German WWII 4 Year Army Long Service Award on Parade Mount-This is for 4 years of service in the Wehrmacht. It is mounted onto a cornflower blue parade mount that has a pink badge cloth backing. The ribbon is a nice cornflower blue color that has darkened slightly from age. The long horizontal pin still functions perfectly. The finish on this medal remains 80% intact. There is minor wear to the obverses, but overall, very good!
History: In March of ‘36 Hitler ordered the institution of a service award in four classes, each class reflecting the completion of a select number of years of military service. The award was bestowed by each branch of the Wehrmacht (army, navy, and air force) and was issued for four years’ service (fourth class-silver medal), 12 years (third class-gold medal), 18 years (2nd Class-silver cross), 25 years (first class-gold cross), and 40 years (special class). The 40-year special class was introduced on 10 March 1939.