German Awards - Gau Badge of Honor of the Sudetenland

The badge of honor of the Gau of the Sudetenland was established by Gauleiter Konrad Henlein. Gau was only founded in 1938 after the annexation of the Sudetenland on 3 October 1938. The fund was previously requested and approved by the imperial leadership of the NSDAP. It was probably awarded to honored members of the Gaue Party. The exact provisions are unknown. Awarding was carried out by Gauleiter. As with other Gauens, it can be assumed that a document was issued for this, which indicated the membership number of the NSDAP. Formally, the document was considered a permit to carry. Since the badge is extremely rare, it cannot be proven. Famous badges of honor also do not have matrix numbers, as is customary with other gau badges of honor. Worn on the left side of the chest under the Iron Cross, if any.
Henlein (06. Mai 1898 - 10. Mai 1945) - Sudeten National Socialist politician. After his full-time work in the German Gymnasts' Union, which he headed from 1931, he founded the Sudeten German home front in 1933. Later, the Sudeten German Party emerged from it. Close contacts with the NSDAP supported and stimulated annexation efforts. On September 12-13, 1938, Henlein began the 1st September Uprising, after which he fled to Germany, where he formed and commanded the Sudeten German Volunteer Corps. Already the volunteer corps was subordinate to the SS. January 26, 1939 joined the NSDAP, and later in the SS. Henlein acted as Reichsstatthalter and Gauleiter of the NSDAP. He was a deputy of the National Socialist Reichstag until 1945. Committed suicide in American captivity. Source: J. Nimmergut, German Orders and Badges of Honor until 1945, vol. IV, Wikipedia.

High oval, openwork sign made of non-ferrous metal. The wreath is patinated with silver. The pad is applied separately with two rivets and gilded. Vertically - a pin with a reciprocal hook.

Front side:

• The wreath is formed from a closed oak-leaved wreath.
• At the bottom, the wreath ends with an enameled bracket of 3 parts.
• The colors are black-red-black for the Sudetenland.
• To the left of the brace, the number is 19 - to the right of it - 38 -.
• A gilded, right-facing eagle with lowered wings is laid.
• This one sits on a gilded straight sawn swastika.

Downside:

• Smooth with a silver-plated wreath and gilded overlay.
• On the wreath there are two spouts to which the pad is glued.
• Vertically - a pin with a reciprocal hook.

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Obverse: Gau Badge of Honour Sudetenland

Reverse: Gau Badge of Honor of the Sudetenland

Established:

At the end of 1943, Konrad Henlein Gauleiter of the Sudetenland

Awarded:

1944 – 1945

Data:

• Material: non-ferrous metal, silver plated, gold plated
• Size: 55mm x 44mm
• Weight: about 38g

estimated collector price:

3800 – 4000 €

OEK Number:

3762