its collector value, the Original Cholm Shield represents a physical record of one of the most unusual encirclement battles fought on the Eastern Front during 1942.
The award also provides useful comparative material for studying German wartime die-struck insignia, attachment systems and campaign-award production.
Contemporary photographs of the Cholm pocket can be researched through the Bundesarchiv photographic collection, while specialist construction comparisons can be found through Wehrmacht-Awards.
For current market comparison, see the Helmut Weitze Cholm Shield reference and the ratisbon’s Cholm Shield archive.
The reverse of this example should be left exactly as found. In particular, the flattened attachment fittings should not be straightened merely to recreate the original mounting arrangement.
Likewise, adding replacement cloth or a reproduction counterplate would reduce the object’s integrity. Its present untouched configuration documents its history more honestly.
This Original Cholm Shield represents a scarce and highly desirable Short M example of the 1942 Cholmschild.
The strong die strike, characteristic Short M lettering, convincing eagle details, hollow-stamped reverse, surviving attachment fittings and natural ageing all support wartime manufacture.
Although the original uniform cloth and counterplate are absent, the shield itself remains an important and increasingly difficult German campaign award to obtain. Consequently, it would make a significant addition to an advanced Wehrmacht award collection or museum study collection.
