Germany, Wehrmacht. A Rare Prototype War Commemorative Medal
(Kriegserinnerungsmedaille Prototyp). Constructed of bronzed magnetic iron, die struck, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised Cross Pattée, overlaid by a central Heer-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika, bearing dates “1939-1940” in the quadrants, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “DEN KÄMPFERN FÜR DIE DEUTSCHE FREIHEIT” (“TO THE FIGHTERS FOR GERMAN FREEDOM”), unmarked, measuring 32.15 mm in diameter, weighing 15.9 grams, very sharp details, a very rare original example of a prototype for a cancelled award retaining its original ribbon in near mint condition.

