Germany, SS. An 8-Year Long Service Award, by Deschler

A textbook example of a SS 8-Year Long Service Award (SS-Dienstauszeichnung); in bronze; unmarked, but these medals were produced exclusively by Deschler & Sohn of Munich and Lorenz of Unterreichenbach; exquisite manufacturing quality with very fine details; the obverse bearing the standard SS runes within an oak leaf wreath with ribbons on the bottom of the wreath superimposed on a static swastika; the reverse inscribed “Für Treue Dienste in der SS” (For Loyal Services in the SS) superimposed on the number “8”; on loop for suspension, and with its mint and unissued cornflower blue ribbon, with its horizontal pinback not yet sewn onto the reverse; measuring 37.99 mm in diameter; weighing 21.3 grams; in absolutely mint condition.

Footnote: The SS long service awards were first introduced by A.H. on January 30, 1938, and according to predominant historian, Christopher Ailsby, these awards ceased to be awarded at the end of 1941.