Germany – Third Reich: A good mounted pair of medals comprising: Entry into Austria Medal, 13th March 1938; Entry into Czechoslovakia Medal, 1st October 1938. Mounted continental style for wear.
Pair: Germany - Third Reich: Entry into Austria Medal, 13th March 1938; Entry into Czechoslovakia Medal, 1st October 1938. Mounted continental style for wear.
Condition: Nearly Extremely Fine
Instituted on May 1st, 1938, the medal commemorated the annexation of Austria to the German Reich, the so-called Anschluss. The move was the first in Hitler's quest for Lebensraum, and it strengthened German flanks while weakening those of Czechoslovakia. German troops crossed the border on March 12th, 1938, without meeting any resistance. The stage had been set by a series of incidents provoked by members of the Nazi Party in Austria, and d raising suspicions, did not cause general alarm in the world community, as it seemed to be done by choice of the Austrian people who spoke German. The medal, known as the Anschluss medal , was awarded to all those Austrians who contributed to or participated in the annexation as well as the members of the Austrian National Socialism movement. It was also awarded to German State officials and members of the German Wehrmacht and SS who marched into Austria. It was awarded until December 13th, 1940. In all 318,689 medals were awarded.
The Entry into Czechoslovakia or Sudetenland Medal was instituted on 18th October 1938, the medal commemorated the union of the Sudetenland to Germany.
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 15th March 1939. It was awarded until 31st December 1940. In all 1,162,617 medals and 134,563 bars were awarded.
For those who had participated in both the occupation of the Sudetenland and the annexation of Bohemia and Moravia on 15th March 1939, a bronze Bar (Spange Prager Burg in German) was approved on 1st May 1939. This Bar featured the Prague Castle on the obverse with two triangular prongs in the back, which held it on the ribbon. The bar, like the medal, die-struck and high in detail, with a bronze finish. It was designed by the sculpturer Hanish-Conée.
