Condition: Excellent
Pattern: Varient Type 1
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Product Description: This Heer Early Narvik Shield is a rare and highly desirable Type 1 example, representing one of the finest early variants produced. Struck from CupAl—a mechanically bonded copper and aluminum alloy known for its durability and quality—this shield predates the later war production types that relied on inferior materials.
The beautifully executed early silver electroplated finish remains virtually fully intact, with its high real-silver content evident in the pleasing dark toning and untouched age patina that have developed over time. All of the intricate detail of the design is clearly preserved, with only a few tiny areas of surface corrosion, typical for an award of this vintage. This shield is known as the so-called “Juncker variant,” attributed to the famed Berlin maker, though, as is correct for this type, it bears no maker’s mark.
The shield retains its original field-gray wool backing, which shows two small holes at the edges, likely from prior mounting to a collector’s display. The reverse features the correct original metal backing plate, with all four attachment prongs intact and visible. As is typical for these early shields, no backing paper is present.
This outstanding early Narvik Shield remains completely sound, with no repairs or restoration. The overall eye appeal is excellent, making this a truly exceptional and increasingly scarce example of an iconic Heer campaign award, perfect for a discerning collector.
Historical Description: The Narvik Shield (Ärmelschild Narvik) was awarded to members of the German Wehrmacht who participated in the battle of Narvik. “Unternehmen Weserübung,” the occupation of the neutral countries Denmark and Norway, began on April 9, 1940. On this day, a Regiment of Gebirgsjäger troops under the command of Generalleutnant Eduard Dietl landed in the city of Narvik, a Norwegian city north of the Arctic Circle, which was of strategic importance due to its harbor which remains ice-free year-round. A few days later, following a battle against the Royal Navy, this occupation force was strengthened by over 2,000 members of the Kriegsmarine. This combined force resisted Allied counterattacks until April 28, when British troops were able to take the city. German forces continued to attack the superior numbers of British troops until the British finally withdrew on June 8. The Narvik Shield was designed by the artist Richard Klein of Munich, with an Edelweiss to commemorate the Gebirgsjäger, an anchor to commemorate the Kriegsmarine and a propeller symbolizing the Luftwaffe. It was made out of iron and later also from zinc. This award was officially instituted by Adolf Hitler on August 19, 1940 and was issued to a narrowly defined group of Wehrmacht personnel who were active in the Narvik area between April 9 and June 8. It was made in two variants, with a silver finish for the Heer and Luftwaffe and a gold finish for the Kriegsmarine. Approximately 8500 of these shields were issued in total.
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