NSDAP 15-year, boxed, unworn w/lead seal

[jwburchell]

This one has been "sleeping" in my collection for the last 35 years since I acquired it in Germany. I do not easily refer to medals as being "minty", but will make an exception here.

This award has never been worn. The burnished silver areas on the rays and arms of the cross are still shiny and the translucent blue enamelling is flawless. It still retains a lead proof-seal (marked "M") closing the wire inserted through the suspension ring, presumably placed there by the maker to attest to quality - something which I have never seen before on a German Third Reich medal.

There is no marking on the suspension ring, but the compartmentalized case is marked on the reverse with the stamp "RZM M 1/120", being the RZM code for Wilhelm Deumer.

I would appreciate feedback and comments, especially as relates to the lead seal.

Thanks and regards,

John

[jwburchell]

Medal with lead seal:

[jwburchell]

Obverse close-up:

[jwburchell]

Reverse close-up:

[jwburchell]

RZM number markings:

[jwburchell]

National emblem on top of case which has protected this beauty:

[ErichS]

Fantastic piece and you're correct it's mint!

[hdmarley]

Nsdap

WOW

[adlerfan53]

Very minty indeed. This is one of the most beautiful medals produced during the Third Reich. Thanks for sharing. Lead seal makes it even more special.

[Wim Vangossum]

Very fine looking piece. A "minty" beauty. I have a stone mint posted on the wwmf a few weeks ago. To be fuzzy: In this level we are talking about tiny portions of dissapeared frostning and the scuffing on the corners of the case.
This is one of those III Reich awards I only like when they are Nm, minty or stone mint.


Regards, Theo
(Wim Vangossum)

[Peter J.]

John, that's a nice looking set, although the center isn't entirely correctly attached. I wouldn't be too excited about the seal though, it could easily have been added by a dealer of today.

cheers
Peter

[Thomas Bendixen]

Hi John

Fantastic cross This design is without a doubt the same as my gold grade cross wich is MM "19" for Wiedmann. I agree with Peter that the seal seems postwar dealer seal.


Cheers Thomas

[Erich B.]

The seal is not the type used on Muster pieces by the RZM and there would seem to be no reason the maker would have attached it. I remember a number of medals and badges in the Manion's auction 10 or 15 years ago that had a lead seal applied, which was done by the German consignor to ensure that, if the pieces didn't sell or were returned to the auction house by the buyer, he received the same pieces back as he sent. (The reason was that there had been a couple of cases prior where the buyer had switched items and returned a lesser piece). Possibly the seal was a safety device by a seller at some time.
Erich

[jwburchell]

Thanks Peter, Thomas and Erich. Your comments about the lead seal make imminent good sense and I appreciate the feedback.

Best regards,

John