Baltic Homeland Defense Honour Badge, with Sword
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 03.WMR.0426.101.01.000
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
Constructed of silvered bronze with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse with white enameled arms outlined with blue borders, overlaid by a central sword and shield bearing a Teutonic Cross, the reverse with a screw and backplate, unmarked, measuring 41.77 mm (w) x 41.82 mm (h), weighing 16.9 grams, some flecking of enamels evident, in overall extremely fine condition.
The Baltische Landeswehr (Baltic Homeland Defense) was a German homeland milita fighting for the Latvian government against Russia. It was founded on November 12, 1918. Due to political reasons, the militia was formally put under Latvian command in July of 1919. It was officially disbanded in March of 1920, after which it was absorbed into the Latvian army.
The Baltic Homeland Defense Honour Badge was introduced at an unknown date, but probably in early 1920. It was awarded with and without a sword, for combatants and non-combatants. Members were eligible if they had served for at least three months after joining before July 6, 1919, and for at least six months after joining after July 6, 1919.
The cross is silvered and enamelled in white, with an edge enamelled in blue, mostly light blue, but shades vary. In the centre is a silvered downwards pointed sword (for the version with sword; the version without sword lacks this feature) with a superimposed silvered shield with a black cross.
There are a number of variants.
It is unknown how many crosses were awarded, but it is estimated that the number lies in the thousands. The version without sword is much rarer than the one with sword.
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