Original WWII German West Wall Medal – With Issue Packet and Buttonhole Ribbon
An original Second World War German West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen), accompanied by its paper issue packet, full-length suspension ribbon, and matching buttonhole ribbon.
The medal displays an aged, muted bronze-colored finish with visible surface patina and well-preserved design elements. The suspension ribbon retains its distinctive golden-brown color with white stripes, while the original-style paper packet shows age-related discoloration and handling wear.
Historical Background
The West Wall Medal was instituted on August 2, 1939, to recognize individuals who participated in the construction of Germany's western defensive fortifications, commonly known as the West Wall or Siegfried Line.
The West Wall consisted of an extensive system of concrete bunkers, fortified positions, antitank obstacles, and other defensive installations constructed along Germany's western frontier.
Military personnel, civilian laborers, and members of Organisation Todt participated in the massive construction effort, which formed part of Nazi Germany's military preparations before the outbreak of the Second World War.
The decoration was subsequently awarded to eligible personnel associated with the defense of these fortifications during the later stages of the war.
Medal Design
The obverse features a German national eagle above crossed military engineering implements and a representation of the West Wall's defensive fortifications, 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 medal is suspended from its characteristic golden-brown ribbon with white stripes. A matching buttonhole ribbon is also included, representing the smaller form of the decoration intended for civilian clothing.
Collector Significance
West Wall Medals are an established collecting area within German Second World War decorations. Examples accompanied by their issue packets and additional ribbon accessories offer a more complete representation of how the decoration was originally distributed and worn.
Item Details
Country: Germany
Period: Second World War
Decoration: West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen)
Instituted: August 2, 1939
Finish: Aged bronze-colored finish with visible patina
Suspension ribbon: Included
Buttonhole ribbon: Included
Issue packet: Included
Separate ribbon bar: Not included
Condition: Good collectible condition with age-related wear; see photographs
Item offered: Medal, suspension ribbon, buttonhole ribbon, and paper issue packet
Original WWII German West Wall Medal – With Issue Packet and Buttonhole Ribbon
An original Second World War German West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen), accompanied by its paper issue packet, full-length suspension ribbon, and matching buttonhole ribbon.
The medal displays an aged, muted bronze-colored finish with visible surface patina and well-preserved design elements. The suspension ribbon retains its distinctive golden-brown color with white stripes, while the original-style paper packet shows age-related discoloration and handling wear.
Historical Background
The West Wall Medal was instituted on August 2, 1939, to recognize individuals who participated in the construction of Germany's western defensive fortifications, commonly known as the West Wall or Siegfried Line.
The West Wall consisted of an extensive system of concrete bunkers, fortified positions, antitank obstacles, and other defensive installations constructed along Germany's western frontier.
Military personnel, civilian laborers, and members of Organisation Todt participated in the massive construction effort, which formed part of Nazi Germany's military preparations before the outbreak of the Second World War.
The decoration was subsequently awarded to eligible personnel associated with the defense of these fortifications during the later stages of the war.
Medal Design
The obverse features a German national eagle above crossed military engineering implements and a representation of the West Wall's defensive fortifications, 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 medal is suspended from its characteristic golden-brown ribbon with white stripes. A matching buttonhole ribbon is also included, representing the smaller form of the decoration intended for civilian clothing.
Collector Significance
West Wall Medals are an established collecting area within German Second World War decorations. Examples accompanied by their issue packets and additional ribbon accessories offer a more complete representation of how the decoration was originally distributed and worn.
Item Details
Country: Germany
Period: Second World War
Decoration: West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen)
Instituted: August 2, 1939
Finish: Aged bronze-colored finish with visible patina
Suspension ribbon: Included
Buttonhole ribbon: Included
Issue packet: Included
Separate ribbon bar: Not included
Condition: Good collectible condition with age-related wear; see photographs
Item offered: Medal, suspension ribbon, buttonhole ribbon, and paper issue packet
