Gau Wartheland Group

rlh · Post by **rlh** » 19 Jan 2003 07:08

I submit the following for review and opinion

Thanks

Raz · Post by **Raz** » 19 Jan 2003 10:23

Well it's the most convincing example of Wartheland badge I've seen in a long time.
Too bad the scans are below average especially for authentication for such a ultra rare
item. Can't say anything about the case as I've never seen a case for one of these, looks
as if it's a bit overcrowded in there. Looks also to have a makers stamp on the upper
lid lining.

WAR LORD · Post by **WAR LORD** » 19 Jan 2003 12:51

I have 2 of these badges, one is numbered and came with a group, the other is unnumbered and presumably was the verstion for purchase.

Raz · Post by **Raz** » 19 Jan 2003 15:11

Interesting badge Chris, first time I've seen one with horizontal pin set up and
hollow rivets, having only seen the same hollow rivets on the on the Wartheland
with diamonds badge.

WAR LORD · Post by **WAR LORD** » 19 Jan 2003 16:08

This is the other form. The first came with the Red Party book no 28 and Golden Party badge, plus the Gau Warth and his NSDAP 12 Year and 25 Year cross

Raz · Post by **Raz** » 19 Jan 2003 16:33

I also note that both of Chris's badges do not have the 2 cut outs between the
wings and eagles legs.

Also the last badge pictured shows another feature I've never seen before and shows
the frame work which holds the riveted eagle to the wreath being of a "n" shape
rather than of a "M" shape.

These "M" shaped sections, as can be seen above, can either come in a broad straight
edged "M" or a curvy shaped "M".

There seems to be all kinds of small variations with these private and issue
badges!!! Strange for such a limited issued badge.

The highest serial numbered Wartherland I've seen was the one that Bill posted
some time ago at #415.

Raz · Post by **Raz** » 19 Jan 2003 19:03

Somone asked me to provide some basic background info on the Gau Watherland badge.

The Gau Wartheland badge was awarded for meritorious service for the forming
of the Gau (in Poland). This is not an official Party award and was the making
of Gauleiter Artur Greiser. Even so this badge is like the holy grail of Gau
badges. (From a collecting point of view)

WCSTUMP · Post by **WCSTUMP** » 19 Jan 2003 20:09

Here is an example of an original period badge.

WCSTUMP · Post by **WCSTUMP** » 19 Jan 2003 20:11

REVERSE.

rlh · Post by **rlh** » 20 Jan 2003 01:23

Sorry about the quality of the scans. Will work on better.

As for the box, it was purchased separately (from the badge and the miniature) and had been advertised by a European dealer as a case for the Wartheland badge.

It appears that this initial assessment was done on the basis that the impressions on the inside of the box resembled the outline of the Gau Wartheland badge. However, when a Wartheland badge was placed in the box - although the outline of whatever had been in the box did suggest a Wartheland badge - the markings did not really line up with the structure of the badge itself.

The original occupant of the box seems to have had the same general outline and pin configuration of the Wartheland badge but was a little larger.

The source was a reputable dealer so I'm still trying to figure out if there is indeed any way the Wartheland badge could have produced the impressions in the box.

Macmedal · Post by **Macmedal** » 20 Jan 2003 02:23

Interesting set of photo's for such a rare award.

I agree with Raz that the box looks a bit small for this award. I know in Formans that there is a picture of an award in a box which is a lot bigger than the one shown.

So it would be interesting to match the box with the correct award ?

Nick M

Raz · Post by **Raz** » 20 Jan 2003 11:28

Yes I remember your particular case now, it's the Godet & Sohn marked case?
If it was the same one, I was also interested in purchasing it, however I could not authenticate
it with any know examples so left it.

Matt Gibbs · Post by **Matt Gibbs** » 20 Jan 2003 13:30

I am just wondering why, when Greiser thought up the idea for this badge and arranged its presentation to a "special" group of persons who had been so instrumental in the setting up of the Gau, would he then authorise a number of firms to produce the badge and also allow versions to be put on sale for replacement of originals. I should have thought it more likely that if you had mislaid/lost the badge you would have to apply through Greiser or his office to get your replacement..?
Just wondering....
Regards

Matt Gibbs

Marcus · Post by **Marcus** » 20 Jan 2003 17:52

Interesting thread with nice photos, thanks all.

/Marcus

Michael Marshall · Post by **Michael Marshall** » 21 Jan 2003 01:06

Is there one with diamonds?
8)
Thanks
Michael

Axis History Forum

Gau Wartheland Group

Gau Wartheland Group

ORIGINAL WARTHELAND BADGE

REVERSE OF BADGE

Nice pictures of this rare badge