Hello everybody, I just picked up this Silesian Eagle today and I thought I would show it off. I am almost certain that it is original but I'm not that familar with them. Was this example made during the third riech period? Thanks for the help!
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It looks like a late 20's, early 30's piece to me.pseudo-expertComment
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Hi Michael,
The Silesian eagle is a Freikorps award, first authorized on 16 June 1919 by the commander of the VI Armeekorps, Generalleutnant v. Friedeburg, who established it for those individuals involved in the defense of Silesia against the Poles during the chaos following WWI. The pin-back 1st class, like yours, was awarded for six months service, the 2nd class for three months service. The second class is suspended from a yellow-white-yellow ribbon. In 1921, the third Polish uprising in Upper SIlesia (during which the battle of the Annaberg took place - see my thread on the Annaberg Cross, which displays the Silesian Eagle at the apex of the Cross) saw the addition of oak leaves and swords to the medal. In 1933 the medal was authorized as an official award and manufacture continued until the end of WWII; however, the oak leaves and swords were discontinued as inappropriate during the Third Reich period. Original examples measure 32mm x 42mm and were manufactured in several forms. Eagles of various metals were available as were higher quality examples in black enamel or laquer. A miniature for civilian wear also exists (information from Verkuilen Ager's excellent reference on Freikorps awards).
This medal, along with the Baltic Cross, are the most commonly offered Freikorps medals.
Here are examples of a second class and second class with swords. Hope this helps!
Bill B.
Barabdos, WI
Last edited by Bill B.; 12-27-2007, 08:21 AM.Comment
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