An original WWII German West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen), complete with its original ribbon. Awarded to personnel involved in the construction and defence of the West Wall (Siegfried Line), this is a genuine period example in good original condition.
€ 40
An original WW2 German West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen), complete with its original period ribbon.
Instituted on 2 August 1939 by Adolf Hitler, the West Wall Medal was awarded to military personnel, engineers, labour service members and civilian workers who participated in the construction, maintenance and later defence of the West Wall (Siegfried Line), Germany’s extensive defensive fortification system along its western frontier.
The obverse depicts the German national eagle above crossed sword and shovel, symbolising both military service and labour, with a bunker in the foreground representing the West Wall defences. The reverse bears the inscription:
“Für Arbeit zum Schutze Deutschlands”
(“For Work in the Protection of Germany”)
This example retains good detail to both sides with an attractive age-related patina. The medal is complete with its original ribbon, displaying the correct golden-brown ribbon with white edge stripes. The ribbon shows some expected fraying at the top from age and previous wear, adding to its originality.
An excellent original example of a popular Third Reich campaign and service award, ideal for collectors of German militaria and WWII decorations.
Good original condition showing honest age-related wear and patina.
The West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen) was instituted on 2 August 1939 to recognise those who contributed to the construction of Germany’s West Wall, better known to the Allies as the Siegfried Line. The award recognised the efforts of military engineers, Organisation Todt workers, Reich Labour Service personnel and civilians involved in the vast defensive project.
Following the outbreak of war, the medal was also awarded to personnel who served in the defence and maintenance of the West Wall fortifications. Although production ceased during the war, the decoration remains one of the most recognisable Third Reich service medals and is an essential addition to any WWII German medal collection.
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