Original German Commemorative Bronze Medal of 1st October 1938 and Ribbon Mount
SKU: 693
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer: Wachtler & Lange
Year Manufactured: 1938
Composition: Bronze medal
Condition: Excellent
Weight: 15 grams (without ribbon)
Diameter (mm): 32 mm (1.26 inches)
Price: $100.00
Seller Type: WW2C
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: EM75
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
This Original German Sudetenland Commemorative Bronze Medal issued to mark the annexation of the Sudetenland into Germany following the events of 1 October 1938. This historic Third Reich award was instituted by Adolf Hitler on October 18, 1938, to recognize military personnel, political officials, and civilians who participated in the occupation or administration of the Sudeten territories. This example retains its original ribbon mount and remains in near mint condition, displaying excellent bronze finish and crisp details.
The Sudetenland Medal (Sudetenlandmedaille) was one of the early political commemorative awards of the Third Reich period and was commonly presented to members of the Wehrmacht, SS, SA, and various government organizations involved in the occupation.
Obverse:
Features two standing figures symbolizing the unification of the German Reich and the Sudetenland. One figure holds the Third Reich standard, while the other is shown breaking chains, representing liberation and annexation.
Reverse:
The reverse bears the inscription:
“1. Oktober 1938”
“Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Führer”
The inscription commemorates the official incorporation of the Sudetenland into the German Reich.
Specifications
- Item: Sudetenland Commemorative Medal
- Official Title: Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938
- Material: Bronze
- Diameter: approx. 32 mm
- Weight: approx. 14–16 grams
- Ribbon: Red ribbon with black and white edge stripes (original mounted ribbon)
- Condition: Near Mint
Condition
This medal is preserved in near mint condition, showing:
- Excellent bronze patina and finish
- Sharp relief details on both obverse and reverse
- Clean original ribbon with vibrant color
- Minor age-appropriate patina consistent with authentic wartime manufacture
The medal remains a well-preserved collectible example of a historically significant Third Reich commemorative award.
Historical Significance
The Sudetenland Medal was awarded to approximately 1.16 million recipients, including military personnel who participated in the occupation as well as political administrators and civilians who helped integrate the region into Germany.
Recipients who later took part in the occupation of Prague in March 1939 could receive an additional Prague Castle bar (Prager Burg Spange) mounted on the ribbon.
