Original WWII German West Wall Medal – Complete Set with Issue Packet and Ribbons
An original German West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen) from the Second World War, accompanied by its original-style issue packet, full-length suspension ribbon, and matching ribbon bar.
This attractive grouping retains the medal's aged finish and period-style presentation, making it a desirable addition to a collection of German military decorations.
Historical Background
The West Wall Medal was instituted on August 2, 1939, to recognize individuals involved in the construction and defense of Germany's western fortifications, commonly known as the West Wall or Siegfried Line.
The extensive defensive system stretched along Germany's western frontier and consisted of bunkers, fortified positions, antitank obstacles, and other military installations.
Construction involved military personnel, civilian laborers, and members of Organisation Todt, the organization responsible for numerous major construction projects in Nazi Germany.
The decoration was initially awarded to personnel who contributed to the construction and defense of these fortifications. Eligibility was subsequently extended to qualifying service connected with the West Wall during the later stages of the Second World War.
Design and Historical Significance
The obverse features a German national eagle above crossed military engineering implements and a representation of fortified defenses, surrounded by an oak-leaf wreath.
The reverse bears the inscription Für Arbeit zum Schutze Deutschlands, translating to "For Work in the Defense of Germany."
The decoration was commonly issued in a paper packet bearing the designation Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen.
Item Details
Country: Germany
Period: Second World War
Decoration: West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen)
Instituted: August 2, 1939
Medal finish: Aged, dark-toned finish
Ribbon: Full-length orange-brown ribbon with white stripes
Accessories: Matching ribbon bar
Packaging: Original issue packet
Condition: Good collectible condition, with age-related wear and toning; see photographs
Included: Medal, suspension ribbon, ribbon bar, and issue packet
Original WWII German West Wall Medal – Complete Set with Issue Packet and Ribbons
An original German West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen) from the Second World War, accompanied by its original-style issue packet, full-length suspension ribbon, and matching ribbon bar.
This attractive grouping retains the medal's aged finish and period-style presentation, making it a desirable addition to a collection of German military decorations.
Historical Background
The West Wall Medal was instituted on August 2, 1939, to recognize individuals involved in the construction and defense of Germany's western fortifications, commonly known as the West Wall or Siegfried Line.
The extensive defensive system stretched along Germany's western frontier and consisted of bunkers, fortified positions, antitank obstacles, and other military installations.
Construction involved military personnel, civilian laborers, and members of Organisation Todt, the organization responsible for numerous major construction projects in Nazi Germany.
The decoration was initially awarded to personnel who contributed to the construction and defense of these fortifications. Eligibility was subsequently extended to qualifying service connected with the West Wall during the later stages of the Second World War.
Design and Historical Significance
The obverse features a German national eagle above crossed military engineering implements and a representation of fortified defenses, surrounded by an oak-leaf wreath.
The reverse bears the inscription Für Arbeit zum Schutze Deutschlands, translating to "For Work in the Defense of Germany."
The decoration was commonly issued in a paper packet bearing the designation Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen.
Item Details
Country: Germany
Period: Second World War
Decoration: West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen)
Instituted: August 2, 1939
Medal finish: Aged, dark-toned finish
Ribbon: Full-length orange-brown ribbon with white stripes
Accessories: Matching ribbon bar
Packaging: Original issue packet
Condition: Good collectible condition, with age-related wear and toning; see photographs
Included: Medal, suspension ribbon, ribbon bar, and issue packet
