German 1936 Olympic Games Medal 2nd Class

Gold and white enamel medal featuring the five Olympic rings and eagle and swastika design. Verso is gold plated with two small rivets purposed to hold the Olympic rings in place. 2-½" diameter. Fine condition. The German Olympic Games Decoration, 2nd Class (Deutsches Olympia-Ehrenzeichen II. Klasse) was a special civil award created by Nazi Germany in 1936 to recognize individuals who helped organize and support the Winter Olympics at Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Summer Olympics in Berlin. Unlike Olympic gold, silver, or bronze medals awarded to athletes, this decoration was presented to administrators, officials, security personnel, diplomats, and others who contributed to the successful staging of the Games. The 2nd Class decoration featured a white enameled five-pointed star bearing the Olympic rings, surmounted by a German eagle, and was worn from a ribbon. Approximately 3,364 examples were awarded, making it considerably scarcer than the Olympic Commemorative Medal issued for general service.