Description
Product Description: This Kriegsmarine Narvik Shield is a gorgeous example of a scarce and desirable campaign award. The stamped metal shield retains virtually all of the stunningly beautiful factory applied gold finish. The surface is clean and virtually pristine, with eye-catching original shine. Extremely slight wear to the high points in some small areas reveals a hint of base metal. All of the original fine detail is intact. This hard to find Kriegsmarine Narvik Shield retains its original backing of dark navy blue wool fabric. The wool is finely woven and completely intact, with no evident wear or mothing, and strong original color. On the reverse, blue wool covers the backing plate and prongs. There is no damage to note. Made by the desirable firm of Juncker, Berlin. This is a choice shield that would be very hard to upgrade. It remains in outstanding, excellent plus condition.
Historical Description: The Narvik Shield was awarded to members of the German Wehrmacht who participated in the battle of Narvik, Norway. Operation “Weserübung,”, the occupation of the neutral countries Denmark and Norway, began on April 9, 1940. On the first day of the operation, a Regiment of Gebirgsjäger troops (Mountain Troops) under the command of Generalleutnant Eduard Dietl landed in the port city of Narvik, Norway. The city was of strategic importance due to its harbor which remains ice-free year-round. Following a battle against the Royal Navy several days after the initial landings, the German occupation force was strengthened by over 2,000 members of the Kriegsmarine. This combined force resisted persistent Allied counterattacks until April 28, when British troops were able to retake the city. German forces continued to attack the superior numbers of British troops until, on June 8, 1940, the British finally withdrew. The Narvik Shield was designed by the artist Richard Klein of Munich, and instituted on August 19, 1940, by Adolf Hitler. The joint symbolism on the award consisted of an Edelweiss to commemorate the Gebirgsjäger, an anchor to commemorate the Kriegsmarine and a propeller symbolizing the Luftwaffe. It was made out of iron and later also from zinc. The Narvik Shield was issued to a narrowly defined group of Wehrmacht personnel who were active in the Narvik area between April 9 and June 8. It was made in two variants, with a silver finish for the Heer and Luftwaffe and a gold finish for the Kriegsmarine. Approximately 8500 of these shields were issued in total.
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