The Silesian Probation Badge / The Silesian Eagle
The Silesian Badge of Merit, or often simply called the Silesian Eagle, was a Freikorps award from the Weimar Republic era. The Silesian Eagle was established on June 16, 1919, by the General Command of the VI Army Corps for members of the Silesian Border Guard, which was subordinate to the corps. The award was intended to honor members of the border guard who volunteered for the armed defense of Silesia against Polish attacks in 1918 and 1919. The award was established in two stages.
After the border fighting flared up again in 1921, this time in Upper Silesia, the award was expanded to include oak leaves and swords to form the Silesian Probation Badge.
The design of the Silesian Eagle
The order depicts an upright, blackened eagle (Silesian Eagle) facing right. On its breast and wings, in gold, is a crescent moon with a cross above it, the coat of arms of Silesia. In its talons, the eagle carries the bandeau inscribed "FOR SILESIA."
The second tier at the top has an eyelet and ring for wearing the ribbon. The ribbon is in Silesian yellow and white. The back is smooth, sometimes with a manufacturer's mark.
The 1st level as a pin badge, with a carrying pin on the back.
The badges awarded were quite simple, made of iron or non-ferrous metal. However, from 1921 onward, more elaborate, enameled pieces could also be purchased from specialist retailers. These awards were not official, but their wearing was tolerated.
The additions, oak leaves and swords, introduced in 1921, were placed centrally on the original badge. The most common manufacturer of the badge was the Paul Meybauer company in Berlin.
The requirements for awarding the Silesian Eagle
The second level could be awarded to all members of the border guard who could prove at least three months of exemplary service with the Silesian Border Guard.
The first level could be awarded after six months of service.
Apart from exemplary service, there were no further requirements for awarding the badge. In exceptional cases, the second level could also be awarded to individuals who were not members of the border guard, but the prerequisite was exceptional merit in the defense of Silesia.
It was initially planned to discontinue the awards upon the dissolution of the VI General Command on September 30, 1919, as required by the Treaty of Versailles of June 28, 1919. However, the VI Command Post in Breslau, as the successor to the VI General Command, continued the awards even after September 30, 1919. Finally, on the instructions of Lieutenant General Friedrich von Friedeburg, February 1, 1920, was set as the final date for the awards.
Following the referendum on whether Upper Silesia should belong to the German Reich or to Poland on March 20, 1921, and the majority vote in favor of joining the German Reich, border clashes with Poland flared up again. In response to Polish attacks, the Upper Silesian Self-Defense Force was established in the spring of 1921. As a result of the renewed border clashes in Silesia, there was a renewed need for further awards of the Silesian Eagle. However, the prerequisite was no longer length of service, but rather proven service in combat or other exceptional merits in the defense of Silesia.
Since several members of the Upper Silesian Self-Defense Force had already been awarded the Silesian Eagle, it became necessary to expand the award to include oak leaves and swords.
Number of awards of the Silesian Eagle
Unfortunately, exact figures are unknown. However, it can be assumed that approximately 10.000 awards were given. Awards with oak leaves and swords are much rarer; in this case, only approximately 2.000 awards can be assumed.
Wearing the Silesian Eagle
The 2nd level was worn on a ribbon (yellow-white-yellow), the 1st level as a pin badge on the left side of the chest. If the wearer also wore the Iron Cross 1nd Class, the Silesian Eagle was worn under the Iron Cross.
It wasn't until May 15, 1934, that the Silesian Eagle was officially recognized as a state decoration. However, even before this date, the wearing of the unofficial or non-state Freikorps decoration was generally tolerated. In the Federal Republic of Germany, the Silesian Eagle is also an official decoration and may be worn. However, the 1921 additions, oak leaves and swords, were never officially recognized.
Value and purchase of a Silesian eagle
Due to the large variety of different variants, a value can only be determined individually. A second-level badge costs around €50, a first-level badge around €100. Enameled versions are generally one-third more expensive. Pieces from rare makers, however, can fetch significantly more. Variants with oak leaves and swords can fetch up to €500. We are always looking for and specifically purchasing Silesian probationary badges or entire estates of recipients. Medal barrs, photos of recipients, miniatures, and documents related to the subject are also of interest.
