WWI German Colonial Honour "Elephant" Badge

WWI German Colonial Honour "Elephant" Badge
A German Colonial Honour "Elephant" Badge. The German Colonial Honour Badge also refered to as the Elephantenorden (Elephant's Order). Awarded to German subjects and foreign citizens who were acting or serving in the former German colonies during the Great War.Design of the Elefantenorden was elaborated by the Berlin-based artist, sculptor and engraver (Karl Richard Möbius, 20.05.1876-1953). Badge has on the obverse a profile of an elephant striding eastwards against a background showing palm tree. The lower part of the badge is covered with oak leaves and around the upper rim is the place banner with names "SÜDSEE * AFRIKA * KIAUTSCHOU" referring to the larger areas where German colonies were situated. An upper part of the badge was crowned with a small-scale ribbon bow.This darkened silvered badge made of buntmetall (silver-coated brass). Pinback. Reverse marked "GES. GESCHÜTZT NR. 33992" (Legally protected Nr. 33992). It weighed around 30 gr and 32mm wide by 39mm high. The Colonial Badge was instituted in October, 1921 by the State ministry of reconstruction (Reichsministerium für Wiederaufbau) of the Weimar Republic. This Order was a official award and although it was often worn on post-WWI German army uniforms. This decoration was instituted in October 1921 and awarded 1921 and after. By 21 November 1936 some 8,000 were issued.