German Awards - Colonial Award - Order of the Lion in Silver

Already in 1896, warrior clubs of former colonial fighters arose in Germany. In 1902, as the forerunner of the German Union of Colonial Warriors, the Governing Union was created as an association of clubs of former warriors of China and Africa. In 1914, there were about 110 colonial military unions in Germany.
The Order of the Lion (colonial award) was established in 2 classes by the German Union of Colonial Wars of 1922. Shown here, the so-called 1. Class, this is a silver-plated badge. Bronze stage, the so-called 2nd. Class, worn on tape. On award letters, the badge of honor is named as "Colonial Award in Silver and Bronze, respectively." The president until 1924 was Mirker later against Epp and chairman of the Council of the Order of Grimm, whose signatures can be found on the award certificate. The design was by Carl Möbius, who had previously also designed the colonial badge (Order of the Elephant). About 10,000 items were awarded. (1st + 2nd class combined) Especially 1st class was higher among the population than the state award of the Order of the Elephant. 1st class was assigned to former fighters of the guard forces, the East Asia Expeditionary Force, occupation forces in China and the navy when they served off the coast of the colonies. Many fakes of this award exist in good quality. Other simple needle hooks are known. But guaranteed estates have this attractive needle hook.

The eight-pointed, non-ferrous metal star is slightly silver-plated, with the top 5 vertices visible. Others under Zirrat cover. The lower end is missing. On the back is a vertical pin with pin hooks.

Front side:

In
• lower left and right falling oak foliage.
• On it lies the hat of the colonial troops (the so-called southwest), including 2 crossed swords.
In the
• upper part, a ring of 3/4 circles limited by narrow lines is superimposed on the star.
In
• it Scripture - For - Merit - For - For - Colonies -
In the
• center on the pedestal rests a roaring lion looking to the left
• The right wing rests in the southwest, the left rises above the ring of the circle.
• In the background is a palm tree, with the lion's tail sticking out on the left.

Downside:

In the
• center is a 4-fold, raised circle ring in the center of which 2 lines are knocked out - In - memoriam -.
• Left under the circle - GES.GES. - right - No. 34162 -