Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive original German WWII SA Reiterkorps presentation plaque, or non-portable “table medal,” awarded in recognition of service connected with the pre-military equestrian training of German youth. Designed by noted artist Paul Casberg, the substantial plaque measures approximately 4 ½” x 4 ¼” and appears to be constructed from magnetic cast iron. Its bold horse and eagle design, Casberg association, and specialized connection with German equestrian training make this a particularly interesting award for the SA, horse, sporting, and political organization collector.

The obverse features an impressive standing horse surrounded by an oak leaf wreath and positioned above a spread wing national eagle. The eagle carries a wreath containing a canted hook cross. The relief work remains especially attractive, with the horse forming the dominant central element of the composition.

The design is the work of Paul Casberg, a prominent German artist and designer whose work extended well beyond edged weapons. Casberg became closely associated with equestrian subjects and organizations during the period, and in 1937 held a position concerned with military art within the national organization for riding and driving instruction. He also designed artwork, awards, flags, and military regalia.

Casberg is particularly well known to edged weapons collectors for his work with the Carl Eickhorn firm of Solingen, beginning in the mid 1930s. His designs and illustrations appeared in Eickhorn advertising and catalogs, and he contributed concepts for military swords, daggers, and related ceremonial equipment. The distinctive style seen on this award is another example of his broader work in German military and equestrian design.

The reverse repeats the surrounding oak leaf wreath and incorporates an SA emblem at the bottom. In the center is the raised presentation inscription above a facsimile signature of Adolf H.:

FÜR VERDIENSTE
UM DIE WEHRHAFTE
ERTÜCHTIGUNG
DER DEUTSCHEN
REITERJUGEND

This is best translated as:

“For services to the military preparedness training of German equestrian youth.”

The award was instituted in connection with the NS-Reiterkorps and the pre-military equestrian training of young German riders. Contemporary and specialist references indicate that examples were presented both to SA riding personnel involved in training young riders and to individuals who supported the program by providing horses or related assistance. This gives the plaque a particularly interesting connection with the equestrian component of pre-military youth preparation during the period.

The plaque measures approximately 4 ½” x 4 ¼” and appears to be of magnetic cast iron construction. Unlike a wearable decoration, this was intended as a substantial presentation piece suitable for display on a desk, shelf, or table.

Condition overall is very good. The original dark finish is very well retained and the raised design remains crisp, with particularly strong definition to the horse, eagle, wreath, reverse inscription, and SA emblem. There is only a small amount of oxidation along the upper edge, giving the award an attractive matured appearance without detracting from the central artwork.

For the collector of German WWII awards, SA material, equestrian memorabilia, or the work of Paul Casberg, this is a particularly distinctive presentation piece. Its substantial cast iron construction, dramatic horse and eagle artwork, clear period inscription, specialized association with the training of young German riders, and documented Casberg design give it both strong visual presence and considerable historical interest. It would display especially well alongside SA Reiterkorps material, German equestrian awards, or a collection devoted to Casberg's military and graphic work.