Ostvolk Decoration, Eastern Front; Gold 1st Class Badge w/Swords
Price: Sold
Description: First Class award in Gold with swords, the highest class of this award. Wide tapered pin-back badge with typical scooped-out reverse retaining most of its gilt finish due to the fact that it has been in its original envelope of issuance. Some of its original paper wrapping remains as well. An unmarked badge in an unmarked wrapper.
Background: Officially designated, Bravery and Merit Decoration for the Eastern People, this series of awards was instituted July 1942 to recognize the contribution of volunteers from the Eastern European countries to Germany’s war effort. The awards were introduced in two classes with five grades and were awarded with swords for bravery in combat, or without swords for outstanding service to the war effort. The awards were rendered in a first class in gold and silver and a second class in gold, silver and bronze and all could be issued with or without swords. The first class awards were the pin back type while the second class awards were suspended from a ribbon. In October of 1942 bestowal of the first or second class silver award was extended to German nationals serving with “Osttruppen”, (Eastern Troops), providing they already held the Iron Cross first or second class.
