*German, WW2, Third Reich SS 8-Year Long Service Medal (SS-Dienstauszeichnung 3rd Class), Bronze Circular Type, with Original Presentation Case*
A German Third Reich SS 8-Year Long Service Medal (SS-Dienstauszeichnung, 3rd Class), complete with its blue ribbon and black presentation case bearing silver SS runes to the lid. The medal is of circular bronze-finished form, the obverse displaying the swastika with separately applied SS runes within an oakleaf wreath, the reverse inscribed “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE IN DER SS” (“For Faithful Service in the SS”) with the numeral 8in the background, indicating eight years of honourable service. The medal retains its suspension lug with round suspension ring, and is housed in the correct black textured case as issued for the lower grades of SS long-service awards.
Approx. Measurements – Diameter: 3.7 cm.
History Note: The SS Long Service Awards were instituted on 30 January 1938in four grades for 4, 8, 12, and 25 years of service. The 4- and 8-year awards were circular medals, while the higher grades for 12 and 25 years took the form of gilt swastika crosses. The 8-year medal, as offered here, was produced in bronze or tombak and awarded to members of the Allgemeine-SS, SS-Verfügungstruppe, SS-Totenkopfverbände, and SS officer training schools (Junkerschulen)who completed the required period of honourable active service. These awards are among the most recognisable service decorations of the SS period and are widely collected today.
*Condition* Medal shows overall age wear and patination to both sides, with scattered dark spotting and surface oxidation visible, particularly around the lettering and wreath detail. The applied central wreath remains in place. The medal is fitted with a round suspension ring, which may be a replacement or later alteration, as period examples are more commonly encountered with pear-shaped suspension loops. The ribbon is bright and clean in appearance and may be a later replacement. The case shows external rubbing and wear to the edges and corners but remains sound, the silver SS runes to the lid still visible. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
