BACKGROUND: Albert Leo Schlageter, a decorated First World War veteran, joined the Nazi party in 1922, following the French occupation of the Ruhr. While engaged in sabotage against them, he was apprehended by the French in March of 1923, and was tried and executed a month later. He immediately became a martyr to the Nazis, and a potent propaganda tool. A monument was created, and a medal was struck in his honor, ten years later, as an award to Freikorps members for honorable service. After 1935, its wear was no longer permitted.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A silver washed, tombak badge, in the form of a vertically oval wreath, 50mm wide and 60mm in overall height, comprised of laurels along its left, oak leaves to its right, and with a bow to its base. Within the wreath is a cross reminiscent of that found at the monument for, as is indicated to its base, "Schlageter," with crossed swords beneath that. To one of the six spaces to the left of the cross has been added a small bar with "Grenschutz" embossed to it, and to the right of the cross, in a corresponding position, is a second bar with "1919/20" to it. To the reverse of the badge is crimped a vertical pin-back device, beneath which is embossed the maker’s name, "Paul Küst," followed by, "Abzeichen - U. Ordenfabrik" (Badges and ("Und") Orders-manufacturer), their location, "Berlin SW 19," and, "Ges. Gesch. 101" (for "Gesetzlich Geschützt," or, By-law Protected, 101). Typical, light wear may be seen to the highlights of the obverse. Nice badge.