Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice example of the very rare German WWII Luftschutz Ehrenzeichen Erste Stufe (Air Defense Honor Badge 1st Class), complete with its original ribbon, although it is tattered as shown. These were issued in far fewer numbers than the 2nd Class/Grade, and this is the second example that we have ever had. This example’s construction is that of Wilhelm Deumer of Lüdenscheid, a rare maker of this medal.

The 1st Class Luftschutz medal was awarded for those who gave exceptional service to the civil air defense of Germany from January 1933 onward, while the 2nd Class medal was given for honorable, meritorious service. It is constructed out of a die struck brass base, which was originally gold washed. The obverse features a large round ended Tatzenkreuz (cross pattée alisée) with a centrally placed mobile swas (hook cross), which is surrounded by FÜR VERDIENSTE IM LUFTSCHUTZ (For Merit in Air Defense). The reverse is marked 19 38 on the ends of the cross. There is a loop at the top of the award where it attaches to a brass link and then to a brass hanger ring, which is attached to the correct black / white / red / white / purple rayon ribbon.

The award is in very good condition, though it definitely does show wear, so the owner must have displayed it on their uniform for years. The original finish on the medal was probably gold washed, and that is now worn away, with the award now a lovely light oxidized brass color. The ribbon is in rough shape, being rather tattered after being worn for so many years. The pin is completely absent.

A very rare award from the Air Defense in WWII Germany, the 2nd of this type we have had! Ready to display!

History of the RLB
The RLB was organized by Hermann Göring in 1933 as a voluntary association. Existing volunteer air raid precaution associations were forced to merge with RLB. In 1939 the RLB became a Körperschaft des öffentlichen Rechts (quasi-autonomous non-governmental organization), while in 1944 it became an affiliated organization of the NSDAP Party. It was in charge of educating and training ordinary German men and women in civil defense procedures necessary for the basic level of local self-help of the civil population against air raids. The local level was formed around air raid wardens and operated in small first intervention squads. The training include fire fighting, protection against chemical weapons, communication procedures and preparation of houses and apartments against air raids.