What was this meadl for?

[Tony C]

Hi, I am looking at a medal for sale on a local site, it is a bronze type award very similar in shape to a Police long service decoration.The wreath is not oval, it's round and the eagle is looking the other way.The medal has a plain blue ribbon. On the reverse is "fur treue dienst im Zoligrenz (Zolignenz?)schutz".
What was this award for, is it a customs award or similar? Would this be a genuine award?
Sorry, I'm unable to post any pictures, try these links though....
http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/a...rman+war+medal
and this one....
http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/a...rman+war+medal
Hopefully these links worked.

[Vadim K]

Yep, a Customs Service Decoration for loyal service. 4 years of service for uniformed Customs officials and 8 for civil clerks, if I remember right.

[Tony C]

Thanks Vadim. Next question, is this collectable and if so what would you pay for it ?

[Vadim K]

It is not a common medal. Most dealers price them at well over $300. I would suggest asking for better close-ups though, it is hard to tell if its real from those photos (looks like it could be ok though). I would also ask if there is a customs insignia embroidered on the front of the ribbon, as top of the ribbon is cut off in the front shot.