German Bronze Merit Medal 2nd Model

The German Bronze Merit Medal 2nd Model represents a significant chapter in the history of Austrian decorations during the Nazi era. Following the Anschluss of Austria to the German Reich in March 1938, the Austrian system of honors was gradually integrated into the German system, though certain Austrian decorations continued to be awarded.

The Bronze Merit Medal had its roots in Austrian tradition and was originally awarded for civil and military merit. After 1938, a redesign took place that aligned with the guidelines of the German Reich. The second model differed from the first through various design details, particularly through the use of the so-called block script (Blockschrift), a functional, straight-lined typeface that corresponded to National Socialist aesthetics.

The present example was manufactured by the Hauptmünzamt Wien (Main Mint Vienna), identifiable by the manufacturer's mark “30” in the ring on the reverse of the medal. The Main Mint Vienna was one of the most important minting facilities for orders and decorations in the German Reich and possessed a long tradition in the production of coins and medals dating back to the Habsburg Monarchy. The marking with the number “30” followed the manufacturer identification system introduced in the German Reich to track production.

A remarkable detail of this medal is the material: bronzed fine zinc. This material choice was typical for the wartime and post-war period, when non-ferrous metals like bronze became scarce due to their importance for the armaments industry. The so-called Material Conservation Ordinance led to many decorations being manufactured from substitute materials. Zinc was abundantly available and could be made to resemble the traditional appearance through bronzing. This practice intensified from 1940 onwards and was maintained throughout the entire course of the war.

The medal was worn on the original ribbon with a pin attachment. The ribbon conformed to official specifications and enabled the wearing of the decoration on the uniform. The manner of wearing followed the strict regulations of the German Wehrmacht and civil service, with the position of the medal on the left breast precisely specified.

The award criteria for the Bronze Merit Medal encompassed various areas: it could be awarded for long and faithful service, special achievements in the civil sphere, or for military merit that did not meet the requirements for higher decorations. The medal stood in a hierarchy of merit awards and represented recognition that went beyond simple service decorations but ranked below higher orders.

The design of the medal followed the aesthetic principles of the time: clear lines, monumental effect, and symbolic elements that reflected the ideology of the regime. The block script on this second model was part of a broader design reform that aimed for standardization and modernization of the appearance of all decorations.

After the end of World War II in May 1945, the wearing of all National Socialist decorations was prohibited by the Allied Control Council laws. This also affected the merit medals manufactured in Austria. In the Second Republic of Austria, a completely new system of honors was established that deliberately distanced itself from the Nazi period.

Today, such medals are of historical and collectible interest. They document a dark chapter of European history and serve as objects for the study of the Nazi era, the material shortages during the war, and the administrative structures of the German Reich. The condition rating “2” denotes in the collector's world a very good condition with only minimal signs of wear.

The manufacture by the Main Mint Vienna connects this medal with the broader history of Austrian coinage and demonstrates how traditional institutions were placed in the service of the Nazi regime. The mint continued its activities after the war and is today part of the Münze Österreich AG (Austrian Mint), which continues to produce official coins and medals, now in the service of the democratic Republic of Austria.