Eastern Front Medal (Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42)

This is a German military award commonly known as the 'Frozen Meat Medal.' The medal is circular with a concave center and a raised rim, topped by a distinctive German Stahlhelm (steel helmet) and a stick grenade. The obverse features an eagle clutching a static swastika, positioned above a laurel branch. It is constructed from a zinc base alloy (Kriegsmetall) with a gunmetal blue/grey wash finish. The reverse (not visible but standard for this type) would typically bear the text 'WINTERSCHLACHT IM OSTEN 1941/42' above a crossed sword and laurel branch. It is suspended from a red ribbon with a central thin white-black-white stripe. The medal exhibits a darkened patina consistent with age and oxidation of the zinc material, showing some loss of the original silvering on the helmet and rim. This award was instituted in May 1942 to recognize those who served on the German Eastern Front during the severe winter campaign of 1941 to 1942. The craftsmanship is typical of mass-produced mid-war combat awards, featuring sturdy die-struck details but reflecting the transition to non-precious metals as the war progressed.