Germany, Third Reich. A Schlageter Shield, Type II for Combatants, by Paul Küst

(Schlageterschild ovale Form für Kämpfer). Instituted 26 May 1933 by Schlageter-Gedächtnis-Bund e.V. (1933-1936 issue). Constructed of silvered bronze with a dark patina, the obverse consisting of an oval laurel and oak leaf wreath, joined together at the bottom by ribbon, around a central raised inscription of “SCHLAGETER”, in turn situated above a crossed sword clasp and below a Latin Cross, the former flanked by “SPARTAKUS 1919/23” clasps with five additional voids for the addition of other Freikorps commemorative campaign devices, the reverse with two visible sets of prongs securing the campaign plaques in place and with a vertical pinback, maker marked “PAUL KÜST, ABZEICHEN U. ORDENFABRIK, BERLIN SW 19”, measuring 48.27 mm (w) x 60.64 mm (h), weighing 41.0 grams, in extremely fine condition.