Germany, Imperial. A Colonial Award, I Class

(Kolonialauszeichnung I. Klasse). Instituted 1922 by the Deutscher Kolonialkrieger-Bund. (1922-1935 issue). Constructed of a silvered bronze alloy, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed radiant starburst, joined together at the bottom by a Schutztruppe-style slouch hat, superimposed over a pair of crossed swords and flanked by clusters of oak leaves, bearing a central prone lion with a palm tree visible in the background, circumscribed by an inscription of “FÜR VERDIENSTE UM DIE KOLONIEN” (“FOR SERVICES TO THE COLONIES”), the reverse bearing a central raised inscription of “IN MEMORIAM”, situated within a circular ribbed ring, featuring a legal registration code of “34162”, with a narrow barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, measuring 46.55 mm (w) x 45.39 mm (h), weighing 29.8 grams, a scarce and early example in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The I Class variation of this award is also referred to as a Silver Grade. The Colonial Award also featured a II Class variation, appropriately referred to as a Bronze Grade, which was suspended from a ribbon.