West Wall Medal Ribbon Bar W/West Wall Device

[Douglas Kerley]

Saw one. Would this be for the 39 award plus the 44 second award? Doug

[Scott C.]

Saw one. Would this be for the 39 award plus the 44 second award? Doug

I think the device was an extra cost add-on as desired by the owner. I don't think it denoted a second award.

[Gary B]

Dear Doug,

I agree with Scott. You will occasionally find some Czech Occupation and Austria Anschluss medal ribbon bars with mini devices on them as well.

Gary B

[Douglas Kerley]

Huh

Thanks. Doug

[J C Gray]

I had always thought (as noted above) that these devices were unofficial extras, possibly to distinguish the Westwall from the Lifesaving ribbon, but I just checked out the 1944 Reichsgesetzblatt, which states that... People and comrades who have already been awarded the Westwall medal in 1939 will receive (on the establishment of their protection of the German people...with ardency & dedication)...for actions in positional buildings in 1944 "eine Spange zum Deutschen Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen."

Anyway, whether an optional extra or a 2nd. bestowal of the medal, you don't see too many of them, so here is my example...

[kenneth wolfe]

Hi

Ok so this is a funny one for me. J C Gray, does this stand for John C Gray? Am I right? So I guess your Germanized name is Johann Grau? Dude this is hilarious!!! When I saw this I almost urinated on myself.


Kenneth

[Scott C.]

I had always thought (as noted above) that these devices were unofficial extras, possibly to distinguish the Westwall from the Lifesaving ribbon, but I just checked out the 1944 Reichsgesetzblatt, which states that... People and comrades who have already been awarded the Westwall medal in 1939 will receive (on the establishment of their protection of the German people...with ardency & dedication)...for actions in positional buildings in 1944 "eine Spange zum Deutschen Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen."

Thanks for the info JC

[James Clark]

I had always thought (as noted above) that these devices were unofficial extras, possibly to distinguish the Westwall from the Lifesaving ribbon, but I just checked out the 1944 Reichsgesetzblatt, which states that... People and comrades who have already been awarded the Westwall medal in 1939 will receive (on the establishment of their protection of the German people...with ardency & dedication)...for actions in positional buildings in 1944 "eine Spange zum Deutschen Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen."

These miniature devices are pictured in a manufacturer's sales catalogues from 1940. The Spange instituted in 1944 was intended to be a round wreath with a crossed sword and spade, and a national emblem with the swastika in the centre of the wreath and eagle standing on top of it. I think it is generally agreed that this was never awarded. The design in pictured in the final edition of Dr Doehle's book.

[J C Gray]

Thanks for the update James, I didn't know that Doehle did a '44 edition.

[Garethmk1]

Dear All,

Here is a device for a westwall button hole ribbon that I have in my collection. Thought it ma be of intrest to you. Sorry about the small image - if you want closer shots let me know.



Regards,

Gareth

[Douglas Kerley]

I finally got it.

Looks like the little metal more or less fits the discription of the spange in the regs. Hummmm? 1940 Catalog? Doug

[Noor]

Definetly just as a extra unofficial device.

here is my one:

[Chris Taylor]

These types of devices were extras you could buy to "spice up" your bar.

Here's a close up of a few from my collection. . .

[Chris Taylor]

a few more with one of my west walls on the end....

[Noor]

Very very nice Chris!
Is there any chance to see all yor ribbon bars collection?