Germany, Third Reich. A Rare National Prize for Art and Science, II Model Prototype

(Der Deutscher Nationalorden für Kunst und Wissenschaft, Vorlagemuster II). Instituted 30 January 1937. (1937 issue). A rare and unique prototype of the German National Prize for Art and Science, constructed of gilded silver with enamels, the obverse consisting of a circular oak leaf wreath, bordered on both sides with gilt rings, with a central red enameled disc bearing a raised gilt mobile swastika, the cardinal points adorned with raised and gilded NSDAP-style German national eagles clutching mobile swastikas, the reverse with an analogous red enameled disc bearing a raised gilt inscription of “FÜR KUNST UND WISSENSCHAFT” (“FOR ART AND SCIENCE”), with four visible rivets securing each of the obverse eagles in place, the twelve o’clock eagle’s head bearing an integral loop connecting to dual suspension rings, unmarked, measuring 81.68 mm (w) x 88.12 mm (h) (inclusive of suspension), weighing 79.4 mm grams, minor tarnishing and loss of gilt finish evident, with a crack visible to the reverse enamels, in overall near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The German National Prize for Art and Science traces its origins to 1935, when dissident writer Carl von Ossietzky was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his exposé on the secret rearmament of the German armed forces during the latter stages of the Weimar Republic. Having also condemned growing anti-Semitism in Germany, von Ossietzky was arrested on 28 February 1933. Despite exerting pressure, the NSDAP was unable to prevent the Nobel Committee from awarding von Ossietzky the distinction, but was able to prevent him from travelling to Norway to accept it. He died the following year of tuberculosis while in a Berlin hospital under Gestapo surveillance. Outraged at the Nobel Committee’s perceived attack on Germany, the Führer forbade any German citizens from accepting further Nobel Prizes. Instead, the NSDAP established its own award for citizens who made outstanding contributions to the Third Reich, which became the German National Prize for Art and Science. Several prototypes of the award, including the example offered, were created before a final design was agreed upon. Nine nominees were awarded the prize for the years 1937 and 1938, one posthumously, before it was abandoned at the start of the Second World War.