Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very nice German 1938 Austrian Anschluss Commemorative Medal, officially designated the Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938, accompanied by its red suspension ribbon, matching ribbon bar, and fitted presentation case. The decoration was instituted on May 1, 1938, to recognize individuals who contributed to the annexation of Austria into the German Reich.

The circular, silver-colored medal displays the characteristic allegorical design of two male figures standing upon a platform bearing the German national eagle and swas. One figure carries a flag and assists the other, whose broken chain represents Austria's supposed liberation and incorporation into the Reich. The reverse bears the raised date 13. MÄRZ 1938, surrounded by the slogan EIN VOLK · EIN REICH · EIN FÜHRER, translating to "One People, One Reich, One Leader."

The medal retains its red suspension ribbon, bordered on either side by narrow white-black-white stripes, together with a metal pin arrangement for attachment to a uniform. A separate, smaller ribbon bar of the same colors is also included.

The accompanying presentation case measures approximately 4 x 2 inches [10.2 x 5.1 cm] and is covered in textured red material, with the German national eagle and swas. embossed in gold on the lid. The interior is lined with burgundy-colored velvet, divided to accommodate the medal and its ribbon, while the inside of the lid is covered in light-colored fabric. The case retains its hinged construction and side-mounted push-button closure. The underside bears an old handwritten marking reading ERB, of uncertain significance.

The medal remains in good overall condition, displaying age-related toning and a pleasing gray-bronze patina, with the original relief and inscriptions remaining well defined. The ribbon retains strong coloration and shows only modest handling wear. The presentation case exhibits more noticeable signs of age, particularly rubbing and losses to the red covering along the edges and corners. The interior remains well preserved overall, although the light-colored lid lining has developed some discoloration and a rectangular stain from previous storage.

Historical Context

The Austrian Anschluss of March 1938 was the culmination of years of German political pressure, Austrian internal instability, and the NSDAP's efforts to bring Austria under German control. Following the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, the possibility of political union between Austria and Germany remained a recurring issue. Such a union had been prohibited under the post-WWI peace settlement, particularly the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

German pressure increased considerably following the rise of the NSDAP in 1933. Austrian National Socialists attempted to overthrow the Austrian government in July 1934, during which Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss was assassinated. The coup failed, and Austria maintained its independence under an authoritarian government opposed to German annexation. However, the changing political relationship between Germany and Italy during the following years progressively weakened Austria's international position.

The decisive crisis came in March 1938. Austrian Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg announced a plebiscite intended to reaffirm Austrian independence, prompting AH to demand its cancellation and the Chancellor's resignation. Under the threat of German military intervention, Schuschnigg resigned on March 11. The following day, German Wehrmacht troops crossed into Austria, encountering no organized military resistance and receiving enthusiastic welcomes in numerous communities.

On March 13, the newly installed government under Arthur Seyß-Inquart enacted the legislation formally incorporating Austria into the German Reich. The annexation was subsequently endorsed in a heavily controlled plebiscite held on April 10, with the regime announcing overwhelming support. The voting took place after the suppression of political opposition and the exclusion of substantial portions of the population, including Jews, from participation.

Austria was subsequently subjected to German administrative and political control. The new authorities rapidly introduced the regime's racial legislation, persecuted political opponents, and began widespread arrests. The annexation also brought Austria's military manpower, industrial resources, and infrastructure under German control, strengthening Germany's position in Central Europe.

The Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938 was established shortly after these events as an official recognition of those who had participated in the annexation. Its eligibility extended to both military and civilian personnel, including individuals involved in the political preparations and the subsequent incorporation of Austria. A total of approximately 318,689 medals were awarded by the end of 1940.

The award's design was explicitly political. The two figures on the obverse represented the regime's portrayal of Austria's union with Germany as an act of national liberation. The broken chain reinforced this theme, while the inscription on the reverse expressed the ideal of a unified German people under a single state and leader. This symbolism formed part of the extensive propaganda campaign used to present the Anschluss as the fulfillment of German national aspirations.

The decoration was worn on the left breast, suspended from its distinctive red ribbon. Recipients could also wear the ribbon alone as part of their uniform decorations. The medal was issued in a fitted red presentation case bearing the national eagle, giving the award a formal presentation appropriate to its commemorative purpose.

The Austrian Anschluss Medal was the first in a series of three commemorative decorations instituted for Germany's territorial acquisitions immediately before WWII. The following awards commemorated the annexation of the Sudetenland in October 1938 and the acquisition of Memel in March 1939. Together, these decorations formed a recognizable group of political awards connected with the expansion of the German Reich during the final years preceding the European war.