The colonial distinction, the so-called "order of the lion," 2nd class

Heavy metal, stamping. Great collectors condition. The sign is in the shape of octagonal star, which is placed under the Central round medallion bordered by a broad ring with the inscription "For merits in the colonies" ( "Für Verdienste um die Kolonien"). The center medallion depicts a reclining lion with a snarling turned to the left (for the viewer) head on the background of palm trees. At the bottom of the sign located composition, overlying three lower rays of the star: the traditional headdress of the colonial forces a wide – brimmed hat, the so-called "zuidvelde" (Südwester), superimposed on two crossed sword with the blade upwards and two oak branches. In the reverse of the Colonial insignia is an inscription in two rows "In memory" ( "In memoriam"), and in the lower part of the semicircle in capital letters, the number of the patent for the production of the sign: "Ges.Gesch. Nr.34162". On the original tape. The guarantee of authenticity.

Kolonialauszeichnung, a.k.a. Löwenorden . The order of the lion was established in two classes in 1922, the German Union veterans of the colonial troops (Deutsche Kolonialkrieger-Bund, DKKB), which was founded by generalmajora retired Georg Merker (Georg Ludwig Rudolf Maercker, 21.09.1865-31.12.1924). The sign of the 1st class was awarded to former soldiers of the Imperial colonial troops (Schutztruppen der Kämpfer), East Asian expeditionary corps (Ostasiatische Expeditionskorps), occupation forces in China (Besatzungstruppen in China), as well as the sailors of the Imperial Navy (Kaiserliche Marine), serving in the colonial waters. The sign of the 2nd class were awarded to civilians from among the German settlers, not directly participating in hostilities, but had merits for the benefit of the overseas territories. They were also awarded former subjects, now citizens of Germany, in the territory of the metropolis and contributed to the conduct of the colonial policy of the Empire. However, their membership in the German Union veterans of the colonial troops was optional. The design of the Order of the lion was designed by the Berlin sculptor, a painter and engraver Karl Richard möbius (Karl Richard Möbius, 20.05.1876-1953).

The order of the lion 1st class with the size of 45*45 to 47,and 1 mm were made of silver or buntmetall, ie plated alloy and fastened on the left breast pocket with a vertical pin soldered to the reverse. The order of the lion of the 2nd class of size 45x45 mm made of bronze and was worn on the left breast on a silk ribbon, whose colors symbolized the colors of the collar and sleeve cuffs colonial troops. So, in the center of the tape then there was a broad red band (Togo and Cameroon), right blue (German South-West Africa), and the left – white (German East Africa). Tape edge was bordered with narrow strips of saffron-yellow color (of the German protectorates in Asia). The colonial insignia was given in 1922-1935. Total produced about 10,000 of awards to the two classes of Sign.