Heer Demjansk Sleeve Shield – Near Mint

Product Description: This is an outstanding example of the Heer Demjansk Shield, awarded to German Army personnel who fought in the grueling encirclement of the Demjansk pocket on the Eastern Front between February and April 1942. This magnetic, die-stamped steel shield retains its original soldered prongs, all of which remain perfectly intact and undisturbed. It is complete with its original zinc backplate and features the correct field-grey wool backing, which remains in superb condition—free from mothing, staining, or damage. The original black protective paper covering on the reverse is also present and intact, a detail rarely encountered on surviving examples.

The obverse displays sharply executed detail to the Wehrmacht eagle, swastika, and “DEMJANSK” banner, with virtually no wear to the high points. There are no repairs, no corrosion, and no alterations of any kind. The prongs are straight and show no evidence of ever having been re-bent, underscoring the originality and careful preservation of this shield.

If not the finest example we have handled, it is certainly among the very best Demjansk Shields we have ever offered. A near mint specimen of exceptional quality—an almost impossible piece to upgrade and a centerpiece for any serious Heer or Eastern Front campaign collection.

Historical Description: On February 8, 1942, Soviet forces encircled the German 2nd Army Corps in the town of Demjansk, trapping over 100,000 troops—including five Heer infantry divisions, the elite 3rd SS “Totenkopf” Division, and supporting RAD, Police, and Organization Todt units—under the command of General der Infanterie Graf Brockdorff-Ahlefeldt. Despite being cut off, the garrison mounted a fierce defense, sustained by Luftwaffe aerial resupply, and tied down three Soviet armies for 14 months. The pocket was finally relieved on April 21, 1942, though at great cost: over 3,300 killed and 10,000 wounded. For his leadership, Totenkopf commander Theodor Eicke received the Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross. Instituted later that year, the Demjansk Shield commemorated the endurance and sacrifice of those who fought in this brutal siege.

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