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This unofficial medal, or rather token was issued in 1908 in commemoration of the successful suppression of the series of revolts of the German South-West Africa (Deutsch-Südwestafrika) natives by the German Protection troops, or Schutztruppen.
The medal is 33.5mm in diameter.
The medal seems to be complete.
There is some age related damage to the ribbon
An obverse shows a royal Prussian crown with multiple radiating straight rays. An inscription in six lines in capital letters executed in several fonts is situated above: In Commemoration of the War Years in the German South-West Africa (Zur Erinnerung an die Kriegsjahre in Deutsch-Süd-West-Afrika). Crossed saber with sword-knot and rifle topped with the Südwester, i.e. traditional headgear of the Schutztruppen, are placed below. The composition is embroidered with two wreaths symbolizing German victory and defeat of natives: laurel on the left and that of Acanthosicyos horridus (Namibian melon, locally called nara) on the right. Both wreaths are tied with ribbon ties at bottoms.
A reverse features a standing figure of an ever-watchful Germania, allegorical maiden warrior, looking westwards and crowned with a laurel wreath, symbol of the united German nation. Lowered Reichsschwert, or Imperial sword is gripped in her right arm, while medieval shield bearing Reichsadler, or German coat of arms of the latest type (1888-1918) rests in her left arm. Germania is encircled with an inscription in capital letters: On military service for Germanys Glory and Honour! (In Trutziger Wehr für Deutschlands Ruhm & Ehr!).
Both obverse and reverse have raised edges as well as rims made of small but distinct dots.
Two types of commemorative medals are known to exist, differing in size and weight: 33,5 mm in diameter and weighing 14 g approximately, and 39,3 mm weighing ca 19 g. According to owners and sellers description as well as images of survived pieces, tokens were minted of white metal, silvered yellow metal and silver. Medallion had a horizontal metal ribbon bar suspension of a fancy shape through which a long tricolor ribbon was passed. The ribbon was made of three vertical stripes black, white and red, corresponding to the colours of the Imperial German flag. A device in the shape of the German coat of arms (Reichsadler) made of white metal was attached to the ribbon with a wide prong. However, breast shield was replaced with that of national tricolor.
Being an unofficial badge, Medaille zur Erinnerung an die Kriegsjahre in Deutsch-Süd-West-Afrika had to be purchased by Schutztruppen veterans from their own expenses and was prohibited to be worn on military uniform.
This image is just for illustration and is not the actual medal.
Actual Medal
Actual Medal
Actual Medal
Actual Medal
