15 year NSDAP on a medal bar of an Austrian

[Richard]

Thought I would share this bar. It has been shown before by a member here who sold it to me. I think it is an exceptional bar and unusual in that a 15 year NSDAP medal was awarded to someone clearly an Austrian. With the Anschluss in 1938, that would have allowed for only 7 years of "legitimate" service and membership in the NSDAP.
Richard V

[Bob Coleman]

Richard-
A Very Beautiful Bar. However, I Am Not Positive, But I Do Not Believe An Austrian Would Be Eligible For The Hindenburg Cross. Many Germans Who Served In Conjunction With Austrian Units Received Austrian Decorations. The Iron Cross Would Also Tend To Make Me Believe The Original Owner Was Likely German. Regardless, Thank You For Sharing This Very Special Medal Bar.

[sjl]

I can't find the reference, but I believe that membership in the Austrian nazi party prior to 1938 counted double.