| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM30358 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Badge |
| Physical description | Silver |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Germany |
| Date made | c 1921 |
| Conflict |
Period 1920-1929 First World War, 1914-1918 |
German Elephant Order Colonial Badge
Description
Elephant Order Colonial Badge. Obverse: A palm tree and an elephant. The lower part is covered with oak leaves and around the upper rim are the place names 'SÜDSEE * AFRIKA * KIAUTSCHOU' referring to the larger geographical areas where German colonies were situated. Reverse: The text 'GES. GESCHÜTZT NR. 33992' (Legally protected Nr. 33992). The badge is fitted with a single vertical brooch pin.
History / Summary
German Colonial Badge, also called Elephantenorden (Elephant's Order). Awarded to all German colonials who, during the First World War, and later in the former German colonies, were acting or serving on behalf of these colonies. The badge was instituted in October 1921 and was to be purchased by the recipient. By 21 November 1936 some 8,000 were issued and it is assumed that later awards could have been obtained during the Nazi period 1937 - 45. This badge is part of a collection of Second World War German orders, decorations, badges and insignia acquired by Flight Lieutenant K G Hesketh, RAAF Historical Records Section, who was based in London, but who made a number of visits to Germany immediately after the Second World War.