{"product_id":"wwii-german-west-wall-medal-deutsches-schutzwait-ehrenzeichen-complete-medal","title":"WWII German West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwait-Ehrenzeichen)-Complete Medal","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal WWII German \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWest Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, commonly known as the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWest Wall Medal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSiegfried Line Medal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Instituted by Adolf Hitler in 1939, the award was presented to military personnel, labor service workers, engineers, and civilians involved in the construction and defense of Germany’s extensive West Wall fortification system.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe obverse features a national eagle above a crossed shovel and sword, symbolizing the cooperation of military and labor forces in the construction of the defensive line. The reverse bears the inscription:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Für Arbeit zum Schutze Deutschlands”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e (“For Work in the Defense of Germany”)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis example retains its original suspension ring and displays an attractive dark wartime patina. The details remain sharp and well defined, making it a desirable example for collectors of German WWII awards and militaria.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal WWII-era medal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal suspension ring present\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStrong eagle, shovel, and sword details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttractive aged patina\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHonest age and handling wear\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo major damage or repairs noted\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDisplays exceptionally well\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCountry: Germany\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeriod: World War II\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAward: West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInstituted: 1939\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial: Bronze-toned alloy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal suspension ring included\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistorical Background\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe West Wall Medal was awarded to those who participated in the construction and maintenance of the massive German defensive fortification system stretching along Germany’s western border. Over 600,000 awards were issued during the war, making it one of the most recognizable German service decorations of the period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Whiskey Rebellion Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43153441292365,"sku":null,"price":95.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/9229\/8829\/files\/D397E460-17B3-4EE6-83AD-A8BFA2B24A46.jpg?v=1782135030","url":"https:\/\/whiskeyrebellionantiques.com\/products\/wwii-german-west-wall-medal-deutsches-schutzwait-ehrenzeichen-complete-medal","provider":"Whiskey Rebellion Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}