History

The Selbstschutz (literally "self protection") Battalion Hindenburg, also referred to as Hindenburger Schwarze Schar (Black Band of Hindenburg) and Freischar Hindenburg (Free Band of Hindenburg) was formed during the fighting with Polish insurgents in the early 1920s in the town of Hindenburg, Upper Silesia. It was disbanded in late June, 1922.
The Volunteer Corps Hindenburg Badge was likely instituted as a commemorative badge after the fighting. It was manufactured by the company of Max Reich in Breslau. No further information about the institution and statutes is known.

The award was instituted in three classes.
The I Class badge was in the form of an eight-sided star, silvered and hollow-stamped, onto which a bronzed cross was grafted. The cross is enamelled in yellow with broad edges in white enamel. The round white centre portion features the bronzed inscription "FÜR TAPFERKEIT (for bravery) - F. SCH. (Freischar) - HINDENBURG". The cross features two crossed swords between the cross arms.

The II Class cross is identical to the I Class award, except without the star. The cross features a pinback.

The III Class cross is identical as the other classes as well, except that it features a ribbon ring at the top.