Lot 327: A Second World War German West Wall Medal with Original Ribbon and Packet Fragment

A German West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen), a commemorative award established in 1939 for military and civilian personnel involved in the construction and manning of the western border fortifications. The oval medal is struck in a zinc-based alloy (Kriegsmetall) and originally featured a bronzed finish, of which traces remain in the recessed areas. The obverse displays the national eagle with outspread wings clutching a wreathed swastika, positioned over a crossed shovel and sword, all contained within an oak leaf border. The reverse bears the inscription FÜR ARBEIT ZUM SCHUTZE DEUTSCHLANDS (For work for the protection of Germany) set within a corresponding oak leaf wreath. The medal is suspended from its original golden-brown ribbon which features two narrow white stripes towards each edge. Accompanying the medal is a fragment of the original buff-coloured paper presentation packet, printed in black Fraktur script with the award title. A small white collection label with the handwritten number 9703 is adhered to the ribbon.