WH (Heer) 'Krim' campaign shield with Pouch
This is a very nice WH (Heer/Waffen-SS) 'Krim' campaign shield. The 'Krimschild' was awarded to German soldiers under the command of 'Generalfeldmarschall Erich von Manstein' who fought and served in the Crimea area in between September 1941 and July 1942. The 'Krim' Shield was instituted on 25 July 1942. This shield is complete with its metal back-plate and 4 prongs and is still having it's original protective green paper backing attached. The magnetic-type shield does show great detail, it is not visible maker marked but can be attributed to the company of 'F. Orth' from Wien (Vienna). It is complete with it's matching paper pouch of issue (Verleihungstüte), the pouch is nicely maker marked by 'F. Orth' as well. The set comes together with an accompanying letter which tells this shield was send home to the family after the recipient 'Hans Engelhardt' was killed in action, the letter is dated 16 April 1943. The letter was send from the 'Dienststelle' with Feldpost Number 02998, this indicates that Hans Engelhardt served within the 'Nachrichten-Abteilung 173'. Nice and interesting original set in very good condition!