Original WWII German West Wall Medal – With Suspension Ribbon and Issue Packet
An original Second World War German West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen), accompanied by its suspension ribbon and paper issue packet.
This example retains a dark, naturally aged finish with visible surface patina. The medal's design remains recognizable, including the national eagle, crossed military engineering implements, and surrounding oak-leaf wreath.
The orange-brown suspension ribbon retains its characteristic white stripes and displays age-related creasing and minor loose threads. The accompanying paper packet shows expected handling wear and discoloration.
Historical Background
The West Wall Medal was instituted on August 2, 1939, to recognize individuals who contributed to the construction of Germany's western defensive fortifications, commonly known as the West Wall or Siegfried Line.
The West Wall consisted of an extensive network of reinforced concrete bunkers, antitank obstacles, fortified positions, and supporting defensive installations along Germany's western frontier.
The construction program involved military personnel, civilian workers, and members of Organisation Todt, which played a major role in Nazi Germany's military infrastructure projects.
The decoration was later awarded for qualifying service associated with the defense of these fortifications during the final stages of the Second World War.
Medal Design
The obverse depicts a German national eagle above crossed military engineering tools and fortified defensive structures, surrounded by an oak-leaf wreath.
The reverse carries the inscription Für Arbeit zum Schutze Deutschlands, translating to "For Work in the Defense of Germany."
The medal is suspended from its distinctive orange-brown ribbon with white stripes.
Collector Significance
West Wall Medals are an established collecting area within German Second World War decorations. Examples retaining their suspension ribbons and paper issue packets provide additional historical interest by preserving elements of the decoration's original presentation.
Item Details
Country: Germany
Period: Second World War
Decoration: West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen)
Instituted: August 2, 1939
Finish: Dark, aged finish with surface patina
Suspension ribbon: Included; visible creasing and minor loose threads
Paper issue packet: Included, with printed marking on reverse
Condition: Good collectible condition with age-related wear; see photographs
Included: Medal, suspension ribbon, and paper issue packet
Not included: Separate ribbon bar or buttonhole ribbon
Original WWII German West Wall Medal – With Suspension Ribbon and Issue Packet
An original Second World War German West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen), accompanied by its suspension ribbon and paper issue packet.
This example retains a dark, naturally aged finish with visible surface patina. The medal's design remains recognizable, including the national eagle, crossed military engineering implements, and surrounding oak-leaf wreath.
The orange-brown suspension ribbon retains its characteristic white stripes and displays age-related creasing and minor loose threads. The accompanying paper packet shows expected handling wear and discoloration.
Historical Background
The West Wall Medal was instituted on August 2, 1939, to recognize individuals who contributed to the construction of Germany's western defensive fortifications, commonly known as the West Wall or Siegfried Line.
The West Wall consisted of an extensive network of reinforced concrete bunkers, antitank obstacles, fortified positions, and supporting defensive installations along Germany's western frontier.
The construction program involved military personnel, civilian workers, and members of Organisation Todt, which played a major role in Nazi Germany's military infrastructure projects.
The decoration was later awarded for qualifying service associated with the defense of these fortifications during the final stages of the Second World War.
Medal Design
The obverse depicts a German national eagle above crossed military engineering tools and fortified defensive structures, surrounded by an oak-leaf wreath.
The reverse carries the inscription Für Arbeit zum Schutze Deutschlands, translating to "For Work in the Defense of Germany."
The medal is suspended from its distinctive orange-brown ribbon with white stripes.
Collector Significance
West Wall Medals are an established collecting area within German Second World War decorations. Examples retaining their suspension ribbons and paper issue packets provide additional historical interest by preserving elements of the decoration's original presentation.
Item Details
Country: Germany
Period: Second World War
Decoration: West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen)
Instituted: August 2, 1939
Finish: Dark, aged finish with surface patina
Suspension ribbon: Included; visible creasing and minor loose threads
Paper issue packet: Included, with printed marking on reverse
Condition: Good collectible condition with age-related wear; see photographs
Included: Medal, suspension ribbon, and paper issue packet
Not included: Separate ribbon bar or buttonhole ribbon
Image 1 of 5
Image 2 of 5
Image 3 of 5
Image 4 of 5
Image 5 of 5
