German Police 18-Year Long Service Medal – II Class – Used Case

An authentic German Police Long Service Award, II Class (Polizei-Dienstauszeichnung 2. Stufe), formally instituted on January 30, 1938. The obverse displays a beautifully defined cross pattée profile with a frosted, fine-pebbled core texture contrasted by brilliantly bright, factory-polished highlighted borders. Positioned centrally is a round oak leaf wreath cleanly framing the official national police eagle emblem gripping a swastika within its talons. The award is struck from solid tombak and layered with its original, heavy silvered finish, which remains near 100% complete on this choice example, showcasing excellent high-relief definition and an uncleaned luster. The medal hangs from its factory suspension loop inside its original, hinged green leatherette presentation case. The box is in honest, used condition [7101], showing visible exterior scuffs, worn corners, and age-related fading or light storage stains to the inner lining, capturing an authentic historical character. Nestled securely beneath the display insert is the complete, original cornflower-blue ribbed suspension ribbon, which features its premium factory-applied upgrade—a highly detailed police eagle emblem meticulously embroidered in silver bullion thread.

Country of origin: Germany (Third Reich)
Official designation: Polizei-Dienstauszeichnung 2. Stufe (for 18 years of service)
Institution date: January 30, 1938
Grade / Class: II Class, Silver grade
Material and composition: Silvered tombak/brass, mirror-polished bevel edges
Included components: Silver cross medal, original blue ribbon with embroidered silver eagle weave, original green presentation box
Condition: Cross and embroidery in excellent condition with full plating; presentation case in honest used condition with visible surface wear, corner rubbing, and minor interior aging

Historical context:
The Police Long Service Award was established by state decree to reward members of the municipal, uniform, and criminal police departments for consecutive decades of loyal duty. Designed by renowned Munich artist Professor Richard Klein, the award combined traditional military cross profiles with modern institutional symbols. The 18-year silver class carried a unique distinction: unlike the highest 25-year gold grade which utilized a plain ribbon, the 18-year ribbon required the attachment of an intricate embroidered or stamped eagle insignia to denote the specific rank achieved in the field. Period wear on the box is highly typical for awards kept in private drawers or moved during the chaotic post-war era, making original cased 18-year police groups with bullion ribbon insignia [4195] premium investments that are highly coveted by advanced militaria curators.