UBB.threads Forums Uniform & Accessories Medals & Badges of the Third Reich Forum Bronze Bayern Feuerwehr Medal

I recently picked up a Bayern fire medal & would love an opinion on it by some more experienced medal collectors. I've got several of the 25 Year & 40 Year examples however this one has a different reverse that states"Fur Hervorragende Leistungen Im Feuerwehrdienst". I know originals of this type were only awarded for a brief period in the 1930s & presumably for something special, maybe life saving? I figure as much considering the translating of "outstanding acheivement".

The construction appears to be of brass & is of equal quality to the other, more common examples I have. In fact, this one is quite detailed, right down to the buckle on the strap of the helm. I suppose what I'm saying is that this medal exhibits none of what I consider the usual "red flags" of post war reproductions. Has anyone else seen one of these? Your thoughts are most appreciated.

Reverse with the inscription.

Here's a comparison of the medal with two of the more commonly seen examples. All have slight detail differences but nothing that jumps out.

The rings on the brass example are identical to those of the others in size, etc. If a reproduction, I'm thinking it's a well done one but that I would have seen others along the way. Anyway, I appreciate any insight you guys can offer. Thanks much.

I don't know about more experiance, but I certainly have a book.....

"Deutsche Feuerwehr Auszeichnungen" by Gert Efler

This medal was in use from 1920 - 1928. From what I understand with my poor German is that it was originally made in black cast iron (Gu�eisen, schwarz) in 1921, then cast in bronze (Bronzein, gegossen) 1923 & finally coin stamped bronze (Bronze, gepr�gt) from 1924 - 1928. It was made by Jakob Leser, M�nchen

Awarded for outstanding service rather than long service, the iron version was awarded 22 times, the cast bronze 52 times & the stamped bronze 155 times.

Hope this helps

Cheers
Don

Hi Don,

Many thanks for that info, it's much appreciated. I've got Efler's book but not where I'm living now. I did know this particular medal was awarded sparingly so I thought it might have been a good pickup, in the event it's period. Have you ever seen another? I saw one or two a years back on Eban but was too fearful to take a chance.

No sorry, never seen another.....

Cheers
Don

Nice score Billy. I've only seen one other on the market (a black one- now I that I know the difference thanks Don!). I wish I'd seen an Urkunde, then maybe some more detail would be shed on what kind of service would merit the award. I speculate that it's for an outstanding act of bravery.

This site popped up on a search.
http://www.deutsche-feuerwehr-ehrenzeichen.de/index2his.htm
Must have to be a member to see more.

--dj--Joe

Is that just a plain white ribbon on it DJ? I can't make it out on my screen. If so, what an easy replacement!

Thanks for the help guys. I guess even a blind hog can find an acorn once in a while

Lance, I believe it to be pale blue with white stripes.

--dj--Joe

Billy,

Here is a Bavarian FW medal Spange. I presume the medal would have a similar blue and white ribbon?

I forgot to say, the book seems to list two ribbons depending I assume on what it was awarded for?

a. FF: himmelblau (7x) mit Wei� (6x) im Wechsel
b. Berufswehren: karmoisinrot

The colour image in the book shows a reddish colour ribbon.

Cheers
Don

Thanks guys. These would be the ribbons for the 25 & 40 year examples. That Imperial Feuerwehr site seemed to show a white or off white ribbon for the bronze medal.

Another one I found over the years, I thought maybe it was for some other purpose although it's reverse is for 25 years service. It came sans ribbon. The color is a dark brown/black, sorry for the poor picture quality.

I always found this one to be interesting. Although I can't tell for certain, I thought the FW helm resembled the one on this eras Bayern pieces. I wonder what happened on October 9, 1919 too.