Commemorative German 1936 Olympic Medal

This Commemorative German 1936 Olympic Medal is a representative example of this prewar Third Reich award. Both sides show evident wear, scattered marks, and an even, uncleaned patina. The obverse depicts a German national eagle and swastika emblem under Olympic rings, with the date “1936.” The reverse indicates the award was bestowed for valuable work for the 1936 Olympic Games. The original suspension ring is intact, with no damage, and is unmarked. There is 2″ of ribbon. This Commemorative German 1936 Olympic Medal looks nice and remains in excellent condition.

The “Deutsche Olympia Erinnerungsmedaille 1936,” or German Olympic Decoration, was instituted by Adolf Hitler on July 31, 1936, to recognize services to the 1936 Olympic Games. It was awarded to people who did not meet the strict criteria for the previously instituted Olympia-Ehrenzeichen honor award but who nevertheless had shown merit in planning and executing the Games. Reichsminister des Innern and Dr. Frick reviewed recommendations for the award. The award was bestowed along with a document that bore a facsimile of Hitler’s signature. The medals were produced in various metals, including copper, bronze, white metal, brass alloy, zinc, and iron. The silver finish was either matte or shiny. About 55,000 of the medals were awarded.