Army Honor Roll Clasp/Heer Eherenblattspange
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In researching this award, while the General Wehrmacht Awards Forum appears to be for Honor Awards (amongst others), I found the most number of threads regarding this particular award on this Forum so am posting my thread here for observation and comment. This is appropriate since the Wehrmacht Honor Clasps were officially worn on the ribbon of the Iron Cross 2<SUP>nd</SUP> Class.
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This clasp came to me many years ago exactly as shown: mounted on the folded 28 cm. long ribbon – exactly as it might have been found in an award case – but without that case. Both the award and the ribbon show the ravages of exposure and the passage of time. The frosty and burnished gilding are gone. The ribbon is somewhat faded and shows wear/deterioration at several places along the edge. However, it does have that soft, silky feel to it and also the appropriate loops along the edge which indicate to me that the ribbon is period original.
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This clasp does not conform exactly to those produced by Klein of Hanau which I have seen pictured in books. Is there possibly another type by Klein? Or were there other known makers of these clasps? This type does appear pictured in “The Iron Time” (1<SUP>st</SUP> edition) on page 284, and the reverse side again on page 334 of the 2<SUP>nd</SUP> edition.
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Several anomalies exist:
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- The oakleaves of the wreath touch at the top where they meet;
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- The ribbon at the base of the wreath measures 19mm across, versus the 21 mm indicated in the WAF reference thread on this award. All other measurements are consistent with those stated in that reference thread;
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- Further, on the reverse side a round patch has been firmly placed over the area where the prongs/pins (which appear to be round) affix the clasp to the ribbon. There is also what must be a thin, round metal plate – through which the pins pass – between the ribbon and the patch material. This is magnetic, whereas I understand that the clasps were non-magnetic.
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It is difficult to tell if the swastika forms an integral part with the wreath or if it was soldered into place. As well, without peeling-off the fabric patch and removing the metal plate by bending the pins, it is impossible to tell if the swastika is solid or hollow on the reverse. The thin metal disc prevents this determination by feel.
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I am hoping that fellow collectors with greater knowledge of this particular award will find benefit in seeing this piece and, hopefully, be able to provide substantive feedback regarding the anomalies mentioned. If possible, it would be nice to know if this example is a period original or not.
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With thanks, in advance, and regards,
John
<O
</OIn researching this award, while the General Wehrmacht Awards Forum appears to be for Honor Awards (amongst others), I found the most number of threads regarding this particular award on this Forum so am posting my thread here for observation and comment. This is appropriate since the Wehrmacht Honor Clasps were officially worn on the ribbon of the Iron Cross 2<SUP>nd</SUP> Class.
<O
</OThis clasp came to me many years ago exactly as shown: mounted on the folded 28 cm. long ribbon – exactly as it might have been found in an award case – but without that case. Both the award and the ribbon show the ravages of exposure and the passage of time. The frosty and burnished gilding are gone. The ribbon is somewhat faded and shows wear/deterioration at several places along the edge. However, it does have that soft, silky feel to it and also the appropriate loops along the edge which indicate to me that the ribbon is period original.
<O
</OThis clasp does not conform exactly to those produced by Klein of Hanau which I have seen pictured in books. Is there possibly another type by Klein? Or were there other known makers of these clasps? This type does appear pictured in “The Iron Time” (1<SUP>st</SUP> edition) on page 284, and the reverse side again on page 334 of the 2<SUP>nd</SUP> edition.
<O
</OSeveral anomalies exist:
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</O- The oakleaves of the wreath touch at the top where they meet;
<O
</O- The ribbon at the base of the wreath measures 19mm across, versus the 21 mm indicated in the WAF reference thread on this award. All other measurements are consistent with those stated in that reference thread;
<O
</O- Further, on the reverse side a round patch has been firmly placed over the area where the prongs/pins (which appear to be round) affix the clasp to the ribbon. There is also what must be a thin, round metal plate – through which the pins pass – between the ribbon and the patch material. This is magnetic, whereas I understand that the clasps were non-magnetic.
<O
</OIt is difficult to tell if the swastika forms an integral part with the wreath or if it was soldered into place. As well, without peeling-off the fabric patch and removing the metal plate by bending the pins, it is impossible to tell if the swastika is solid or hollow on the reverse. The thin metal disc prevents this determination by feel.
<O
</OI am hoping that fellow collectors with greater knowledge of this particular award will find benefit in seeing this piece and, hopefully, be able to provide substantive feedback regarding the anomalies mentioned. If possible, it would be nice to know if this example is a period original or not.
<O
</OWith thanks, in advance, and regards,
John
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