Cased Anschluss Commemorative Medal by Hauptmunzamt

German WWII > Awards and Medals > Campaign Awards > Anschluss Medals

A great looking cased Anschluss Commemorative Medal! It was instituted on May 1 1938, and was awarded to; all German military personnel who participated in the march to Austria, members of the Austrian branch of the NSDAP and other Austrians who contributed to the Anschluss. It is constructed out of a die struck nickel-silver base that has been silver washed. The round shaped obverse depicts two unclothed men (one has a chain around his right wrist, the other is holding an NSDAP flag on a pole) that are standing on a pedestal that shows a German national eagle. The reverse reads: "13. Marz 1938 Ein Volk Ein Reich Ein Führer" (March 13 1938 One People, One Empire, One Leader). To the top of the medal is a soldered on loop and ring which holds approximately 3 inches of red, black and white folded rayon ribbon. There is a gilded brass pin that is stitched to the reverse, (stitches are loose). The medal measures approximately 1 ¼ inches in diameter. The silver wash and details are good! The award comes housed in its original case. The case is constructed out of wood and pressed cardboard with a simulated, grained, red, leather covering that has some scuffs. To the top is a beautiful pressed gold guilded National eagle, with outstretched wings clutching a wreathed swastika in its talons. The interior top lid is lined in white silk and has an underlying pad. Someone has written in blue pen: "Austrian Auchloss Medal" on it. The bottom interior of the case is covered in a maroon felt with and exterior white cardboard border. To the front is a gilded round steel spring loaded closure button. To the back is steel based hinge. The hinge and the closure button continue to function well. The case has some soilage to the obverse and minor scuffs throughout. It measures approximately 4 inches long by 1 7/8 inches wide by 7/8 of an inch thick. A great assembly!