The Balkans Shield (Projected)

Average Price:

(The cost varies based on the medal’s historical significance, the recipient’s background, and the condition of the medal)

Time Period: Nazi Germany (Interwars Period, World War II)
Institution: Never instituted.
Country: Germany

The Balkans Shield (or Balkanschild in German) was a projected World War II German military decoration to be awarded to German forces that took part in the battles of the Balkans, from 1944 to 1945.

In the book by Dr. Klietmann German Awards, the shield is described on page 156/57 as follows:

“Such a shield was neither donated nor awarded. However, the creation of such an award was apparently thought of because the Reich stage designer Benno v. Arent completed one on III.7.1945 Drawing of a draft of the Balkan Shield. It seems as if this was requested by the Führer’s headquarters, but the military events that followed in quick succession prevented further decisions regarding this foundation”.

The Balkans Shield Design

The book “Awards of the German Reich 1936-1945” mentiones the shield and includes the drawing by the Reich stage designer Benno v. Arent (signed March 7, 1945).

Dr. Klietmann describes 2 template patterns:

“One pattern exists in olive-brown tinted metal, the other is silver-plated…”

More Nazi Germany Shields (Ärmelschilde)

These campaign shields were awarded to members of the Wehrmacht (the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1945). They were given for participation in specific battles or campaigns and worn on the left upper arm of the uniform jacket.