WW2 German Merit Badge?

[2747andy]

Gentlemen,
I know it is not a Commonwealth item, but what exactly is the badge shown below? Cast from a heavy silver metal, it appears to be genuine (?) with a good quality clasp. Measures 50 x 50 mm.

What is it and a value please!

Thanks in advance!

Andy

[dak580]

G’day Andy

What you have is the ‘Osttrupprn’ or ‘eastern peoples award’ designed by Elmar Lang.

Came into use after 29 Oct 1942 issued to eligible German troops serving with Eastern People combat units providing they already held the Iron Cross 1st or 2nd class

Your picture shows a 1st class in silver without swords awarded for service/merit

Cheers
John

[Sonofacqms]

This is the Service medal for Eastern Volunteers 1st Class, as for value, who knows?

[LONGSHANKS]

That's what I thought it was. They are not a cheap badge if original.

Simon.

[GriffMJ]

There was a picture of one in my "Odds & Sods" Album.... oh well

[LONGSHANKS]

I have few select German stuff. I was after one of these for some time; as I study heavily the Eastern Front in general.

Nice piece.

Simon.

[cossack]

In my opinion it's not an original having had many of these over the years. A lot of copies, some with 'original' boxes have appeared over the last few years. The metal type & pin fittings are not how they should be!
Regards....Andy

[ProCoy]

I disagree with Cossack. This is exactly how these badges should look. Like many mid to late war awards they were made in Feinzink with a silvered or gilt coating of a substance known as Brennlacq. This finish is notorious for fading completely to leave the bare Zink base metal exposed. The pin/hinge and retaining clip are the absolutely 100% textbook correct fittings.

The most common manufacturer of these was Wächtler & Lange of Mittwaida, and the metal and fittings on this example match exactly those found on original pieces. They often, ( but not always ), carry the makers contract code "100" stamped on the underside of the pin.

[lancashirefusilier]

Hello Andy/chaps

The pin on the award looks ok.You might be interested in some threads on the Wehrmacht Awards forum where there are some good photos and discussions.
A possible theory put forward by someone on that site relates to the British not repatriating many holders of the award to prevent them being murdered in stalin's death camps.

Laurence Rees' book describes Churchill's bad mood after stalin mused and commented on the number of Germans to be executed at the end of the war..."At least 50,000 and perhaps 100,000".

So it could be possible?

Cheers

Dave

[cossack]

As they say, it is sometimes very difficult to be exactly sure about items when looking at a photo - I am only going from my experience with handling these for many years & what I have seen in emigre Cossack & Russian families personal collections & the Cossack museums around the world. Copies have been being made of these since the 1960's which are just not the same as the originals - I could point the famous arguments about the Kononov 5th Don Cossack Crosses as an example. Likewise all the reference books talk about the Young Cossack School badge 'possibly' being made but never issued - I feel I am fortunate to have an original photo of one being worn (clear image) unlike the dodgy supposed 5th Don one that is now shown in books!!
I apologise for my mistake...Andy

[lancashirefusilier]

Hello Cossack

I think you've got a good point about museums etc.There are a lot of opinions,complications and downright fakery.For my two pennies worth I think Third Reich stuff is a f******ng disaster area for collectors
Dave

[LONGSHANKS]

I always ask myself, I wonder what the attraction is to collect the loosing side. I came to this conclusion recently, and decided as a Brit that I prefer to collect the winning side on both occasions.

Simon.