Original German WWII Krim Shield Without Backing By Karl Wurster

Original German WWII Krim Shield Without Backing By Karl Wurster-The Krim Shield was a German World War II campaign award presented to Wehrmacht personnel who served on the Crimean Peninsula during the Eastern Front campaign between September 21, 1941, and July 4, 1942. Instituted by Adolf Hitler on July 25, 1942, the award recognized the 'heroic battles' fought during the successful capture of Crimea by Army Group South, primarily the 11th Army under Generalfeldmarschall Erich von Manstein.The design features a German national eagle clutching a swastika, positioned above a map of Crimea flanked by the dates '1941' and '1942' and the word 'Krim.' The shield was worn on the upper left sleeve of the uniform.Eligibility required participation in one of eight designated battles, being wounded in action, or serving at least three uninterrupted months in the region. It was awarded across all branches of the Wehrmacht, including the Heer, Luftwaffe, and Kriegsmarine.Originally made of steel and later zinc, the shield was issued mounted on a backing cloth in the branch color, making it suitable for stitching onto the uniform. An estimated 200,000 to 300,000 Krim Shields were awarded.This original Krim Shield by Karl Wurster of Markneukirchen is in very good to excellent condition. The obverse has an appealing appearance, showing attractive gold tones and retaining much of its original bronze finish. There is some light wear visible on the high points, particularly the eagle's wings, the wreath, and other raised details.The shield is not mounted on a backing. The reverse displays similar gold tones with some subtle toning throughout. All four original prongs remain intact and are correctly bent. The maker's mark, a circular logo with KWM inside, clearly identifies it as a Karl Wurster piece.A very solid and well-preserved example of this desirable Eastern Front campaign award.