Austrian NSDAP Member Medal Bar

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

Schnalle - Die Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938 mit NSDAP Dienstauszeichnung 1. Stufe by RZM M11/29 – Simet & C. of Wien. Assembled sometime in late-1939 most likely for a member of the Austrian branch of the NSDAP who had given 10 years of loyal service. The Austrian annexation medal 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 attached to the ribbon bar. The NSDAP medal was constructed out of a die struck zinc-alloy base that has been bronze washed and lacquered. The obverse depicts a centrally placed wreathed German national eagle, with outstretched wings clutching a wreathed swastika in its talons, above a round oak leaf wreath that is tied together at the bottom and a pattée style cross that has sun bursts visible to the corners. The reverse displays “Treue für Führer und Volk” (Loyalty to Leader and People) in gothic style script, encircled by an oak leaf wreath that is tied together at the bottom and is above that same cross and sun bursts. It measures 1 5/8 inches wide and tall. To the top is an integral loop and “29” (RZM M11/29) maker marked ring which is attached to the ribbon bar. The previous owner had removed the NSDAP medal and it is attached with some threads. It could easily be stitched back on securely. The obverse of the medal bar is covered with the correct rayon ribbons. The reverse has a stitched-on red wool base with a well working pin, hinge and catch assembly. The full bar measures 2 3/4 inches wide by 2 7/8 inches tall. A nice assembly.