Deutsches Feld-Ehrenzeichen

[Vaughan]

Main award

[Brian L.]

Nice pieces.

I collect this badge, as well and have identified about 7 variations, so far. Although all came from Fleck & Sohn, Hamburg, I suspect that production was sub-contracted resulting in different finishes, different pins and different inscription styles. I also believe that the most common type - copper star with frosted silver finish, copper finished frame and swords and a flat, square pin - is the earliest production from the mid-20s. But, it would be good to hear from more knowledgeable experts to verify this. I read on one of these forums that the badge was instituted in the late 20s. But, I've recently been offered a document to an officer dated 1925.
The inscriptions, I've seen come in 3 basic types: with Hamburg 11, with Hamburg 3 and only with Ges. Gesch. inside a triangle. The Ges. Gesch. in Triangle is either in the centre of the badge or above the hinge.
So far, I've identified 5 different pin styles.

By the way, you're correct about the button-hole device - very scarce.

[gregM]

Nice collection.

[GHP]

Man! Wish I didn't get rid of mine in 1983. Also got rid of an 1870 EKII and a Jaeger-zu-pferd lobstertail at the same time .... all for a couple of Japanese swords that were worth less than my items!

rats! rats!! rattss!!!!!

--Guy

[Brian L.]

Well, at least in the case of this badge, they're still easy to come by for well under 100 Euros. With the box, it's another story, as the box is worth as much as, if not more than the badge. So far, I've identified 3 different boxes.

[Vaughan]

Thanks for your replies & the interesting information. Much appreciated!

[rbminis]

I have recently added another example to my collection. This one has a different pin configuration.
Ralph.

[Brian L.]

I have recently added another example to my collection. This one has a different pin configuration.
Ralph.

For such a common badge, it was one of the most elaborately-made veterans awards and had an incredible number of variations available. I have identified 5 different pin styles, 3 different styles of inscription on the reverse and 8 different configurations for this badge along with 2 different stickpins, a buttonhole device, a miniature for suspension on a chain, 3 different style boxes and 3 different styles of the small award document as well as 2 large ornate award documents; one in black and white and one illuminated in full colour.

[vitts]

I have this award in my collection but have Never seen the mini version. Would like to get a mini if anyone has one for sale let me know. Thank you. Vitts

[Brian L.]

I have this award in my collection but have Never seen the mini version. Would like to get a mini if anyone has one for sale let me know. Thank you. Vitts

There are 3 types of mini: stickpin (the most common) suspender type for chain and button-hole type (the scarcest). The stickpins turn up on eBay Germany quite often.

[rbminis]

I was recently able to add the split pin variant to my collection.
I love the appearance of these awards and find it difficult to turn them down when one comes up for sale.
Ralph.

[rbminis]

Last.

[GRB]

Something to add. A stickpin that I have: -

[GRB]

And now the badge: -