Anschluss Commemorative Medal by L/58

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

Die Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938 by L/58 - Rudolf Souval of Wein. Instituted May 1, 1938, the Anschluss Medal 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 Annexation of Austria. It was constructed out of a die struck nickel-silver base that has been silver washed and lacquered. 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 with a German national eagle on it. The reverse reads: “13. Marz 1938 Ein Volk Ein Reich Ein Führer” (March 13 1938 - One People, One Empire, One Leader). To the top is a soldered-on loop and ring marked: “L/58” which holds 3 inches of red, black and white folded rayon ribbon. To the reverse of the ribbon is a stitched-on gilded tombak pin assembly that remains in well working condition. The medal measures 1 ¼ inches in diameter.

Early Post-War: Several German award and dagger manufacturers continued production after the war was over. Most customers for these badges and daggers were German veterans as well as Allied soldiers, who wanted to take home souvenirs after the war. Rudolf Souval made badges as early as the late 1940’s. The later 1957 series of badges were unpopular among most German veterans, with their desire to keep the swastika. In a noteworthy record, Souval continued to make badges with original wartime hardware and continued to use their “L/58” LDO mark all the way into 1966. These type pieces, with obvious differences to war time awards, were not made to deceive collectors. Production of badges and daggers was welcomed in post-war Germany.