German WWII Dr. Fritz Todt Prize in Silver-This is a rarely encountered example of a second-class Fritz Todt prize. It has lost all of its original silver finish, but is still quite handsome. This large pin in the shape of an eagle with semi-folded wings, looking left, standing on a scroll with the words DR. FRITZ TODT. Beneath the scroll is a swastika in a cog wheel motif. This pin measures 2 ½ inches (6.35cm) tall and just over 1 ½ inches (3.81cm) at the widest point of the wings. It is heavily constructed in a zinc material. The zinc has toned to a nice gray color and retains excellent details. On the reverse is a hinged silver pin with retaining hook running vertically down the center. The pin on this example functions but is very stiff. The reverse retains some of the original silver finish. I have not had one of these to offer you in quite some time. Overall strong/very good condition.
History: In 1938 Fritz became the leader of Organization Todt, which was a para-military building organization. The Todt constructed the West Wall along with other military fortifications. He also was a principal in the organization of the Four-Year Plan for German economic self-sufficiency, Minister of Armaments and Munitions, and General Inspector of Water and Energy. In February 1942 he died in a plane crash, after leaving the Wolfschanze, Hitler's Rastenburg Headquarters. Hitler instituted the Dr. Fritz Todt Prize in November 1943, to honor Fritz. It was awarded to industrial personnel who had made a significant contribution to the war effort. The award came in three classes, gold, silver, and steel, depending on the value of the work for the war effort. In addition to the award itself, a monetary benefit was also given to the recipients.