Original WWII German Honour Decoration Luftschutz Ehrenzeichen 1st Class 1938

Description

Original WWII Luftschutz Ehrenzeichen 1st Class 1938

This original WWII Luftschutz Ehrenzeichen 1st Class is a rare German civil air-defence decoration dating from the pre-war expansion of the organised Luftschutz system. Known officially as the Luftschutz-Ehrenzeichen 1. Stufe, the award is immediately recognisable by its distinctive gilt cross, open central construction, swastika and circular inscription reading “FÜR VERDIENSTE IM LUFTSCHUTZ”, meaning “For Merit in Air Defence.”

The reverse displays the institution year 1938, divided between the horizontal arms as 19 – 38. The decoration is suspended from the characteristic Luftschutz ribbon with a violet central field bordered by narrow black, white and red stripes.

The Luftschutz-Ehrenzeichen was instituted on 30 January 1938 to recognise service connected with German civil air defence. The system comprised two classes, with the First Class intended for particularly outstanding contributions. Contemporary examples are associated with organisations and services involved in civil air protection, including the Reichsluftschutzbund, security and assistance services, factory protection and related authorities.

The Luftschutz Ehrenzeichen 1st Class differs substantially from the more frequently encountered Second Class. Whereas the Second Class is a circular medal, the First Class takes the form of a gilt four-armed cross. This striking design, together with the limited number of awards and relatively low survival rate, has made it one of the more desirable German civilian decorations of the 1933–1945 period.

INS10 retains a strong gilt appearance. The front presents the full circular inscription surrounding the central swastika, while the broad arms retain the characteristic textured surface and raised borders. The reverse displays the date 1938 clearly and retains the suspension arrangement.

The ribbon is particularly important to the visual character of the award. Its violet field and contrasting black-white-red edge stripes are highly distinctive. The Deutsches Historisches Museum documents the same unusual colour combination on period Luftschutz decoration ribbon.

Specialist references document more than one production type. Lakeside Trader records a die-struck, fire-gilded tombak example with polished highlights, while Helmut Weitze currently lists both gilt fine-zinc examples and significantly more valuable early circa-1938 gilt Buntmetall executions.

For this reason, the exact production variant of INS10 is deliberately not over-attributed from photographs alone. Its external appearance is consistent with the Luftschutz-Ehrenzeichen 1. Stufe, but identification of the precise metal and production period should be based on physical examination, dimensions and weight.

From a collecting perspective, this decoration is especially attractive because it combines rarity, unusual design and an important connection with the organisation of civilian air defence immediately before and during the Second World War. It is relevant to collections centred on Luftschutz, the Reichsluftschutzbund, German civilian awards, German wartime home-front history and original European decorations of the 1930s and 1940s.

The surviving ribbon displays visible age-related staining and tonal variation. These marks have been retained and have not been artificially removed. The cross itself shows natural patina and surface ageing while retaining a substantial amount of its gilt visual appearance.

No individual recipient or provenance is attributed to this example unless supported by separate period documentation. The decoration is catalogued solely on the evidence visible in the object itself.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The increasing threat of aerial warfare during the 1930s led Germany to establish a large civil-defence infrastructure. The Luftschutz-Ehrenzeichen became one means of formally recognising individuals who had contributed significantly to these activities. The First Class was reserved for particularly distinguished service, making it substantially scarcer than the Second Class.

COLLECTOR’S INTEREST

The First Class occupies a very different collector category from ordinary Luftschutz medals. Current specialist-market listings illustrate this clearly: gilt fine-zinc examples are presently offered around €1,200–€1,350, while early gilt Buntmetall variants command considerably higher asking prices.

CONDITION

Strong overall presentation with surviving gilt finish and clearly defined relief. The violet ribbon remains present and shows visible stains, age toning and handling wear. The date 1938 and front inscription remain sharp and legible. No cleaning or restoration is claimed.

AUTHENTICITY

Offered as an original period piece on the basis of the features described above.

The design and visible construction correspond with documented period Luftschutz-Ehrenzeichen 1. Stufe examples. The exact production variant and base metal are not attributed without physical analysis.

HISTORICAL RESPONSIBILITY NOTICE

This item is offered exclusively for historical, educational, documentary and collecting purposes. Autographs & Militaria does not support, promote or express sympathy for National Socialism or any totalitarian ideology represented by the historical symbols on this object.

What is the Luftschutz Ehrenzeichen 1st Class?
It was the highest of the two Luftschutz Honour Decoration classes created in 1938 for particularly distinguished contributions to German civil air defence.

How is the First Class different from the Second Class?
The First Class uses a gilt cross design, while the more common Second Class is a circular medal.

What does “Für Verdienste im Luftschutz” mean?
It translates as “For Merit in Air Defence.”

Why does the reverse show 1938?
1938 was the institution year of the Luftschutz-Ehrenzeichen.

Is the ribbon correct?
The violet ribbon with black, white and red border stripes corresponds with documented period Luftschutz ribbon.

Is this a rare decoration?
Yes. Specialist dealers describe the First Class as very rare, and current prices are substantially above those of the Second Class.

How is authenticity assessed?
Yes. The item is offered as original on the basis of the features described above.

Further Reading

For historical background, see Deutsches Historisches Museum: “Ehrenzeichen”, on the history of German decorations.

Before buying, read my Complete Collector’s Guide to WWII German Medals.