Germany (Reich) – Eastern Front Medal (Ostmedaille), 1941–1942
kr 1,500.00
In stock
Description
Germany (Reich) – Eastern Front Medal (Ostmedaille), 1941–1942
Officially known as the Medal for the Winter Campaign in the East 1941/42 (Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42), this decoration was instituted by Adolf Hitler on 26 May 1942 and awarded to German military personnel and certain allied troops who served on the Eastern Front during the first winter of the German-Soviet War.
The medal was awarded to personnel who participated in combat operations, served for a prescribed period under severe winter conditions, or were wounded or suffered frostbite while serving on the Eastern Front between 15 November 1941 and 15 April 1942. The brutal conditions endured during the campaign earned the award the unofficial nickname “Frozen Meat Medal” among German soldiers.
The obverse features the national eagle with outstretched wings standing upon a swastika, surmounted by a steel helmet resting on a hand grenade. The reverse bears the inscription “WINTERSCHLACHT IM OSTEN 1941/42” (“Winter Battle in the East 1941/42”), above a crossed sword and laurel branch motif symbolizing military service and sacrifice.
The medal was struck primarily in zinc with a darkened gunmetal finish, often with a separate helmet and grenade suspension device. Due to wartime production methods, surviving examples frequently display wear to the original finish, as seen on many authentic period pieces. Ring loop marked with “93” which indicates “Richard Simms, Gablonz a.d.N.”
The example illustrated exhibits the characteristic darkened finish with visible age-related wear and oxidation. The suspension ring remains present, though the ribbon is absent. The details of the eagle, helmet, and reverse inscription remain clearly defined, preserving the medal’s historical character.
Condition: Very Fine; original wartime finish with expected age-related wear; clear details to both obverse and reverse; suspension ring intact; ribbon absent; a well-preserved example of one of the most recognizable German campaign awards of the Second World War.
