Original German Third Reich West Wall Metal Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen in Bronze with Ribbon
SKU: 938
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer: Carl Poellath, Schrobenhausen
Date Manufactured: 1939
Size / Dimensions: Medal: approximately 40 mm high × 33 mm wide. Thickness: approximately 2–3 mm, depending on manufacturer and production variation
Ribbon width: approximately 30 mm
Materials / Construction: Bronze-colored tombac metal construction
Condition: Excellent
Price: $75.00
Seller Type: WW2C
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: 30
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
Tis Original Third Reich German West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen), commonly known among collectors as the West Wall Medal, complete with its ribbon and preserved in near mint condition.
Historical Background
The Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen, or German Defensive Wall Honor Award, was instituted on August 2, 1939. It was created to recognize individuals involved in the planning, construction, and defense preparations associated with Germany's extensive western defensive fortifications, commonly referred to as the Westwall and known to the Allies as the Siegfried Line.
The massive fortification program incorporated bunkers, pillboxes, anti-tank obstacles, trenches, and other defensive positions along Germany's western frontier. Both military personnel and civilian workers who contributed to this construction effort could qualify for the award.
Design & Construction
This original example features the distinctive oval-shaped West Wall Medal design with a bronze-colored finish. The obverse depicts a fortified bunker beneath a crossed sword and shovel, symbolizing the combined military and labor effort involved in constructing Germany's western defenses. An oak-leaf border surrounds the design.
The reverse bears the German inscription:
“FÜR ARBEIT ZUM SCHUTZE DEUTSCHLANDS”
Translated as:
“For Work in the Defense of Germany.”
The reverse inscription is surrounded by an oak-leaf wreath.
A suspension ring at the top accommodates the accompanying ribbon. The medal was traditionally worn from a golden-brown ribbon with narrow white stripes near the edges, a color combination closely associated with this award.
Collector Highlights
- Original Third Reich German West Wall Medal
- Official designation: Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen
- Commonly known as the West Wall Medal / Siegfried Line Medal
- Instituted August 2, 1939
- Bronze-colored metal construction
- Detailed bunker, sword, and shovel design
- Oak-leaf border and wreath
- Reverse inscription: “FÜR ARBEIT ZUM SCHUTZE DEUTSCHLANDS”
- Complete with ribbon
- Strong original detail and attractive finish
- Near mint condition
Condition
This example is in near mint condition, displaying exceptionally well-preserved details throughout the medal. The raised design elements remain crisp and well defined, with an attractive bronze-colored appearance. The suspension assembly is intact, and the accompanying ribbon completes the presentation.
An excellent example of the Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen and a desirable addition to a collection of original German WWII decorations, campaign awards, engineering-related militaria, or Westwall/Siegfried Line artifacts.
