Germany Awards - Silesian 1st Class Badge with Laurel Wreath

"Oak leaves" to the Silesian symbol were awarded with the beginning of the 3rd Polish uprising on June 1, 1921, a retired lieutenant general. Höfer donated. The "Oak Wreath" is actually a laurel wreath and was intended to serve as a re-award badge, as many fighters already had a parole badge. The Silesian Eagle, contrary to the first series of awards, was no longer awarded as a sign of parole, but as a reward for bravery. Groups North and South then arbitrarily awarded swords to the Silesian Eagle to express a character of bravery. The Central Directorate of S.S.O.S. initially allocated only oak leaves. Later swords were also awarded. Subsequently, many variations of the Silesian eagle arose, but they do not represent gradation or class division. Both classes were worn with swords, with oak leaves, or with oak leaves and swords. Since, as before, the badge of honor had to be paid by the borrower himself, there are many different options for execution from different manufacturers. The design of the badge of honor was developed by the Breslavl sculptor Professor Theodor von Gozen. It was awarded to all fighters involved in the defense of the Silesian homeland in 1918 and 1919. This award consisted of 2 classes. 2nd class for 3 months of service and 1st class for 6 months of service in this unit. With a few exceptions, 2nd class can also be awarded to civilians if they have earned protection and have resided in Silesia. 1st class was not awarded to civilians. In 1933, the "Silesian Eagle" in its original form, without swords and oak leaves, was recognized as a state award. Other forms were subject to a ban on wearing. The exact number of the two classes is unknown. Source: Ingo G. Harke, Awards of the German Volunteer and Volunteer Forces 1918-1921. and their successor organizations, 2019.

A sign in the form of a standing eagle made of silver-plated bronze, with his head to the right. The front side is darkened. The back side is smooth. At the back is a vertical pin with a mating hook. The requirements were removed. The wreath is unbuttoned.

Front side:

• On the chest is a silver-plated crescent, in the center of which is a cross.
• The legs rest on a curved, silver-plated ribbon with the inscription: - FOR - SILESIA -.
• Between the crescent and the ribbon is glued a wreath of laurel leaves open from above.
• It is very wide and looped from below.

Downside:

• Smooth. Vertically - a pin with a reciprocal hook.
• Distributes 4 rivets of stops.
• Laurel wreath with 2 cotter pins.

Photos of www.Militaria-Berlin.de

.

Front side: 1st class sign with laurel wreath

Reverse: Silesian 1st class sign with laurel wreath

Established:

June 16, 1919 General Command VI. Army Corps
June 1, 1921 Oak Leaf Foundation

Awarded:

1921

Data:

• Material: brass, partly silver-plated
• Size: approx. 42 x 32 mm, wreath approx. 29 x 19 mm
• Weight: about 17g

estimated collector price:

Unspecified

OEK Number:

3300