Original German WWII 1939 Gau Warthe Commemorative Badge for Organizing Occupied Poland Original Items

Original Items: Only One Available. This award is quite rare, and we have only seen a few examples.  After the Invasion of Poland in 1939, a new Administrative Division of NSDAP Germany was created from the captured area, Reichsgau Posen. The name was then changed to Reichsgau Wartheland, after the Warthe river that ran through the area. This was usually shortened to Gau Warthe.

Not much is known about the award, but it seems to have been given to those who helped organize the new administrative division. This also included Poles, especially farmers, who agreed to use their farms to produce food for the German War Effort. The Sword and plough at the bottom of the award is to symbolize the NSDAP idea that the German plough will develop and use lands conquered by the sword.

The design is rather ornate, made with at least 5 different pieces of die cast metal, riveted or pinned together. It features a central Reichsadler Eagle with an inlaid enameled swas (hook cross) at the bottom. Below this are a crossed plow and sword, over an enameled 1939 date marker. Surrounding all of this is a large gilt alloy wreath. It measures about 2 1/16″ in diameter.

The back of the award has a barrel hinge pinback, though the bottom catch is unfortunately missing. It is in very good condition, with a lot of the gilding still present on the surrounding wreath. The central devices have a lovely oxidized patina, and the light blue enamel is well retained.

A very nice example of a rare award, ready to add to your collection!