WW2 (Nazi Germany) 1940 Narvik Campaign Shield - Original Issue

The Narvik Shield (Ärmelschild Narvik) was awarded to members of the German Wehrmacht (Armed Forces) who participated in the battle of Narvik (occupation of neutral Denmark and Norway) which began on 9 April 1940.

Officially instituted by Adolf Hitler on 19 August 1940, it was issued to a narrowly defined group of Wehrmacht personnel who were active in the Narvik area between 9 April and 8 June 1940.

Variants (issued to):
Grey finish - Heer (Army) and Luftwaffe (Air Force).
Gold finish - Kriegsmarine (Navy)

The shield is scarcely found and a very desirable campaign award. Only approximately 8,000 were ever issued. Heer (2,600+), Kriegsmarine (3,200+), Luftwaffe (2,000+).

Description: Designed by artist Richard Klein of Munich, it originally was made out of (intentionally non-metallic) iron and later constructed of a die stamped zinc-alloy base. Attached to the reverse was a back plate w/four mounted prongs.

Obverse: Closed winged national eagle clutching a wreathed static swastika in its talons above a bannered "Narvik". Below it, an edelweiss flower surrounded by "1940" (19 to its left & 40 to its right) all of which is above a crossed plane propeller and naval anchor.

Commemorations:
Edelweiss Flower - the Gebirgsjäger (Mountain Troops).
Anchor - the Kriegsmarine (Navy).
Propeller - the Luftwaffe (Air Force).

Reverse:
Retains all four of the original, intact period-mounted prongs attached to the backplate, w/the field-grey colored woolen cloth, indicative of the German Heer, just as it would have left the factory

Measurements (approximate):
Height: 4"
Width: 2 1/8"

HISTORY:
On 9 April 1940, a Regiment of the mountain (Gebirgsjäger) troops (commanded by Generalleutnant Eduard Dietl) landed in the Norwegian city of Narvik, situated north of the Arctic Circle. It was a strategic objective due to its year-round ice-free harbor.

Following a fierce battle against the British Royal Navy a few days later, the occupation force was strengthened by 2,000+ Kriegsmarines. The occupation forces fought allied counterattacks until 28 Apr after which, British forces gained control of the city. German forces fought on, and against much superior numbers of British forces, the British withdrew on 8 June.

Note: The shield shows some normal aging and/or moderate tarnish but has nevertheless retained extraordinary detail. May be multiple in stock...Shipped item may not be exactly as appears in the photos - may contain slight variation in color/standard age wear.
-----------------------------------------
WW2 (German) - Original Issue
1940 Narvik Campaign Shield

$375.00 (Firm)

Awarded to the German Wehrmacht
f/participation in the battle of Narvik
(occupation of Denmark and Norway)

Inclusive Dates: 9 April - 8 June 1940
Instituted by Adolf Hitler on 19 August 1940
Rare: Only approximately 8,000 Issued
-----------------------------------------