WWII GERMAN OSTVOLK MEDAL 1st CLASS IN GOLD WITH SWORDS & CASE RARE ORIGINAL

First Class Decoration with Swords for Bravery. This special decoration in two classes with and without swords was established on 14 July 1942 to recognize heroic actions of the "Osttruppen" (Eastern Troops), volunteers from the Soviet Union who served with German forces on the eastern front. Initially, these decorations were awarded exclusively to these volunteers, but after 29 Oct 1942, German troops were eligible for the 1. Classes providing they already had an Iron Cross 1.

For sale is an original, vintage first class badge with swords, the highest Osttruppen military award. The medal is in excellent condition for its age. It is zinc with a gilt or gold wash. In its original hard shell leatherette presentation case with a. Slotted bed for the medal.

The face of the case lid bears an exact facsimile of the badge contained in the case in this example it is gold with swords. The push pin for the case is magnetic. Because of the sharp edges of the case and badge characteristics, I believe it is a type 3 dating from 1944-45 and may have been made in Austria. I obtained this award quite some time ago from a British vet who brought it home after WW2.

I scanned the presentation case with a black light. It passed the test except for around the inside edge where the vets son had applied a small amount of modern glue to help strengthen the cardboard inner edge. Over the years the hinge cover at the rear of the case has become partially unglued--see photo. The item "WWII GERMAN OSTVOLK MEDAL 1st CLASS IN GOLD WITH SWORDS & CASE RARE ORIGINAL" is in sale since Sunday, December 17, 2017.

This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\WW II (1939-45)\Original Period Items\Germany\Medals, Pins & Ribbons". The seller is "gfc-antiques" and is located in Staunton, Virginia. This item can be shipped worldwide.

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