Awards of Germany - Silesian badge of the 1st class, enameled with swords

This badge of honor with swords was introduced after the start of the 3rd Polish uprising. 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. Since many fighters already owned the Silesian Eagle of 1918/19, a special additional decoration had to be introduced. Retired lieutenant general. Höfer grafted oak leaves for this. 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 who participated 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. 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. Several thousand honorary badges of both classes were awarded. The Silesian eagle can also be worn in the Federal Republic of Germany. Source: Ingo G. Harke, Awards of the German Volunteer and Volunteer Forces 1918-1921. and their successor organizations, 2019.

Standing eagle sign, head right. Eagle silver burgundy and black enameled. The back is smooth and silver-plated. Vertically - a pin with a reciprocal hook. Conditions are enclosed or riveted.

Front side:

• On the chest lies a silver crescent, in the center of which is a cross.
• The legs rest on a curved silver ribbon with the inscription: - ZA - SILESIA -.
• In the middle between the sickle and the scroll are two crossed silver-plated swords.

Downside:

• Smooth and silver plated. Vertically - a pin with a reciprocal hook.
• Distributes bent pins and center rivet.

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Front side: Silesian badge 1st class, enameled with swords

Reverse: Silesian badge 1st class, enameled with swords

Established:

June 16, 1919 General Command VI. Army Corps

Awarded:

1918 – 1921

Data:

• Material: silver-plated bronze, enamel
• Size: 44mm x 32mm
• Weight: 18g

estimated collector price:

200 - 220 €, enameled bronze
150 - 170 € in iron
300 - 320 € enamelled white metal

OEK Number:

3301