Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good cased German Pre-WWII 1 October 1938 Commemorative Medal (Die Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938), commonly known as the Sudetenland Medal or Czech “Conquest” Medal. This was a decoration of NSDAP Germany awarded in the interwar period, and this fine example comes complete with its original ribbon and attached pin catch. There is not a Prague Castle Bar, so this soldier did not participate in the annexation of Bohemia and Moravia. It comes contained in the original issue leatherette case, which is maroon with the NSDAP Reichsadler on the top.

The condition of the medal is very good, with most of the original gold wash present, with some small spotting of oxidation. The ribbon is in excellent condition with just a bit of age toning, and has an attached brass pin that shows a lovely lightly aged patina. The case is in fair condition, with heavy wear to the exterior, and still closes correctly with a functional latch. The white satin lid lining is still intact, with some fraying and tearing, and the bottom plush material is very well retained. The box is marked on the interior to Deschler & Sohn München.

A wonderful German WWII medal in its original box, ready to display!

Instituted on 18 October 1938, the medal was awarded to German military personnel who participated in the occupation of Sudetenland and the occupation of Czechoslovakia in March 1939.

The medal was awarded to all German (and as well Sudeten) State officials and members of the German Wehrmacht and SS who marched into Sudetenland. Later it was awarded to military personnel participating in the occupation of the remnants of Czechoslovakia on 15 March 1939. It was awarded until 31 December 1940. In all 1,162,617 medals and 134,563 bars were awarded.

The medal was similar in appearance as the Anschluss Medal, the reverse only differed in the date. It was designed by Professor Richard Klein.

It is round and of the obverse there is a man standing of a podium with the Third Reich coat of arms and holding the NSDAP flag, he holding the hand and helping him get on the podium of another man who had a broken shackle on his right hand, this symbolize the joining to the Reich of Austria. On the reverse side is the inscription "1. Oktober 1938" (1 October 1938). The date is surrounded with the words "Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Führer" (One People, One Empire, One Leader).

The medal was dye-struck and high in detail, with a bronze finish. The medal was suspended from a black ribbon with a red stripe in the middle, these being the colors of the Sudetenland.