SS 1939 Julfest Table Medal – Deschler

Product Description: An exceptionally rare and impressive SS 1939 Julfest Table Medal (Erinnerungsmedaille), struck by the prestigious Munich firm of Deschler & Sohn. This example originates from the well-known “Deschler hoard,” a remarkable group of table medals produced in anticipation of SS ceremonial events and subsequently stored in the attic of the Deschler factory in München, where they remained undiscovered for decades.

Manufactured in tombak, this is a large and substantial piece, measuring 55.20 mm (approximately 2 1/4 inches) in diameter and weighing 58 grams. The medal exhibits the high level of craftsmanship associated with Deschler, with crisp detail and a notably heavy, quality feel in hand.

The obverse displays a raised SS-style national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, encircled by the inscription “JULFEST 1939” and framed by oak leaves. The reverse bears the dedication “DIE SCHWARZE GARDE SS OBERABSCHNITT OST” (“The Black Guard of SS Main District East”), along with the maker mark “DESCHLER & SOHN” of the renowned Munich-based firm.

Very few examples were struck, and pieces from this group were later dispersed to a small number of select collectors within Germany following their discovery. As such, this medal remains scarce and seldom encountered on the market.

Condition is excellent+, showing only minor traces of green verdigris and light wear to the high points. A superb and highly desirable original SS table medal, ideal for an advanced collection.

Historical Description: Military, political, civil, and paramilitary organizations during the Third Reich created a wide variety of non-portable awards, mostly in the form of award plaques and table medals, but also including decorative plates, various kinds of trophies, and usable gift items. These awards were generally presented in cases where a medal or award to be worn on the uniform would not be appropriate. Non-portable awards were given to winners of various types of sport contests, as well as to recognize distinguished service to military or civilian organizations, and even private companies. The table medals were typically originally awarded inside special custom fitted cases, like those used for some military awards. They could be made of metal, or in some cases porcelain, and were generally finely struck, and of high quality. The wall plaques were typically made of metal, often mounted to a wood base. They could feature Hitler, organizational emblems, or other military or patriotic themed decoration. There was a vast range of non-portable awards made and used during the Third Reich. Some were unique, custom works of art. There were also factories that issued catalogs filled with all kinds of different mass-produced items. After the war, most of these items that bore images of the swastika or Hitler were destroyed to comply with Allied denazification policy.

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