Winterschlacht 1941/42

HerrScheisse

I give you Winterschlact im Osten - not once, not twice but thrice!





The first two examples above belong to MedalFuhrer, and he is concerned about the differences between them. The version on the right was bought as an individual item complete with paper package. The version on the left was part of an Iron Cross set so attractive, that he could not resist even though he already had this Ostfront medal. And that is where the questions come in...why is the version on the left so pockmarked. I know it is one of the most issued medals in terms of quantity and with multiple manufacturers but these differences are not so subtle. Anyone any opinions on this? He will cry like a little baby if the version on the left turns out to be fake.

Below is my version of this medal - it is maker marked on the ringlet "65" by Klein and Quenzer. The ribbon has ingrained metal rubbings making me think it is the period piece. But again, slight variations with the two above so now we have three different medals....



Could all three be genuine - this "pock" variation is normal - anyone any opinions??

Morlar

I have seen it before. It's an effect of the manufacturing process and how it aged, possibly due to moist conditions. These medals were made in vast numbers by mutliple manufactures I believe. I have seen multiple with and without original paint too. The ones I have are also in very differing conditions and I believe one of mine has the pockmarked aged effect.

Here are a few more examples :

http://www.militaria-archive.com/medals/index_2.html

A


A-obverse

Morlar

B

B-obverse

Morlar

C-


C - obverse


I will have to check when I get a chance to see if I can find one with the pockmarked effect - was sure I had one !!

MedalFuhrer

Is it normal for some to have a silver rim and silver helmet and other ones to be all matt black?

Morlar

MedalFuhrer wrote: »

Is it normal for some to have a silver rim and silver helmet and other ones to be all matt black?

Yep they all had the silver paint on the helmet and rim - it's just faded on some medals. There is some interesting information on this medal here :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Front_Medal

Far as I know it's the only ww2 medal designed by a frontline combat soldier.

MedalFuhrer

Thanks for the info. These are my two as above. The one on the right is pristine and has no traces of silver or worn paint. So I can only assume it was repainted?

citizen_p

Morlar wrote: »

Yep they all had the silver paint on the helmet and rim - it's just faded on some medals. There is some interesting information on this medal here :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Front_Medal

Far as I know it's the only ww2 medal designed by a frontline combat soldier.

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medaille_Winterschlacht_im_Osten_1941/42
the german wiki on its better, just hit google translate.
couple of photos of it in wear and a bit more detail on the award.

works for most german things on english wikipedia.

Regarding Apperance

The Eastern Front Medal has a diameter of about 36 x 40mm. It is centrally blackened and has a 1.5 to 2 mm wide silver rim. The embossed insignia have been dominated deepened. On the front side of the coin is in the middle the insignia of the Army, part of an eagle with wings. In the original version with the wings outspread, as usual, but this was omitted for space reasons (see an army eagle ). In its talons the eagle holds a just standing swastika , the background, a laurel branch is seen. About the eagle is a stylized German steel helmet (M35) , the "white been designed is" at times. The helmet rests on a horizontal lying stick grenade .

The reverse of the coin is slightly curved to the outside and displays on its upper edge was also the stylized helmet with a horizontal stick grenade. Center is the inscription: WINTER BATTLE / THE EAST / 1941 / 42 to read in large letters. This logo is shown slightly larger central. In this sword is a branch of laurel, which intersect in the middle.

THere is also details on manufacture of the award and its 23 steps of construction

Fuinseog

I was photographing my collection at the weekend. You can see the medal on the right. condition is poor, but it came with the ribbon bar.


http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h359/rexmundi77/DSCF0701.jpg

MedalFuhrer

Fuinseog wrote: »

I was photographing my collection at the weekend. You can see the medal on the right. condition is poor, but it came with the ribbon bar.


http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h359/rexmundi77/DSCF0701.jpg

I like your Gold Mother's Cross! I only bought a silver one in December.