This WWII German Army 4-Year Long Service Award (Wehrmacht Dienstauszeichnung für 4 Jahre) is an authentic example of the decoration awarded to Wehrmacht personnel in recognition of four years of honorable service. Instituted on March 16, 1936, by Adolf Hitler, this award was part of a series of Wehrmacht long service medals, ranging from four to forty years of service, each with a distinct grade and design.

This silvered medal features a finely detailed Wehrmacht eagle clutching a swastika, symbolizing military loyalty and dedication. The reverse bears the inscription “Treue Dienste in der Wehrmacht” (Faithful Service in the Armed Forces), reinforcing its purpose as a recognition of commitment to military duty. The award is suspended from its original or period-correct blue ribbon, the official color designated for Heer (Army) and Luftwaffe recipients.

Originally produced in silvered tombac, later wartime versions were crafted from zinc, which often developed a natural patina over time. This example remains in very good condition, with its original detail and finish still intact.

The 4-Year Wehrmacht Service Award was worn proudly by soldiers and officers as a testament to their time in the military, typically displayed on the left breast pocket alongside other decorations. While the award was officially discontinued in 1944 as Germany shifted to a total war footing, surviving examples remain highly collectible today. This is a fine piece of WWII German militaria, ideal for collectors seeking to preserve the history of the German armed forces during the period.