Original German WWII Wehrmacht 4-Year Long Service Medal (Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung IV. Klasse für 4 Jahre), instituted on March 16, 1936, and awarded to members of the German Armed Forces upon completion of four years of faithful military service.
This circular silver-finished medal features the German national eagle and swastika on the obverse surrounded by the inscription “Treue Dienste in der Wehrmacht” (Faithful Service in the Armed Forces). The reverse bears the numeral “4” surrounded by an oak-leaf wreath, identifying the award as the 4-year grade.
The medal is accompanied by a long section of its dark blue service ribbon. The ribbon displays considerable period wear, including fraying, loose threads, old stitching and areas of discoloration. The medal itself shows age-related toning and wear to the original silver finish, consistent with its age.
An honest, well-used example of a classic German WWII military long-service decoration, retaining a substantial section of its period ribbon.
Period: WWII / Third Reich
Country: Germany
Organization: Wehrmacht
Award: Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung
Class: IV. Klasse
Service Period: 4 Years
Instituted: March 16, 1936
Ribbon: Dark Blue
Condition: Used, with age-related wear, toning and significant wear/fraying to the ribbon as pictured
