Ribbon Badge - Eagle for Heer Long Service Medals (Gold)

Ribbon eagle device for Heer Long Service Medals, in gold finish, is a reproduction of the small metal emblem fitted to the ribbon of German armed forces long-service decorations. This piece was not an award by itself, but an accessory used to identify the service branch and complete the appearance of the medal ribbon.

The Wehrmacht long-service decorations were instituted in 1936 to recognize years of military service. The system was divided into several classes according to length of service. For the Heer, or German Army, and the Kriegsmarine, a spread-wing eagle device was used on the ribbon, while the Luftwaffe used a different aviation-style eagle. The device therefore helped distinguish the military branch associated with the decoration.

The gold version of the Heer eagle was associated with the higher long-service classes, especially those awarded for longer periods of service. Its gold finish contrasted with the blue ribbon used for Wehrmacht long-service awards and visually indicated a higher grade. Technically, the device was usually made from stamped or cast metal, with raised feather detail, outstretched wings and small rear attachments such as prongs or tabs for mounting on the ribbon.

Although small, this ribbon device was an important uniform detail. It turned a plain ribbon into a precise indicator of military long service, branch affiliation and award class. It could be seen on full-size medal ribbons as well as on ribbon bars, depending on how the decoration was worn.

Curiosity: the blue ribbon of the Wehrmacht long-service decorations was broadly similar across branches, so the small metal device carried much of the identifying information. A gold Heer eagle could therefore signal both the branch of service and a higher grade of long-service recognition.