{"product_id":"rare-german-ww2-luftschutz-civil-defense-decoration-1st-2nd-class-medal-set-1938","title":"Rare German WW2 Luftschutz Civil Defense Decoration 1st \u0026 2nd Class Medal Set, 1938","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis outstanding \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGerman World War II Luftschutz Civil Air Defense Honor Decoration collection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e includes both the rare \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1st Class Luftschutz Honor Decoration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e dated \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1938\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e with ribbon and the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2nd Class Luftschutz Service Medal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e dated \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1938\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e with ribbon. The 1st Class award is the centerpiece of the grouping and is an extremely rare decoration, with award numbers commonly reported at only approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e150 recipients\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. It is of die-struck alloy construction with a gilt wash and features a cross form with a central swastika surrounded by the embossed Latin inscription \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Für Verdienste im Luftschutz\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, meaning \"For Meritorious Service in Air Defense.\" The reverse bears the embossed institution date \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1938\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, while the medal loop and ribbon suspension ring remain intact. It is complete with its original ribbed rayon ribbon, showing slight fading from age.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlso included is the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2nd Class Luftschutz Service Medal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, a silvered zinc decoration measuring approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1.5 inches in diameter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. This medal features a circular oak leaf wreath surrounding a central mobile swastika and bears the inscription \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Für Dienste im Luftschutz\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, meaning \"For Services in Air Raid Protection.\" The reverse is also dated \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1938\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and the medal retains its original ribbon. Together, the two awards create a highly desirable and rarely encountered Luftschutz decoration set, representing both meritorious and exceptional service within Germany's wartime civil air defense system.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLuftschutz Civil Defense Decorations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e were instituted on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJanuary 30, 1938\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for award to personnel serving in organizations connected to German air raid protection and civil defense. These included the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReichsluftschutzbund\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, or National Air Raid Protection League, the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSicherheits und Hilfs Dienst\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, or Security and Assistance Service, the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWerkschutz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, or Factory Protection Police, and the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrdnungspolizei\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, or Order Police. As Allied bombing campaigns intensified, Germany's air defense and civil protection organizations played an increasingly important role in emergency response, factory protection, rescue work, fire suppression, and civilian survival on the home front.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a fantastic and historically significant award grouping, especially due to the inclusion of the exceptionally scarce \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1st Class Luftschutz Honor Decoration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The strong presentation, original ribbons, 1938-dated reverses, Luftschutz inscriptions, and veteran bringback history make this a standout offering for collectors of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGerman WWII medals, Luftschutz material, civil defense awards, home-front history, and rare Third Reich decorations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Veteran bringback.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy Buy From Us?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e5-star rated store trusted by collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003eFast, reliable shipping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003eExpertly handled collectibles, always packed with care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Collectors Crossroads ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44102712918090,"sku":"WIW1773","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/8519\/2778\/files\/37802889.jpg?v=1787588825","url":"https:\/\/collectorscrossroads.com\/products\/rare-german-ww2-luftschutz-civil-defense-decoration-1st-2nd-class-medal-set-1938","provider":"Collectors Crossroads ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}