Germany, Ordnungspolizei. An Exceptionally Rare High-Altitude Mountain Gendarmerie Badge, by L. Klein

(Gendarmerie Hochalpinist-Abzeichen). Constructed of silvered tombak with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of a green enameled oval ring decorated with white enameled edelweiss, topped by a green enameled banner bearing a gilt inscription of “GENDARMERIE-HOCHALPINIST”, overlaying an ice axe which protrudes beyond both the top and bottom, overlaid by a silvered oval oak leaf wreath, surrounding a white enameled medallion, in turn bearing a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse retaining two malleable attachment clips beyond which the original Austrian Gendarmerie shield remains visible, the clip stamped with a partially-legible maker’s mark of “L. KLEIN, KOCHG. 14, WIEN 8.”, measuring 36.17 mm (w) x 64.72 mm (h), weighing 27.9 grams, demonstrating minor scratching and chipping to the enamels, an exceptionally rare example of a desirable Gendarmerie qualification badge in near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: This example was previously sold by the noted auction house of Hermann Historica on 29 May 2020.