Germany Awards - Bug-Star Defense Force Bug

The Bug Guard Detachment, also known as the Olit Brigade, was formed on March 26, 1919 from formations of the 38th Reichswehr Brigade. The commander was Major General von Passow. The infantry commander was Major Kobe von Keppenfels. The area of ​ ​ activity of Freikorpus was Courland and Lithuania. The guard troops consisted of the 44th volunteer battalion, the 42nd 4 companies, the 41st volunteer battalion 3 companies each and the 1st company of the 40th and 47th battalions. The artillery included the 40th, 42nd, 44th and 45th volunteer batteries, equipped with 4 guns and machine guns each. In addition, the guard included fleet units, economic units and a radio platoon.
The bow star was donated in 1919 by the commander of the security detachment, Major General von Passov. I don't know anything about the exact rules of awarding. However, it can be assumed that proven unit fighters were awarded for courage, or, as in the case of other volunteer corps, a certain time in the freikorps was a prerequisite for awarding. Stars with a pin or screw disc were made. Early pieces had an enameled middle medallion. It was later painted. Silver and silver-plated brass stars are known.

Eight-pointed star made of hollow embossed silver. The 8 main rays are evenly distributed. There are 7 intermediate beams between them, graduated to the center. There is thin puncture between the smooth rays. In the center is a large, embossed middle shield. Behind - screw washer with a response plate.

Front side:

• The edge of the middle shield is formed by a green enameled laurel wreath.
• Above and below is interrupted by a socket consisting of 7 points.
• Subsequently, the wide ring of the font inwards is limited by the raised pearl edge.
• On it, on a finely grainy background, a raised and polished font: above - SCHUTZTRAUPPE -
• Below - BUG -. To the left and right of it, one outlet consisting of 7 points.
In
• a field surrounded by a pearl edge, on a blue enameled background there are 2 crossed, raised swords.

Downside:

• Hollow embossed with screw washer and counter plate.
• Screw washer with semicircular bracket.
• It raised 2-line: - D.R.G.M. -/- 653146 -.
• On the lower cruciform shoulder is a plate with the coat of arms of the manufacturer or a punch.

Front side: Bug star of the Bug defensive unit

Flip side: Bug Star of the Protection Force Bug

Established:

1919 Major General von Passov

Awarded:

1919 – 1923

Data:

• Material: brass sheet silver-plated, partially painted
• Size: 55mm x 53.7mm
• Weight: about 10g

estimated collector price:

250 - 280 € screw washer/enamel
180 - 200 € needle/enamel
110 - 120 € silver-plated/painted

OEK Number:

3335, 3335/1, 3336