"Nunquam Retrorsum" starburst badge ?????

[Mike Kenny]

Hi,

I wondering if this may be some type of Imperial German veteran's badge? It is a pinback (needle pin and round catch like AWS marked EK1s) and the gilded bronze lion's head is attached by two prongs. I've seen a similar lions head device on an enameled Deschler marked cross (??? Bavarian origins). There are no maker marks. The size is about 59 mm in diameter. Anybody have any ideas as to whether it's German in origin or what t is for?

Regards
Mike K

PS: the "Nunquam Retrorsum" translates roughly to "No one shall cause our retreat" and I realise that it is the motto for some non-German regiments (eg the Canadian Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal).

[Eric Stahlhut]

I dunno what this badge was used for, but I do know that "Nunquam Retrorsum" or 'Never Look Back' was used on Hannoverian orders of St. George...

[Daniel Cole]

I too am thinking something from Hannover. In my old copy of Ernst Juengers "Storm of Steel" There is a photo of him with this caption below. Juenger was a member of the 73rd Hannover Fussiliers.

[Mike Kenny]

Hi,

Thanks for your replies Eric & Daniel! I wouldn't have even guessed Hannoverian as their decorations seem to be more horse oriented, rather than the lion depicted on this badge!

Daniel, was the photo/caption of Ernst dated? ie pre-, during, or post-war?

Regards
Mike K

[Eric Stahlhut]

At the very least it may be a Fasching emblem, but it would be encouraging if one were to discover that it in fact is related to a Freikorps unit.


Any chance of a peek at the reverse?

[Daniel Cole]

The photo is in the front of the Mittler & Sohn, Berlin 1934 Edition.

[Brian L.]

I just saw this thread, as I have a mint example of this badge and also wondered initially what exactly it was.
After a great deal of digging and talking to various collectors and dealers, I've managed to identify this badge based on what I have been told.

HONOUR AND COMMEMORATIVE BADGE OF THE HANNOVER LEGION

The Gilt Lion's Head commemmorates the link to the King's German Legion during the Napoleonic Wars and was the emblem of the 1st Hannover Infantry Regiment.

The motto "NUNQUAM RETRORSUM" (never look back) was connected to the Hannover royal house and was the motto of the Hannover Order of St. George and Hannover army regiments.

The Badge was apparently worn by:

Imperial German Army - Infantry Regt. 74 (1 Hannover)
Freikorps - Zeitfreiwilligen Regiment Hannover
Reichswehr - Infantry Regt. 17, III Battl. Goslarer Jägers

However, I have yet to find a photo of it being worn or a specific text that mentions it. So, this information is still unsubstantiated.