Balkan Shield - opinions

[Douglas Jr.]

Hi folks,

Here is a Balkan Shield that a friend of mine bought for a bargain price. He asked about its originality . I know all the story behind this shield (not official award, doubts if it was eventually awarded, etc... ) and I´m pretty sure that it is a repro, but even so, would like to hear from you what you think.

Just to remember: the shield is not with me and I can´t get better pictures.

Thanks in advance.

Douglas.

[Robin Lumsden]

Definitely a fake.

[paul a]

Definitely a fake.

i will second that

[Douglas Jr.]

Definitely a fake.

Mr. Lumsden,

Thanks for the fast reply. What points can I mention to tell this friend that this shield is a bogus? This is not my field of collecting, so any help is welcome.

Thanks,

Douglas.

[Robin Lumsden]

It was never made, only designed 'on paper'.

Some story circulated years ago about an SS NCO named Olesh from the PE Division who allegedly received a Balkan Shield but, surprise surprise, the only decoration he had 'lost at the end of the war' was his Balkan Shield.

These have been faked for many years, in white metal and bronze-coloured alloy. Some have army-type eagles and others SS-type. Some have backings and others don't.

But they're all fakes of something which never existed before May 1945 except in the form of a drawing by Benno von Arendt.

[Douglas Jr.]

It was never made, only designed 'on paper'.

Some story circulated years ago about an SS NCO named Olesh from the PE Division who allegedly received a Balkan Shield but, surprise surprise, the only decoration he had 'lost at the end of the war' was his Balkan Shield.

These have been faked for many years, in white metal and bronze-coloured alloy. Some have army-type eagles and others SS-type. Some have backings and others don't.

But they're all fakes of something which never existed before May 1945 except in the form of a drawing by Benno von Arendt.

Simple like that (never produced)?!? I have read exactly this information about the SS soldier decorated with the Balkan shield here at wehrmacht-awards site and this brought me the doubt if it was or wasn´t eventually awarded.

Thanks once more.

Douglas.

[Al P]

Besides the obvious 'it was never made', the quality on this is terrible. Look at the numbers, no 2 numbers are even close to each other, differnet sizes etc.


Al

[WARLORD]

Well the truth ofthe matter is the NCO had the award. This was lost at the camp in Ely. If Mr Lumsden wishes to coment on the truth of this statement by the Vet, I would like him to come forward. To many times people make these bold statements were veterans are concerned. The rest of his items are well documented.

[Chet Sowersby]

Chris,
I don't belive the "rest of the items" were being considered here.
Chet

[WARLORD]

"Some story circulated years ago about an SS NCO named Olesh from the PE Division who allegedly received a Balkan Shield but, surprise surprise, the only decoration he had 'lost at the end of the war' was his Balkan Shield."

Is Mr Lumsden questioning what the Veteran stated?

As an aside, it was not only the Balkan shield that was taken. He had his wrist watch which had been presented with dedication, sleve eagle removed. The rest of the items he gave me, with a leather walet. His uniform was worn till it was finnish while working in a market garden.

[Robin Lumsden]

When an original Balkan Shield appears, I'll believe it existed.

[WARLORD]

Again is Mr Lumsden questioning the vallidity of what the veteran stated?

[Robin Lumsden]

I'm not questioning what anyone stated. But a statement about something doesn't mean it's true.

I can make a statement that I once owned a vet-acquired diamond-encrusted balloon badge which I accidentally put in the dustbin, but because I state that it doesn't mean it actually happened.

I've seen no evidence whatsoever that the Balkan Shield existed pre-May'45, other than in von Arendt's drawings (if we are to believe Klietmann's works, that is).

I'm not going to get sucked into a heated argument about this so this is my last post in this thread.

No offence to anyone intended.

[Chris Boonzaier]

Again is Mr Lumsden questioning the vallidity of what the veteran stated?

I have met about 6 or so RK winners who were not, Angolia mentions a vet he met who claimed to have a 200 panzer badge, I met a guy who said he was a German cross winner (but is NOT) just yesterday.

I will go out on a limb here and say I question your vet.

1) Either he remembers wrong (and many, many, many, many, many, many, many vets do, without any dishonesty on their part)
2) Or he is Bullshotting, for reasons best known to him.

I hope the first but two is not impossible.

[WARLORD]

I think the point is this, the Veteran stated, he had an award of the Balkan shield. He also said to the best of his recollection he had 250 which he gave out. He was subsequently wounded and sent back from the battle area. He thought other pieces would materialse. He stayed in hospital and this is how he fell into British hands.

I am not saying I ever had the shield, but this is what was told me many years ago by the man himself.