Ostfolk awards

[RobertE]

This is a great discussion. I think the color plates from wartime publication are significant, and rate more attention. They are all depicted in good detail, down to the fletching on the handles of the swords and other high points of detail. Making a rope on what is probably a coloring of the original photo would not have been an excessively difficult task for a lithographer - especially given the detail present in the plates.

Another point to consider: a forum member posted a large lot of medals that included Ostmedals in various classes, and his 1st classes were all in envelopes. What if the boxes were produced for the "first run", and that's why they have no ropes?

s/f Robert

[NickG]

period publication

The following illustration (out of a "Militaria" magazine article covering this award) shows a reprint of war time illustrations of these medals, which was published in 1943 in the 4th edition of Dr.Heinrich Doehle's book "Die Auszeichningen des Grossdeutschen Reichs". Dr.Doehle was the undersecretary of the Presidents "Kanzlei des Fuhrers und Riechskanziers" and held the (honerary?) SS rank SS-Oberfuhrer.

Note: ALL lacking this rope. I have no issues with ropeless versions...just a maker's variation I guess... or just an early version? (like the below illustrations)which they later decided to modify by adding the rope? It could also be an artists rendition overlooking the rope? but I doubt that! but who knows...?
Nick

[NickG]

period publication

Here's a war time (sep.1942) official publication showing the release of new medals by LDO and none of the designs appear to have ropes.... Maybe its an early variant? Sorry for the bad copy... Its a scan of a copy (out of the French "Militaria" Magazine). I'll try to get a better copy from my brother, but he's currently in Bastogne for the commemoration activities...

[NickG]

no ropes...

The French "Militaria" magazine that discussed these awards showed both versions in their article...

[Jono]

I'm convinced. The lack of ropes on the period publication is proof enough for me. There is very substantial detailing in those pictures and i can't see why the ropes would be omitted. As this is evident in more than one publication, its enough for me to believe that they were produced without the ropes. Being able to determine copies from the real ones becomes a whole new ball game however. Very interesting thread

[Darrell]

I notice the illustrations have numbers beside them. Does it mention in the article anything regarding each example?

[RobertE]

I'm convinced as well. A period medal manufacturers detailed illustration and an LDO medal release works for me. I will also presume that since the ropeless version is the one first illustrated in these early medal release notices/advertisements, then they are the first model.

I think we should push the thread as far as we can, however - this medal lines rates all the discussion we can muster.

[NickG]

I notice the illustrations have numbers beside them. Does it mention in the article anything regarding each example?

Yes the reference numbers do refer to a brief explanation on the following page of the article BUT no mention of the rope missing... just mentions what these different types are...explaining the various classes... They did not catch that ropeless variation in the article I guess... Nick

[Darrell]

Yes the reference numbers do refer to a brief explanation on the following page of the article BUT no mention of the rope missing... just mentions what these different types are...explaining the various classes... They did not catch that variation in the article... Nick

Good stuff Nick

[Don D.]

I'm convinced as well. A period medal manufacturers detailed illustration and an LDO medal release works for me. I will also presume that since the ropeless version is the one first illustrated in these early medal release notices/advertisements, then they are the first model.

I think we should push the thread as far as we can, however - this medal lines rates all the discussion we can muster.

I agree with all of your points. Lets see where this takes us.

[Gaspare]

Wow, really excellent. I'm convinced now too. 2 pieces of period info showing no rope,,thats good enough for me also..
As mentioned they are probably the early ones produced,,first pattern, probably a short run initially, then into the rope more prevalent/commonly seen pattern [?]. Good work guys

[James Clark]

Niemann's catalogue shows two different styles of packets for these awards. Does anyone have any award packets? Do they show any more than one maker? Is the more commonly seen one (on the right in Niemann's catalogue) for the maker that corresponds with the 100 mark? Are there any packets marked with other makers?

[RobertE]

I've looked, but can't find the thread where a forum member got a whole slew of Ostvolk badges in several classes, and many had envelopes. It was several months ago - I'd imagine he'd have some answers.

[Tom Yanacek]

Niemann's catalogue shows two different styles of packets for these awards. Does anyone have any award packets? Do they show any more than one maker? Is the more commonly seen one (on the right in Niemann's catalogue) for the maker that corresponds with the 100 mark? Are there any packets marked with other makers?

Hi Guys,
I only have this one packet for an Ostvolk Medal. It came with the medal pictured, which is marked with the Lieferant number of Rudolf Wächtler & Lange (100). Unfortunately, the packet has no maker markings on the reverse.
Best regards,
Tom

[Tom Yanacek]

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