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An original German commemorative medal established to honor the annexation of the Sudetenland into the Reich.
The obverse depicts a symbolic scene of two men: one standing on a podium with the state emblem (eagle with swastika) helping another man onto the platform, representing the Sudeten Germans' return to the motherland.
The award is struck from high-quality non-ferrous metal (Buntmetall) with a dark bronze finish, showing nice highlights on the high points of the design.
The die striking is exceptionally sharp, with clear anatomical details on the figures and intricate work on the banner in the background.
The medal is suspended from its original ring, attached to a portion of the black, red, and black ribbon.
Overall preservation is very fine, featuring a natural age patina and no mechanical damage to the medal's surface.
Historical Context
The Commemorative Medal of 1 October 1938 (Die Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938) was part of the "occupation" or "annexation" medal series. Instituted on October 18, 1938, it was awarded to military and civilian personnel who participated in the entry into the Sudetenland and later Bohemia and Moravia. The design was created by Richard Klein. This medal shares the same obverse motif as the medals for the annexation of Austria and Memel, differing only in the metal finish and the inscription on the reverse.