Jump to content
Free downloads from TNA ×
The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

German badges


Guest Timber

Recommended Posts

I'm finally having a clearout of my horde of militaria accumulated during my schooldays, and have come across a couple of badges that I believe are German WW1. (Apologies for not having images available)

The first is a brass badge approximately 3x2cm with a wreath and crossed swords surmounting the words 'Reserve hat ruh'. Below is a double ribbon coloured black, red, yellow. By dint of twisted logic and very rusty German, I'm am wondering if this is a German 'On war service' badge. Any ideas??

The second is a small button hole mounted ribbon, that I know my Godfather liberated from a German officer in Belgium during WW2. It is a bow tie type affair 2.5cm across in what I believe are the Prussian colours (??) of black - white - black - thick red - black - white - black. Upon this is mounted crossed swords. Is it likely to be a 'day wear' option of a flashier medal?

Any thoughts greatfully received.

Regards,

Timber

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think the second item is a ribbon bar for the WWII War merit Cross with Swords.

I'm not sure what the first item is but the Black Red Yellow would indicate to me Post War.

I am waiting to be corrected by more knowledgable souls.

Neil

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think that the ribbon mentioned is actually for the Cross of Honour (Ehrenkreuz)1914-18 (Combatants version).

Below , the 3 different versions can be seen. The black version without swords and with an oak leaf wreath (the "Widows cross") was issued to the NOK of those who died, the bronze one without swords and with an oak leaf wreath is the non-combatants version (for military admin., musicians, lawyers,etc.), and the one with swords ,and with a wreath of laurels ,is the "combatants cross" for those who actually saw front-line service.The ribbon bar for this version included small crossed swords.

I've also included the ribbon that I think is described. Incidentally, it's the same ribbon that was issued for the 1870-71 campaign medal.

Dave.

post-23-1067650341.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I forgot to mention. The ribbon for the "Widow's Cross" was reversed from the other two (illustrated below). These medals were instituted on 13th July 1934 by President von Hindenburg and were the only official national commemorative award recognising service during WW1.

By the way, black white and red are the national colours. The colours of Prussia were just black and white.

Dave.

post-23-1067650889.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The first thing is a reservist badge of some sort, it has to do with the pre-WW1 military service in which reservists were called up a few times for exercices.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the replies.

Dave - the ribbon is the same as yours.

AOK4- any further info??

Can anyone point me towards a source/specialist dealer who may be able to provide further details?

Many thanks,

Timber

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Timber,

If you could posts a few scans, I might be able to give a bit more help...

Jan

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...