Ostvolk Medal without Swords – 1st Class – Gold

Product Description: This Ostvolk Medal without Swords – 1st Class – Gold is an original zinc award. A large portion of the original factory applied gold finish is present on both sides of the award. Award shows nice even finish with loss of finish to the high points revealing zinc base metal underneath.  The banjo style attachment pin is functional. There is no makers mark but manufacturing appears to be  Wächtler & Lange. This Ostvolk Medal without Swords – 1st Class – Gold is an honest original example. The condition raters as excellent.

Historical Description: The Ostvolk Medal (Ostvolkmedaille) was originally introduced on July 14, 1942, and was designed by Elmar Lang. The official German designation for the award was “Tapferkeits- und Verdienstauszeichnung für Angehörige der Ostvölker” which translates to :”Bravery and Merit Award for Members of Eastern Peoples.” These awards were intended to reward former citizens of the Soviet Union who served alongside the German armed forces as collaborators, particularly in the Eastern Front. The award was given to personnel including Cossacks, members of Schuma security units, and members of units of the Sicherheitspolizei and SD. By the fall of 1942, German troops serving in units made up of Eastern volunteers were also eligible for this medal. The award was issued in a somewhat confusing array of variations. The First Class award was a pin back award that was worn on the uniform pocket, while the Second Class award was a medal suspended from a ribbon. Both the First Class and Second Class versions were made with swords, indicating bravery, and without swords, which was an award for merit. Both the First Class and Second Class awards, with or without swords, were also made in Bronze, Silver and Gold grades. Only about 7,000 of these, in all grades, were awarded, making this a rather rare award.

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