Germany, Freikorps. A Rare Schutz-Regiment Gross-Berlin Sleeve Insignia

(Schutzregiment Gross-Berlin Ärmelabzeichen). Constructed of silvered brass, the obverse consisting of a central hand gripping a sword, surrounded by an oval ring bearing a raised inscription of “SCHUTZ-REGIMENT GROSS-BERLIN” with clusters of oak leaves, perforated with eyelets at cardinal points, the reverse retaining three of four attachment prongs connecting to a custom-fitted card stock backer with a black wool underlay, the reverse bearing handwritten dates “1919/20”, otherwise unmarked, measuring 54.73 mm (w) x 71.55 mm (h), weighing 17.1 grams overall, a rare insignia issued to members of a Freikorps unit briefly active from mid-1919 until 1920 in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Schutz-Regiment Gross-Berlin was established in the summer of 1919 by Reichswehrgruppenkommando 1 as a unit of temporary volunteers under the command of Major von Heeringen, and was primarily tasked with defending the Reichstag.