Silesian Eagle Medal – First Class

Product Description: This Silesian Eagle Medal – First Class represents a highly desirable and scarce Freikorps decoration, preserved in notably fine condition. The blackened eagle retains the vast majority of its original finish, with only minimal wear evident at the raised points, where the underlying metal subtly catches the light. The separately applied half-moon, cross, and “Für Schlesien” banner remain firmly affixed, all exhibiting a pleasing and consistent original luster. The reverse shows an honest patina with minor age-related imperfections, while the pin assembly remains fully intact, functional, and free from any evidence of repair. The overall presentation is one of careful preservation and historical authenticity.

Historical Description: The Silesian Eagle (Schlesische Bewährungsabzeichen, also known as the Schlesischer Adler) was a Freikorps award of interwar Germany, in the time of the Weimar Republic. It was instituted on June 16, 1919, by the Generalkommando of the VI. Armee-Korps. It was awarded to men of the border security units of the VI. Armee-Korps, who had taken up arms for Silesia, and all those who had fought for Silesia in 1918-19. The award was in the shape of the heraldic Silesian eagle, and was issued in two grades. The 2nd Class award was given for 3 months of exemplary service in the same unit, while the first class award denoted six months of exemplary service in the same border guard unit. The awards were originally produced of iron, with an unofficial enamel version appearing in 1921. Also in 1921, versions of the awards with oak leaves and with swords were introduced, for rewarding soldiers who were still fighting against the Silesian Uprisings and who had already earned the award. Recipients had to purchase the award themselves. It was only in 1934 that the award in its original form (without oak leaves and swords) was recognized as an official state decoration of the German Reich. 

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