WWII GERMAN COMPOUND STICKPIN (IRON CROSS / EASTERN FRONT / WOUND BADGE) -
The German armed forces and political organizations during WWII awarded a wide array of stick pins to their members. In some
cases, primarily for the military organizations, the stick pins were a small representation of a larger award. For example, a
pilot's badge would be issued in a box with a stick pin. The large badge was used with a regular military uniform. The stick pin
was generally used with civilian clothes at parties, rallies and such events.
The stickpin featured here is known as "compound" because it has more than one award featured. These stickpins are harder to
find because they were individually ordered. There are three components which include from left to right:
Iron Cross |
The Iron Cross is perhaps the most recognizable award of World War two. It was issued to soldiers in recognition for bravery.
Instituted for use during WWII in 1939.
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Eastern Front campaign medal
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Hitler wanted to recognize soldiers who fought in the Eastern front. He authorized the use of a medal. Also known as the "frozen meat"
medal, the medal for the winter campaign on Russia is depicted on this page. This medal was instituted in May 26th, 1942.
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Silver Wound badge
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The Silver wound badge was instituted in 1943. It was issued to soldiers who received three to four wounds.
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The three awards are created separatelt and spot soldered together. The pin is attached to the back of the centered
award. The stick has a slight swirled design near the bottom area. there are no markings on the back of the stickpin.
Some where stamped with the manufacturer's logo or name while others were not.
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WE BUY German German stickpins and related items - All types of WWII German stickpins. Whether
they are military, Civilian, para-military, political, etc.
The process gets started by you sending us an
Email .
We will respond to your inquiry normally within 24 hours and in many cases much faster.
We can tell you what you have, what it is worth and how much we can pay you.
One item or an entire collection -
Email Us .
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This page is a recognition and identification guide for WWII German Stick Pins. Multiple
detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points
that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my WWII German stickpin worth?". A price
guide is included here to address this question. The value of the Stickpins is reviewed
over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of the German
stick pins in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of
MilitaryItems.com,
a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military
antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
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The back of the stick pin may or may not be stamped with
manufacturing markings .
Sometimes the only marking is the word Ges Gesch. Which was a marking of a legal nature. All stickpins have a
pin
which is attached to the back in a variety of ways.
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Collecting Third Reich Stickpins
Collecting Third Reich memorabilia is a field that has been growing since the days the GI's rummaged around Europe
bringing back military souvenirs. German soldiers wore many of their awards on their uniforms when they went to
battle. Once the soldier was killed or captured, the American soldiers would take the awards as war trophies.
Eventually all these pieces came back to the United States where military history enthusiasts began to collect them.
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In trying to determine if you should collect WWII German Stickpins there are certain factors that should be
considered.
The adjacent table outlines some of the advantages and disadvantages of collecting the stickpins.
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This stickpin may be currently being
reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to
be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving.
The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the
manufacturing of this badge. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine
the authenticity of the badge.
If you have an interest is seeing other stick pins of the Third Reich, you can do so by going
to our WWII German Stick Pins
identification guide. Where we cover Heer (Army), Navy (Kriegsmarine), Air Force (Luftwaffe),
Political, Police and many other items.
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