Description
Product Description: This Krim Shield is a very attractive example of this campaign award. There is no maker mark, but this variant is known to have been manufactured by the firm of Friedrich Orth. This is a side prong type, with all four of the integral stamped sheet metal prongs intact and apparently still just as they left the factory. The obverse is gorgeous, and retains lovely original finish, with appealing shine and eye-catching light gold tones. The finish shows minimal age and wear, with some scattered small surface scratches. All of the original fine detail is present. On the reverse, this stamped shield is hollow, with the emblem visible in reverse. The metal surface shows attractive light rainbow toning. This is a non-ferrous metal that has retained the original finish and appearance over time. This Krim Shield is complete and sound, with no damage or issues. It’s in outstanding condition, bordering on near mint.
Historical Description: The Krim Shield was officially instituted by Adolf Hitler on July 25, 1942, stating the award would recognize the “heroic battles” during the campaign on the Crimean Peninsula between September 21, 1941, and July 4, 1942. The battle for the Crimean Peninsula was led by Generalfeldmarschall Erich von Manstein of the 11th Army. Combat during the Crimean Campaign was among some of the fiercest, culminating with the siege and capture of Sevastopol. The shield features a German National Eagle with outstretched arms clutching a swastika, the date 1941/42, and the map of the Crimea. The award was worn on the upper left sleeve of the field or dress uniform. Qualification for the award were, soldiers had to have participated in one of eight specific battles that were a part of the campaign, to have been wounded in action, or to have served 3 months, without interruption, in the Crimea region. Members of all branches of the Wehrmacht, including the Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine, were eligible for the award. The shield was made from steel, and later from zinc. They can be found with or without backing cloth. Between 200,000 and 300,000 shields were awarded
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