Description
Large plaque “Der Rhein ist Deutschlands Strom – Nicht Deutschlands Grenze“.
The size including frame is approximately 49 x 33 centimeters. It is a very heavy plaque in hand, much heavier as the size would suggest.
The phrase “The Rhine is Germany’s river – not Germany’s border” dates back to 1921 and is the title of a book by Ernst Moritz Arndt. In the work, the Rhine is not viewed as a dividing border, but as a shared heritage that connects people. Arndt emphasizes that the river can be a symbol of unity and cooperation. As such it was in the period of the 1920’s (the Kampfzeit Period) used as a patriotic german slogan. The nazi’s under Adolf Hitler embraced the slogan in the early years of rising to power as well, particularly as the Rhineland was french occupied territory after World War I and the Versailles Treaty (occupied from 1918 till june 1930).
Only a limited number of these large plaques was made, and even lesser have survived history. The design, which we would in current days call “3D”, with the NSDAP / SA flagbearer being a seperate figure with a seperate flag in hand, is so to say “walking outside” the plaque. It is easy to understand that over history these were easily damaged. This one is isn’t and is as such very rare. It is only the second time in over 25 ears collecting i have encountered such a plaque, and the first time undamaged with the flagbewarer and flag still present. The “3D” design shows why not many must have been made.
On the lower end is a dedication: “Zur Hochzeit N.S.D.A.P Ortsgruppe Atzbach 1940“. Althought it is clearly dated 1940, the plaque is older than that and dates back to the 1920’s.
VERY VERY RARE TO FIND!!!
Pickup at (almost) any European Militariashow possible and prefered. If shipment is needed i will pack to the best of my ability with LOTS of bubblewrap. Please note: due to size, weight and fragility i may have to contact the buyer afterwards with higher shipmentcosts.
