Cased Anschluss Commemorative Medal

German WWII > Awards and Medals > Campaign Awards > Anschluss Medals

Die Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938 im Etui. Instituted on May 1, 1938, the Anschluss Medal was awarded to; all German military personnel who participated in the march to Austria, members of the Austrian branch of the NSDAP and other Austrians who contributed to the Annexation of Austria. It was constructed out of a die struck nickel-silver base that was silver washed. The round shaped obverse depicts two unclothed men (one has a chain around his right wrist, the other is holding an NSDAP flag on a pole) that are standing on a pedestal that shows a German national eagle. The reverse reads: “13. Marz 1938 Ein Volk Ein Reich Ein Führer” (March 13 1938 - One People, One Empire, One Leader). To the top of the medal is a soldered-on loop and ring which holds 3 inches of red, black and white folded rayon ribbon. There is a nickel-silver pin assembly that is stitched to the reverse. The medal measures 1 ¼ inches in diameter. The silver wash has nicely patinaed. The award comes housed in its original case. The case is constructed out of wood and pressed cardboard with a simulated red leather covering. To the top is a pressed gold foil gilded National eagle, with outstretched wings clutching a wreathed swastika in its talons. The interior top lid is lined in white silk and has an underlying pad. The bottom interior of the case is covered in a red velvet with an exterior white ribbed cardboard border. To the front is a plated round steel spring loaded closure button. To the back is gilded steel piano hinge. The hinge and the closure button continue to function well. The case has some leather loss areas and two pin holes to the bottom. It measures 4 1/8 inches long by 1 7/8 inches wide by 3/4 of an inch thick. A desirable campaign medal.