Bundesrepublik Prototype: Bundeswehr Long Service Crosses

[Red Eagle]

Here I can show you some of the prototypes of the Long Service Crosses for the Bundeswehr, wich was designed in 1964, but never realised.

Does anyone have some more or other samples?

Regards

Red

[JensF.]

This is extremely interesting! Never heard anything about this award. Thanks for posting.

Edited November 10, 2013 by JensF.

[Gordon Craig]

Red Eagle,

Very interesting topic. I have never heard of these before. Do you have an actual copy of one of these medals? If not, do you know if there are any in museum's etc.?

Regards,

Gordon

[SteveL]

I have not seen or heard of these awards before, and what beautiful awards they are ! a great pity they were not implemented !

Thanks for showing Red, amazing !

Prost ! Steve.

Edited November 10, 2013 by SteveL

[Red Eagle]

Gordon,

I receive all the shown crosses last days for my collection. But I dont know if there are in a museum.

In a couple of days I will receive a copy of the documents about this crosses from the ministery of defence.

Than I can tell something more about them.

Regards

Red

[JensF.]

That would be cool to get more information about them. They look very well made, especially compared to the crap they produce nowadays.

[Gordon Craig]

Red Eagle

What a great addition to your collection and they will look great on your web site.

Regards,

Gordon

[Edward L. Hsiao]

Gentlemen,

So many Wehrmacht veterans who went to serve the Bundeswehr after World War II for many years probably never got any important decorations from their own country of Federal Republic of Germany. I think plenty of times it was the NATO countries that did all the awarding of decorations to Bundeswehr (ex-Wehrmacht) servicemen. A lot of these men never wear the foreign ribbons on their uniforms. Just the ribbons from World War II,1957 made. Yes it was too bad the Bundeswehr service crosses that were in prototype forms in 1964 were not approved.

Edward L. Hsiao

[Red Eagle]

I agree, Edward!

[Iron Cross Diamonds]

If they ever have the long service awards again, I would like to see them not only in cross form but also in the rounded versions like the various imperial German states (9 and 12 years of services) and 3rd Reich Luftwaffe and Heer ones (signifying 4 and 12 years of service).

The front part of the medal would have the German eagle and the reverse side would be the number signifying it (4, 12, 18, etc).  I would also add a device like a 40 golden oak leave one that was used on Heer 1936 25 Year cross to signified additional years after 25 years.

Regarding the ribbon, I would use the old NVA military service ribbon since they have the colors green along with the gold, black, and red.

[Red Eagle]

I put all my informations about this awards in one of my Ordensjournal on my website.

http://ordensmuseum.de/Orden/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Ordensjournal26BWDAJan14.pdf

Free for download, but only in german language.

Regards
Red

[Megan]

Fascinating, thank you for sharing... but then, I love your site anyway, it is full of wonderful bits and pieces.