Demjansk shield

[Schickle93]

Hey guys!

We don't know much about the 57er shields, but maybe someone can answer my questions:

1. What could be the earlier variant of a Demjansk shield? A version with 3 or 4 prongs? Bright silver finish or dark silver finish?

2. What would be a reasonable price for a 57er Demjansk shield in your opinion?

I appreciate all comments and theories!

Best regards

Nils

[Nigel N]

Hi Nils!!!
Good question!!! As you said, we dont know as much about shields as we do about most medals and badges!!
Its a safe bet that S&L made the full range of shields, and i would'nt be surprised if Deumer made them too, even a chance that some other maker could also have their own shields out there!
So, the differences in prongs, finish, etc. could be down to a couple of things, S&L 's shields would have been in production for a long time, and over that time, there were sure to be changes, in the way the shields were finished, or the number of prongs used, there may also have been the need for new dies, if the old ones wore out? That is one explanation for any differences we see, the other is if the shield was by another maker, maybe Deumer, then they would have a different finish, there own construction methods, and probabaly a completely different die!
We need someone to really get into shields, buy loads, all the different variants etc. study and compare them, then we might have a better idea who made what, and some timeline to follow!!!
-Nigel

[Seewolf]

Hi Nils,

shields are always hard to judge.

I personally would prefer 4 prongs, but only when you can´t see the solder of the prongs. Finish must have been applied after soldering the prongs.

You find both versions ( 3 and 4 prongs) with later applied finish. I prefer then the finish which looks more old, so i would go for a dark silver finish, i think.

Price? Well, i think with 20€ - 25€ such a shield is well paid.

We still know nothing about shields, the only hint we have for an early production is the finish....applied after soldering the prongs.

[Schickle93]

Thanks guys!

[Mike Yokum]

Hi Nils,

As the gents have said, shields are probably the least studied and therefore least understood field of 57er's.

I'm not convinced that the 3 and 4 prong variants indicate era of manufacture. Perhaps the two come from different makers. It's unknown. The same can be said for the finishes used. I've always looked for the crispness of strike as an indicator of era with shields. The more crisp the strike, the earlier. You can count on that.

Good luck in your search!

[Schickle93]

Thanks Mike!

I found a decent piece.

Best regards

Nils

[Nigel N]

Thats good news Nils!!!
Are you going to collect all the different types of shield??
-Nigel

[Schickle93]

Thats good news Nils!!!
Are you going to collect all the different types of shield??
-Nigel

No, i need it because i try to reconstruct a group which is probably lost forever.

The Demjansk shield is an important part of it, but TR pieces are a bit expensive.

That's why i reconstruct it with 57er pieces.

Best regards

Nils